We all knew Easter was coming. It comes every year (duh). But, sometimes, life gets busy and we put off committing to things. Then, of course, holiday weekends creep up on us and we’re left with four days off and zero plans. 

If you fall into this category – fear not because we’ve got a bunch of easy last-minute Easter ideas to fill your four-day weekend. Whether you want to keep it cheap, simple, and low-key (the cozzie livs crisis is real, kids) or feel like splashing out on a bit of well-earned pampering, there’s something for everyone in the Daily Addict Easter Round-up.

Get creative in the kitchen

Let’s face it – Easter is mostly about chocolate these days. So what better way to enjoy a low-key and low-cost Easter than by incorporating some oh-so-delicious Nutella into everything you do?

Hosting Easter brunch? Keep it simple with some hot cross buns generously smothered in chocolatey goodness or test your kitchen skills with some Italian Ricotta Pancakes with Nutella and Warm Strawberry Sauce. Or, for a mid-afternoon treat, try some Tasty Tartlets with Nutella and Raspberries (or any fruit for that matter).

Armed with a pot of Nutella, you can turn so many delicious recipes into an Easter-themed extravaganza. For more inspiration, check out these Nutella Recipes. Let’s see how many you can read before you start dribbling… 

Or, if you really can’t be bothered to make an effort this Easter weekend, you can always eat it straight out of the pot with a spoon while streaming a cheesy rom-com. You’ll get no judgment here – we’ve been known to partake in this gloriously self-indulgent pastime on several occasions (usually around the same time each month)!

Treat yourself to good wine

Four-day weekends were practically made for wine tasting. And, whether you head up on a day trip (providing you have a dutiful designated driver!) or splash out on accommodation, the Hunter Valley region has plenty of wonderful options to choose from.

A current favourite among the Daily Addict family is Briar Ridge Vineyard. If you fancy a trip to the winery itself, Briar Ridge has recently unveiled several new experiences just in time for Easter. The exclusive Mystery Vineyard Tour takes you behind the scenes through the grounds of this 50-year-old vineyard. And, along with some vintage sparkling and curated wine selections, you’ll get a cheese and charcuterie platter to boot.

Foodies should also check out the brand-new cellar-door restaurant, Estancia Osteria. Inspired by the rustic estancias of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, it explores cuisines across Italy, the Mediterranean, and South America. All paired with the perfect wine of course.

We’ll be celebrating at home with a sneak peek of Briar Ridge’s 2023 Single Vineyard ‘The Gatherer’ Shiraz and the 2023 Single Vineyard ‘Block 6’ Pinot Noir (perks of the job!). These will be officially released later this year but, in the meantime, there are plenty of delicious wines available for purchase online – we’ve been told on good authority that their Chardonnay is divine!

Jump on the NOLO train

If you’re laying off the booze this Easter or looking for low-calorie or low-alcohol options — you can still treat yourself to delicious flavours. 

Love the beer but not the belly? Lager lovers should check out Son of a Nun Low Carb Lager. Or, for the beer taste without the booze, they also have a Zero Alcohol Beer.

For those of you who prefer your alcohol in a fruity seltzer, check out NoSh. With no carbs, no sugar, and all-natural ingredients – it’s a light yet boozy drink you can enjoy guilt-free.

Whether you like low-carb, low-alcohol, or alcohol-free, grab a few tinnies of your favourite drinks to enjoy in the sun for a cheap and cheerful Easter.

Dine out in style with some Easter-themed High Tea

Prefer to let someone else take the wheel this Easter? Head over to QT Sydney for some High Tea. Curated by Celebrity Chef, Adriano Zumbo, the Enchanted Easter QTea High Tea is like falling down a sugar-coated rabbit hole. 

Enjoy a decadent spread of sweet and savoury delights with a glass of Mumm Marlborough bubbly for $99 per person or opt for some free-flowing Aperol Spritz for $120 per person. Got kids? They can get involved too for $45 per child (aged 7-12).

We’ve already taken this one for a test drive, so check out our QTea High Tea Review to find out more.

Book into a hotel for a pampered staycation

If you’ve got some cash to burn and time to spare, why not treat yourself to the ultimate Sydney staycation?

The city is full of excellent hotels but some of our current favourites include QT Sydney, Kimpton Margot (if your pet can fit in the lift, it can stay!), and A by Adina. We’re yet to stay at the latter, but if their level-22 bar and restaurant, Dean and Nancy is anything to go by – you’re in for a real treat. 

The bustling atmosphere, music, and predominantly Italian staff make for an excellent combination. Their cocktails are playful and delicious in equal measure (the Rocketman needs to be seen to be believed). For light bites, we recommend the Scarpetta (smoked tomato, basil oil, parmesan gratin, and Sonoma sourdough) as well as the Focaccia – both shareable and an excellent way to soak up the extensive list of creative and surprising cocktails.

Happy Easter from everyone at Daily Addict!

So there you go – five ideas to help you get in the mood for Easter, whatever your budget. Go forth, indulge, and enjoy!