My Easter Tree

In Germany, Easter is a celebration that is much-anticipated. German winters can be long and harsh and Easter is a welcome sign that Spring has arrived. The new season brings with it a sense of optimism and rebirth…warmer days, lighter nights, colourful blooms and the promise of summer. One of the most charming Easter traditions is that of the Osterbaum or Easter tree.

The Osterbaum can be created either outdoors by hanging colourful plastic or wooden eggs on a tree or shrub, or indoors by decorating a bundle of branches with Easter ornaments. I prefer the indoors version, its nice to bring spring into the home. Plus, you can use smaller or more delicate ornaments without worrying about the still unpredictable weather damaging them.

I picked up a bundle of branches at a local florist shop. It seems traditional in this area to use willow branches but I liked the blossom on these ones. I know you can also buy twig trees from craft stores, but I like the idea of bringing something fresh and flowering into my home, especially after the dull days at the end of winter. From a practical point of view, the blossom branches are easy to hang with decorations, too.

I’m a girl who thinks a mini version of anything is cute, and the little wooden eggs I’ve hung are no exception. I love that some of them are decorated with a tiny Easter bunny silhouette, although in Germany its more likely to be an Easter hare or Osterhase.

Although traditionally the branches would be hung just with eggs, I couldn’t resist adding in some ceramic birds and pretty wooden birdhouses. They might not be , strictly speaking, Easter themed but they do add to the pretty, vintage feel.