After weeks of Lenten abstinence, it will soon be time to gorge on all things Easter: roast lamb, simnel cake and lots and lots of chocolate.
Whether you’re hosting a large lunch this year or just having a casual affair (you don’t want to ruin your appetite for all that chocolate after all), it doesn’t take much to elevate your dining table from the everyday to making a seasonal splash.
![Penneys scalloped-edged napkins (€4 for two)](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZQNZU7Z6NRGAVMGELWOMZW3G3M.jpg?auth=77861ca5f041f914453e67599a2871cd215b7a8ab56017f5fc6aa2e1658be2e1&width=800&height=800)
![A selection of Penneys' Easter themed homewares](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/SQZZZR3WH5ANLI2HKTHJCAAHAU.jpg?auth=a10cb4493c9cfaf3b65b8ecb5a661c8f8098f1a69c26f6629c92bfee64c85372&width=800&height=999)
For some low-cost options, check out your local Penneys, where you’ll find bunny-themed bowls for some of those chocolates for just €6, or pretty scalloped-edged napkins (€4 for two) and floral side plates for €4.
Coloured drinkware also brings some fun to the table, from €4.
![Søstrene Grene’s collection of eggs](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/B4RVUROMUZHGTKDMEV6ODUCRFE.jpg?auth=726a3220037c320ab711a35823b2676175de41a6a720a25f64efc2991483f64e&width=800&height=1066)
![Søstrene Grene bunny candle (€3.73)](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/2AD47CRPABH3DLDK74VWYF52J4.jpg?auth=dee5ce33eeeaae566ca1bcb0551462520688ceabe926d459b5806d75b5510be8&width=800&height=1066)
Get decorating with Søstrene Grene’s collection of eggs, which can be hung from twigs or branches from the garden. The decorative collection includes glass eggs in a range of hues (€2.20), delicate painted options (€3.98), paper eggs (from €2.48) or fun woolly chickens (€2.20).
![Hedgeroe tablescape](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/LSKXKV7GD5CKTK64HI3NK46UQQ.jpg?auth=1a8517e8f07a1cdc302050864e0560e05ef3fc3f6b08382146a070572834874f&width=800&height=600)
![Hedgeroe cake stand (€20)](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/554S27BWVRCLTGBX3CKJ3GMPLQ.jpg?auth=ad5eb42ab4c9e46adee69684f7e33fa13d1df22299ac0945bcddf57991316d21&width=800&height=800)
Candles are always an essential, so go for a spring blue shade at Hedgeroe or a cute bunny candle holder at Søstrene Grene (€3.73).
For a fancier affair, Hedgeroe has carefully curated tablescapes, including everything from glassware to crockery and napkins. A bunny cake stand will also bring the wow factor to your Easter dessert (€20).
![The Designed Table place mat (€19.50)](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/XGTETYKSOBHMNKCZML5LUSKANA.jpg?auth=863e352f24418078e05d503683a72eb097647cc97359e8866f6137af45875ef4&width=800&height=1200)
![The Designed Table tablescape](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZDWPVRYSCJDCHLZWDFZAENAINA.jpg?auth=d4b086320a43718e97f6e89d4de8796404f26443a83d46e169419e1d9ae15182&width=800&height=533)
At The Designed Table, Tara O’Connor makes it easy to bring some Easter cheer to the table, with her beautifully coloured tablecloths and napkins, inspired by a trip to India last year. Prices start at €40 for a set of four napkins, €95 for tablecloths. You can also get a “tablescape in a box”, which includes a tablecloth, place mat, napkins and napkin rings, to seat six guests, for €199.
Or try the brand’s beaded bunny placemats (€19.50). Finish the look with a pastel green napkin and a wooden bunny napkin ring (€24 for four).