Families Can't Contain Their 'Egg-Citement' at Easter

OCALA, Fla., March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The tradition of decorating eggs began more than 5,000 years ago. Persians first began using colored eggs to celebrate spring in 3,000 B.C.

Today, egg decorating is a favorite family activity. A majority agree that the Easter holiday just wouldn't be the same without decorating and hunting for Easter eggs (65%) -- and the enthusiasm is even higher among parents (77%)! A new survey by PAAS -- the egg decorating authority for the past 128 years -- reveals the many ways people plan to express themselves this year.

According to survey, the average egg decorator planning to decorate or dye eggs this year will be trimming more than a dozen -- a whopping 17 in fact!

Teal is poised to take on last year's favorite, purple, as 2008's most fashionable Easter egg color, say the experts at PAAS. Teal's vibrant hue reminiscent of sky and water is already making waves in fashion and home design, as revealed in the Color Marketing Group's "Hot Color Trends for 2008" report.

Extras are another hot trend according to the survey; nearly nine in ten consumers (87%) want to embellish their eggs beyond traditional dye this year. They'll be taking their eggs to the edge with paint (54%), stickers (48%) and glitter (45%).

Seventeen percent of respondents who have ever decorated an Easter egg consider themselves "detailed decorators." Many admit, however, that they could still use some help with the basics: one in three (33%) rate their skill level at no better than average.

The following tips from PAAS will help take some of the guesswork out of this cherished American tradition:

For perfect hard cooked eggs, arrange in a single layer at the bottom of a saucepan, add water to at least 1" above eggs, bring to a boil, and immediately remove from heat.

Let stand, covered, for 15 minutes (for large eggs). Run under cold water until cooled.

Wash your hands in hot soapy water before and after handling eggs. This protects from bacteria on the eggs, and protects the eggs from oils on the hands that could prevent dye from adhering.

Apply shaped stickers, rubber bands and wax crayons to eggs before dyeing for fun silhouettes. Wait until the eggs dry completely before removing.

Kids don't have to be highly creative to make an "egg-ceptional" egg. PAAS decorating kits including extras like "magic crayons," stickers and beads help kids use their imagination to create cool looking eggs.

For more crafty ideas, fun Easter games, Easter egg trivia and more, visit the PAAS Web site at http://www.paaseastereggs.com .