HOST YOUR OWN EASTER EGG HUNT PLAYDATE!
Spring has Sprung! Everyone is anxious for time out-of-doors in the fresh air. My kids love this time of year, especially when we invite friends over for our annual Easter Egg Hunt Playdate. It's the perfect way to welcome spring in an easy to pull-together, festive setting.
Children no matter their size, can't get enough of finding treasures. And an Easter egg hunt is the perfect occasion to get them outside hunting for treats to fill their baskets. I love the look on their faces when they've found a treat glistening in pastel foils, or a brightly colored egg getting them ready for the egg roll. Serving the grown-ups a refreshing springtime cocktail and chocolates makes everyone enjoy the afternoon in true spring spirit!
Plan this playdate for a spring afternoon after the big kids get out of school, after your errands and meetings are done for the day so everyone can relax and enjoy the fun. There are also conference and vacation days now when school is not in session, giving you plenty of time to host. Either way, you can take advantage of the longer days of glorious spring sunshine.
When getting the word out, be sure to mention the hunt is going to take place outside and to dress the children appropriately with jackets and boots to navigate the spring's wet, muddy ground. Also, request that each child bring a basket or bucket to gather treats and to carry their craft project home.
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!
Since it's a hunt, I have instilled a few helpful hints to ensure the little ones get their fair share. First, I like to stagger the starting times. This allows for the little ones to gather some treats before the bigger kids come running. Also, I always put out a plastic egg or a treat bag with each child's name clearly marked. This assures each child gets something special just for them and the treats are distributed evenly. Have a few extra baskets or buckets around for those who have forgotten their own. And get the grown-ups involved by having a go at it too, or teaming with the younger kids during the hunt, champagne-in-hand.
  
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AFTER THE HUNT, IT'S ON TO THE TREATS!
Sweet to eat, these tweet-inspired
cupcakes are an Easter egg hunt favorite. The grass is coconut mixed
with a tiny bit of green food gel. Add jelly beans to the center for
the egg-stra-special topper. My kids made these -- happy, messy bakers
gone wild for spring! Pretty Paper Eggs This
festive craft is easy and certainly less time consuming than boiling
eggs and mixing up dyes. Plain paper eggs can be found in craft stores
or on the craft Internet sites. Cover a table with brown craft paper or
newspaper and set down small shallow bowls filled with modge podge (or
a clear glue), paint brushes, and containers of small squares of tissue
paper in different colors and patterns. Have the children coat the top
half of the egg with modge podge and artfully arrange a layer of tissue
on the glued egg. Next, coat the paper with a top coat of modge podge.
Flip the egg over and decorate the other half. Empty egg cartons work
well to house wet eggs. Display the masterpieces by hanging on fresh
branches brought in from the yard, or lay them in a bed of colorful
shredded paper for an easy centerpiece. Check out more inspired playdate ideas at www.colleenmullaney.com or check out my latest webisodes on my Facebook Fan Page. Cheers! Colleen   
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Have you seen it?!
Colleen's latest book, Fairy Parties: Recipes, Crafts and Games for Enchanting Celebrations, from Chronicle Books, is starting to hit stores everywhere!
If you can't wait to buy one for your favorite girl, send Colleen an e-mail, and we'll send you an autographed copy!
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COLLEEN MULLANEY,
Life Made Stylish
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A
former magazine editor and stylist, an accomplished author and expert on all things
chic, Colleen is dedicated to showing others how to infuse style into
their everyday routines and special occasions. Her easy to employ tips
and fresh ideas for everything from playdates to parties, crafts to
cocktails, have secured her role as the lifestylist to watch.
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