Planning perfect Easter bash in the UAE? Budget-friendly tips, TikTok tricks, and delicious cheesecake eggs

A little sunshine, the company of loved ones, and good food—that’s what Easter is all about. If you’re still wondering how to throw a fun, memorable party in the UAE, don’t stress or start panic-calling caterers just yet. With a little creativity and advice from local event planners, you can host a joyful Easter gathering that’s big on charm and easy on the budget

Use the outdoors to your advantage

 Not too sunny? Great. How about heading to parks like Zabeel Park in Dubai or Mushrif Park in Abu Dhabi? They offer lush lawns and family-friendly spaces for free or for a nominal entry fee, explains Nitika Khelani, a Dubai-based event planner and organiser. “You can even keep it casual with a get-together in the garden area or a backyard,” she says. You don’t even need expensive venues: Nature has the best backdrops and settings. Bring along picnic blankets, folding tables, and use that barbecue station if there’s one available.

DIY decorations

 Homemade decorations add heart to a celebration, says Chloe Perry, a Dubai-based event stylist who often helps families host festive gatherings on a budget. “You can keep it simple, involve the kids, and still end up with something beautiful.”

TikTok has some unusual ideas: One user shows using egg-shells, sticking it to a log, and filling it with flowers.

 Here’s how to get crafty (without the chaos):

 Paint plastic or wooden eggs in soft pastel tones

Pick up inexpensive plastic or wooden eggs from discount shops. Use acrylic paints or even washable markers to create your own designs, consider polka dots, stripes, florals, or names. Arrange them in a basket or scatter them across your table for a pop of spring colour.

Repurpose glass jars as rustic vases or treat containers

Empty jam jars or sauce bottles? Clean them up and tie a ribbon or twine around the neck. Fill them with wildflowers or even candy-coated chocolates. Group them on your table for an effortlessly pretty centrepiece.

Use craft paper for DIY garlands, egg cutouts, and table runners

Get the children involved in cutting out egg, bunny, or chick shapes from colourful paper. String them together for a simple garland or scatter them across your serving table. Brown kraft paper makes a charming DIY table runner you can doodle on—draw flowers, write guests’ names, or let kids decorate as they eat.

A little goes a long way:

You don’t need to overwhelm the space. A few thoughtfully placed decorations—especially when paired with natural greenery, fresh air, and sunlight—can instantly set the mood. Bonus: you can reuse many of your creations year after year, or compost the paper ones for an eco-friendly exit.

What to bring: Easy, affordable Easter crowd-pleasers

Sweet ideas, first

 For starters, get creative with your cupcakes. On TikTok, a user shows easy hacks of turning your cupcakes into little bunny-shapes, just by using tin foil and rolling it on the side, so that you get the bunny-like shape, and then using frosting for the cakes,

Make cheesecake-eggs, courtesy TikTok

You’ll need:

Steps:

Main eats and starters

Carrot sticks and hummus

A healthy and colourful starter that’s both child and adult-approved. Add a sprinkle of paprika or a drizzle of olive oil for flair.

Deviled eggs

The perfect nod to Easter and a great way to use all those boiled eggs from egg decorating. Classic, easy to make in batches, and always popular.

Hot cross buns

Soft, sweet, and spiced just right. You can bake them at home if you’re up for it or grab a pack from your local supermarket bakery. Look out for deals at Carrefour, Spinneys, or Marks & Spencer.

Fruit platters with a yogurt dip

Buy what’s in season and slice it up the night before. Arrange the fruit in an egg or bunny shape for an extra festive touch.

Egg salad sandwiches or mini quiches

These are filling, affordable, and easy to make in bulk. Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches into eggs or bunnies for a fun twist, or bake bite-sized quiches in muffin tins for a grab-and-go option.

To make it feel festive:

Present the dishes on pastel-coloured or spring-themed plates and platters. Add handmade name tags for each dish using index cards, craft paper, or even folded napkins.

Mini gift bags and baskets

Traditional Easter baskets are always cute, but can be on the pricier side, especially when you’re filling them up constantly for everyone. Between the basket itself, shredded paper, candy, toys, and trinkets, the cost adds up quickly. Instead, switch things up with simple, cheerful gift bags that deliver all the joy for a fraction of the price.

Here’s how to do it:

Start with colourful paper or cellophane gift bags. Add a mix of lightweight, fun items that children will actually enjoy—without overloading them with sugar or plastic.

 What to include:

·         Mini chocolate eggs: Buy a large bag or tub and divide it between all your gift bags. Individually wrapped ones are perfect for hygiene and portion control.

·         Stickers or bubbles: These are party favorites, super affordable, and available in large packs at discount stores. Look for bunny, egg, or spring-themed versions to stay on theme.

·         Small toys from a multipack: Think bouncy balls, mini play-dough tubs, erasers, finger puppets, or wind-up toys. Buying in bulk helps you stretch your budget and still include something fun.