Decorating the Easter Tree

Growing up in Sweden, dressing the Easter ‘tree’ is as synonymous with Easter as the chocolate egg is to a British person.

Dressing Easter twigs is a simple, joyful way to mark the shift into spring, bringing a sense of renewal indoors as the days get lighter and nature starts to wake up again.

The tradition itself has roots in a mix of old pagan customs and later Christian influences, and over time it’s become a familiar and much-loved part of Easter in Sweden.

So come along and join me in putting one together this year…

Start with the branches. In Scandinavia, things like willow, birch or forsythia are typical, not just because they look good, but because they’re early signs of spring. The main thing is choosing stems that feel natural and have enough structure to hold a few decorations.

The vase also matters; choose a tall, narrow shape to keep your display upright and minimal, or a wider shape for a looser, more relaxed feel. You can also tape the opening in a criss-cross pattern and place your stems exactly where you want them. The vase can be as joyful as the tree itself, or a neutral tone to let the decorations and stems do the talking. Fill with water if you’d like the branches to bloom and turn green, or keep them dry to preserve the look.

As for the decoration, traditionally we layer in colourful feathers, sometimes with playful ribbons and hanging eggs. Or you can pare it back for a more subtle, neutral style with tones that reflect the natural branches. Again, it really comes down to your own home and style…

Most importantly, this is about enjoying the feeling of spring, no need for perfection.

At Webb Street, we’ve been leaning into that feeling this year. Our Easter decorations and cards are designed to work effortlessly with this kind of styling, whether you’re building your own Easter Tree or simply adding a few seasonal touches around the house.

And if you’re in Fowey and looking for branches, we’re also sourcing dried willow from Wilton Mill Flower Farm, making it easy to get started.

Anna