How To

Close family and friends can relax at this intimate, farmhouse-inspired brunch. A simple centerpiece of undyed Araucana and quail eggs, a locally sourced menu and naturalistic Easter baskets create a table of charming simplicity.

With wet earth and blooming color everywhere, an informal Easter is a breath of fresh air. Welcome your closest circle with a farm fresh, organic brunch and an all-natural table. We decorated with undyed heirloom eggs, wildflowers and handmade textures as a tribute to spring. Keeping it simple is also easy on the host. A single visit to the farmers market can set the table, leaving ample time to make Easter baskets. A symbol of bounty, an Easter basket at each seat, personalized to your guests, makes a generous thank you. This season's baskets are our most beautiful ever, made of grapevine, shaped like nests, woven of mossy branches. Our stylists re-think the Easter basket inside and out, giving you new styles — plus six non-traditional ways to fill them to the brim.

Setting Up

Spring is for getting back to basics, and this year's Easter Collection is beautifully unadorned. We went to wine country for rustic inspiration with a photo shoot at Stag's Leap Winery in Napa Valley. But first we visited Bouchon in Yountville, the neighborhood bistro of renowned chef Thomas Keller. After standing in line for his savory, melt-in-your-mouth scones at the bakery. Read on for Keller's recipe for Bacon Cheddar scones. Remember that handmade doesn't have to be homemade. Quality pastries from a great bakery or farmers market are worthy of Easter.

The Heirloom Egg Basket centerpiece is our favorite part of the Easter table. Real undyed eggs of green-blue Araucana, great white goose and brown hens are layered with robin's egg and speckled egg vase filler, and foil-wrapped chocolate eggs for a harmonious composition with a bright touch. On the table, yellow blooms and table accessories pop on a white and wood background. An outline of blue-tinted glass hints at the blue sky above. Woven chargers, warm candlelight in punched ceramic egg lanterns, and wood bowls are rustic understatements.

Treat guests to Easter baskets that show how well you know them. Personalized baskets give you a chance to think about each person's hobbies and passions. They also make great hostess gifts. Here are six non-traditional basket ideas to spark your own.

1. Mediterranean Basket: Olive oils, pasta, sauces, asparagus, bread sticks, baguette, hardboiled eggs

2. Heirloom Egg Basket: Farmers market Araucanas, large duck or goose eggs, quail eggs

3. Tea & Honey Basket: A selection of teas (store bought or handmade) and local honey from the farmers market

4. Continental Breakfast Basket: 2 mugs, tea, coffee beans, honey, flowers, baguette, fresh milk and cream

5. Wine & Cheese Basket: 2 bottles of wine, 2 wine glasses, wine opener, goat cheese, crackers/baguette

6. Farmers' Breakfast Basket: fresh jams, berries, hardboiled eggs, juice, bubbly, scones, flowers