Celebrate Easter in Global Style

Easter is a time to celebrate faith and time-honored traditions. If you’re planning to host family or friends, make this the year to do more than iron the tablecloth and dust off your best china. Treat guests to a touch of global style. After all, this is a holiday celebrated around the world… and with some traditions that contrast to ours in ways that are surprising and smile-worthy.

Here in the U.S., we go all in on chocolate bunnies , egg hunts, and decadent desserts.We also believe in coming together at mealtime.

When you gather for your holiday meals, the American Life Crafted Friendship table is perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner. The refined rustic table has two extension leaves, so seating unexpected or last minute guests is a snap. And this table is also spacious enough for kids (and kids at heart) to gather around to dye eggs and decorate Easter baskets.

In France, children receive “les Cloches de Pâques” (chocolate Easter bells) rather than chocolate bunny treats—a tradition that dates back to the 7th century. 

To take a bite out of French style without the calories, bring the  Arabella Collection home. This gorgeous two-door, two-drawer Arabella Credenza combines classic European elements with modern forms and metals for an industrial look look.

In America, we decorate and coddle eggs like art.  In the northeast of England, just the opposite occurs. Eggs take a beating during “egg jarping,” an Easter tradition where competitors bash their opponents’ hard-boiled egg with one of their own. 

For a smashing dash of English style (no eggs required), try the Sanctuary four-drawer thin console. Crafted with classic English design cues like gently turned legs, dovetail construction and a hand-rubbed ebony black painted finish, this slender console adds a sense of history that’s British to the bone.

On the Greek island of Chios, two Vrontados hilltop churches celebrate Easter Eve with “Rouketopelmos” (Greek for “rocket war), a beloved competition in which thousands of homemade rockets are fired at one another’s bell towers to see how many direct hits occur before midnight.

A bell ringer for how it mixes classic with contemporary style, Cynthia Rowley’s Perch Klimos chair is light, airy and gracefully curved like the Klismos chair of ancient Greece from which it draws inspiration. Perch is also designed for modern day comfort with a seat back and cushion upholstered in plush navy blue velvet.

On the Monday after Easter (known as “Pasquette” or “Little Easter” ), competitors gather in the small town of Panicale, Italy, for “Ruzzolone,” a cheese rolling competition that originated between 600-500 BC.

If your guests prefer to nibble cheese they don’t have to chase, the Curata (Italian for “curated”) round cocktail table will keep snacks within arms length, especially when bunched with the  Curata round end table to form a large, multi-level serving surface.

Easter is a day to celebrate! Make yours truly special with global touches like these from Hooker Furniture.