SPRING EGGS AND EASTER MEMORIES

Photos by Allison Elefante

SpringEggs and Easter Memories

By Amy Montgomery

Easter is just around the corner and is the most wonderful time of renewal for our souls. Nature begins to unfold everything afresh! During early spring, flowers are just pushing up out of the ground, trees are just beginning to flower with fresh buds, and birds are keeping a safe watch over their nests filled with little eggs waiting for them to hatch. It is this representation of nature and new life that I began a collection of abandoned nests years ago. I use nests throughout my home as a reminder of nature and its beauty. Easter is the perfect time to fill them with my next favorite object to collect, eggs. So these collections, Spring and Easter are very special to me.

Each year my family goes back and forth from dining out for Easter after church, usually at one of Nashville’s wonderful hotels, to entertaining everyone in my home for Easter lunch. Years ago, friends of mine hosted an Easter dinner party on Good Friday. It was such a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday and a great way to catch up with friends before all the busy hubbub of Easter Saturday and Sunday. So much so a couple of years ago I was inspired to host this same Good Friday dinner myself, but with a very interesting twist on my table.

Some time ago I ran across an artist by the name of Amy Crews. What was not to like? We share the same name, both are Southern ladies, and Crews paints the most beautiful nests with the most glorious little eggs. When we met in person at Lipscomb Academy's annual art show, I had to control my fan-girl reaction. I remembered Crews slowly stepping back as she entered the art booth with much enthusiasm, and I discovered the sweetest collection of tiny egg paintings. Yes, tiny hand-painted egg art! The swooning began and thus the twist on Easter eggs at my table setting for the Good Friday dinner party. I wanted to set the most wonderful Easter table for friends to gather around, just as my grandmother and mother had set for years. My fond childhood memories of new Easter shoes, a new Sunday dress, and Easter baskets after lunch set me off on a mission to create a memorable table. Casual white china with a mint-colored salad plate was selected, a ticking runner, sea-glass colored napkins, and a nest centerpiece dotted with fresh hydrangea blossoms. As a gift to my guests, I used a fresh hydrangea leaf on the salad plate, and situated in the middle of that leaf was one of Amy Crews’ treasured egg paintings. Truly, the perfect gift for making Easter memories with friends.

THE TIME GATHERED WITH LOVED ONES IS ALWAYS WONDERFUL, BUT THE MEMORIES ARE THERE TO BE REVISITED FOR YEARS TO COME!

Inspiring others to use that vintage china they have stored away, picking up some pretty napkins for their table, and stopping by the grocery store for fresh flowers is something I hope I can do. Whether it be friends or family, they will appreciate being welcomed into your home for Easter or any occasion. The time gathered with loved ones is always wonderful, but the memories are there to be revisited for years to come! n

AMY MONTGOMERY has 25 years of design experience and owns Amy Montgomery Home located in Columbia, Tennessee. She is a lifestylist focused on home, food, and flowers, and delights in working one-on-one with customers. Visit amymontgomeryhome.com for additional information and follow on social media at @amymontgomeryhome.