Cooking & Entertaining

Skip into spring with a carefree party that invites everyone to gather together to enjoy the outdoors. Eager young legs will thrill at the opportunity to jump and run. And everyone will welcome the sweet smell of new grass and the cheerful bursts of color beginning to emerge in the garden. Hosting outdoors sets a breezy tone and makes it easy for guests to mingle and play. Set a table for lunch and decorate in your own backyard, or invite friends to meet at a local park with plenty of picnic tables. The key is to keep things comfortable and easy. Hold cleanup to a minimum with paper plates in playful colors. And make time for activities that lighten the heart and allow everyone to enjoy the first warm days of the year. Do keep in mind that egg hunts, hide-and-seek, and sweet take-home treats needn't be just for children; both adults and kids will enjoy a day of play beneath blue skies. After all, come springtime, everything — and everyone — is young again.

Above: Place a table on the porch or lawn and brighten the seating with cushions in vibrant prints. Capture spring breezes with banners cut from coordinating fabrics and embellished with aviary motifs. The feather tree centerpiece is adorned with cookies that guests will be given to take home.
next : All Aflutter