How to Make an Easter Bonnet

Step 1: Get a hat Buy a large straw hat with a wide brim.
Step 2: Tweak the theme Tweak the theme, which is the beginning of spring. Tiptoe through the tulips? A Beverly Hillbillies Easter? Seventies flower power?
TIP: If you want to stand out among a sea of pastel hats, do yours in primary colors.
Step 3: Gather trimmings Gather trimmings—lace, ribbon, bows, scarves, buttons, feathers—whatever you can think of.
Step 4: Buy flowers No Easter bonnet is complete without blooms, but if you really want to stand out, visit the florist and buy fresh flowers.
TIP: If you want to use flowers that aren’t very hardy or are out of season, buy high-quality silk flowers; they’re much more realistic looking than plastic.
Step 5: Do a dry run Arrange and rearrange your hat until you have a pleasing composition.
Step 6: Glue it Get out your hot glue gun—and safety pins, if you need them to anchor heavy or awkward items—and get to work.
Step 7: Work it Attach a ribbon to either side of the hat and tie it under your chin—now stand up straight, hold your head high, and strut the parade route like a Milan runway.
FACT: The tradition of wearing a new Easter outfit began in Northern Europe, where it was considered disrespectful to Eastre—the goddess of spring—to wear old clothes on the annual festival honoring her.

Lessons in this Guide