The Bright Touch: 7 Colorful Easter Centerpieces

Pastels may win points with traditionalists, but when it comes to Easter decor, we don't discriminate. "You don't have to forgo a happy color palette to avoid looking juvenile," says Kevin Sharkey, executive director of decorating. "It comes down to attitude. If you've created a thoughtful display, that intention will come through."

Tinted Tableau

Here, sophistication takes the form of a streamlined cake stand, hand-shredded cellophane "grass," and a thoroughly grown-up sugar rush. "The basket and bunnies look like glass, but they're just sugar and water," Kevin says of the gorgeous candies from Shane's Confectionery. "Anything can become a design statement if you use it right."

Related: 10 Ways to Save Energy at Home

Two Birds, One Egg

"This is host gift as centerpiece," Kevin explains. "Load it up with hand-decorated eggs for Easter dinner -- then let it live on as an egg tray for dinners yet to come."

We love the look of red on white, but this one's a bright idea in any shade.

Decal Eggs How-To

You can decorate hard-boiled or hollow eggs, but only hollow ones can be saved for future use.

Materials
Ink-jet printer
Clear decal paper
Craft scissors
Eggs
Spray varnish
Decal eggs clip art - red
Decal eggs clip art - yellow
Decal eggs clip art - purple
Decal eggs clip art - blue
Decal eggs clip art - pink
Decal eggs clip art - orange

1. Print clip art onto decal paper. (Open our PDF in Adobe Reader or Acrobat Pro to print.)

2. Spray the paper with two coats of varnish; let dry after each coat.

3. Cut out individual decals, staying as close to the designs as possible. Soak them in a bowl of water for about a minute.

4. Remove a decal from the water and slowly separate it from its backing, sliding it onto the egg as you go. Smooth with your fingertips. Gently press a paper towel against the decal to absorb excess water.

5. Let dry a few minutes; repeat with additional decals. Try multiples of the same design, or a collage of different images.

6. Let dry overnight, then spray with a coat of varnish.

Related: Dishwasher Dos and Don'ts

Controlled Chaos

"This is the pinata of Easter baskets," Kevin declares. "Let's be honest -- it's fun to see confetti around the holidays! Sometimes creating an atmosphere is worth making a mess -- a tasteful mess."

Related: 47 Ways to Maximize Space in Your Kitchen





For the Birds

Sacks of retro "Chick Feed" bubblegum inspired this cheerful tableau. "Note the basket's nontraditional shape," Kevin says. "The shallow bed and lack of handle are ideal for a scene like this. Sometimes form beats function." Look for similar chicks at your local craft or specialty store.

Related: Martha Stewart's Ultimate Organizing Solutions




Woodland Creatures

"Everyone loves these bristle-brush animals. Personally, I can't stand them," Kevin admits. "But they're more charming in clusters, and here, they serve a structural purpose -- their backs support the basket in the center. I filled in the gaps with silk flowers and feathered butterflies to complete the woodland vibe."

Jelly Bean Carrot How-To

Materials
lear 12-inch cone-shaped cello bags
Jelly beans
Clear hair elastic bands
Green card stock
Leaves and Branch Double-Edge punch

1. Fill cello bag 2/3 full with orange or yellow jelly beans, about 1 cup. Top off with a 1/2-inch layer of green jelly beans, about 1/4 cup.

2. Twist bag closed and secure with a clear elastic band.

3. Using Leaves and Branch Double-Edge punch, punch trim out of desired length of green card stock.

4. With scissors, trim and neaten ends of trim and wrap around end of carrot.

Milk and Eggs

"Look, I made one with no candy!" Kevin says. "The hyacinths really pop against this vintage milk glass. Painted wooden eggs give it breadth and dimension, and the rabbit figurine adds a whimsical touch."






The Golden Egg

"Glitz hides a multitude of sins," Kevin advises. "Other than the Faberge egg, which was my starting point, there's nothing fancy here: shredded paper, wire ribbon, a spray-painted wicker basket. But when pulled together under a shiny veneer, the result makes a glamorous statement."





More from Martha Stewart Living:
19 Tips for Perfect Laundry Every Time
12 Tools to Use in Your House in Unexpected Ways

Watch for More: