As we embrace 2025, outdoor spaces have truly become extensions of our indoor living areas. Here are the top trends transforming backyards this summer:​

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Designs: Homeowners are prioritizing sustainability by incorporating recycled materials and drought-resistant plants into their outdoor spaces. This not only benefits the environment but also reduces maintenance costs. ​

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Integration: The line between indoor and outdoor living is blurring. Features like oversized sliding doors and consistent flooring materials create a harmonious flow between spaces. ​

Advanced Outdoor Kitchens: Beyond the traditional grill, outdoor kitchens now boast pizza ovens, refrigerators, and even dishwashers, making alfresco dining more convenient and enjoyable. ​

Smart Outdoor Technology: From app-controlled lighting to automated irrigation systems, technology is enhancing the functionality and ambiance of outdoor areas. ​

Neutral and Earthy Tones: Color palettes featuring warm taupes, terracotta, and olive greens are dominating outdoor designs, creating serene and inviting atmospheres. 

Considering an outdoor upgrade? Let’s find you a home with the perfect space to enjoy these trends!

Easter Events & Activities:
Select Days: River Fox Train Easter Egg Express
Select Days: Sacramento Easter River Cruise
April 6: Easter Egg Hunt at Wolfe Heights
April 6: Spring Festival at Southgate Plaza
April 12: Eggs Galore & More + Bunny Breakfast
April 12: Arden Manor’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt
April 12: Hoppin’ & Huntin’ at Hagan
April 12: E2 Easter Egg Hunt in Elk Grove
April 12: Spring Soiree Craft Market in Roseville
April 12: Easter Egg Hunt in Rocklin
April 13: Spring Arts & Crafts Fair in Old Folsom
April 19: Underwater Egg Hunt
April 19: Easter Egg-Stravaganza at Fair Oaks Park
April 19: El Dorado Hills Easter Egg Hunt
April 19: Arden Park Easter Eggstravaganza
April 19: Old Sugar Mill Easter Egg Hunt
April 19: Easter Blast at Swanston Community Center
April 19: Easter in the Park – Downtown Sacramento
April 19: Always Hope Easter Run 5k/10k/13.1
April 19: Spring Hop & Egg Hunt by Fountains at Roseville
April 19-20: Spring Egg-Stravaganza at Fairytale Town
April 20: Hack the Farm 2025 Steam Infused Easter Egg Hunt

Spring Sports Schedule:
A’s Schedule
River Cats Schedule
Sac Republic Schedule

Other April Happenings:

Spring Fling Cocktails:

• Lemon & Lavender Spritz: A refreshing, floral-infused cocktail that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
• Peach Bellini: Sweet, fizzy, and perfect for toasting to spring!
• Cottontail Martini: Made with vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and a dash of heavy cream, it’s a creamy, indulgent treat that’ll make your brunch extra decadent.
• Easter Egg Fizz:  This effervescent cocktail combines gin, simple syrup, one fresh egg yolk, and lemon juice, topped with a splash of club soda. Garnish with pastel-colored edible flowers.
• Carrot Cake Martini: This indulgent cocktail features carrot juice, vanilla vodka, butterscotch schnapps, and a splash of cream liquor. Rim the glass with crushed nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Easter Sunrise Margarita: Bring the colors of a sunrise to your party! Layer tequila, grapefruit and tangerine juice, triple sec, and orange blossom water for a visually striking cocktail.
• Easter Brunch Punch (Mocktail): This vibrant, non-alcoholic punch is a perfect addition to your brunch. Packed with citrus and berry flavors, it’s light, refreshing, and delicious!

Mouthwatering Mains & Sides:

• Spring Vegetable Frittata: Packed with fresh greens and herbs, this dish is light yet satisfying.
• Smoked Salmon Crostini: A simple yet sophisticated bite for brunching in style.
• Deviled Egg Chicks: Classic deviled eggs with a fun Easter twist!
• Grilled Asparagus with Lemon & Parmesan: Because no spring spread is complete without asparagus!
• Skillet Roasted Carrots: These skillet-roasted carrots are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy with honey and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
• Spring Salad with Berries & Bacon: This bright salad is perfect to offer as a lighter option alongside your heavier side dishes. The bite of the red wine vinegar and feta cheese cuts through all the richness.
• Hash Brown Nests: With crispy hashbrowns, cheesy eggs, and crumbled bacon, what’s not to love?
• Lemon Orzo Pasta: This Lemon Orzo Salad is made with fresh tomatoes, zucchini and basil, and the lemons make it light and refreshing.
• Easter Charcuterie Board: A festive and fun way to serve up a variety of Easter goodies, from cheeses to fresh fruits, and even some sweet treats.

Sweet Treats to Impress:

• Carrot Cake Cupcakes: Mini but mighty, these spiced cakes with cream cheese frosting are always a hit.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf: Bright, citrusy, and the perfect companion to your morning coffee.
• Lemon Blueberry Cheesecakes: A bite-sized indulgence that feels light and springy.
• Peanut Butter Easter Eggs: A sweet, creamy treat with a peanut butter filling covered in chocolate.
• Bunny Bark: A fun and colorful dessert made with chocolate, sprinkles, and candy for a playful Easter snack.
• Birds Nest Cookies: Adorable and delicious, these treats are filled with chocolate and topped with candy eggs to resemble little nests.
• Cinnamon Roll Bunnies: Soft, sweet cinnamon rolls shaped like bunnies.
• Easter Egg Sugar Cookies: Festively decorated sugar cookies in the shape of colorful Easter eggs.
• Bunny Oreo Balls: A fun and easy-to-make treat that combines Oreos and cream cheese, shaped like bunnies for an adorable addition to your Easter dessert table.
• Easter Rice Krispie Treats: Classic Rice Krispie treats with a spring twist, made festive with pastel-colored marshmallows and candy.

Carrot Floral Centerpiece:
This gorgeous carrot centerpiece is a fun and fresh way to bring a pop of color and charm to your Easter table. Perfect for showcasing the season’s vibrant hues!

Mix & Match Pastels:
Soft pinks, blues, and yellows add a fresh and cheerful vibe. Pair pastel plates with neutral linens for a balanced look. Anthropologie offers a gorgeous selection of pastel-hued dinnerware, perfect for the season. Hobby Lobby also has a range of affordable spring dinnerware sets.

Egg-stra Special Touches:
Scatter gold foiled or speckled eggs across the table, use bunny-shaped place card holders, or tuck a mini chocolate egg into each bunny-shaped napkin fold.

Warm Glow:
Place a few taper candles or tea light candles in delicate holders to add a soft, inviting ambiance. For a unique touch, these velvet mushrooms can serve as whimsical candle companions.

Easter Brunch-Ready:
Don’t forget to set out a mimosa station or a DIY hot cross bun platter to keep the celebration going! Serve them on cabbageware-inspired plates to embrace the latest tablescaping trend.

Best Easter Brunch Spots:
Looking for the perfect place to brunch? These local favorites serve up delicious Easter Brunch Menus. Just be sure to make reservations in advance, as these venues tend to fill up quickly during the Easter season!

• Paragary’s Easter Brunch: Celebrate Easter at Paragary’s in Midtown Sacramento with a prix-fixe menu featuring dishes like smoked salmon, Dungeness crab cakes, and beet ravioli, all set in a lush garden patio. Available from 9 am to 3 pm. View their Easter Brunch Menu here.
• Grand Island Mansion:
Just 30 minutes outside Sacramento, enjoy a Champagne Brunch on April 20th from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at this historic mansion. The buffet includes gourmet dishes like Shiitake Mushroom Crepes and Italian Toast with Toasted Almonds. Preview their full Easter Menu here.
• Capitol Garage: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Capitol Garage offers an Easter brunch from 9 am to 3 pm with a variety of dishes from its weekend brunch menu along with $18 bottomless mimosas with the purchase of an entrée.
• The Firehouse Restaurant:
Nestled in Old Sacramento, The Firehouse offers a three-course Easter brunch from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm on April 20th, with dishes like Classic Eggs Benedict and Pistachio-Raspberry Cheesecake. Explore their Easter Menu here.

Farmers’ Market Finds:
Whether you’re preparing for your Easter brunch or looking to brighten up your table with seasonal blooms, Sacramento’s farmers’ markets offer a variety of local delights. Check out these local markets for everything you need for your Easter prep: Sacramento Farmers’ Markets.

Easter Treats & Gifts:
Need a beautifully curated Easter basket? These local shops offer the best chocolates, baked goods, and festive goodies:

• Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates: Handcrafted chocolates, including decorated bunnies and truffles, perfect for Easter gifts or indulging yourself.
• Capital Confections: Gourmet chocolates, including hand-dipped eggs and seasonal treats, perfect for Easter baskets.
• Estelle’s Patisserie: Elegant Easter macarons, cakes, and pastries that add a special touch to your celebration.

Spring is officially in full bloom! And what better way to welcome the new season than by adding some fresh flowers to your garden? Spring is the perfect time to bring color and life to your outdoor spaces. Here are some easy-to-plant flowers that thrive in the Sacramento area:

1. Tulips

These vibrant flowers are a spring classic! Plant them in well-drained soil, and they’ll bloom in a variety of stunning colors, adding a cheerful touch to your garden or pots.

2. Daisies

Cheerful daisies are low-maintenance and perfect for beginners. They thrive in full sun and can brighten up any space with their white petals and yellow centers.

3. California Poppies

As the state flower, California poppies are not only beautiful but also drought-tolerant. Their vibrant orange blooms will bring a splash of color to your garden, and they are easy to grow from seed.

4. Marigolds

These hardy flowers are great for both gardens and containers. Marigolds thrive in sunny spots and help repel pests, making them a practical choice for your spring planting.

5. Roses

Classic and timeless, roses are a favorite for many gardeners. Choose disease-resistant varieties for the best results, and enjoy their beautiful blooms and lovely fragrance throughout the season.

Adding a little greenery can brighten up any space. What’s your go-to flower to plant this time of year? Drop your favorite in the comments!

Pro Tip: Want to bring some of that fresh, clean air indoors? Add a spider plant! Did you know that a spider plant can absorb up to 95% of the chemicals (like formaldehyde and mold spores) from the air in your home in just 24 hours? One spider plant can purify up to 200 sq. ft., making it a natural air freshener.