These Easter Garden Party ideas are the perfect way to casually celebrate the day with friends and family.

Rarely do I begin a blog post with a shout out to a store, but it’s really important this time. I moved to the Orlando area summer 2002. I graduated with my Master’s degree that December, and the next day, I went with my dad to buy a brand new car. I sold my old car privately, and had to visit the DMV to finalize the paperwork. You’re probably wondering where this is going… Well, when I went to the DMV, it was in an unfamiliar part of town, and I saw a store I had never seen before – The Fresh Market. I went inside, and it was this amazing specialty food store, dimly-lit with classical music playing. My 23 year-old self was in foodie heaven! It immediately became my favorite place to get groceries. Well, fast forward more than 15 years later, and I still love shopping at The Fresh Market, only now it’s a Saturday routine with Richard and the kids. When I visited most recently, it was time to prepare for my Easter Garden Party!

After a rainy first half of the week, it was gorgeous outside yesterday, so it was the perfect time to set up this Easter Garden Party! I love the picnic table in our yard for outdoor dining on special occasions. I headed to The Fresh Market to purchase the following:

• Fresh daffodils from the floral section
• Spiral sliced honey ham from the butcher
• Fresh berries, sliced pineapple, carrots, and oranges from the produce section
• Lindt Foil Chocolate Bunnies from the huge Easter candy display
• Cobb salad from the deli
• Brie from the specialty cheese section
• French bread and springtime cookies from the bakery section

I brought all of these items home and began my preparation. For starters, get the spiral sliced honey ham in the oven. It cooks for about 10 minutes per pound in a 375 F oven. Then I prepared a simple appetizer to pair with this meal. Inspired by a previous recipe on my blog, this Blackberry Goat Cheese Crostini, I made a Raspberry Brie Crostini.

 

Raspberry Brie Crostini Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 French baguette
• 8 ounces brie
• 2 T balsamic vinegar
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 T honey
• black pepper

 

Raspberry Brie Crostini Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375 F. Slice your baguette on a bias about 1/2″ thick to make nice toasts for your crostini. Lay them out on a sheet pan and place in the oven until the edges begin to turn golden brown {about 8 minutes}. Meanwhile, combine the fresh raspberries, balsamic vinegar, the leaves from the 2 sprigs of thyme, and a pinch of black pepper in a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook about 5 minutes. At that time, you should be able to easily smash the berries with your fork to make the raspberry topping for this crostini. Next, slice your brie into pieces about the same size as the top of the bread.

Place one piece of brie on each piece of bread, and place it under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until it has melted. Top each piece of brie with a small spoon of the raspberry mixture. Then drizzle the entire plate with honey. This is the perfect quick dish to complement your Easter spread!

Once your Raspberry Brie Crostini and baked honey ham are ready, it’s time for the set up! Because I was aiming for a casual dining experience, rather than using a tablecloth, I went for a pastel plaid table runner. I combined nice serving dishes – like this beautiful pitcher and glasses – with festive paper plates, napkins, and plasticware. I placed the daffodils on the table along with peeled carrots in a glass vase. The “spring” sign was the perfect finishing touch!

Then there’s the food! I set out my spiral-sliced ham, Cobb salad, cut fresh fruit, and the Raspberry Brie Crostini. I served up a delicious plate of food, perfect for a spring picnic with family and friends. This spread is both beautiful and delicious! Your guests will just love every bite.

And of course, I set out the dessert. What Easter picnic would be complete without dessert? Each guest received a little bunny bag filled with sweet treats. The Fresh Market has so many funny springtime treats available! Along with the Lindt bunny, I made sure to serve these cute spring cookies I found in the bakery section.

Looking for the perfect place to purchase all your Easter goodies? From seasonally fresh produce to exceptional meat and seafood, signature baked goods and carefully curated organics, all the foods you love are waiting for you at The Fresh Market. This Easter, fill your basket with fresh produce, premium meat and seafood, specialty candy and bountiful blooms from The Fresh Market. They’ve curated an outstanding selection of delightful treats for your family, making it easy to celebrate the season.

And if you really want to simplify your life, you can purchase the Easter Meal Kit, available to order until 2 PM March the 27th. The kits can be picked up in-store from March 29th to Sunday April 1st before 1 PM. The kit retails for $59.99 and feeds 8 to 10 people.

Are you planning an Easter Garden Party this year?

Pin these Easter Garden Party ideas + Raspberry Brie Crostini recipe below!