How to set up a memorable Easter egg hunt at home

The Easter weekend is nearly upon us, and if you’re gearing up for an Easter egg hunt to remember, here are some pointers, from playful and reusable decorations that you can bring out every spring, to sweet treats of all sizes that’ll have the kids giddy with excitement. 

To really get into the spirit of Easter, why not add some decorations to your home and continue into the garden?

A great way to make a first impression is an Easter wreath on the front door, go to Hobbycraft to pick up supplies, and follow their step-by-step guide to make one, which is a fun activity with the kids.

Alternatively, if you’re short on time and supplies, pick up one of their reusable wreaths, either way, it’ll get your door ready for spring and impress the neighbours. 

For inside the house, continue the foliage theme with spring garlands, and another great activity to keep the kids entertained is an Easter Twig Tree (pick one up at John Lewis) and decorate with hanging eggs, sweet hanging chicks, and add biscuits such as the Easter Tree DIY Kit from Biscuiteers.

If you want to scale up the event, try setting a theme—and if it’s fun and bright, dress the table accordingly with a playful tablecloth, napkins, mix-and-match glasses, little ornaments, and here could be the place for the Easter tree.

Don’t forget to pile the hot cross buns to make a statement, they look great stacked on a cake stand too—Lakeland has acrylic options if you’re worried they might stumble, or look to the ceramic Bowsley Cake Stand by Neptune. 

For a more formal egg hunt and to gauge the numbers, you’ll need invites. There are plenty of templates online, cut out bunnies and make your own, or it is also possible to send them instantly via Paperless Post and track the guests that way.

Next up, once you know how many hunters are attending it’s time to stock up on the baskets and buckets, these can be picked up from the likes of Hobbycraft, there are cute felt versions and themed metal buckets. 

Ramp up the fun with wooden signs to give the little ones pointers and clue cards can also be made or bought online. 

Now for the fun part, the chocolate eggs. Try mixing up the sixes and flavours for interest—it’s fun to find a little colourful foil-covered egg nestled in a planter.

Look to the Hunting Bunny bag of solid milk chocolate eggs by Rococo, but then the big eggs cause a squeal too.

There are the classic milk chocolate eggs by Cadbury, golden chocolate eggs from Selfridges Selection for a treat, or go all out with Fortnum’s range—from the posh praline scotch egg to the handmade milk and dark chocolate easter egg, complete with truffles (maybe reserve with one for the grown-ups).

Dot the garden with the classic Lindt bunnies, and of course, hide some mini packets of Mini Eggs or load them up in a bowl (it wouldn’t be Easter without these moreish choccies).

For those with dairy intolerances, look to award-winning chocolates by Dorset-based company Chococo, who offer plant-based, vegan-friendly chocolates, hampers and gifts.

Have a good look at the outdoor space and plan little hiding spots to place the eggs—under the bushes, in plant plots, in low branches, trees, and around any outdoor seating, walls and fences—vary the heights to keep it exciting.

To remember where you’ve put them all, it’s a good idea to make a map or list where you’ve hidden the eggs—and this is an especially good idea if you’re a pet owner.

Remember, chocolate is poisonous to dogs, and you don’t want them sniffing out chocolate later that day.

On the morning of the hunt, before the children arrive, look to the planned route and place the eggs in the hidey-holes, and the corresponding clues—be sure to check the weather beforehand to ensure they’re not rained on!

Finally, with all that hunted chocolate, try whipping up family-friendly tray bakes and other treats with the kids during the Easter holidays, such as rocky roads, and brownies, or enjoy ultra-decadent hot chocolates.