Setting the Stage for Spring
Easter Dinner Recap: Signature drinks, a table that bloomed, and a dairy-free dessert worth the encore
Regardless of the occasion or size of the guest list, hosting dinner always feels like a bit of a production to me—but in the best way.
The table is the stage.
The host is the producer.
And every gathering—whether grand or intimate—is a carefully cast performance.
The food, the dinnerware, the drinks, the vibe… they’re not just details—they’re your ensemble. And when each element plays its part, you don’t just serve a meal. You create a moment.
When the spotlight is on you, it’s easy to feel pressured to deliver perfection. One of the easiest ways to minimize stress before hosting is sticking to what you know (or at least practicing new recipes a few times well in advance).
This Easter, I leaned into that idea. I planned our meal around some of my more seasoned talent—my beloved Estelle wine glasses and go-to basil-strawberry syrup—while letting new additions like my dairy-free tres leches cake and Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage bowls have their moment in the spotlight.
Here’s a look behind the curtain at three things I loved most from the day:
The Opening Act: A Sip That Sparkled
To know me is to know I like my drinks bubbly. I wanted a welcome cocktail that felt bright, effortless, and full of spring energy—so I whipped up a basil-strawberry syrup and juiced a ripe pineapple.
Into my rose-colored Estelle wine glasses went:
– a splash of pineapple juice
– a splash of basil-strawberry syrup
– a healthy pour of prosecco
It was spring in a glass—herbaceous, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet. I’ll be keeping this pair in rotation all season long. (And yes, both syrups make excellent cameos in margaritas, martinis, or mocktails.)
The Set Design: Garden Whimsy, With a Twist
We gathered around our dining table dressed in lush florals, soft pinks, and garden-inspired textures to create a look that felt both whimsical and refined.
Vintage Franciscan china with hand-painted blooms served as the foundation, layered with classic bone dessert plates and topped with Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage leaf bowls for a charming, botanical touch. Deep plum napkins added rich contrast, grounding the palette and pulling out the floral hues.
Pink scalloped linen placemats framed each place setting and echoed the tones of the centerpiece—a mix of cascading blossoms and eucalyptus for that just-picked feel. Dusty rose wine glasses from Estelle added a modern flair, while playful touches like speckled eggs, taper candles, and a ceramic bunny gave a subtle nod to the occasion.
The Showstopper: Dairy-Free Tres Leches
I’ve been testing dairy-free desserts for a while, and this one might be the one. My coconut milk tres leches cake was light, spongey, and soaked just right. Topped with airy whipped coconut cream and hand-piped whipped cream “carrots,” it was as playful as it was flavorful.
Traditionally, tres leches cake is soaked in a trio of milks and topped with whipped cream. Creating a dairy-free version took a little trial and error—but it paid off. The result was light on the palate, rich in taste, and a true crowd-pleaser. (Want the recipe? Let me know in the comments!)
I baked, stored, and served mine in a classic white CorningWare dish—and it was the ultimate triple threat.
Not only does CorningWare transition beautifully from oven to fridge (essential for a cake that needs to chill after soaking), but its clean design makes it elegant enough to serve from directly.
Bonus? It’s dishwasher-safe, which always feels like a gift after hosting.
My mom gifted me a set of CorningWare for Christmas, and they’ve quickly become my go-to for everything from casseroles to desserts. Hosting might be a production, but the right tools make all the difference in keeping the behind-the-scenes chaos to a minimum.
This year’s Easter was truly about presence.
A cocktail made from scratch.
A tablescape inspired by the season.
A dessert baked with love.
If you’re planning a spring gathering—or just setting the table for your own family—I hope this inspires you to curate a moment that feels true to you. Because when the elements align, even the simplest dinner can feel like opening night. And that’s exactly what Easter felt like this year: a cast of thoughtful choices working together to create a night worth remembering.
Links from today’s Blog:
A perfect Easter table!!!!