Shoutout: DIY Leather and Brass Teardrop Hanging Planter

Today on the shoutout front, we’ve got this super hip hanging planter by Mandi over at Vintage Revivals.

It’s no secret that we’re obsessed with all things geometric, and we happen to have a thing for all things metallic as well. So, this beauty totally combines two of these loves, and adds in a little extra oxygen to boot! The combination of leather cording and brass tubing is genius. Get your buns over to Vintage Revivals to get the full tutorial.

This is one of those projects where the simplicity totally astounds us. Plus, you could color block the brass tubes or use different shades of leather to achieve a totally different result. Gotta love any project that lends itself to personalization.

Home decor can't replace the feeling of a tropical getaway, but your exterior space should still invoke some peace and tranquility. Whether you have a sprawling garden, a cozy deck, or a charming patio, outdoor wall decor is the perfect way to transform your home into your happy place.

To help inspire you, we've rounded up a myriad of possibilities from metal murals to functional accents. Get ready to discover how these decorative elements can transform your garden walls, or even your front door, into captivating focal points that add depth, character, and a touch of magic to your backyard and outdoor space.


Image via World Market

Black Metal Fern Panel Outdoor Wall Decor 3 Piece ($200)

This 3-piece set features intricately designed fern patterns that create a fascinating visual display. With its weather-resistant construction, this outdoor wall decor is built to withstand the elements and maintain its allure throughout the seasons, making it a perfect choice for enhancing your garden, patio, or porch.

Image via Living Spaces

Gray 36 Inch Metal Wall Art ($125)

Who doesn't want a little sunshine in their lives? This art exudes durability and longevity, as it is made from high-quality metal, allowing you to enjoy its modern aesthetic for years. Plus, at 36 inches it's big enough to make a real visual impact on your space.

Image via Crate and Barrel

Four Box Wall Mounted Indoor/Outdoor Planter ($149)

Easy to install and maintain, this planter set is designed to bring nature closer to you. Perfect for small areas or as a statement piece on your wall, the planter features four individual boxes that can hold a variety of plants, from herbs and succulents to colorful flowers. Its wall-mounted design saves valuable floor space and adds a modern, minimalist aesthetic to your decor.

Image via Target

Resin Classical Walled Fountain - Alpine Corporation ($225)

The LED lights create a beautiful ambiance, illuminating the flowing water for a mesmerizing effect. With its off-white color, this fountain seamlessly blends in with various decor styles, so it can fit into anyone's outdoor space!

Image via Living Spaces

Gold 36 Inch Metal Sun Moon Wall Decor ($125)

Even on a cloudy day, you can have the sun, moon, and stars with this piece of decor! It's a little kitschy and a lotta cute.

Image via World Market

Blue And Green Seaside 30 Bulb String Lights ($18, was $20)

Add a little character to your backyard with the Blue and Green Seaside 30-Bulb String. These colorful bulbs are deLIGHTful...okay, I'll see myself out for that one.

Image via Etsy

Metal Bird Wall Art ($70)

With its versatile design, the Metal Bird Wall Art can complement various decor styles. Hang it on a fence, wall, or tree to add the beauty of these graceful creatures to your surroundings.

Image via Etsy

Metal "Hello" Sign Front Door Decor ($116)

Welcome guests in style with the Metal "Hello" Sign Front Door Decor. The sleek black finish adds a touch of elegance, and its welcoming message makes it a perfect accent piece that sets a positive tone for visitors. Easy to install and maintain, this is a delightful way to add a personalized touch to your entryway.

Image via Etsy

"Life Is Better At The Pool” Sign ($95)

Add a touch of summer vibes to your garden with the "Life is Better at the Pool" sign. This charming wall decor features a playful and cheerful message perfect for poolside relaxation.

Image via Dazuma

Small Artificial Plants and Stones Outdoor Lights ($239)

Your backyard oasis won't be complete without this small artificial outdoor light. Featuring small, green faux plants and stones, this light can be mounted on your gate or the column that leads into your backyard. When lit at night, it creates a serene ambiance for you and your guests.

Image via Anthropologie

Tala Muse Wall Light ($325)

Add a touch of luxury to your front door area with this charming and simple sconce. It's got a soft glow, so it's not jarring to your guests at night, but still lights the way for them.

Image via Crate & Barrel

Caplet Outdoor Sconce Light ($117)

Install this sconce light on your porch, patio, or entryway to elevate the style and functionality of your area. The frosted glass shade provides a soft and diffused glow, creating a welcoming ambiance. The high-quality materials used ensure its longevity and ability to withstand outdoor conditions.

Image via Anthropologie

Bergs Fluted Hanging Wall Pot ($88)

Showcase your favorite plants and create a stunning vertical garden with these stylish wall pots! Their fluted design and neutral gray color somehow feel vintage and modern all at once.

Image via Terrain

Galvanized Iron Shelf ($74)

This Galvanized Iron Shelf provides ample space for displaying decor items, organizing books, or showcasing potted plants. Its iron construction ensures durability and a rustic charm give you form and function.

Image via Anthropologie

Pierce Outdoor Sconce ($198)

Constructed with high-quality materials, this sconce is built to withstand outdoor elements and provide long-lasting illumination. With its one-size-fits-all design, it seamlessly integrates into your backyard, front porch, or otherwise.

Image via West Elm

Iris Cement Indoor/Outdoor Wall Planters ($59 - $93)

These planters equipped with drainage holes prevent overwatering and promote healthy plant growth. With their generous size, you can plant a variety of flowers, herbs, or succulents, bringing natural beauty and a touch of nature to your home's exterior.

Image via West Elm

Portside Wood Wall Planter ($186)

The wall-mounted design saves room and allows you to create a beautiful vertical garden display. With its generous size, you can plant a variety of herbs, flowers, or trailing vines, instantly transforming your outdoor space into a lush oasis.

Looking for more home decor ideas? Sign up for our email newsletter!

Header image via Crate and Barrel

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Plants already do a pretty good job of sprucing up our homes, but if you’re ready to take it to the next level, upgrade your favorite potted plant with a DIY plant stand that’s easy, colorful, and affordable. Whether you dig monochromatic metallic planters or color-dipped wooden stands, this list of creative planters you can make are sure to win you over. Read on to inspire your next DIY project with these modern + minimalist plant stands.

1. Dino Planter

Why stick to a regular pot when you can add a dinosaur to your space? A can of spray paint totally reinvents its look, but if you're feeling adventurous you can also freehand some designs. (via Brit + Co)

2. Mini Mid-Century Modern Plant Stand DIY

For a more mid-century modern style, opt for tapered legs when making your plant stand. Leave as is for a natural look or brighten it up with a coat of paint. (via Happiness Is Creating / DIYS.com)

3. DIY Acrylic + Wooden Plant Stand

Make this dreamy DIY plant stand using an acrylic box and wooden dowels. Though the materials that make up the plant stand are simple, there’s no doubt they combine to create one seriously chic contemporary construct. (via Monsters Circus)

www.youtube.com

DIY PLANTER IDEAS 🪴 DOLLAR TREE PLANTER FLOWER POT HACKS & DIYS

4. DIY Wooden Plant Stand

Elevate your space by upgrading pieces you can find at the Dollar Store (yes, really!). It's easier and more affordable than you think to give your home a spring refresh.

5. DIY Raised Copper Pot Plant Stand

Never underestimate the power that metallic accents have when it comes to transforming your space. This plant stand made of copper pipes will add a touch of sophistication to any plain planter while maintaining those minimalist vibes. (via Pure Sweet Joy)

6. Gold Cement Planters

You don't have to be a craft expert to knock this DIYout of the park. The secret to getting the gold foil to easily attach to the cement is Mod Podge. Play around with your application to figure out a one-of-a-kind contemporary look. (via Brit + Co)

7. Rope + Copper Plant Stand DIYs

If you can’t find a plant stand that already comes with a copper finish, no problem. Simply use copper spray paint on the stand of your choice for a modern touch. Make sure to find a stand with a flat top, then tightly wrap rope around the top and there you have it: modern + minimal copper perfection. (via Stories)

8. Marble + Copper Plant Stand DIY

For a marble and copper stand that’s nothing short of fancy, pair a marble tile with copper pipes for legs. Once finished, the elegant structures will earn you plenty of compliments and questions from your friends as to how you pulled it off. (via A Joyful Riot)

9. Macrame Hanging Planters

You can make these bold and colorful hanging planters any day of the week — they'll only take you 30 minutes! Pick jersey knit fabric in all of your favorite colors. (via Brit + Co)

10. Mini Plant Stands

Upgrade your basic potted plants with these miniature stands. Although these were made using E6000 glue, you can totally use a nail gun for extra support. (via Homey Oh My!)

11. Concrete Planter + Wooden Stand DIY

For a decorative item that’s equally sturdy and minimalistic, pair a plant stand made of thick square wooden dowels with a concrete planter. Be warned: It can get a little messy with the quick-drying concrete mix, so consider using a mixing bowl and a spoon you wouldn’t mind ruining. (via Francois et Moi / Homedit)

12. Skinny Planter Stand DIY

This DIY project proves window boxes don’t always have to stay perched under your windows. Made of a window box and gold-painted aluminum tubes, this gorgeous skinny planter stand will make a perfect addition to your entryway. (via A Beautiful Mess)

13. West Elm-Inspired DIY Plant Stand

Save big bucks with this DIY take on a West Elm-inspired plant stand. The whole project costs around $6, which is a steal considering the alternative store-bought option. Experiment with both light and dark wood for a range of different looks and feels. (via The Rugged Home)

14. Acacia Wood Plant Stand DIY

For this IKEA hack, use a generous amount of super glue to attach wooden acacia plates onto the original white metal circles. Though, if there’s another set of plants you’ve got your eye on — go for it! Whether you choose to go with marble slabs or metallic trinket dishes, the possibilities are endless. (via Sugar & Cloth)

15. Clothing Rack Vertical Garden

Reuse an old piece of furniture that's just been sitting idly by. Paint it funky colors, add some macrame holders, and you've got yourself a beautiful vertical garden. (via Brit + Co)

16. Bullet Planter DIY

Combine a cone-shaped planter pot with weldable steel rods for a seriously unique plant stand. If you want your pot to look even more minimalist, consider spraying it with primer and an enamel paint to achieve a similar finish. (via Tatertots and Jello)

17. DIY Copper Pipe + Wood Slice Side Table

Rustic meets modern in this copper and wood plant stand. The bare wood, though rustic, gives off a simple and sleek vibe. (via Fall for DIY)

18. DIY Wire Plant Stand

If you love your share of DIYs that require little-to-no effort, consider this super simple DIY wire plant stand. Repurpose lampshades with wires that connect the top and bottom by turning them into these chic plant stands. To find those wire lampshade frames, visit your local thrift store. (via The Merrythought)

www.youtube.com

$23 DIY Planter Box

19. DIY Planter Box

If you're settling into a permanent home, consider making yourself a larger planter box that can sit outside. The best part about this DIY might just be the fact it only costs $23!

Which of these DIY plant stands will you try? Check us out on Pinterest for more ways to upgrade your home!

Lead image via B+C

Christmas cookie decorating is holiday tradition for us here at B+C, so we were so stoked to find this recipe for paleo cookies that adds a healthy twist to this classic holiday dessert. These sweet treats will shine among the rest of your Christmastime tablescape, and they are super easy to make. Plus, they'll pair well with just about any Christmas dessert. Just combine your paleo-friendly ingredients to prep the dough, let it sit overnight, then bake for ten minutes! The best part about this recipe is of course, all of the fun holiday-time shapes you can cut. Consider this recipe your go-to for healthy cookies, though, since you can make them year-round in any shape you like. Let's get to decorating!

Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

For the cookies:

  • 1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
  • 6 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

  • 6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
  • 1/4 cup cacao butter
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • Plant-based food coloring
  • Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*
* Look for vegetable and fruit-dyed food coloring and sprinkles in natural grocery stores or online, and avoid artificial colors to keep these cookies Paleo friendly!

How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

  1. Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
  2. Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
  5. While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
  6. After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!

Is your mouth watering yet? Check out our newsletter for more delicious holiday recipe ideas!

Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

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

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.