5 Unique Ways to Celebrate This Holiday Season Beyond Friendsgiving

‘Tis the season to spend time with those you love, and between doting on your new baby or impressing your S.O. and their family, it’s important to allot time for your besties as well. But many of the common holiday activities for friends, such as Friendsgiving or Secret Santa, have become tired. Switch it up this season and start a new tradition by celebrating in one of these unconventional ways.

1. Host a costume party. With costumes being sold at insane discounts post-Halloween, a good ol’ costume party is an inexpensive way to have fun during the winter months. Hey, it doesn’t have to be October for you and your friends to throw together a fab group costume.

2. Make something new. We love a good cookie or pie recipe, but they can start to feel a little redundant. Challenge yourself and your pals by attempting homemade eggnog or candy canes (the web is overflowing with recipes). Add alcohol to the eggnog or try a candy cocktail if you’re looking for some extra spirit this holiday season.

3. Hold a glass pickle hunt. One of our favorite holiday traditions is the glass pickle hunt. Originating in Germany, this centuries-old game involves hiding a pickle ornament in a hard-to-spot place on the tree. The person who finds it first gets an extra present. Try a variation of this concept with your friends, such as all pitching in $15 for a one larger present for the winner rather than purchasing individual gifts for everyone.

4. Create a holiday card. What better time to don your ugliest Christmas sweater than in a holiday card with your friends or roommates? Make it silly or make it genuine — whatever suits your squad’s style. Your mailing (or emailing) list might be small, but it’s much more for the mems.

5. Take a Christmas lights tour. Grab that homemade eggnog (sans booze, of course) and take to the car. No matter if you’re in the suburbs, a city, or a small town, there’s sure to be a street full of gasp-worthy Christmas lights you’ve yet to see. Drive around until you find one — to the tune of holiday music, of course — and hop out for a stroll. You might even find inspiration for your own home’s holiday decor.

Learn how to Light It Up with our tips and DIYs that create new spins on old traditions. We keep the best but tweak the rest so you can have a memorable experience that’s uniquely you.

How do you celebrate the holidays with your friends? Tweet us your traditions @BritandCo!

(Photo via Getty)

My boyfriend and I rang in the new year in Barcelona, arriving NYE night and randomly popping into the most fun tapas bar: Entrepanes Díaz in the L'Eixample district. We ate bombas con carne, tortilla española, and the first of many patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a paprika-rich tomato sauce and aioli, so good!).

I studied Spanish in Seville and Granada after college, so it was comforting to return to Spain and its siesta/tapas lifestyle. Many naps were had to accommodate late nights out. Even in January, the weather in Barcelona was mild and the food was fantastic everywhere. This summer, inspired by our trip, I made my own patatas bravas with a jamón board and tinto de verano, a summery drink of red wine, lemon soda and ice, or sangria's lighter, easier cousin. It was a perfect summer meal and so easy to pull together! Here are 10 recipes to try your own delicious spread inspired by Spain.

Easy Spanish-Inspired Cheese Board

Averie Cooks

There's something about a cheese board that feels like a party, even if it's just the two of you. This Spanish cheese and ham board is ready in minutes and serves as a fun twist to your usual weeknight or girl dinner. (via Averie Cooks)

Seared Tuna with Spanish Manzanilla Olive Tapenade

The Endless Meal

This bite may look super involved and fancy, but it's actually a super simple tapas recipe. Sear some fresh tuna before using it to top cucumber slices that pair with a delicious homemade tapenade. (via The Endless Meal)

Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho with Grilled Bread​

The Original Dish

It's tomato season and I'm so not sad about it. I love this vibrant, refreshing chilled soup that's creamy, tangy, and full of bright flavor. It's perfect for lunch or a surprising start to an entertaining meal. (via The Original Dish)

Spanish Tortilla With Burrata And Herbs

Half Baked Harvest

Tortilla española, or a Spanish omelette, is one of my favorite dishes and I've made it several times. Tieghan Gerard's recipe uses potatoes, eggs, fresh herbs, prosciutto, and burrata, yum! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Gambas al ajillo (Spanish Garlic Shrimp)

A Spicy Perspective

This is another tapas I love to order if it's on the menu. Packed with garlic, arbol chile, and sherry flavor, it's the perfect dish for a light summer meal. Here's the classic Spanish recipe from Curate Tapas Bar in Asheville, North Carolina. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Skillet Grilled Seafood And Chorizo Paella

Half Baked Harvest

I'm still dreaming about the vegetarian paella I ate in Barcelona at Taberna El Viti. It was the best I've ever had. This recipe uses a mix of chicken, chorizo and seafood, but you can leave them out to make a vegetarian version too! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Pan Con Tomate (Tomato Bread)

A Spicy Perspective

This popular snack in Spain often comes free with a glass of wine. It's a great way to enjoy the season's tomatoes with garlic, EVOO, and toasty bread. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Patatas Bravas

Vikalinka

This Spanish recipe is all about the paprika-rich sauce. Traditionally fried, Julia Frey of London-based Vikalinka uses an air fryer for the potatoes while I roasted them in lieu of frying or having an air fryer. Enjoy! (via Vikalinka)

Ham and Manchego Cheese Croquettes Recipe

La Tienda

My BF ordered these at probably every meal. It is a quintessential tapa – crispy on the outside and creamy in the middle with Serrano ham and Manchego cheese from Spain. (via La Tienda)

Baked Churro Chips

Brit + Co

For dessert, buck tradition by making some churros into chips. They’re easy to make in big batches, and they’re even easier to dip into a chocolate sauce, dulce de leche sauce or whipped cream! (via Brit + Co)

Join our newsletter for more recipe ideas, and check out our cooking and baking classes for more inspo!

Lead image via Vikalinka

As soon as we swap our sandals and summer dresses for cozy sweaters, we start getting in the mood to watch Hocus Pocus. The original 1993 film is full of nostalgia, laughs, and impeccable New England fall foliage. After 2022's sequel broke records across the board, we learned that Hocus Pocus 3 in the series is officially in the works. Start planning your group Halloween costume — the holiday's come early!

Will there be a Hocus Pocus 3?

Matt Kennedy/Disney

Yes, Hocus Pocus 3 is in development! In a recent interview with The New York Times, Walt Disney Pictures president Sean Bailey confirmed the three-quel is in development.

When will Hocus Pocus 3 come out?

Matt Kennedy/Disney

We don't have an official release date for Hocus Pocus 3 yet, and Bette Midler recently revealed she hasn't actually seen a script yet. “I haven’t seen the script, but I’ve heard rumblings,” she said. “I think if they’re gonna, they oughta, because time is not just marching, time is barrel-assing to the finish line. Get us while we’re still breathing, I mean, God!”

Where is Hocus Pocus 3 being filmed?

Matt Kennedy/Disney

Hocus Pocus and its sequel were filmed in Salem, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, respectively, so we're expecting Hocus Pocus 3 to be filmed in New England as well!

Who's returning for Hocus Pocus 3?

Matt Kennedy/Disney

We don't have official cast news yet, but we're hoping Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy return as the Sanderson Sisters. "I'd love to have a franchise — especially a character I love playing," Bette tells EW. "If there was a third one, of course I'd sign on, but I don't know how. I can't imagine what the story would be, but I love Winifred, Sarah, Mary, and our relationship. It's good for women."

While we haven't gotten a cast list yet, we do know who's hoping to join the third film: drag star Symone (winner of RuPaul's Drag Race season 13). "I know they're doing [Hocus Pocus] 3, if they want to get my number, my phone box is open," she says in an interview with EW. "I would love to be a witch of some kind...I might be a villain, come into my own little power, have my own little coven. I would love that. Can't you see it?"

Will Thora Birch be in Hocus Pocus 3?

Walt Disney Pictures/Buena Vista Pictures/IMDb

At the NYC premiere of Hocus Pocus 2, screenwriter Jen D’Angelo said she hopes we'll see Max (Omri Katz) and Allison (Vinessa) from the original film again. However, so far, there's no word on whether Thora Birch, Vinessa, or Omri will return.

“We tried so hard to get the original cast back for cameos and then it just kept not working out for one reason or the other,” D’Angelo said, via Variety. “But I’m hoping in Hocus Pocus 3, we’ll see Max and Alison living in California.” We hope so too!

Where can I watch the movie?

Disney+

You can watch both Hocus Pocusand Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+, so it's safe to assume the new film will hit the streaming platform as well.

Was the first Hocus Pocus a flop?

Buena Vista Pictures/Walt Disney Studios

The original Hocus Pocus grossed $8.1 million after its July release, and dropped out of the top ten two weeks later. And since then, it has become a cult classic and fan favorite!

Are the Sanderson sisters real?

Matt Kennedy/Disney

While the Sanderson sisters are fictional, they were inspired by three sisters who were accused of witchcraft in Salem: Rebecca Towne Nurse, Mary Towne Easty, and Sarah Towne Cloyce.

Who are the 3 sisters in Hocus Pocus?

Matt Kennedy/Disney

Winifred (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy), and Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) Sanderson are the three witchy sisters who want to stay young forever by feeding off the children of Salem.

Is there a 4th Sanderson sister?

Matt Kennedy/Disney

Yes, there's a fourth Sanderson sister in the Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel book. In the story, new girl in town Isabella (who also happens to be who Max and Allison's daughter Poppy is crushing on) is a descendant of secret Sanderson sister Elizabeth!

Let us know what you think about Hocus Pocus 3 on Twitter and follow us on Facebook for more breaking movie news!

This post has been updated.

It’s officially time to get your Fourth of July on! Break out the red, white, and blue decorations, get your sparklers ready, and start planning an epic Independence Day menu. Wanna set off some fireworks at your party? Whip up our Patriotic Pavlova for dessert! Read on for the star-spangled recipe.

Chris Andre

Ingredients:

  • 4 egg whites, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract, plus 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries

Chris Andre

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. In a stand mixer, beat egg whites until peaks form. Gradually add 1 cup sugar, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon vanilla, and white vinegar. Beat until meringue is stiff and glossy.

2. Mound meringue mixture onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Shape into an 8- or 9-inch circle. Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes. Turn the oven off and let the meringue cool completely.

3. In a stand mixer, beat heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix to combine. Top the meringue with whipped cream and fresh berries. Enjoy!

Chris Andre

4. Mound meringue mixture onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Shape into an eight or nine-inch circle.

Chris Andre

5. Bake for one hour and 10 minutes. Turn the oven off and let the meringue cool completely.

Chris Andre

6. In a stand mixer, beat heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add one tablespoon sugar and one teaspoon vanilla. Mix to combine. Top the meringue with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Chris Andre

7. Add a few sprigs of fresh mint. How gorgeous is that?!

Chris Andre

You’ll wow all of your Fourth of July party guests with this showstopper.

Chris Andre

Serve dessert with a cool glass of rosé or some Champagne.

Chris Andre

And then take your pavlova to the next level with SPARKLERS!

Chris Andre

Happy Fourth of July!

What are your favorite summer recipes? Let us know on Twitter, and be sure to follow us on Pinterest for more recipes!

Recipe Development and Food Styling: Francesca Bean

Styling: Cassidy Miller

Photography: Chris Andre

I'm always keeping an eye out for any and every kind of update from the Bridgerton cast. From adorable red carpet reunions to the stars who are actually dating IRL, this is one cast that truly loves each other. And that love makes their onscreen interactions even better! While Bridgerton season 3 ended in June, and we probably won't see season 4 until 2026, we did just get a Bridgerton cast reunion that will totally hold us all over until we finally get new episodes.

Nicola Coughlan (who plays Penelope Featherington — er, Bridgerton — on the show) and Hannah Dodd (Francesca Bridgerton) reunited to sit front row at Gucci's Milan Fashion Week show on September 20. "Thank you @sabatods for a beautiful show and a class party after," Nicola said on Instagram, while Hannah added, "@sabatods you are magic. 💛 u @gucci - thank you for a gorgeous trip x."

The two actresses sat beside Daisy Edgar-Jones and Dakota Johnson, and looked stunning in complementary outfits that were totally giving Mary Kate and Ashley.

Hannah rocked a white button down and jeans with pointed-toe heels and a camel-colored bag, while Nicola paired the dreamiest capelet and white button down dress with bejeweled heels. And TBH, this duo has me dreaming about what Bridgerton would look like in 2024!

Netflix

Now that the Ton knows Penelope is Lady Whistledown, she's going to have all kinds of celebrity that would totally score her a front row ticket to fashion week in the present day. And as a former wallflower, I think Penelope sees and understands shy Francesca in a really special way.

Ahead of Bridgerton season 3, Nicola told Brit + Co that she loved seeing Penelope "finding her self-worth — that side of her I really loved getting to play." Hannah also admitted she feels a similar shyness to Francesca amid the buzz of joining the global phenomenon.

"I'm so excited to see what the writers come up with," she saidof Bridgerton's (and Francesca's) future. "I just hope she steps into herself a little bit more and kind of goes after things that make her happy, and knows that she's deserving of that. But I'm new here. So, like anything they give me, I'm gonna be happy with."

I can't wait to see how these characters continue to grow and evolve, and I hope we get another Bridgerton reunion soon!

Tell us your favorite Bridgerton cast moment in the comments and check out our interview with the cast!

Party plans at the 11th hour? We've got you covered with last-minute Halloween snacks that are easy to throw together! Spooky Halloween cookies call for tons of creativity, while make-ahead recipes require actually knowing that you're going to a party in the first place. While finding a last-minute costume that doesn't make your plan to stay in and watchHalloween movies alone in your jammies too obvious, cooking or baking a mysterious masterpiece seems out of the question – but it's not! Ahead, find some of the best last-minute Halloween snacks that are JUST the right amount of spooky.

Brit + Co

Monster Avocado Toasts

If you want to celebrate Halloween without eating a ton of junk, try our avocado toast faces. It's the perfect start to Halloween morning — before the Halloween partyprep begins! (via Brit + Co.)

Brit + Co

Deviled Egg Brains

These savory snack bites totally give us the creepy crawlies! Trust us, they're still yummy, though. (via Brit + Co.)

Brit + Co

Spider Halloween Cookies

These sweet spideys should only take you about 40 minutes to finish! Once they're cooled, you'll be all set for your Halloween get-together. (via Brit + Co.)

Brit + Co

Mummy Pizzas

These mummified pizza pies are made easy with store-bought ciabatta bread and some hearty toppings. (via Brit + Co.)

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

The decorated pumpkin faces on these seasonal-flavored cookies provide the perfect amount of spooky! (via Brit + Co.)

Half Baked Harvest

Roasted Pumpkin Seed Hummus

Homemade hummus is SO much better than the store-bought stuff — and it's easy to make. In less than 30 minutes, you'll be ready to rock with a bright orange Halloween hummus. (Half Baked Harvest)

Chelsea's Messy Apron

Mummy Milanos

When you're in a pinch, there's nothing wrong with ripping open a bag of cookies and adding your own spooky twist. This recipe turns Milanos into mummies with the help of some melted white chocolate. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Chopstick Chronicles

Sushi Balls, Halloween Style

We know what you're thinking — sushi isn't exactly easy to create — but hear us out. These eerie sushi balls are way easier to put together than sushi rolls and require a lot less skill and equipment. It's also mess-free! (via Chopstick Chronicles)

Gimme Some Oven

Brownie Spiders

These little cuties are the perfect last-minute snack to put together if you're less into gory-ness and more into adorably-ness. Feeling iffy over the commitment of baking? Don't sweat it — these are done in 35 minutes. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Simply Sated

Witch Finger Pretzels

As far as quick and simple snacks go, you can't compete with dipping already delicious pretzels into already delicious chocolate. The best part of these treats is that they come out look gruesome and amazing. (via Simply Sated)

A Spicy Perspective

Halloween Fruit Skewers

A healthy-ish treat, these fruit skewers get a little bit of Halloween when a few pieces of candy are in the mix. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Food Fanatic

Deviled Egg Eyeballs

Deviled eggs sound perfect for Halloween on their own. When you add a healthy helping of beet puree to the mix, this wholesome snack hits a whole new level of creepy, or take a different route by making spider web deviled eggs. (via Food Fanatic)

Well Plated

Graveyard Chocolate Cheesecake Dip

Having to whip up a themed snack at the last minute is a grave situation. It's a good thing THIS grave, topped with crunchy cookie dirt, only takes 20 minutes to put together. (via Well Plated)

Mitzy At Home

White Chocolate Ghosts and Mummies

It's hard to find anything cuter than ghost-themed desserts; it's those little eyes. These sweet boos are easy to make and need to chill for 30 minutes, so you can place them in the fridge while you get ready. (Mitzy At Home)

Baking Beauty

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

The flavors of cream cheese and sharp cheddar are scary good together. Also, you basically get to dunk chips into chips, so it's near impossible to disappoint a crowd with a snack like this. Did we mention it only takes 20 minutes to make? (via Baking Beauty)

Damn Delicious

Mummy Hot Dogs

Hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls are fantastic any time of the year, but we're especially in love with them on Halloween. Wrapped up to look like mummies, these bites are great for adult and kid parties alike. (via Damn Delicious)

The Miniature Moose

Sweet and Salty Halloween Snack Mix

With no cooking required, this halloween snack is all ease and no fuss; just toss some sweet and savory snacks together and you're good to go. The frightening part is that they're incredibly addicting, so beware. (via The Miniature Moose)

A Zesty Bite

Oreo Spider Web Cookies

We're confident that Oreos are loved universally, so there is no way to go wrong with this snack because it is SO right. The best way to wash these spiders out? A tall glass of cold milk, of course. (via A Zesty Bite)

Stacey Homemaker

Halloween Graveyard Pizza

When doom hits, nothing saves the day quite like pizza; pizza fixes everything. In under 30 minutes, you too can save the day with this cheesy pizza — complete with eyeballs and tongues. (via Stacey Homemaker)

Chelsea's Messy Apron

Easy Spider Oreo Balls

If you're after that beloved Oreo flavor, but want to jazz things up in a most spine-chilling way, these spider Oreo balls will do the trick. In 30 minutes you can have these sweet and spooky critters on a platter, ready to go. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Half Baked Harvest

Black Widow Peanut Butter Bars

Salty, sweet, and easier than you'd think, these peanut butter bars are made with pantry staples and candy. (via Half Baked Harvest)

A Spicy Perspective

Halloween Popcorn Mix

Coat dry, salted popcorn with a purple melted candy coating and add sprinkles and your favorite Halloween candy to make this snack mix. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Amanda Wilens

Halloween Rice Krispy Treats

Rice Krispy treats get a Halloween twist when you add festive sprinkles and a few eyeballs to mix. (via Amanda Wilens)

Salt & Lavender

Halloween Puppy Chow

Chocolate, peanut butter, and plenty of Halloween sprinkles give new life to Chex cereal, and it only takes 15 minutes to make. (via Salt & Lavender)

Halloween snacks are not only tasty, but they're fun to make, share and eat! With Halloween just around the corner, we're sure these spooky snacks will win over every guest at your Halloween bash!

For more spooky Halloween snack ideas + treats, check us out on Pinterest!

This article has been updated from a previous post with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.