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I love hosting and making my guests feel at home. And living in a tourist destination (Sonoma wine country) means I get a lot of them — especially as the weather warms up. Over time, I’ve learned that creating a warm, welcoming space doesn’t have to mean stress or all-day prep. Guests only seem to notice a few key things, not whether you color-coded your bookshelf or spring cleaned your closets. Whether it’s a casual dinner party or an overnight stay, these simple steps make a big difference before guests arrive.
Here are six things you should always do before guests arrive.
Do a Quick Clutter Sweep
You don’t need to deep-clean — just focus on visible clutter. Clear off countertops, coffee tables, and entryways. Short on time? Just toss items into a basket and tuck them away in a closet.
Light a Candle Or Diffuse A Favorite Scent
Set the mood with a seasonal or favorite scent, like vanilla, amber, or something citrusy. It instantly makes your space feel warm and inviting. I like to put one in the guest bathroom too for a little surprise.
Have a little time? You can also simmer citrus and your favorite herbs on the stove.
You’ll Need:
- Citrus slices like oranges, lemons, or limes
- A few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- 1–2 cinnamon sticks or whole cloves
- A splash of vanilla extract
Steps:
- Slice your citrus thinly. Try a mix of orange and lemon for a bright, balanced scent.
- Fill a pot with water, about ¾ full.
- Add your ingredients to the water.
- Bring to a simmer over low heat. As the mixture warms, the scent will start to fill your space. (Keep an eye on the water level, and add more as it evaporates.)
Prep the Bathroom
Nothing makes guests feel more "ick" than a dirty or messy bathroom so prioritize this space. Wipe down the sink and toilet, put out a fresh hand towel, and make sure there’s enough toilet paper.
Set the Mood with Music or Lighting
I make sure to switch off all the overheads (not a fan of this harsh lighting) and turn on table lamps for a cozy vibe. Then cue up a Spotify "dinner party" playlist that matches the energy — something mellow and upbeat is usually a safe bet.
Photo by Tatiana Syrikova
Add Thoughtful Touches
A long-distance friend of mine would always leave me a basket of toiletries for my overnight stays and it's something I always remember fondly. On their bedside table, you can leave them a pitcher of water, their favorite snacks, flowers or herbs, and/or a book or magazine. Little details make people feel instantly loved.
Shutterstock
Take the Garbage Out
Nothing ruins the party vibe like a smelly garbage can. Empty it before anyone arrives, and consider adding a fresh liner with a drop of essential oil or baking soda to keep things smelling fresh and clean.
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'Outlander' Fans Rejoice: 'Blood of My Blood' Will Fill The Historical Romance Void This Summer
Apr 02, 2025
Fans have been enthralled by Outlander ever since it debuted in 2014 — hence why the show has gone on to have seven successful seasons, with the eighth and final season expected to premiere late this year or in 2026. Fans truly can't get enough of Claire and Jamie's great romance, and it doesn't have to completely end with season 8...or not exactly. Outlander prequel, Blood of My Blood comes out this summer and explores your favorite family from a very unique perspective. This is everything we know about Blood of My Blood!
Here's everything you need to know about the Outlander prequel, Blood of my Blood.
What's 'Outlander' about?
Starz
Outlander follows Claire Randall, a British Army nurse who, after serving in World War II, goes on a second honeymoon in Scotland with her husband, Frank. He is an MI6 officer preparing for a new career as an Oxford historian.
However, Claire's life takes a dramatic turn when she is mysteriously transported back to 1743, where her safety and freedom are at risk. In order to survive, she marries a strong and charismatic Scots warrior named Jamie Fraser. Then, as their relationship deepens, Claire finds herself torn between two very different men and two conflicting worlds.
How many seasons of 'Outlander' will there be?
Starz
Whether you're an OG fan of Outlander or a newcomer, many are upset about it coming to an end soon with Season 8. The good news is that you have a prequel series to look forward to, Outlander: Blood of My Blood.
What is the 'Outlander' prequel 'Blood of My Blood' about?
Starz
Outlander: Blood of My Blood explores two parallel origin stories: the romance between Jamie's parents, as well as Claire's parents' love story during the war. The show will highlight these two love stories, set in different time periods, as they unfold side by side.
Who's in the 'Outlander: Blood of My Blood' cast?
Starz
Hermione Corfield and Jeremy Irvine star as Julia Moriston and Henry Beauchamp; meanwhile, Harriet Slater and Jamie Roy play Ellen MacKenzie and Brian Fraser.
The rest of the cast includes:
- Tony Curran, Rory Alexander
- Séamus McLean Ross
- Sam Retford
- Conor MacNeill
- Brian McCardie
- Jhon Lumsden
- Sara Vickers
- Peter Mullan
- Sally Messham
- Terence Rae
- Sadhbh Malin
- Alisa Davidson
Is there a trailer for 'Outlander: Blood of My Blood'?
Starz
Back in January, Starz released a 52-second teaser trailer for the show on YouTube, and it's clear the Outlander prequel will be packed with just as much passion as the original series. Eager fans in the comment section seemed to agree, with many sharing their excitement for the new spinoff.
"I can't wait to see the two love stories that gave us our favorite love story," wrote one viewer.
"I am so obsessed with Outlander, and I'm so excited to keep watching it in a different light," added another.
"Outlander is a very beautiful but brutal story, and I hope this new spinoff series captures that magic as well," noted a third.
Where can I watch 'Outlander: Blood of My Blood'?
Starz
You can watch Blood of My Blood on Starz!
When does 'Outlander: Blood of My Blood' come out?
Starz
Outlander: Blood of My Blood is set to premiere summer 2025! We don't have an exact date right now, but we'll update you as soon as we do! In the meantime, you can revisit the original Outlander series. All seven seasons are available to stream on Hulu.
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Targetis always full of fun surprises, and their current lineup of under-$15 finds is seriously stunning. From chic home decor pieces to trendy fashion picks and affordable beauty essentials, these budget-friendly hidden gems prove you really don’t have to spend big to give your space, wardrobe, or daily routine a lil’ refresh. If you love a good deal (same here!), get ready to add some of these affordable must-haves from Target to your cart.
Scroll on to discover the 12 best new finds from Target this month – all under $15!
Target
eos Shea Better Vanilla Cashmere Body Wash
The internet's favorite body lotion scent is now available in a dreamy body wash format! With standout notes of vanilla and cashmere and a creamy concoction of shea butter, cocoa butter, and argan butter to keep your skin feelin' nourished as ever, this $10 bottle is a shower must-have.
Target
Wet Brush x LoveShackFancy Mini Shine Detangling Hair Brush
Swarmed in LoveShackFancy’s signature floral prints, this $10 mini brush is the perfect piece to keep in your purse for on-the-go touch-ups. The collection, shoppable at Target, also includes everything from regular-sized brushes to hair curling sets and cute claw clips!
Target
Versed Shade Swipe Blush Stick
Versed's new makeup collection has been living in our heads rent-free, especially because we love their skincare goodies so much. Of course, they whipped up a wonderfully smooth $15 blush stick to add to the glow. The lightweight formula is super easy to build up depending on your mood, plus each stick is packed full of jojoba seed oil and fatty acids to help hydrate your complexion!
Target
Chobani Birthday Cake Dairy Creamer
Moving onto the grocery aisle, this brand-new creamer flavor from Chobani is sure to infuse your mornings with utter joy. Aside from the cheery packaging, this $5 birthday cake-flavored coffee creamer adds some really nice sweetness, whether you splash some into a mug of hot coffee or add a bit to your iced lattes. It's a limited-edition flavor, so make sure to try it before it's gone from shelves!
Target
Threshold Checker Stoneware Planter Pot
We're huge suckers for anything checkered. This $15 planter is such a cutie, add will most certainly bring some major springtime energy to your windowsill, bookshelf, or dining room table!
Target
Room Essentials Portable Mushroom Lamp
Two words: mushroom lamp. Yep – Target's selling this baby for just $14 (was $20), and the best part is that it's cordless, so you can move it around your space as you please for a trendy home decor touch.
Target
Wild Fable ButterBliss Tube Top
When it comes to spring basics, tube tops should be at the top of your list. They're easy to put on and even easier to wear, plus this solid black number makes putting together a comfy outfit unbelievably seamless! You can snag this top for just $6 (was $8), along with three more solid shades that fit the season.
Target
Threshold Easter Ceramic Flower Candle Holders
Oh, it's giving Anthro vibes, for sure. This $15 pair of flower-shaped candle holders will add some cheer and color to your springtime table spreads, and what's more is they're also perfect for sunny Easter celebrations!
Target
Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum
For a nice boost in hydration, hyaluronic acid is where it's at. This $12 bottle from Good Molecules truly packs a punch and boosts the performance of your traditional moisturizer!
Target
Wild Fable Asymmetrical Tank Top
This ever-so-trendy tank top boasts an asymmetrical cinched hem for a fun touch. Right now, it's on sale for just $8 (was $12)! It also comes in pink, green, and blue if you're seeking a bright pop of color.
Target
Room Essentials Lumbar Puffy Bread Pillow
We're seeing this puffy pattern everywhere these days, from bags to jackets. Target put it on an adorable little pillow, and we're obsessed! Snag this $7 cutie for an inexpensive living room or bedroom upgrade.
Target
Room Essentials Bud Vase Duo
Two vases for just $10?! Count us in. These playful designs work well together, though you could easily disperse them throughout your home to host all the blooms of spring!
Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more of the latest and greatest Target finds!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
I am undeniably a chocolate lover by nature, and aside from Christmas, Easter is one of my favoritesweet treat-centered holidays because all the festive egg- and bunny-shaped chocolates hit shelves, sparking my cravings (and teasing my wallet).
I’ve probably tried every kind of Easter chocolate under the sun, so I’m ranking the 5 I view as the most classic. All of these Easter chocolates are great in their own ways and will certainly satisfy anyone when added to their Easter basket, so take this ranking with a grain of salt.
Read on for my full ranking of the 5 best classic Easter chocolates.
Amazon
1. Cadbury Crème Eggs
When I think of Easter chocolates, my mind immediately goes to Cadbury Crème Eggs. They’re filled with a gooey fondant that is downright addictive. Once you break through the chocolate shell, you’re faced with a deliciously silky sugar concoction that, for me, feels really nostalgic to snack on since I’d get one in my Easter basket just about every year.
While some people may find ‘em too decadent, I think Cadbury Crème Eggs are the #1 Easter chocolate, hands-down, because they’re always tasty. We love a reliable treat – but you definitely do have to enjoy these one at a time since they’re undeniably rich.Amazon
2. Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs
Next up on my (very subjective) ranking of Easter chocolates is none other than Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs! I’ll take Reese’s stunning peanut butter filling in any form I can have it, but the egg shape this treat takes on for Easter just makes it feel even more special.
Amazon
Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs totally master the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter, which can be a nice departure for my tastebuds from just straight-up chocolate, like the other Easter chocolates on this list. Thus, I’m placing it in the #2 spot.
Amazon
3. Easter M&M’s
I love me a colorful treat, and I love me some M&M’s – which is why the Easter M&M’s that come in the cutest pastels every April simply had to place somewhere this ranking.
Amazon
Though I don’t view these as the most show-stopping Easter chocolates (they’re quite literally the same as the regular M&M’s you can get year-round in flavor and form), they’re still a festive treat worth snagging from the store. By themselves, I have to put them in the #3 spot – though I’d consider granting more points if you give ‘em to me on top of a slice of Easter cake.
Amazon
4. Cadbury Mini Eggs
My note about colors also applies to the next Easter chocolate: Cadbury Mini Eggs. Decked out in adorable pastel candy shells, these egg-shaped chocolates always come around at Eastertime – though they’re not really the first thing I reach for. Though, when I do get my hands on them, I find that their small size makes them extremely snackable, and they disappear quite quickly.Amazon
5. Chocolate Bunnies
I don't mean to be the Scrooge of Easter, but at this point, chocolate bunnies are so expected. I have eaten many in my lifetime, but they never truly blow me away. Don’t get me wrong: I still love chocolate, but there’s also something that feels so wrong when I bite off the bunny’s ears. And face. And body.
It would take a really great chocolate bunny to impress me – most ones I’ve had are lower in quality and vary in being too thick or too thin to bite into easily.Subscribe to our newsletter for more food rankings, taste tests, and holiday dessert ideas!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Flying doesn’t always have to be a stressful, chaotic experience. In fact, there are plenty of genius tricks to keep in your back pocket to make traveling as seamless and smooth as possible! From sneaky packing strategies to in-flight essentials you didn’t know you needed, these 7 simple travelhacks might just change the way you fly forever.
Scroll on for our 7 go-to travel hacks for making the trip easier every time.
Timur Weber / PEXELS
1. Roll your clothes.
Rolling your clothes is a huge help in saving space inside your backpack, duffle bag, or suitcase. Rolling garments tightly and packing them in is surprisingly much more efficient than traditional folding methods – plus it reduces wrinkles. Rolling comes in especially handy for bulkier items like maxi dresses, jeans, and jackets.Timur Weber / PEXELS
2. Use packing cubes.
If you want to maximize even more space within your bag, packing cubes are definitely worth investing in. You can still roll your garments to pack ‘em, but placing them in packing cubes compresses their size down further. Plus, with multiple packing cubes, you can label each one and keep your things organized and easily accessible.
Tima Miroshnichenko / PEXELS
3. Bring an empty water bottle.
If you’re not doing this at the airport, what are you doing?! Probably spending $8 on a single bottled water. C’mon – bringing an empty water bottle is the simplest of all travel hacks. Just arrive with it completely empty to later fill it after passing through the TSA line. You’ll avoid paying for overpriced airport water and have limitless refill opportunities, even after you've arrived at your destination.
Valeriia Miller / PEXELS
4. Stuff small items inside shoes.
In the vein of more space-saving packing tricks, don’t underestimate the power of your shoes! From sneakers to boots, it’s so easy to use the insides of them to pack socks, lip balms, phone chargers, jewelry, or other small items.
Anna Shvets / PEXELS
5. Use a pill organizer for small items.
You can also easily leverage a pill organizer for the smallest of your small items like rings, earrings, earplugs, and more. Of course, you can still use a pill organizer for necessary medications or those ‘just in case’ painkillers.
Samantha Mandato / PEXELS
6. Bring a travel pillow and eye mask.
Travel pillows and eye masks are absolutely essential for long flights, or even shorter trips that you foresee yourself sleeping on. Bring them on your next flight, and you’ll immediately notice the difference from not flying with these must-have accessories.
Anna Gordon / Dupe
7. Download entertainment before you board.
Finally, to avoid risking total in-flight boredom, make sure you plan ahead and download your desired form of entertainment beforehand! Since you can’t always rely on in-flight wifi, pick out and download the movies, music, or audiobooks you want to tune into in advance. For a screen-free moment, you can never go wrong with a book or crossword puzzle booklet!
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