How perfect is it that our egg dyeing party fell on the first day of spring!? The symbolism of eggs (new life, fertility) is so appropriate for the official beginning of spring. My toddlers LOVE to dye eggs. This year, our toddlers scribbled the eggs with a white crayon and then we helped them dip them into natural dyes (annatto, red cabbage & radish). The eggs turned out simple and beautiful, a reflection of the memorable morning.
The morning really progressed smoothly… besides one epic tantrum. Hey, it could have been two epic tantrums! We did a lot of planning ahead. My husband made his gravlax three days in advance (per the recipe), I made the muffin batter the night before (per the recipe), we boiled the eggs the night before and I also set the table the night before (while sipping on some champagne… add champagne to any activity for an instant party!). When we all awoke, there was very little that needed to be done. It made the morning simple, so we could focus on having fun with our little ones (and trying to chill a threenager’s mega tantrum). When the fun and craziness were all over… it was nap time/quiet time for the little ones and clean up time/wind down time for mommy and daddy. We should have brought out the champagne again!
INSPIRATION
My tablescape (Dreamy Victorian) was inspired by a doily my great grandma had given me. It was passed to her from the Victorian era, hence the Victorian inspiration. I also fell in love with the Pantone Color of the Year 2016 – Rose Quartz + Serenity Blue and knew it would be the perfect pairing with the Victorian inspiration. The pastel colors are also a natural selection for a spring celebration.
LIFESTYLE ART
In keeping with my lifestyle art journey, I painted a work of art inspired by the color scheme and the doily. The piece pulled the design together and created a stunning feature for the space. I am excited to hang it in my children’s room when our party is put away. My son already loves it and told his daddy, “Did you know mommy painted that!?” Guess what, little guy!? It is all yours! I used to paint when I was younger and am so happy to start again. It certainly heightened my tablescape to lifestyle art and it is a skill I hope to continue to grow and share with my children.
COMPONENTS + CREDIT
- design – Erin Catlin
- “Eleanor” artwork – Erin Catlin
- photos – Erin Catlin
- doily/tablescape inspiration – great great grandma
- glass candleholders – CB2
- chambray tablecloth – Target
- table runner – Aitkin Flowers & Gifts
- metal doily trivets – Aitkin Flowers & Gifts
- ivory napkins – Aitkin Flowers & Gifts
- pink placemats & napkins – West Elm
- agapanthus & hyacinth flower source – Pistil & Vine
- egg dye – Color Kitchen
MENU + RECIPES
- gravlax recipe – Serious Eats
- blueberry muffins recipe – Thomas Keller, Bouchon Bakery
- lattes
- sparkling water
Shirley Gilmore says
A beautiful feast for the eyes! So gorgeous!! I love seeing how you and your family are celebrating.
Erin Catlin says
Thank you, Shirley!