• Subtle decorations are key to reserving the holiday's meaning and character.Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
  
  Easter is a holiday that has significance on two fronts: the first is its connection to the Christian religion, and the second is its secular connection to the coming of spring. The majority of Easter decorations are based on the secular celebrations of the Easter Bunny, Easter eggs and the spring motif. Easter decorations should be kept to a moderate to low level as decorations are not traditional of the holiday.
  
  

Subtlety

• Easter decorations should be less loud and pronounced than Christmas decorations due to the fact that Christian tradition does not celebrate Easter as festively as Christmas. Easter can be celebrated in either religious or secular fashion. The majority of Easter decorations are secular, including images of spring, the Easter Bunny and pastel colors. These can be used by both secular and religious celebrants. Stick to small decorations mostly reserved for the inside of the house and avoid large, tacky outdoor displays such as a large bunny rabbit or crucifix as these can be offensive to individuals.
  
  

Lights

• If you thrive on outdoor decorations, stringing white or pastel colored lights around doors, window frames, fences, porch railings or walkways is a festive yet unobtrusive way to decorate. Choose only light spring colors associated with the season such as white, pink, blue and green. String decorative lights with plastic pop-on coverings in the shapes of Easter eggs or bunnies in windows or across doorways.
  
  

Religious

• There are very few religious decorations used for Easter other than candles and flowers. Using a crucifix as a decoration can be offensive to people, therefore if you use a crucifix in decorating your house or table, make sure to use it respectfully and in good taste. Many Christians use secular Easter decorations when celebrating for the holiday as Easter can be viewed as both a Christian holiday and as a celebration of spring.
  
  

Secular

• The Easter Bunny is the symbolic figure of Easter and is used in celebration by both Christian and non-Christian celebrants alike. Decorate your house with Easter bunny and egg motifs using snow globes, statues and candles. Decorate bathrooms with bunny- or egg-themed hand towels and shaped soaps. Place plastic cling decals to windows if children are present. Place bowls of dyed eggs around the house and as a table centerpiece.
  
  

Spring

• An underlying theme of Easter is the coming of spring, thus the color schemes generally reserved for the holiday are light pastels representative of new growth flowers and soft sun. Flowers, wheel barrows, watering cans and vegetables are all garden icons that can be used to decorate a party for spring.