Bunnies and Baskets

Hello Ladies! I'm back! Took a few days to enjoy the beautiful NC weather, Mr. Panache and my boys. At this time of the year it's hard for me to stay inside. Saturday and Sunday were absolutely gorgeous. Tulips have popped up everywhere, the Redbuds, Dogwoods and Pear trees are in full bloom and yes, pollen is laying in a thick layer on everything outdoors. Thankfully I am not allergy prone. With only six days left until EASTER most of you probably have your spring decor all fluffed and ready for the holiday weekend. But for those who are still needing some inspiration, I thought we would take a tour of some bunnies and baskets. Pink and Green was my Grandmother's favorite color combination. I remember her bedroom, bathroom and kitchen all were decorated in these shades. This basket caught my eye because of those sentimental colors. What could be more EASTER perfect? I love the way the pretty pink ribbon is wrapped around the handle of this basket and the tails of the bow are allowed to puddle on the table.

A fun little ceramic bunny displays a pretty pink bouquet of old fashioned climbing roses. What a perfect accent for any table top arrangement.

Do you still long for the infamous Chocolate EASTER Bunny? Each year I make sure that those delectable treats are the first things added to my boy's baskets. Followed by those oh so good chocolate peanut butter eggs! This basket has been my favorite inspiration for this season. So much of my spring decor has gone "natural" this year. I love the rich clover green accented by the two fluffy bows and the single milk chocolate bunny. The eggs hiding in the clover are thoughfully dyed in subtle monochromatic shades of green.

Potted annuals and bulbs such as violets and crocus are the perfect centerpiece for an EASTER dining table. The bunny and egg arranged among the ivy makes me remember days when the boys were little and we would hunt for EASTER eggs. I remember when my oldest son was 4. We spent EASTER afternoon hiding and hunting and re-hiding and re-hunting the same eggs for hours! That was good times.

Isn't this basket beautiful. For "how-to" make these gorgeous eggs go to www.marthastewart.com and click on EASTER decorations. Follow the prompts until you find "Our Best Baskets". These little creations look like expertly decorated little cakes.

Who says that baskets have to hold eggs at EASTER? I rather like these soft pastel tulips surrounded with little pots of jelly beans carefully sorted by color.

Looking for a quick and easy party favor for your EASTER brunch? Try covering a white plastic mini flower pot with green felt hand-cut to resemble grass and filling the inside with jelly beans and a single miniture chocolate bunny. Each of your guests will be delighted to take this little treat home because it's just too cute to eat.

You've heard the saying "don't put all your eggs in one basket"? Well, all of these eggs were left out of the basket and found their place snuggled down among a clover lined straw hat. What a clever and fresh take on the traditional EASTER basket.

Still need more inspiration? My two favorite spots for seasonal decorating ideas is www.bhg.com and www.marthastewart.com

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Tomorrow I hope to feature a very special "grown up" EASTER basket that I am building for a special friend and a wonderful recipe from my Grandmother which has become an EASTER favorite. Until then,

Happy Decorating!

~Alisa