Easter Trees with Bird Seed Eggs: A Twist on the Classic Multi-Colored Egg Tree

Where did the tradition of hanging plastic Easter eggs from trees begin? By most accounts, in America, the tradition started to be widespread in the 1950’s and it’s speculated to be due to the popular children’s book “The Egg Tree” by Katherine Milhous, published in 1950. This book describes the Pennsylvania Dutch roots of the egg tree from the perspective of a young girl who is visiting her grandmother (source: eHow.com.)

Making an Easter tree can be a fun activity that engages children and adults to work together resulting in festive décor at a time when spring is working to overcome the drab ol' winter.


Unlike it's multi-colored plastic egg counterpart, these trees are decorated with chic and modern white eggs along with birdseed colored eggs. The birdseed eggs add texture and functionality that contrasts with the smooth plastic eggs for an increased visual interest. The trees will soon supply signs of spring by luring the color and motion of nature: brightly hued birds and zippy squirrels who are hungry!


What you’ll need:
White plastic Easter eggs from a craft store (these were a bit difficult to find in Columbus, Ohio but Hobby Lobby had them)
Push pin
Fishing line
Peanut butter, about 1/3 of a jar for 15 eggs
Bird seed, about 5 cups for 15 eggs
Bright green bows to tie around the tree trunk

Step 1. Applies to plain white eggs & birdseed eggs:
Poke two small holes in the top of the plastic egg using the push pin.
Step 2. Applies to plain white eggs & birdseed eggs:
String fishing line through the holes and knot 3 or 4 times such that the knot will be enclosed within the plastic egg.
Step 3. Applies to birdseed eggs only:
Apply peanut butter to the egg using a butter knife working from a spot close to the top of the egg down to the base of the egg. Keep a rag on hand to wipe peanut butter from your fingers. This is not as messy as it may seem.

Step 4. Applies to birdseed eggs only:
Place bird seed in a bowl as needed and roll the peanut butter covered eggs until well coated. Add more bird seed if needed.

Step 5.
Tie the bow around the base of the tree or trees.

Step 6.
Hang the eggs in the trees and enjoy the view!