The Easter hostess: Tips for hosting without a hitch

Najafi’s hash brown eggs are both a conversation starter and a lovely addition to a festive Easter spread. "They're a cinch to make and are a total show-stopper when displayed on the buffet or served as a single side dish," she explains.

How to make: Use cupcake papers or small dishes and place the cooked hash browns on the bottom to create the nest. Then place a deviled or hard-boiled egg (sliced horizontally) in the center of the nest with a sprig of fresh dill on top.

Ham might be a classic Easter dish, but Schoels puts a unique spin on it for a bite-sized Easter brunch. Use a fork or decorative Easter-themed toothpicks to hold it together.

How to make: Prepare honey buttermilk biscuit dough (get the recipe here) and gently pat the dough on a floured board. Use a small cookie cutter (or juice glass) to cut out small biscuit shapes and bake for eight to 10 minutes. Add ham and mustard.

How to make:

1) Gather supplies including balloons, Elmer's Glue and craft paper (choose colors that coordinate with the rest of your table).

2) Combine the glue and water in equal parts to create your paintable shellac.

3) Blow up the balloons to a desired size, and use a paintbrush or sponge to coat a section of the balloon with the glue.

4) Apply strips of craft paper and secure to the balloon with another layer of the shellac. Continue in an overlapping pattern until covered, and then set aside to dry overnight.

5) The next morning, pop the balloon and trim away any excess or undesired paper mache. Set a vase inside and add your flowers or a votive for a luminary. Inexpensive, simple and stunning.

How to make:
1) Remove the insides of raw eggs by poking a small hole at the top and a slightly larger hole at the bottom with a pin or sewing needle.

2) Take a straw to the opening at the top and gently "blow out" the insides of the egg into a bowl. Save the insides for a breakfast scramble or a quiche… no waste!

3) Carefully rinse the eggs and set to dry. You can prep the eggs way in advance, and then designate a crafting table with all the fun decorations and glue come Easter.