The year was 1988 and as I traveled home from Elementary School, I held my Trapper Keeper close to my heart. It contained a letter outlining the Easter Bonnet Contest for my class. I was ambivalent about the Science Fair  (Who cares “Which bread is the moldiest”!?), but a chance to use glue sticks and glitter at school? I was already planning which Keds which match best with my 1st place blue ribbon. (Duh. The blue ones!).

Maybe that memory is one reason why I have such a love for Spring. The sun is brighter, the days get longer, and people emerge from the gray Texas winter with a pep in their step. Which makes Spring a perfect time to celebrate so many occasions- weddings, babies, birthdays, graduations, and Easter.  Surely you have something to celebrate this season? Use this guide to make the occasion sweet and memorable!

• For this fantastic Spring fling, we started with the amazing cake from Bittersweet Bakery. Adorned with succulents, macaroons, and roses, it was almost too stunning to eat. Almost.

• A long farmhouse table was a perfect place to host our guests, and to add a seasonal feel, I added a runner made of faux grass to span the length of the table.

• To keep this party informal and fun, mismatched English china added a funky vibe. I had no idea we had such a local treasure trove, and when Mary Baskin let us borrow her vintage china, I geeked out like an Pointy-eared Trekkie fan at Comic Con. I chose light pastel china to compliment our Spring theme. Take away? You don’t have to have a fancy occasion to bring out the pretty china! A hot dog instantly looks delicious on a beautiful dinner plate.

• At each place setting, the tea cups turned into candy dishes filled with Jordan Almonds. Drinking glasses transformed to cupcake holders, lined with more candy, because when it comes to sugar, the more, the better. Take away: Let items pull double duty! Be creative and use what you have!

• Vintage french linens provided a different pop of color at each place setting. For favors, a single tulip wrapped in ribbon rested against a seed packet that guests could take home and plant.  Take away: Small details make people feel special and do not have to be expensive or elaborate.

• Because we had an amazing cake sitting as a centerpiece, the table didn’t require a huge arrangement of flowers. 3 single tulips was a perfect small addition on either side of the cake. I planned on more flowers, but realized they overpowered the table and the cake. Take away: Let one fabulous item on the table hog the spotlight and plan the rest around it.

What if I am not planning a party?

There are some helpful hints here for you, as well! Use these party tips in your home to incorporate the change of seasons.

• Keep a candy dish around the home filled with pastel covered candy.

• Fresh tulips are a great addition to the kitchen table or bathroom counter.

• Add a light, bright runner to your table or kitchen island.

• Is it Taco Tuesday? Mix up the weekday doldrums by eating on fancy dinnerware.

• Delight the kids by putting a “favor” on their dinner plate. Maybe a mint, piece of chocolate, or macroon for after dinner. If you are really crazy, let them eat it before dinner!