It’s a soft, misty morning here in the South Downs, UK, where Glenn and I are based for the next few days. We arrived in England a little over a week ago and have already clocked several hundred miles in what has to be the worst rental car we’ve experienced. Probably worse than the seven-passenger van Glenn drove in 2018. But, four cathedrals down—Guildford, Portsmouth, Exeter (retake) and Truro, and one to go on this trip. So, I’m within spitting distance of finishing my Cathedral Quest. 🙂
Before we left, we celebrated an early Easter with the family. And the star of the show? None other than Snoopy, the famous Easter Beagle. Williams Sonoma pulled out all the stops this year with this gingerbread house in the shape of Snoopy’s dog house.
The salad plates from the collection feature a wavy blue and white striped background—enough pattern to be interesting while allowing lots of scope for further table embellishment.
And table embellishment we got! An exuberant Easter tree made of pussywillows took centre stage. We were also celebrating two March birthdays, so a chocolate cake was a must.
Pastel peanut M&Ms snuggle into a nest of buttercream flowers for a toothsome delight.
I found a collection of vintage Easter Snoopy figurines on eBay, tucked them into napkins, and scattered them around the table with small silver baskets of mini creme eggs and jelly beans.
Once the table was set and I’d snapped a few photos, I added the Easter Baskets for the grandgirls.
Sidewalk chalk, giant bubble wands, old-fashioned lollipops…
Bathing suits for the summer and lift the flap t-shirts from Boden are much-loved regulars for our baskets.
And, of course, gold-foil Lindt bunnies, Hershey’s kisses and chocolate eggs.
What a zoo!
The star of the show, as ever, Snoopy! I read somewhere that the eternal appeal of the Peanuts characters lies in our universal secret wish to be Snoopy, whilst fearing we are actually Charlie Brown.
On a typically drizzly spring day in Canada, the cheerful table was a welcome sight.
We had Belgian waffles with raspberry compote and whipped cream and a large dish of Peameal Bacon Hash for brunch. Then the great egg hunt. The girls are big enough to find the eggs without much adult assistance, other than the occasional lift to access out-of-reach eggs for the youngest one, Riley.
Everyone was too full for cake, so I cut one slice to keep and divided the rest among the families to take home. From all accounts, it didn’t last long.
Today we are off to Stratfield Saye, the country home of the Duke of Wellington. It’s only open over Easter Weekend and a few weeks in August, so I was delighted to snag the very last ticket for the week. I hope the officials take pity on us and sell us one more so we can both see the house, Wish us luck!
Have a safe and Happy Easter, everyone.
My own 2022 Easter “theme” is Snoopy & Woodstock, pastel peanut M&Ms & chocolate kisses, Frisbee flying disk classic toy and I’m blown away you have Peanuts Easter accent plates! What a terrific find! Our family added a newborn “Grandgirl” a month ago. Let the cherished memories begin!! Safe travels, Helen.
Congratulations on the new addition! Wishing everyone much joy.
Snoopy and Woodstock are an unbeatable combination and it’s hlarious that we both chose the Peanuts theme for our Easter celebrations.
Happy Easter to you and yours.
Your table made me smile! My classroom is themed with Snoopy and the Gang! I love them! Enjoy your trip!
Thanks, Tracy! Happy Peanuts Easter to you.
Looks like you had a fun pre Easter. Now in NYC for the night on our way to Greg’s. Happy Easter and I sure hope you get an extra ticket. Would hate to see Glenn alone in a pub passing the time away!
With much officious harrumphing, himself was allowed in to the house. Happily someone else failed to show at the appointed time, which made it possible. Well worth it!
Have a lovely time with Greg and family. See you very soon!
Dear Helen, What a fun table! The grandkids must have loved it. While we have no Snoopy-themed table (the dog house is wonderful!), we do have an Easter tree. I cut poplar branches, hung them with blown eggs I decoupaged in soft pink roses and almond blossoms, adorned them with pink silk cherry flowers, and stuck it all in grandmother’s huge American Brilliant vase. The sun shines brightly in Portugal, but it’s still cool. Glad to see you’ve had some good weather for your trip and the meeting. How lovely to be in England for Easter! Have a wonderful time, travel safely, and happy Easter.
P.S.: What happens after cathedrals??
P.P.S.: Sister (who has been sleuthing the family tree for years, but got stuck at early 1500s) has found we are direct descendants of the Vicar of Hell. Wow!
The grandkids did love the table; Snoopy is ever popular!
Your Easter tree sounds scrumptious. The combination of soft browns and pinks would be entirely fitting for spring and a nice change from the regular Easter pastel lineup.
What fun your sister must be having with the family tree sleuthing! The Vicar of Hell was a twisty character, but the whole inter-family Anne Boelyn, Jane Seymour Catherine Howard connection was twisty in and of itself. Dicey times for all!
The weather has been fabulous. We drove to Wilton House yesterday; the traffic was significant. We barely made our timed entry but just managed to squeak in. The Pembroke family has clearly figured out how to support the estate by maximizing the use of the restaurant and grounds (complete with marvellous climbers, slides and even a bouncy castle for the kids), whilst minimizing the footfall through the house. Much better maintained than the average great house, indoor access is sharply contained.
The Wellingtons have taken restricted access to Stratfield Saye to annoying lengths. We had a heck of a time actually gaining access to the grounds—no signs on any of the seven gates and no instructions on the email confirmation of tickets. We finally called the estate office and they directed us to press the buzzer on gate #4, though we understand that’s not foolproof as often there is no one to answer said buzzer. We had left plenty of time, thank goodness. When our tour finally started, some other poor sod had not arrived, but we got their space on the tour, so it all worked out. The limit of six persons per tour is strictly enforced. Mumblings among the staff revealed that people not turning up is all too common (I wonder why???) and they have received many complaints about their Byzantine processes, but the family refuses to have signs of any sort. I suspect to maintain charitable status, the house has to be open a minimum number of days of the year, but “open” seems to be freely interpreted.