Easter egg hunts, a celebration lunch and time with the family are the pleasures of the upcoming holiday, but don’t forget one key element of the preparations – setting the scene at home.

You’re spoilt for choice with the variety of decorations and accessories in high street stores, reflecting our growing enthusiasm for decorating rooms for the occasion, which is now almost as popular as the ritual of ‘decking the halls’ at Christmas.

“Decorating the home for Easter is now as established as the beloved egg hunt, and it doesn’t need to involve spending a fortune,” says Anna Sheppard, head of seasonal buying at Sainsbury’s.

“You can simply display an array of colourful bottles or vases containing fresh spring flowers to create a stylish mantel display, and then add pretty pastel tableware for the perfect table setting.

“Welcome guests by filling a cookie jar with baked goods and place a large, decorative bowl or wicker basket filled with fresh fruit and chocolate eggs on the kitchen table for the perfect centrepiece.

“Involve the children in the fun of popping accessories around the house, such as wooden chick and bunny ornaments, then drape Easter bunting over a doorway or around a mirror.”

If the sun shines on Easter Sunday, it’s the perfect opportunity to move the party outdoors, and pretty up the patio with some tubs filled with seasonal blooms, stylish paper tableware, and some signs and clues guiding hunters to the hidden eggs.

There’s no need though to puzzle over where to find the best decorations and Easter homeware – we’ve been hot on the trail for special touches so that your home will look a treat.