14 DIY Holiday Cards to Spread *All* the Holiday Cheer

Katelyn Chef
Dec 16, 2016

With Christmas decor decking your halls, you’re starting to get the itch to sound out your season’s greetings IRL. During the holidays, a festive email or cutesy text won’t do. Instead, break out the scissors and glue to DIY a few heartfelt cards to send via snail mail. As far as holiday DIYs go, these cards will definitely have your family and friends feeling jolly! Scroll on and get crafting — the post office gets a bit crazy this time of year.

1. Printable Santa DIY Holiday Card: Send seasonal messages with one of the season’s jolliest characters, St. Nicholas. You’ll recall from tales as a tot that Santa had cheery colored cheeks and a fluffy white beard. Be imaginative when making St. Nick come to life on your holiday card. (via HGTV)

2. Christmas Cocoa Card Holder DIY: Sending a Christmas card with good wishes is nice, but when the card contains something special inside, it seems so much sweeter. Craft a holiday card to look like a delicious drink and tuck in a gift card for good measure. This just might be the merriest card of all. (via Damask Love)

3. Gingerbread Card DIY: Send a card that is sweet to look at, but even yummier to bite into once it’s opened. Who wouldn’t want to receive an edible gingerbread house in the mail? (via One Charming Party)

4. Personalized Sprig Card DIY: Sometimes, less is more. With a simple sprig-adorned card, you’ll capture the season perfectly. Attach holly, rosemary, pine or other woodsy elements to white card stock, and complete the look by writing your greeting. So simple, yet so chic. (via Spoon Fork Bacon)

5. Studio DIY 2016 December Daily Mini Kit ($20): The traditional well wishes are always appreciated, but fun sayings like ”Happy Holla Days” and ”Up to Snow Good” keep it light and fresh. Studio DIY is always up with what’s trending, and now you can be too with this fun DIY pack.

6. Gold Foil Edged Notecards DIY: Red and green are the expected colors of Christmas, but bright, vivid gem tones are a great way to liven up someone’s mantle or fridge. Add touches of gold to neon envelopes for a luxe holiday feel. (via Damask Love)

7. Printable Holiday Ornament Tree Card DIY: Okay, this DIY is actually to make 3D Christmas ornaments, but they are so cute that they can work double duty as a holiday card too. After following the instructions, pen your wishes on one of the tree’s sides with a pretty, sparkly pen. (via Oh Happy Day)

8. Confetti Pocket Greeting Card DIY: No matter the season, there is always a reason to have confetti. DIY a pocket confetti card as a no-brainer way to wish your friends a happy new year. (via Lauren Conrad)

9. Merry Christmas French Fry Inspired Card DIY: Wish your home fries a merry one with the ultimate holiday card inspired by an order of small fries. Just don’t leave ’em hungry — throw in a gift card for IRL fries at their favorite place. (via Studio DIY)

10. Sequin Holiday Card DIY: Sequins are in abundance now through New Year’s Eve. Send some sparkle to your next of kin with a flashy holiday card. (via Kristina Werner)

11. Gift Card Holder Printable: Mailing a gift card was never so easy or stylish. You’ll have everyone on your list covered with this colorful (and cheerful) printable. (via Damask Love)

12. Photo Holiday Cards: Glitter and glue are go-to items for card making, but adding a picture of you and the family is also a welcomed touch. Whether you decide to create your own photo card or have it made elsewhere, there are no limitations on how to style your holiday portrait. Fun colors like the one pictured above are refreshingly merry. (via The House That Lars Built)

13. Pipe Cleaner Christmas Cards DIY: Use found objects around your home to make joyful cards. A little snip of a pipe cleaner makes the design options seem endless. The pink and silver candy cane definitely take the Christmas cake. (via Martha Stewart Living)

14. Joyeux Christmas Card DIY: Now you’re just getting fancy using French words to wish all a Merry Christmas. Let fancy go formal and use these as place card settings for your big holiday dinner party. The copper-edged touch takes the card from merry to magnifique! (via BLDG 25)

Planning on doing some more Christmas card DIYing? Follow us on Pinterest to get more inspirational ideas.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Send Good Vibes With Our New Collection Of Greeting Cards!

Moonpig
Greeting Cards

Our new collection of greeting cards is here, and we're so excited to share it with you! We partnered with Moonpig to design an 11-card collection in B+C’s signature style. Moonpig allows you to personalize greeting cards and will mail them for you!

Joy, Love, Cake Card

We worked with our in-house team to capture life’s special moments, from big birthdays to new homes to warm holiday wishes. Send them to family and friends and spread the love and joy this season. Right now you can snag a free card with code BRITCOFREE. Here’s a sneak peek!

Gratitude Card

Moonpig lets you write your own personal message – you can even use your own handwritten copy! Just submit a sample of your handwriting and type away. You can have the cards sent to you to mail out personally, or they’ll do it for you.

Firework Photo Card

You can add personal photos on the outside or inside, as well as video and audio messages (via QR code). Your friends and family will love seeing and hearing you from afar.

Shop the Whole Collection

Happy Birthday Card

Choose from a variety of designs, colors, and messages to find the perfect card for your friends and loved ones. Moonpig cards cost less than a regular card (sweet!), and you can add a gift card from a bunch of popular retailers like Sephora, Nordstrom, and Uber Eats.

Shop the Whole Collection

New House Card

Celebrate the milestones, big and small. From new homes to new jobs, there’s always a good reason to reach out to family and friends and connect in a meaningful way. Share those special moments with a thoughtful card that will absolutely make their day.

Merry Era Card

The holidays are just a couple zodiac seasons away! We have a selection of holiday greeting cards that we designed specifically for our B+C followers – and well, that we love too!

Candy Cane Card

Have a reason to celebrate with a group? You can have friends and family sign your card by creating a Group Card.

Shop the Whole Collection

Our beautiful new designs are ready to spread holiday cheer! Use promo code BRITCOFREE to get a free greeting card today.

Warm Wishes Card

Love And Happiness Card

Moonpig has Extra Large Cards too. Surprise your birthday loves on their special day with an extra large card that says all the things you love about them.

Check out the complete B+C x Moonpig greeting card collection. New customers can use code BRITCOFREE to spread love and joy to friends and family today!


Photography by Nicole Hill Gerulat

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The McDonald’s Milkshake Hack We Wish We Knew About Sooner

I’ve seen (and indulged in) so many food trends in my day, and at this point, it can take a lot to really impress me. That being said, there’s one simple hack on the rise right now that truly has me in a chokehold – people have started adding matcha to their McDonald’s milkshakes, and it’s totally transformed how I see mass-produced milkshakes from here on out.

Scroll on to discover the viral milkshake hack that’ll have your matcha cravings running wild!

Nataliya Vaitkevich / PEXELS

As a certified matcha freak (yeah, I said it), I've been disappointed at the lack of matcha offerings amongst fast food giants like McDonald's, Wendy’s, In-N-Out, and more. Of course, Starbucks and Dunkin’ scoop out matcha on the daily, but it never comes in true dessert form!

@eatsbyrachel

That’s where this viral milkshake hack comes in – foodies have been pulling up to the drive-thru with their own doses of matcha prepped and ready, then adding it to vanilla or even strawberry milkshakes. Oh, yum! The matcha turns the frozen treats a gorgeous green color, and of course, gently caffeinates each sip.

Matheus Henrin / PEXELS

I think any theoretical matcha dessert offering from popular destinations like McDonald’s or In-N-Out would surely see an up-charge if the chains were adding in the green powder themselves, so I’m also stoked about this new method from the perspective of affordability.

Anna Pou / PEXELS

This hack also presents those who are not yet totally sold on matcha (um, how?!) with an accessible way to enjoy the powdered green tea blend. Matcha drinks have an infamous reputation for tasting either too grassy or too bitter (or both), so mixing it into a milkshake sweetens up each sip to the point that it doesn’t taste at all like a traditional latte – but a full-on dessert!

Taylor Musser / Dupe

You can apply this super easy food hack to just about any milkshake from any chain that sells milkshakes like McDonald’s, Wendy’s (need me a Frosty, stat), In-N-Out, Dairy Queen, Sonic, and more. I suggest you pick your favorite place and try it out ASAP!

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20+ Gorgeous Stationery Ideas For Your Holiday Cards

We love an old-fashioned handwritten note, especially one with a heartwarming holiday message. While some may be in favor of sending generic greetings, we love artful, stunning stationery designs that showcase a holiday aesthetic and let us do the talking. These 20+ picks for your holiday cards cover all kinds of celebrations, from Kwanzaa to the winter solstice. They also offer ample space to do a little writing (whether by hand or in print), and — of course — they're all really pretty. Here's what we're eyeing up this season.

Paige & Willow Cup of Cheer Card ($6)

All the ingredients for a delicious hot cocoa, plus knowing we're supporting a small woman-owned business? Yes, please.

Rifle Paper Co. Twelve Tribes Card ($24 for 8)

With stunning imagery and a hand-sketched aesthetic, this Hanukkah card is one everyone will remember.

George & Viv Holiday Boxed Notecard Set ($28 for 16)

A cute mix-and-match of festive notecards and envelopes brings a smile to our face, and is sure to bring one to every recipient's as well.

Papier Christmas Taxi Card ($24 for 10)

If "Silver Bells" is one of your favorite holiday tunes, this adorable urban landscape card is probably calling your name.

Hustle & Hope It's Lit Christmas Card ($6)

This cheery and colorful take on holiday cards is exactly why we love looking outside of mainstream retailers for our stationery needs.

Anthropologie Christmas At Home Boxed Card Set ($18 for 8)

...but on the other hand, stores like Anthro have a reputation for aesthetic excellence, and this boxed card set is a perfect example of why.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Hanukkah Menorah Holiday Cards ($22 for 15)

Your buying options aren't just trendy stores and independent sellers: The Met offers its own holiday cards, and we're loving this artful menorah stationery.

Rifle Paper Co. Tinsel Tree Card ($24 for 8)

Pro tip: Deck the halls with all the holiday cards you receive each year — or, all the cards you've sent in years past. This colorful pick will look great adorning your mantle.

Everglow Holiday Wish Card ($22 for 8)

Subtle and beautiful, the neutral color scheme of this card is like pampas grass in stationery form.

Jenni Bick Joyous Kwanzaa Holiday Card ($17 for 8)

This bold and modern print is just as warm as the cheer you'll be spreading with this Kwanzaa card.

minted. Woodland Wonderland Holiday Cards ($71 for 25)

We're always fans of designs that involve cute animals doing adorable things.

Solstice Holiday Card ($2)

If you're celebrating the solstice this year, this calming watercolor print showcases the spirit of the season beautifully.

Papier Starry Lights Card ($24 for 10)

Keep things light and bright with a card that'll take recipients' breath away, just like IRL Christmas lights.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Avian Holiday Cards ($22 for 15)

Another gorgeous option from the Met, this holiday design featuring birds, leaves, and a lit-up Christmas tree is for lovers of color only.

minted. Scandinavian Folk Card ($71 for 25)

If you're all about the Scandi holiday decor, we've found the perfect stationery for you and yours.

Rifle Paper Co. Hawthorne Holiday Greeting Card ($24 for 8)

Botanical, muted, and playful, this holiday card is everything you could want in an aesthetic.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Spirit of the Season Holiday Cards ($22 for 15)

Speaking of beautiful aesthetics, it doesn't get much more cottagecore than this adorable woodland card.

Paige & Willow Toast New Year Card ($5)

Cheers to this card, which is perfect for those who are excited to wrap up 2022 and move into the new year with joy.

Paper Culture Woodsy Friends Card ($50 for 50)

More about the fall vibes than the winter ones? Tell your loved ones you're thinking about them with this autumnal-inspired design that flows perfectly into December.

Snowy Owl Christmas Card ($20 for 10)

Another great winter solstice option, this breathtaking, painterly card features a snowy owl under a starry sky.

Paper Culture Fox Winter Scene Card ($13 for 10, was $26)

Frolic through the holiday season with this happy little fox-adorned holiday card.

Love these stationery ideas for your holiday cards? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more inspo!

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This ACOTAR Book 6 Theory Would Change Elain's Destiny — & BookTok's Obsessed

Sarah J. Maas is keeping readers in the dark about ACOTAR book 6 book 6, but that hasn't stopped fans from sharing elaborate theories about its plot! Our favorite ones revolve around Feyre's middle sister Elain and her overdue POV. For five books, we've watched her live in the shadows of her sister even after being thrown into a cauldron by the despicable King Hybern. She's only shared glimpses of her personality, but that's nothing compared to what readers feels she deserves.

Here's what BookTok thinks about ACOTAR book 6 being the moment we see Elain step into her power or worse

The first theory that stands out is one TikTok user @savannahlueckk shared in this video. Her caption says, "i have a theory that everyone is going to switch up on her and love her all the sudden lmao," in regards to Elain. I don't think anyone truly doubts where she's loved, but it's clear they're not allowing her to come into her own either. From there, the text overlay on the video compares Elain to "Rapunzel," calling out how she's been "sheltered and underestimated by everyone around her."

The first comment on the video says, "She is going to be a whole different person once we get her POV and I can’t wait" while the second comment refers to Frozen 2's song "Into the Unknown." "...just her hearing voices and getting frustrated with them and what they mean as well and learning to embrace her seer powers," user @emlechoppaa wrote.

Another theory by @thundernoblechristine refers to Elain's naturally extroverted personality and how she's currently dealing with everything she's experienced. She says, "Elain is unique in that out of all three of these sisters, she is the most extroverted and she clearly likes making friends...So it makes perfect sense to explore Elain's story as someone who processes trauma and gets to know people differently than Nesta and Feyre."

Only one comment mentioned Elain's potential mate which is great! @imaginedrealism wrote, "As goofy as it sounds, I want Elian with none of the people she is shipped with. She deserves someone totally normal not apart of the Far royalty drama, & it would be more interesting to see..."

But, we're not above leaning into the "Elain and Azriel Endgame theory. Tiktok user @abi.reads2 made her own video about why she thinks Elain and Azriel are meant to be together. She starts off reading a passage from A Court of Mist and Fury before revealing there's a point where the book left by the queen mentions "sing me." @abi.reads2 then points out that Azriel is a "shadowsinger," meaning he's able to detect things most people are unable to.

But @Shelbyaj319 has other thoughts. "I think Elain will manipulate them [Lucien and Azriel] into a blood duel or died or whatever and start a war. I think she’s the villain. She should have already denied the bond [with Lucien] by now yet hasn’t," she says.

There's so many different theories that could be right, but only Sarah J. Maas knows how ACOTAR book 6 will end!

Follow us on Facebook for more updates!

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12 Quick & Easy Green Pasta Recipes To Make For St. Patrick's Day

Pasta makes one of the most delicious meals on the planet, and green pasta dishes allow you to skip the excess cheese and butter to indulge without wreaking havoc on your stomach. Stay on track with your health and fitness goals(plus satisfy your cravings) by throwing a ton of vegetables in there! Additionally, these green pasta recipes are a festive way to celebrate St. Patty's Day with food.

Here are 12 of our favorite quick and easy green pasta dishes to chow down on!

Creamy Avocado Pasta

Brit + Co

This hearty green pasta recipe is chock-full of healthy fats, thanks to the addition of avocado. Plus, it just looks gorgeous! (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Green Goddess Pasta

Blissful Basil

When you've got a big bowl o' noodles in front of you, you hardly need animal products for flavor. That's why we love this super-delicious vegan green goddess pasta! Spoiler alert: the secret to making this super cheesy dish is none other than nutritional yeast. (via Blissful Basil)

Creamy Avocado & Spinach Green Noodles

Jo Cooks

If you haven't jumped on board the creamy avocado and spinach pasta train yet, you're missing out. Ripe avos add creaminess and flavor to your noodles in a similar way to olive oil and butter. But, obviously, they're incredibly healthy and full of nutrients. (via Jo Cooks)

BLT Pasta Salad

Life in the Lofthouse

Speaking of pasta salads – why not combine the flavors of everyone's favorite sandwich with this BLT pasta dish? This super yummy version is made with tomatoes, romaine lettuce, bacon, ranch dressing, and barbecue sauce for a decidedly un-salady salad. (via Life in the Lofthouse)

Vegan Spinach Pici Pasta

The Edgy Veg

This delicious dish is sneaky when it comes to adding in veggies and nutrients – the sauce is secretly loaded up with spinach, though the flavor is masked excellently by garlic and vegan cheese. (via The Edgy Veg)

Green Goddess Zucchini Pasta with Fried Halloumi

Half Baked Harvest

Halloumi is a delicious, hearty cheese that makes for a fantastic meat substitute… especially in green pasta dishes. This tasty recipe requires only a few steps: Cook your pasta, fry your cheese, sauté your veggies, and then combine for ultimate yumminess. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Broccoli Tahini Pasta Salad

Love & Lemons

Broccoli is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables out there, boasting large amounts of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin E, manganese, vitamin B1, potassium, and vitamin A. Pro tip: to ensure your broccoli doesn't lose nutrients in the cooking process, be sure to steam it rather than boil it. (via Love & Lemons)

Green Pesto Vegetable Soup

Well and Full

Bowtie pasta is a delightful addition to this healthful, pesto-based soup. Flavorful and herbaceous, this concoction is flavored with a ton of herbs and spices, including cilantro, basil, parsley, and coriander. (via Well and Full)

Pasta with Green Beans & Pesto

Skinny Ms.

This hearty green pasta dish is full of plant-based protein from green beans. Yep, they're actually a very high-protein vegetable and perfect for adding into pastas! Pro tip: to make sure you don't overcook your penne, pour cold water over the pasta after it's done cooking. This will prevent further cooking due to steam. (via Skinny Ms.)

Green Goddess Pasta

The Endless Meal

Top this hearty dish with whatever protein you please. Salmon is a super-healthy choice, but vegans can eat this completely as-is. Bonus health points if you make it with whole-wheat noodles! (via The Endless Meal)

Green Goddess Mac & Cheese

Simply Recipes

Mac and cheese is a perennial guilty pleasure, but there's no need to feel guilty about indulging every once in a while, especially when you're simultaneously indulging in baby spinach and parsley! (via Simply Recipes)

The Best Avocado Pasta

Gimme Delicious

Here's another avocado pasta sauce for you to try out! Be sure to select extra-ripe avocados when you're making this kind of green pasta sauce. If they're not ripe, you won't end up with the creamy consistency that makes it absolutely ahh-mazing. (via Gimme Delicious)

If you enjoy these green pasta dishes, make sure to follow us on Pinterest and join our newsletterfor more mouthwatering recipes!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
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