Every spring, the same question pops up: Do I go full-on pastel bunnies and peeps, or do I keep it clean, elegant, and chic? Well — good news — you can do either. Or both. Just make it intentional.

How on earth did we get here? The whole “bunnies or bust” mentality? That’s retail marketing at work. Over the years, stores have pushed bunnies, candy-colored everything, and pastel overload because it’s cute, recognizable, and easy to mass-produce. The commercial side of Easter has taken us by storm— candy brands, decor companies, and kids’ cartoons have saturated spring with bunny imagery. And we all bought in. But there’s way more to Easter than floppy ears and marshmallow peeps.

If you’re looking for fresh inspiration, think beyond the bunny.

So why not bring in birds, butterflies, bees, and elegant crosses? All of them can create something truly special and unique. Yes, I’ll show you adorable bunny decor too (I’m not immune to the charm!) — but you’ve got options.

Cutesy Easter Decor

Let’s not pretend we don’t love it. Pastel bunnies, gingham runners, speckled candy eggs, bright tulips, and all the whimsy that makes kids (and grown-ups) smile. If you’re hosting little ones, this is your moment to go playful and nostalgic. Pull out the ceramic bunnies, jellybean bowls, and bright floral napkins. Add in a few polka dots or carrot-themed decor, and you’re set.

Cutesy Highlights:

• Bunny figurines
• Pastel egg garlands
• Carrot wreaths and centerpieces
• Gingham and polka dots
• Bright, cheerful florals

Chic Easter Decor

Chic doesn’t have to mean sterile or only neutral. It’s about layering, intentional details, and creating beauty without clutter. Think soft neutrals or rich spring tones layered with ikat patterns and block print linens, butterfly and floral china patterns, colored glassware, and texture galore. The key? Balance and intentionality.

Chic Highlights:

• Neutral or muted color palettes (sage, ivory, pale blush) OR vibrant layered patterns in block prints and florals
• Crisp white or colorful tablecloths layered with printed runners
• Butterfly or floral china
• Elegant floral arrangements with movement and height
• Natural woven textures and colored glassware

Bunnies Aren’t the Only Animal You Can Use

Hot take: bunnies are not mandatory. Birds, butterflies, nests, and even bees bring a fresh, springy charm without going full bunny overload. I used bird motifs all over my spring decor last year, and I’ll do it again. Birds and butterflies can feel whimsical or sophisticated depending on how you style them.

• Porcelain birds perched on platters
• Butterfly napkin rings
• Mini nests at each place setting
• Beaded or glass bird ornaments on centerpieces

And Don’t Forget the Cross

Somewhere along the way, the cross seems to have been replaced by pastel overload and candy displays. But nothing is more beautiful — or more fitting — than a cross at Easter. And they don’t have to feel old-fashioned or heavy.

Crosses can be modern and minimal, like colored lucite with clean lines. They can be moss-covered and organic, ornate and antique, or covered in delicate fabric. Wooden, metal, beaded, or ceramic — there are endless styles that fit any decor. A simple cross draped with fresh greenery can quietly steal the show.

I’m sharing some of my favorite affiliate finds for crosses, birds, butterflies, florals, and all things spring tablescape below.

Team Cutesy or Team Chic? Or Somewhere in between?

Whether you’re team cutesy, team chic, or somewhere in between, make your Easter decor feel like you. Playful and nostalgic or layered and sophisticated — it’s all about intentionality.

And don’t forget: brunch season is just getting started. I’ve got a full brunch series rolling out in April with recipes, table ideas, and party plans you won’t want to miss.

For now, shop my favorite spring decor pieces below — and show me how you style your table!

And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, be sure to check out my full blog on creating the perfect spring tablescape — loaded with layering ideas, mixing metals, bird motifs, and seasonal textures you can use all spring long.

If you loved the bird motifs mentioned here, I have an entire blog post dedicated to bird-themed tablescapes — with creative ways to take nature beyond the vase. From bird nests filled with flowers to antique birdcages repurposed as make-shift vases.