Buckingham Palace’s Christmas Decorations Are Extra AF

Royals — they’re just like us! Well, apart from the outrageously expensive engagement rings and perfect fashion sense, that is. Oh, and the whole ruling countries bit. Okay, so there’s a bit of a gap there, but one thing they DO have in common with us mere mortals, however, is their love of the holiday season. They too are prepping for Christmas by decorating the Royal pad in the most extra of ways — just check out what they did to Buckingham Palace!

The halls are most definitely decked, ladies and gents as the palace is now home to tons of trees, included a 15-foot Nordmann fir, and two smaller 10-foot versions at the Grand Entrance, which are festooned with plenty of pretty ornaments. It’s fitting, since, as the Royal family revealed on Twitter, the Christmas tree was actually introduced to Britain in the 18th century by Queen Charlotte, “consort of King George III.” Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were also big fans of the tradition, making it a popular holiday staple.

But these aren’t your average decorations. While there’s plenty of the normal glass spheres that likely adorn your tree at home hanging from the Royal boughs, there’s also some extra-special pieces, like the tiny Royal crown pictured above.

The gilt-bronze balustrades on the grand staircase, installed in 1828 during the reign of King George IV, are also strewn with lush garlands and peppered with colorful orbs throughout.

Check out all their festivity in the fact-filled video below!

What do you think of the Royal decorations? Tell us @BritandCo!

(Photos via The Royal Family/YouTube)

Whether you're celebrating with your significant other for the first time or the tenth, you've probably already given some thought to your Valentine's Day dinner ideas. You'll be hungry by the time the sun sets, whether you've spent the whole day together, or you've just come back from the best date night ever. These recipes are perfect for ending the night on a delicious note or they can serve as your date night — cooking together is a super fun way to spend your time.

You can show your favorite valentine love with DIY Valentine's gifts, pink cocktails, fruit salad, or you can whip up a fancy-schmancy (and romantic) dinner. You can try the same recipe until it's just right, or experiment with a different pick every night of February. No matter what your favorite cuisine is, there's something for everyone.

Here are our favorite Valentine's Day dinner ideas for a date night meal to remember.

​What is a good Valentine's Day dinner?

A good Valentine's Day dinner is anything that is delicious and romantic, and that will change for every couple (or if you're alone!). V Day is always a good excuse to cook up a steak if you and your partner eat meat, but pasta or seafood are also great ideas. Or go for a surf and turf dinner that incorporates all of them. You can also add aphrodisiacs into the menu, but whatever you pick, don't forget dessert!

What is the Valentine's Day menu?

Your Valentine's Day menu is totally up to you and your partners' tastes. You can check out what's local to your area if you want to have a menu that reflects this time of year in your state. In terms of courses, you can opt for dinner and dessert or go all out with an appetizer, entrée, drinks, and dessert.

What to make for a romantic dinner at home?

Here are some popular Valentine's Day foods you can consider making:

  • Steak
  • Seafood
  • Chocolate
  • Pasta
  • Sushi
  • Wine
  • Fish
  • Crème brûlée
  • Strawberries

Sous Vide Steak

Prepare to swoon over this simple sous vide steak. Pair it with a baked potato and steamed veg. (via Brit + Co)

Coffee Rubbed Steak With Chili Lime Butter

Nothing says high class quite like a well-cooked steak. Take it from the pros and cook it medium-rare for the most intense flavor. We love the classic steak and baked potato combo, but feel free to shake things up with a different side. (via Brit + Co)

Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka

Image via Half Baked Harvest

You know we love vodka cocktails, so we are all about some vodka pasta! It's a 30-minute recipe topped with basil pesto and loads of your favorite cheese and you can add some red pepper flakes for some extra spice if you want. Swap the vodka for broth or water if you don't want to cook with alcohol. It'll taste just as good! (via Brit + Co)

Smoked Salmon Poke Bites

For charcuterie board fans or those of us who'd rather much on apps than have a full-blown dinner, these poke bites are cute, delicious, and have us dreaming of summer. Pickled ginger, avocado, and red onion take this recipe to a new level. Yum! (via Brit + Co)

Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup

A soup that's delicious *and* features veggies, cheese, and pasta all in one? Count us in. Just put everything in your slow cooker and let it come together while you finish getting ready. (via Brit + Co)

Roasted Salmon Nicoise

This one-pot wonder is great for any day of the week. Salmon, potatoes, olives, and green beans (along with some other delicious ingredients) come together to create a flavorful combo that you'll daydream about until you can eat it again. (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Butternut Squash

A healthy, colorful dish like this butternut squash recipe makes for a great dinner recipe for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Plus it makes for an awesome winter comfort food. (via Brit + Co)

Air Fryer Salmon

Air fryer salmon is a great Valentine's Day dinner idea for anyone who works long hours and doesn't want to spend hours upon hours in the kitchen. Plus it's healthier than your other frying options! Not a fan of salmon? Try chicken or potatoes for other yummy options. (via Brit + Co)

Apple-Onion Pork Chops And Cheesy Crushed Potatoes

This recipe from Rachael Ray has some of the most interesting and captivating flavors we've tasted in a long time, and with meat, fruit, dairy, and starches, you're eating a lot of the food groups. (via Brit + Co)

Red Sauce Rigatoni Recipe

All you need for this delicious date night recipe is sausage, canned tomatoes, and pasta. And don't forget your favorite cheese, of course. This is a great option for having a fancy dinner at the dining table or curling up on the couch for a romantic movie. (via Brit + Co)

Charcuterie Board

Image via SocietySocial and QueenBrieCLT/Photography Demi Mabry

There's something so sophisticated and stylish about having a charcuterie board anytime of year, but especially on Valentine's Day. You can make it a red, pink, and white color scheme with fruit, dried flowers, and cheese, or try your hand at a breakfast-for-dinner board with heart-shaped pancakes, berries, and chocolate. (Via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Indian Butter Chicken

Quick, easy, and delicious, what's not to love about this chicken recipe?! Tomato-y, buttery chicken goes great with flavorful naan and white rice. Sprinkle with cilantro before you serve. (via Brit + Co)

Zucchini Noodles

If you're avoiding regular pasta, try zucchini noodles instead of regular for a healthy take on your favorite dishes. Serve with pesto, olive oil and vinegar dressing, or Alfredo sauce to make a creamy pasta. (via Brit + Co)

Cauliflower And Burrata Valentine's Day Recipe

Photo via Half Baked Harvest

This dish might be geared for summer picnics, but it will also make a great option for your winter nights in. Change up the spices and seasonings depending on what your favorite flavors are, or make a couple different mixes and try them all! (via Brit + Co)

Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts

Photo via Half Baked Harvest

Okay so donuts don't technically count as an option for dinner but you can definitely make them for dessert! (Especially if you've already had your fill of lobster tails or pasta). You can even add some espresso to the chocolate glaze for a mocha taste. (via Brit + Co)

Cauliflower Rice Sushi

Not only does sushi make for a yummy Valentine's Day dinner for you and your S.O. but the actual construction of the sushi sounds just as great! Swap regular rice for some DIY cauliflower rice but feel free to keep your favorite fillings and sauces. (via Brit + Co)

Stuffed Avocado

Another great option for a smaller, finger food dinner, stuffed avocados make for a tasty and filling dish. You can also leave out the shrimp to make this an easy meat-free recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Crock-Pot Crispy Caramelized Pork Ramen Noodle Soup with Curry Roasted Acorn Squash

We're huge fans of ramen noodle meals and know this is one Valentine's Day dinner idea that can't be topped. Call us biased, but you'll find it hard not to be once you get a taste of this caramelized blend of pork, open face-egg, and jalapenos. (via Brit + Co)

Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks in Red Wine Sauce

Get your hands messy with this appetizing and flavorful recipe! With ingredients like tomato paste, garlic cloves, and red wine, your taste buds will be satiated. (via Brit + Co)

Creamy Cajun Mushroom Pasta

Looking for Valentine's Day dinner ideas that are healthy and won't put a dent in your budget? Try your hand at this creamy Cajun mushroom pasta! (via Brit + Co)

Puff Pastry Breakfast Egg Tarts

Eating breakfast for dinner seems to stir up our inner little girl, so we're sharing this delish recipe with you! (via Brit + Co)

Chicken Piccata

Chicken is always a pretty safe option when cooking dinner, but this recipe dresses it up into something extra delicious. (via Culinary Hill)

Duck Confit Salad

Make your Valentine something extra fancy with this confit salad. Not only is this Valentine's Day dinner elegant but it also features pomegranates and avocados, so we can't say no. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Strawberry & Cream Croissant French Toast

Photo via Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest

Whether you're making brunch or having brunch for dinner, this is a great French toast-croissant hybrid. Swap the drizzle of maple with a chocolate drizzle to make it extra Valentine-esque. Serve with white wine or champagne. (via Brit + Co)

Crispy Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs

This recipe will be appreciated by couples who are trying to eat healthier in the new year. (via Brit + Co)

Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork

With classic Cuban flavors, this mouthwatering pork recipe is juicy and moist. Pro tips: Spring for a high-quality meat source from your local butcher or farmers’ market, and marinate the pork overnight to make this top-notch recipe even tastier. (via The Food Charlatan)

Shrimp and Gnocchi With Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

If you’re both eating garlic, then you won’t have to worry about dreaded “garlic breath” after. Shrimp and gnocchi are already amazing on their own, but put them together for a powerhouse meal that everyone will want. You'll want to grab some red wine to go with this one. (via Damn Delicious)

Beef And Lamb Shwarma Wraps

If you prefer something a little more casual (or just love handheld food), try out these amazing wraps. Make your own tzatziki if you're feeling adventurous. (via Forks and Foliage)

Soul-Warming French Onion Pot Roast

Nothing says love like pot roast. This particular iteration boasts the flavors of onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, fresh apples, thyme, celery, and bay leaf. (via Little Spice Jar)

Strawberry Ravioli With Balsamic and Basil

These naturally pink ravioli are packed with decadent flavors and topped with a balsamic reduction for a sweet and savory combo. Plus considering it's Valentine's Day, we'll take all the pink food that we can get our hands on. (via A Beautiful Mess)

One-Pan Cheesy Spaghetti Pie Valentine's Day Dinner Idea

Permission granted to have your own Lady and the Tramp moment while feasting on this dish. For a healthier version, feel free to sub turkey or chicken for ground beef and whole wheat spaghetti for the refined version. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Slow-Cooker Cassoulet

Don’t fear the cassoulet. It’s not as tricky to make it as you might imagine. Toss it all into the slow cooker for restful meal prep. (via Leite’s Culinaria)

Spinach and Three Cheese Manicotti

Pasta dishes have a certain sensuousness to them, and this indulgent, cheesy manicotti dish cries out for a cozy and lovey-dovey night in. Feel free to use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own. Bring on all the bread and garlic butter. (via The Cooking Jar)

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

Have a busy Valentine’s Day schedule? Get a head start with this slow-cooker recipe. About a half an hour before mealtime, pop some veggies in the oven to serve alongside the dish. (via Plays Well With Butter)

Creamy Masala Mussels

Mussels are delicate, fleshy, and delicious and lend a hand to any full-bodied sauce. The beer base will require all the bread to sop up every last drop of goodness. (via Drizzle and Dip)

Fettuccine Alfredo Valentine's Day Dinner Idea

Forget lightened-up, pre-made sauces; fettuccine Alfredo is meant to be rich and delightfully naughty. It features Parmesan and heavy cream, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Butter Candles

Add a little bit of ~mood lighting~ with these candles that are literally made out of butter. They make the perfect addition to any dinner and are like 2023's version of butter boards. (via Brit + Co)

Galentine's Day Sweet Treat Board

If you're celebrating Valentine's Day with your girlfriends, or even going stag, make this colorful and sweet dessert board. You might spoil your dinner but honestly, it's worth it. (via Amanda Wilens)

Paleo Pot Roast

This healthful, Whole30-approved pot roast doesn't skimp on yum factor even though it's made with completely clean ingredients. (via Noshtastic)

Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry

This curry recipe is *bursting* with healthy proteins and fats. Bonus: Your leftovers will be easy to reheat and use up throughout the week. (via The Endless Meal)

Creamy Vegan Tomato Sauce

This plant-based tomato sauce blends cashews, roasted tomatoes, and onions. It is so good, the non-vegans in your life won't mind eating it too. (via Fit Foodie Finds)

Raspberry Almond Crumb Cake

Let this moist raspberry almond crumb cake help set the tone for sexy activities after dinner. It's full of ooey-gooey goodness that'll leave you and your date's mouths watering. (via Cozy Cravings)

For more Valentine's Day dinner ideas follow us on Pinterest and check out our online cooking classes!

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

This article has been updated from a previous post.

Additional reporting by Chloe Williams and Jasmine Williams.

Spring is finally doing its thing, and one of our most favorite parts of the weather warming up is all the fun foods we can snack on outside, bring to backyard potlucks, and prep for picnics. Luckily, Aldi’s aisles are stuffed with exciting (and affordable!) finds that’ll definitely elevate your springtime grocery game this year.

From sweet snacks (hello, sandwich cookies and Easter candy) to savory dinner bites (mmm, frozen pizza), these 10 new Aldi offerings are not to be missed this April. Plenty of ‘em are limited-time teams, too, so make sure to head to your closest Aldi store ASAP!

Scroll on for the best Aldi finds under $10 to add to your cart this April!

Aldi

Bake Shop Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies

Oh em gee. These soft sandwich cookies remind us exactly of the Trader Joe's gingerbread dessert that went viral last year, but spring-ified – and we need 3 packs right now. Stuffed with a generous amount of cream cheese filling, the two chewy carrot cake-flavored cookies in this find suit it up to be the perfect spring snack for Easter Sunday and beyond. Plus, it's just $5 for a dozen!

Aldi

Merci European Chocolate Easter Assortment

Fancy European chocolates for Easter? Well, duh! This medley of individually-wrapped, stick-shaped chocolates from Merci highlight delicious flavors like coffee and cream, hazelnut almond, marzipan, and more for a nice lil' treat. Shop it for just $6!

Aldi

Specially Selected Mac & Cheese Pesto Pasta

While your typical frozen mac can be pretty basic, this $2.45 pesto-infused option in Aldi's frozen meal section is anything but. It highlights the luxe flavor notes of garlic and basil, alongside plenty of melty cheese. You can also find these shells in other varieties like Truffle Porcini Mushroom and Smoked Gouda this spring – yum!

Aldi

Emporium Selection Blueberry Vanilla Goat Cheese

It's giving bougie. It's giving decadent. It's giving unique! This $4 log of goat cheese is marinated in a wonderful blueberry-vanilla coating that lends it to a sweeter flavor – one that pairs extremely well with more savory crackers and salty prosciutto (or any other charcuterie meat you adore) for spring snackin'.

Aldi

Fremont Fish Market Oven Crispy Popcorn Shrimp

The fact that this crispy popcorn shrimp can be ready to eat within literal minutes already has us sold, but the fact that it's also only $6 really seals the deal. This heat-and-eat Aldi find would be perfect for a little outdoor at-home happy hour moment this spring, served alongside some homemade tartar sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon. We're drooling already!

Aldi

Breakfast Best Protein Buttermilk & Vanilla Waffles

You can mention protein once in conversation, and we're going crazy. That's why these new $4 protein-packed frozen waffles from Aldi have us reeling! One serving delivers 12 grams of protein in the form of a deliciously sweet waffle that you could easily enjoy for breakfast or as a stunning midnight snack to hit your personal protein goals!

Aldi

Bake Shop Banana Nut Muffins

Ugh, we are in dire need for a muffin right now. We'll definitely be running to Aldi as soon as humanly possible to add this $4 quartet of banana nut muffins to our cart! Big and bodacious, each one packs in a moist muffin base dotted with flavors of good ol' 'nana and some walnuts for crunch.

Aldi

Mama Cozzi's Thin & Crispy Spinach & Feta Pizza

This $5 find has spinach on it, so it's gotta be healthy, right?! Jokes aside, this frozen pizza topped with greens and feta is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner when you just can't stand to cook anything super intricate this spring. It definitely delivers on seasonal flavors, too, drenched in a lighter white garlic sauce in place of the more-expected marinara.

Aldi

Breakfast Best Chocolate Hazelnut Mini Stuffed Pancakes

Shut up. Shut up! Stuffed pancakes?! Aldi, you're killing it. These $4 mini-sized pancakes are filled with a chocolate-hazelnut spread – reminiscent of your classic Nutella – that qualifies them as a tasty bite for both breakfast and dessert.

Aldi

Sundae Shoppe Dairy Free Lemon Blueberry Sorbet

Lemon and blueberry is a stunning flavor combo come springtime, and the fact that it comes ready to eat in a refreshing sorbet form for $4 from Aldi is just insane. We'll be stocking up to enjoy this one all season long!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more fun grocery finds from Aldi!

Whether you're spending Valentine's Day with your S.O. or going solo this year, you're obviously going to need some sweet treats to help celebrate the day. After you've found a romantic Valentine's day dinner recipe and some cute pink cocktails to make, it's time to think about dessert. These 36 Valentine's cookies will round out your sweet spread perfectly!

Stained Glass Cookie Pops

These Valentine's cookies take some real skill, but the heavy-lifting for this recipe will be well-worth it once you see your date's face upon their first bite. (via Brit + Co)

Celebrity Crush Cookies

You're already getting together with your girls for Galentine's Day, so there's no reason to not make this cheeky Valentine's Day cookie recipe with your closest circle! Decorating these treats with the names of your fave celeb crushes will definitely get the gossip going! (via Brit + Co)

Cupid's Arrow Cookies

If they just can't resist a sweet treat, aim right for their heart with these adorable Cupid's arrow cookies. (via Brit + Co)

Conversation Heart Sugar Cookie Bars

Even though they're not technically Valentine's cookies, these cookie bars still deliver on the sweetness you know and love from the OG. The thick layer of icing and conversation heart toppings are super cute! (via Brit + Co)

Conversation Heart Cookies

We love the idea of writing personalized messages to each of your Galentines on these heart cookies. Bonus tip: to keep everything nice, neat, and legible, invest in a food coloring pen rather than trying to write on these babies with a piping bag. (via Bake at 350)

Easy Strawberry Crinkle Cookies

Crunchy and flaky on the outside, yet soft and gooey on the inside, these pink crinkle cookies pair perfectly with a V-Day nightcap. (via Meatloaf and Melodrama)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Valentine's Hearts

Why have we not been dipping cookie dough in melted chocolate for years?! This delectable V-Day dessert features a chocolate chips, peanut butter, *and* cookie dough, all dipped in a warm and creamy bath of chocolate fondue. We love. (via OMG Chocolate Desserts)

Valentine Chalkboard Cookies

Here's another creative Valentine's cookie idea that lets you share personalized messages with every Valentine on your list: cover your heart-shaped cookies with black frosting, wait for it to dry, then write some sweet messages with white food coloring for the chalkboard-like effect. Cute, right? (via Saving With Sarah)

Oreo Cheesecake Cookies

These treats require just five ingredients — well, six, if you add food coloring to make them a thematic pink. (via Nest of Posies and Baker by Nature)

Teddy Bear Graham Cookies Holding Conversation Hearts

These Valentine's Day cookies are as simple as buying some Teddy Grahams and affixing conversation hearts to their lil' bellies with some frosting. The kiddos will adore these! (via Hello, Wonderful)

Valentine's Day Chocolate-Covered Vegan Oreos

No-bake dessert recipes are a total life hack, especially around the holidays when you don't have much energy for anything else other than making sure your Valentine's Day cards make it to the post office. This recipe uses Oreos, melted chocolate, and sprinkles. Easy! (via The Edgy Veg)

Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Hearts

All you need to make some stellar V-Day treats is a heart-shaped cookie cutter and a dream. And chocolate, of course – always need some chocolate! (via Hello Little Home)

Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

Two of our fave desserts – cookies and red velvet cake – amazingly come together in these decadent Valentine's cookies. The heart wants what it wants, and what we want is ten of these, please. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Valentine Butter Cookies

These low-key love day cookies are extremely easy to customize based on who you plan to share them with. Run with the recipient's favorite color for the main frosting – they'll certainly appreciate the special, personalized touch from you! (via Where Is My Spoon?)

Cherry-Kissed Coconut Macaroons

Fresh cherries and coconut flakes combine in a truly otherworldly way with this Valentine's cookies recipe. Equally sweet and tangy, your V-Day date will instantly fall in love with your baking skills shown through these bites. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Cardamom & Rose Palmiers

If you're not so big on small talk, let the romantic, floral allure of cardamom and rose do the talking. Bet you your Valentine has never tasted cookies like these. (via Signature Concoctions)

Valentine's Day Oreos

Sure, specialty Oreo flavors can be fun, but the homemade variety are so much sweeter. These almost remind us of Oreo Cakesters, which are the crème de la crème, TBH. (via Sincerely Jean)

Small Batch Sugar Cookies

How cute are these mini sugar cookies? Smear on red and pink frosting, and sprinkle them with colorful sprinkles to your heart's delight. (via Dessert for Two)

Take a Pizza My Heart Cookies

These Valentine's cookies might just be better than an actual heart-shaped pizza. Though this recipe requires some time and effort to decorate, the end result is *so* worth it. You'll need piping bags, icing tips, cookie dough, toothpicks, and red heart sprinkles to make 'em. (via Bake at 350)

Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies

If you're not a huge fan of sugar cookies or anything pink (if so, are you okay?!), these peanut butter cookies may be more up your alley. They're made with brown sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract, and — bonus — they're ready in only 30 minutes. (via The Semi-Sweet Sisters)

Valentine's Day Oreo Pops

Treat yourself and your sweethearts to cookies on a stick this year! This Valentine's Day cookie recipe also leverages store-bought Oreos to deliver maximum yum. (via Happiness Is Homemade)

Very Valentine Pudding Cookies

These bites are essentially pudding, but in cookie form. They're incredibly soft, gooey, and chocolatey. The chocoholics in your life will have to try hard not to inhale them, we swear. (via Crazy for Crust)

Linzer Cookies

These traditional Linzer cookies are comprised of a tart jam filling and two sugary shortbread cookies. Almond and cinnamon also make a few guest appearances, making for a totally yummy dessert. (via Cooking Classy)

4-Ingredient Strawberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft, sweet, and strawberry-infused, these cookies give you a nice alternative to the traditional chocolate chip. And, as a *major* bonus, you only need four ingredients: strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, white chocolate chips, and eggs. (via Easy Peasy Pleasy)

Vegan Valentine's Day Cookie Pops

Saying “I love you" doesn't have to put your sweetie into a sugar coma. Try this gluten-free shortbread cookie recipe with a sugar-free frosting! Freeze-dried raspberries add some nice color and texture to this healthier alternative. (via Wallflower Kitchen)

Chocolate Valentine Kiss Cookies

Sharing a kiss is always sweet, but it hits different when the smooch arrives atop miniature chocolate cookies. 😉 (via The Kitchen Is My Playground)

Mason Jar Cookies

There's just something so special about receiving DIY Valentine's Day gifts. Take these mason jar cookies for example – we're totally into the detail + sugary goodness. (via The Crafting Foodie)

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cookies

A simple box of strawberry cake mix will make anybody blush when it's transformed into soft and chewy cookies that are dipped in white chocolate and adorned with heart-shaped sprinkles. (via I Heart Naptime)

Valentine's Day Fortune Cookies

This pink pomegranate fortune cookie recipe will let your S.O. know just how fortunate you feel to have them in your life. (via What Jew Wanna Eat)

Copycat Lofthouse Cookies

If you're addicted to Lofthouse cookies (we're guilty, too), this Valentine's cookie recipe will definitely come in handy. (via Cincy Shopper)

Valentine's Cookie Box

Give your sweetie your heart (literally) by baking these cookies that stack into a treasure box. One look at these, and they won't want to hide their favorite treats inside for long. (via Glorious Treats)

Valentine's Day Cookies

Share the love with the ultimate chocolate chip cookie lover in your life using this Valentine's Day cookie recipe. Yup, no sugar cookie recipe here – just a delicious chocolate chip cookie covered in lots of frosting and sprinkles. (via Fashionable Hostess)

Heart-Shaped Valentines Oreos

All you need is four ingredients to make quite possibly the best V-Day cookie you've ever made in your life. These taste like Oreos (!) and are double-stuffed with pink frosting for an even more festive treat. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

These sugar cookie bars are the perfect alternative to your average (albeit delicious) Valentine's cookie. Feel free to get as creative as you'd like with sprinkles and toppings, but we're personally loving the little gummy hearts. (via Dessert for Two)

Soft M&M Chocolate Cookies

It's all in the details with this cookie recipe. We simply can't get enough of those red, white, and pink M&M's peeking out of the top of the cookies! (via Averie Cooks)

Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Here's to showing peanut butter cookies more love than ever before. Not only are these heart-shaped cookies made using a simple peanut butter cookie recipe, but the chocolates on top are filled with it, too. Oh, happy day! (via Kara Creates)

For more holiday-themed recipes and food ideas, follow Brit + Co on Pinterest!

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

Lead image via Kathryn's Kitchen.

This post has been updated from a previous post with additional reporting by Yasmein James and Meredith Holser.

This story contains major 1923 season finale spoilers!

Okay y'all. I'm still reeling over the fact 1923 season 2 ended with Alex's death. She seemed invincible to me, and I had such hope that Alex and Spencer would spend the rest of their lives together. But after surviving a snowstorm, Alex ended up succumbing to the effects of frostbite and died in Spencer's arms. And all of us (including actors Brandon Sklenar and Julia Schlaepfer) were emotional.

Here's what Brandon Sklenar and Julia Schlaepfer said about Alex and Spencer's long-awaited reunion in the 1923 season finale — and the tragedy that followed.

What happened with Spencer and Alex on 1923?

Even though Spencer loses Alex at the end of 1923 season 2, I am glad they got to have one final reunion, and hold their baby together. "Losing his wife, his best friend, is really f—ing tragic," Brandon Sklenar tells The Hollywood Reporter. "The hospital stuff was incredibly emotional. Really, we had to come up with jokes because it was super heavy and it was a lot of crying. Too much crying, just crying all the time. A lot of crying!"

And the tears weren't just saved for those sad scenes; Brandon also cried when Alex and Spencer reunite in a dreamy 1920s afterlife where they can dance for eternity.

“It just hits me right in the heart every time, even just thinking about it now,” Brandon says. “I remember filming it and standing in the corner and just having to wipe my eyes because it was so beautiful."

How did Spencer and Alex reunite in 1923 season 2?

Fans were not happy about the fact these two spent all of 1923 season 2 apart — and Julia herself admitted to Brit + Co she "barely" saw Brandon while filming, and that "it was very much like, suddenly we were ripped apart. But that's what the characters are going through...It was very helpful as an actor because that's what they're going through as well."

Channeling that IRL experience also helped for Alex and Spencer's reunion; When Alex is stranded after a snowstorm and Spencer spots her from his train, he jumps into the snow to literally sweep her off her feet and carry her to safety. And the desperate and emotional reunion was desperate and emotional for a reason.

“It was the first scene we shot together this season, which I’m sure was not by accident,” Julia added in her and Brandon's conversation with THR. “When we got to film that scene, for both me and Alex, I felt like I exhaled.”

Did Alex get to meet Jacob Dutton?

But in a classic Taylor Sheridan plot twist, Alex and Spencer aren't together for long. Spencer sets off to help Cara and Zane protect the Yellowstone ranch, leaving Alex and Jacob to head to the hospital. And Julia loved having Harrison Ford with her during those intense scenes.

"It was everything I ever could have dreamed of, times a million. He took such care of me that day when I was fully intending on letting him completely take the lead," she says. "I was so excited and I learned so much watching him. But I think he knew what the content of the scene was, and he wanted to make sure I was good. He knew when to crack jokes at the right time to keep things light. At the end of the scene, we both just stared at each other and cried, and he held me while I was on that bed with this baby."

"I’m really still in the process of grieving everything that she went through, everything that I went through with her, because you really become one," she continues. "She’s a piece of me forever, and I don’t quite know how I will process everything this season, but I’m just trying to enjoy how beautiful and special playing Alex was. It was truly the gift of a lifetime."

Will Brandon Sklenar play Spencer Dutton again?

Even though Spencer and Alex's romance has come to an end, we are getting a 1944 — and Brandon's totally down to return.

"Yeah, definitely. I’d do it. [Their son John Dutton's] got to learn how to do things. Someone’s got to show him," he says, to which Julia replies, "I’ll come back and haunt you both."

Is 1923 Season 3 Coming? What To Know About The Duttons' Future — & The Next Yellowstone Spinoffs.

As soon as the new Hunger Games book and movie, both titled Sunrise on the Reaping, were announced, I started dreaming about the movie cast. After all, the story, which takes place during the 50th Hunger Games and follows Katniss' mentor Haymitch, features double the amount of tributes — that means we're in for some amazing casting announcements! And the casting rumors so far are literally perfect.

Here's everything you need to know about the Sunrise on the Reaping cast rumors before the movie premieres in November 2026.

Who's in the Sunrise on the Reaping cast?

Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix

We don't have an official casting announcement yet, but the internet is losing it over these totally perfect cast rumors:

  • Charlie Plummer as Haymitch Abernathy: a 16-year-old tribute in the 50th Hunger Games from District 12.
  • Ralph Fiennes as President Snow: President of Panem after serving as a District 12 mentor during the 10th Hunger Games.
  • Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee: a capitol cameraman working with District 12.
  • Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman: the man who hosts the interviews with the tributes.
The other Sunrise on the Reaping characters include Maysilee Donner, Wyatt Callow, Louella McCoy and Lou Lou, Lenore Dove, Wiress, Mags, Effie Trinket, Beetee, and Ampert. I would love to see Elle Fanning as Maysilee and Aimee Lou Wood as Effie!

What is Sunrise On The Reaping about?

The new Hunger Games movie is about 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, who gets thrown in the 50th Hunger Games and has to survive both a poison arena and double the regular amount of tributes. Not to mention President Snow.

Will there be a movie for Sunrise on the Reaping?

Scholastic

Yes! Lionsgate announced the movie adaptation for Sunrise on the Reaping on June 6, 2024, the same day the book was announced.

When can I watch Sunrise on the Reaping?

Lionsgate

Hugner Games: Sunrise on the Reaping hits theaters November 20, 2026.

What Hunger Games was Haymitch in?

Murray Close/Lionsgate

Haymitch won the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, when he was 16 years old. Because it was a Quarter Quell, the Capitol added a twist to the Games: there were 48 tributes instead of 24.

When was Sunrise On The Reaping published?

Suzanne Collins' Sunrise On The Reaping was released on March 17, 2025.

Where was the Hunger Games reaping filmed?

Murray Close/Lionsgate

The Hunger Games was filmed around Asheville, North Carolina. The Reaping itself was filmed in Shelby, near Hildebran, North Carolina.

Stay tuned for more news about the new Hunger Games movie. Read up on everything you need to know about the book, too!

This post has been updated.