Easter hosting is all about easy hospitality: something bubbly when guests arrive, wines that pair with lamb or ham without overthinking, a light spring cocktail option, and at least one zero-proof drink that feels just as festive. Do that, and your table instantly feels “put together”—even if you’re still pulling rolls out of the oven.
This guide gives you a simple, high-success plan for what to serve (and when), plus a curated list of bottles and bar staples you can shop right now.
The Foolproof Easter Hosting Plan
If you want Easter to feel smooth (for you and your guests), follow this hosting structure. It’s designed to keep choices simple, prevent half-finished bottles everywhere, and make sure everyone has something they actually want to drink.
1) Arrival: bubbles + something non-alcoholic
The fastest way to set a celebratory tone is pouring sparkling wine the moment guests walk in. Pair it with a zero-proof option that feels intentional (not “here’s a soda”). Your guests will instantly feel welcomed—and you’ll avoid the “what do you have?” scramble.
2) Table time: one white + one red (and optionally rosé)
Easter menus often mix roasted mains with spring sides (herbs, lemon, asparagus). Instead of trying to match everything perfectly, pick one high-acid white and one versatile red. If the day is sunny and you’re serving lighter dishes, add a crisp rosé.
3) Optional signature cocktail station
Keep cocktails simple: one spritz-style drink for day drinking and one “citrus-forward” cocktail if you want a second option. Batchable = host-friendly.
4) Finish: a small dessert pour
A tiny dessert wine moment turns “nice dinner” into “holiday dinner.” You don’t need much—just one small bottle and a reason to linger at the table.
Welcome Drinks (15-Minute Setup)
For welcome drinks, prioritize bottles that are refreshing, crowd-pleasing, and easy to pour. You want something that works with appetizers, doesn’t overwhelm early palates, and feels instantly festive.
The easiest welcome drink: Prosecco or Champagne
If you want a “set it and forget it” option, start with a crisp Prosecco or a classic Brut Champagne. Keep it cold in an ice bucket, set out a few citrus twists, and you’ve created a real “arrival moment.”
Villa Sandi Brut Prosecco Asolo Superiore
Crisp, bright, and easy—perfect for greeting guests. It pairs with salty snacks, cheeses, crudités, and spring appetizers.
Shop Villa Sandi Brut Prosecco
Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Champagne
A reliable celebratory pour with a balanced profile that’s nearly impossible to dislike. Great when you want the table to feel immediately “special” without going ultra-serious.
Shop Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne
The iconic crowd-pleaser—rich enough for food, polished enough for a toast. If you’re serving smoked salmon, deviled eggs, or anything buttery, this shines.
Shop Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label
Host tip: “choose your pour” without chaos
- Keep one sparkling bottle open at a time; store backups chilled.
- Use white wine glasses if you can—better aroma than flutes.
- Offer one NA welcome drink alongside bubbles (see zero-proof section).
Wines to Serve With Easter Food
Easter food tends to bounce between rich and bright: lamb or ham, creamy sides, fresh herbs, spring vegetables, citrusy salads. Your wines need two things: acidity (so the meal feels fresh) and versatility (so you’re not opening five bottles to match every plate).
One white that wins with spring sides
For asparagus, peas, herbs, and lemon vinaigrette, choose a crisp, high-acid white. It keeps the meal lively and pairs beautifully with starters, salads, and lighter proteins.
Wairau River 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
Zesty, bright, and spring-friendly. This is the “green vegetable problem solver” that tastes great with salads, goat cheese, asparagus, and herb-forward sides.
Shop Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc
Rosé as the “bridge wine”
Rosé is one of the best Easter hosting moves because it bridges courses: it works with appetizers, it’s excellent with ham, and it stays refreshing even as the table gets richer. Serve it very cold.
M de Minuty x Elliott Routledge 2024 Rosé Côtes de Provence (Limited Edition)
Crisp Provence rosé energy—citrus, strawberry, and a clean finish that fits the spring holiday mood. Easy to love, and the limited edition bottle adds a fun hosting flex.
Domaines Ott 2024 Rosé Château Romassan Bandol
A more structured rosé with extra texture—great if your meal is heavier, or if you like rosé that can actually stand up to the main. This is a strong pairing for ham, roast chicken, and rich sides.
Shop Domaines Ott 2024 Bandol Rosé
One red that makes lamb (or richer mains) feel like a holiday
For lamb, you can go bold. For ham, you generally want softer reds—but if you’re choosing one “holiday red,” pick something with balance and polish that can handle roasted meat, herbs, and richer sides.
Marchesi Antinori 2021 Tignanello Toscana
A centerpiece bottle that delivers power and elegance. Great for roast lamb and an instant “special occasion” pour. If you’re doing one statement red, this is the kind of bottle guests remember.
Caymus 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Plush, rich, and crowd-pleasing—especially with roasted lamb, mushrooms, and hearty sides. This is a “make everyone happy” red when your table leans richer.
Shop Caymus 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon
Serving temperatures (simple but important)
- Whites & rosé: very chilled
- Reds: slightly cool (not warm room temperature). If your house is warm, a 10–15 minute fridge chill helps.
- Sparkling: cold, always
Two Signature Cocktails (Easy + Batchable)
A cocktail station is optional—but it’s a great way to make Easter feel festive, especially if you’re hosting friends who like “a fun drink” before sitting down. Keep it simple: one spritz, one citrus cocktail, and you’re done.
1) Aperol Spritz (the easiest crowd-pleaser)
Light, low-effort, and perfect for daytime. You can even make it self-serve: Aperol, chilled bubbles, soda, oranges. People will happily build their own.
Aperol Aperitivo
The spritz backbone. This is the bottle that makes your brunch or afternoon gathering instantly feel like spring.
2) Elderflower French 75 (bright, floral, elegant)
If you want one “wow” cocktail that still stays brunch-friendly, this is it. It’s fizzy, citrusy, and feels like an Easter garden party.
St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Adds floral lift and soft sweetness—perfect for spring cocktails that taste elevated without being heavy.
Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin
A botanical gin that leans Mediterranean—herbs and citrus that fit beautifully with spring food and brunch cocktails.
Bonus: a “brunch margarita” ingredient upgrade
If your crowd loves citrus cocktails, keep a quality orange liqueur on hand. It’s a small upgrade that makes drinks taste restaurant-level.
Ferrand Dry Orange Curaçao
Bright citrus complexity that works in margaritas, spritz riffs, and any cocktail where you want “orange” to taste real.
Shop Ferrand Dry Orange Curaçao
Batching tip (host-friendly)
- Pre-mix cocktail bases (spirits + citrus + liqueur) and keep chilled.
- Add bubbles at the last second so drinks stay lively.
- Garnish station: orange slices, lemon twists, mint.
After-Dinner Pour (Small, Memorable, Easy)
You don’t need an elaborate dessert program. A single after-dinner bottle poured in small servings turns the end of the meal into a moment. This is especially helpful if dessert is casual—cookies, cake, fruit—because the pairing becomes the “finale.”
Marchesi Antinori 2020 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (375 ml)
Vin Santo is tailor-made for Easter desserts: almond, biscotti, fruit tarts, and even aged cheese plates. The 375 ml size is ideal for hosting: one small pour per guest, no waste.
Zero-Proof Options That Feel Special (Not an Afterthought)
Every great host plans for guests who are pacing themselves, driving, pregnant, sober-curious, or simply not drinking. The goal is to offer something that still feels adult and celebratory.
Zero-proof spritz base
Seedlip Grove 42 Non-Alcoholic Spirit
Citrus-forward and botanical—ideal for a “NA spritz” vibe. Serve it with tonic or soda over lots of ice, then garnish with orange. It looks gorgeous and tastes intentional.
Ready-to-drink mocktails (fastest win)
Mocktails Nitro The Vida Loca Mockarita (Non-Alcoholic, 4 x 200 ml)
The easiest “holiday mocktail” option: chill hard, pour over ice, salt rim if you want, garnish with lime. Perfect for brunch tables and sunny afternoons.
Shop Mocktails Nitro Mockarita
Make NA feel premium (tiny details that matter)
- Use the same glassware as cocktails or wine.
- Always garnish (citrus twist, lime, mint, rosemary).
- Serve ice-cold—temperature is the easiest “quality boost.”
Shopping List: 15 Easter Hosting Picks (Wine, Spirits & Zero-Proof)
Use this list to build a complete Easter bar with minimal effort. If you want a simple plan for 8–12 guests: choose 1–2 sparkling, 1 white, 1 rosé, 1 red, plus 2 cocktail bottles and 1 zero-proof.
- Villa Sandi Brut Prosecco Asolo Superiore
- Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Champagne
- Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne
- Wairau River 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
- M de Minuty 2024 Rosé Côtes de Provence (Limited Edition)
- Domaines Ott 2024 Rosé Château Romassan Bandol
- Marchesi Antinori 2021 Tignanello Toscana
- Caymus 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
- Aperol Aperitivo
- St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin
- Ferrand Dry Orange Curaçao
- Marchesi Antinori 2020 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (375 ml)
- Seedlip Grove 42 Non-Alcoholic Spirit
- Mocktails Nitro The Vida Loca Mockarita (NA)
FAQ
How many bottles should I buy for Easter hosting?
A practical rule is one bottle per 2–3 guests if wine is the main drink, plus one sparkling bottle for arrivals. If you’re serving cocktails and zero-proof options too, you can often buy slightly less wine—because guests will spread across choices.
What’s the easiest “everyone’s happy” wine setup?
One sparkling for arrivals, one high-acid white for spring sides, one crisp rosé for versatility, and one polished red for the main. Then add one dessert pour to finish.
Do I need cocktails?
Not at all. But one signature spritz can make the gathering feel more festive and give guests an option besides wine—especially during arrivals and pre-dinner mingling.
What’s the best way to make zero-proof feel special?
Use real glassware, garnish every drink, and serve it ice-cold. A botanical base like Seedlip plus tonic/soda over ice makes a “grown-up” NA option with minimal effort.
