Your easy, efficient Easter feast workback plan is here

This article was originally published April 11, 2017.

If you're hosting an Easter lunch or dinner this year, you may have more on your mind than ombre-dying eggs or figuring out how to work Peeps into your breakfast — although those are very important quests this time of year, to be sure. If you've done this a million times, you may already have your plan down, but if you're new to the game, you might be waking up in a sweat after dreaming of the things you've yet to do but are avoiding like the plague. Do not procrastinate out of fear! You can host an Easter or any spring feast with ease, and we have the workback plan you need to pull off your feast like a pro. Just start early to knock a few things off your list, and you'll find that by the time Easter rolls around, you'll have plenty of time to replace and re-hide the chocolate eggs you ate along the way…

Now/about a week before

• By now you've finalize your menu (don't forget dessert), your guest list and noted any dietary restrictions, right? If you haven't ordered your roast yet, don't panic, call your favourite butcher or grocer and see what they can help you with, or buy what looks best in store. Remember to take into account the time you'll need to thaw the meat if you're buying frozen cuts.
• Reach out for any serving pieces, chairs or other items you need to borrow from guests.
• Make a grocery list and a list for supplies, including any napkins and disposable cups and cutlery.

Three days before or more

• Take into account Good Friday and any other holiday hours and plan accordingly. Go shopping for everything except what needs to be bought fresh.
• Put together a music playlist. Music helps to set the mood for any occasion!
• Clear out the hall closet for guests to hang their coats.

Two days before

• Set the table, along with any platters you'll be using. Make sure you have enough cutlery and glasses cleaned and ready too.
• Prepare any dishes that can be made days in advance.

One day before

• Tidy up the house.
• Finish those make-ahead dishes.

Six hours before

• If you're cooking a ham, put it in the oven now to ensure it has plenty of time to rest.
• Begin on the rest of your dishes. The earlier in the day you can get them out of the way, the better.
• Blanch any vegetables that can be prepped ahead of time so they're ready for finishing later.

Three hours before

• Chill any wine or drinks you'll be serving.
• Set out the appetizers that don't need to be refrigerated.

Two hours before

• Make any dishes that have to be prepared fresh.
• Run the dishwasher and unload it.
• Wipe down kitchen counters.

An hour before

• Reheat any dishes that you've prepared in advance. If you've assembled a cheese plate set that out now so it can come to room temperature.
• 30-45 minutes before
• Change into your celebration outfit.
• Turn on the music and do your victory dance. You're all ready for the big spring feast and you're done ahead of time!
• Sit back, relax and wait for your guests to arrive.

If you still need some menu inspiration or are looking for that perfect side dish, check out these 4 fabulous and distinct menus for your Easter feast.