Lockdown is slowly but surely coming to a close, just in time for the Easter break. That’s great news, but let’s be honest with ourselves: while better than 2020’s, this Easter’s plans are going to need a little pre-planning if they’re going to go off safely and comfortably. To help, here are five COVID-friendly ideas you can enjoy this Easter, on your own or with friends and family.  

Have an outdoor dinner party 

Having a traditional Easter Sunday lunch outdoors seems a little wrong in my mind, so this Easter make the most of the rule of six in your garden by hosting a more al-fresco culinary gathering.  

There are plenty of lighter Easter recipes well-suited to a lunch in the sun that you can check out on BBC Good Food. And if you want to go the extra bougie mile you could even send out personalised party invitations to your chosen five guests (or the other household you’re welcoming over) and decorate your garden space with lots of bright bunting and table decorations. 

Treat yourself to a fancy Easter breakfast 

Why not mark Easter with a wonderfully decadent breakfast? Eggs benedict, smoked salmon on toast, three whole chocolate eggs – whatever you fancy, get some mates involved over Zoom, throw on some glad rags and eat at the dining table. Anything to change things up after a long and boring lockdown. 

Plan an Easter egg hunt 

If you have kids or are welcoming them to your garden as part of your rule of six celebrations, an Easter egg hunt is a great idea – particularly if you have a larger garden. This activity can work for adults too, though… 

Now, I know what you’re thinking – twenty-somethings running around the garden looking for some chocolate eggs? Not going to happen! So, instead, spruce up the traditional game by hiding smaller, more grown-up goodies throughout the garden (alcohol miniatures, anyone?). Or, go fully creative and make a scavenger hunt filled with riddles and small tasks that need to be completed in order to find the golden egg. Beats a quiz! 

An Easter quiz 

Okay, so we’ve all had our fair share of quizzes over the past year, but I’d bet you haven’t enjoyed many face-to-face, right?   

There are lots of ways you can go about writing your spring quiz. A quick search and you’ll find plenty of questions to use, and Easter’s the perfect time to include outdoor-friendly activities like craft rounds and egg and spoon races your guests can get stuck into. If you have two households over, you could create a riveting team quiz too – with conferring that doesn’t need to take place in a chat window! 

The Great Easter bake off 

Indulge your competitive streak and challenge your friends and family to a bake off to see who makes the best treat. Judging can be done over video call (although this lends itself best to decoration competition), or, if you have friends or family over, plenty of taste testing. Make sure there’s enough plates, cutlery and hand sanitiser available to go around, and remember, Mary will not be happy with a soggy bottom!