How to Host a Super Stylish Dinner Party for Less

Brit + Co
Nov 17, 2017

‘Tis the season to entertain, cook, and wow *all* your guests. Follow our RSVP series with Rachel Parcell through November and December for tips, tricks, and inspiration. Happy holiday party season, all!

From assembling the decor to entertaining guests, hosting a dinner party can become a tedious task, draining your energy and bank account. The good news is, it doesn’t have to! Over the years, my love for hosting has taught me that it’s not so much about incorporating expensive decor, but more about creating a beautiful atmosphere. See below for some of my top tips for putting together a stylish dinner party that every guest will enjoy, without breaking the bank!

1. Set the mood with scent. The very first thing your guests will notice when they enter your home won’t be the decor or the food or even who is in attendance — it will be the smell. Choose a scent that’s refreshing and welcoming because it will set the tone for the entire evening.

2. Fresh flowers are a must. The fun part about hosting a dinner party is you get to choose the theme, including what decorations and centerpiece to use for your tabletop. I almost always opt for fresh-cut flowers. You can easily create your own affordable arrangement by popping into your local grocery store or flower shop and picking up a few bouquets.

3. Make a statement on your tabletop. When it comes to setting the table, try a unique glass or flatware to add personality. I typically love to use traditional white plates and chargers (Target or IKEA are great options for affordable ones). But be sure to think outside the box for glasses or utensils that will make a statement as opposed to blending in.

4. Add personal touches. Consider where your guests will sit for the dinner and who they’ll feel comfortable next to and have an enjoyable time with. When hosting for more than eight to 10 people, I’d recommend having name tags. They don’t have to be fancy or expensive either. You can simply print them off at home in your favorite font or hand letter them yourself.

5. Consider the menu ahead of time. Something that I always do before hosting a party is make sure I know guests’ dietary restrictions or allergies. This is super important and needs to be taken into account early enough so you can plan accordingly and get the best ingredients at the best price, and not in a last-minute rush.

For more entertaining tips and decor inspo, check out my blog Pink Peonies, or see the latest on Instagram @RachParcell!

(Photos via Rachel Parcell)

14 Tasty Fall Mocktails To Shake Up Your Friendsgiving Function

Fall cocktails may get all the love, but you don't need alcohol to make a pretty drink with fun ice and a nice glass. Well-made fall mocktails can be every bit as refreshing and a great way to embrace autumn and celebrate Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving. Besides – seasonal drinks are really all about the ingredients — mainly apple, pumpkin, and fig. So, get your mocktail cart ready, and check out the yummy non-alcoholic fall mocktails below!

Gabi Porter

Jaguar's Coupe

Though originally crafted for a May holiday (hola, Cinco de Mayo), this spicy drink can be a total fall mocktail. It's zesty and sweet all at the same time, and brings some warmth via bell pepper juice. Give this one a try when you don't feel like sipping on some alc. (via Nikola Nikoletić, Head Bartender at Patent Pending for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Sleepy Girl Mocktail

Easily crafted with just 3 ingredients, this Sleepy Girl Mocktail encourages relaxation and a refreshing night of sleep. It's perfect for cozying up and sipping alongside your favorite book! (via Brit + Co)

Spindrift

Ginger, Orange, Cranberry, + Raspberry Spritz

For this sipper, you'll use a can of Cranberry Raspberry Spindrift alongside some fresh ginger and orange to craft a crisp glass that's sure to bring forth fall feels. (via Spindrift)

Pink Owl Kitchen

Espresso Martini Mocktail

The girlies love an espresso martini – so make sure you've got this virgin recipe in your arsenal for your besties who don't drink. Use some pumpkin spice syrup to truly make this a fall mocktail you can't miss! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Bowl of Delicious

Honey Blackberry Mint Mocktails

Blackberry and mint is *the* combo of the season. Those bubbles, though! (via Bowl of Delicious)

The Endless Meal

Apple Lemonade

Apple juice (or cider) gets a citrusy twist from lemon juice in this crisp, refreshing fall mocktail. (via The Endless Meal)

The Real Food Dietitians

Sparkling Cranberry Kombucha Mocktail

All fall cocktails require for that extra oomph is a splash of kombucha – this holiday-forward one will provide a great flavor transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas, with the help of cranberry. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Completely Delicious

Non-Alcoholic Juicy Julep

This sip is seemingly summery, but we urge you to make it work for fall. It's heavenly. (via Completely Delicious)

Amanda Wilens

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

Swap the bourbon for sparkling water (or apple cider!) to make this fall-spiced cocktail a true mocktail. (via Amanda Wilens)

Half Baked Harvest

The Hermoine Granger

To make this cute Harry Potter-inspired mocktail, substitute the vodka for lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Barley & Sage

Woodford Spire Cocktail

Trade bourbon for black tea to make this cranberry-lemonade cocktail a very delish fall mocktail. (via Barley & Sage)

The First Mess

Pomegranate Pomander Spritz Mocktail

Non-alc bitters and vanilla extract work together to really forge some unforgettable flavors in this fall mocktail. (via The First Mess)

A Spicy Perspective

Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice

Inspired by the pumpkin juice at Harry Potter World, this fall mocktail mixes apple cider, pumpkin puree, and apricot nectar with vanilla and pumpkin spice – yummm. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Crowded Kitchen

Cranberry Mocktail

The thyme garnish on this fall mocktail is a no-brainer for amping up the seasonal vibes! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Follow us on Pinterest for more fall-ready drinks and recipes!

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

fallmocktailsentertainingnon-alcoholicfall drinksrecipesdrinks

Mikey Madison's Win Over Demi Moore Was The Biggest Surprise At The 2025 Oscars

The 2025 Oscars have come and gone. In addition to some incredible noms, like A Real Pain for Original Screenplay, Wicked for Best Picture, and Anora's Mikey Madison for Best Actress, there were some serious snubs. Because what do you mean Challengers didn't get nominated for ANYTHING?! Considering it won Best Score at the Golden Globes, I'd have thought it had that nomination secured, but the Academy had other plans.

Here's the full list of 2025 Oscar winners.

The Craziest 2025 Oscar nomination snubs.

Amazon MGM Studios

I really can't believe Zendaya didn't get nominated for her performance in Challengers. Her viral "crazy eyes" scene generated enough conversation to give her a nom in my opinion. I remember sitting in the theater and thinking, Wow, I've never seen her make that face before, can we replay that? And, of course, I'm mourning the fact the movie didn't get nominated for Best Score. "Match Point" playing during the ending of the movie will always be an Oscar-winning moment to me!

But in addition to Z, Selena Gomez also didn't get nominated for her role as Jessi Del Monte in Emilia Pérez, despite the fact the movie got a total of 13 nominations.

My group chat immediately blew up when we realized Sing Sing wasn't nominated for Best Picture.

The full list of 2025 Oscar winners.

Universal Pictures

Best Picture

Winner: Anora

  • Anora
  • The Brutalist
  • A Complete Unknown
  • Conclave
  • Dune: Part Two
  • Emilia Pérez
  • I’m Still Here
  • Nickel Boys
  • The Substance
  • Wicked

Best Lead Actress

Winner: Mikey Madison for Anora

  • Cynthia Erivo for Wicked
  • Karla Sofía Gascón for Emilia Pérez
  • Mikey Madison for Anora
  • Demi Moore for The Substance
  • Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here

Best Lead Actor

Winner: Adrien Brody for The Brutalist

  • Adrien Brody for The Brutalist
  • Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown
  • Colman Domingo for Sing Sing
  • Ralph Fiennes for Conclave
  • Sebastian Stan for The Apprentice

Searchlight Pictures

Best Supporting Actress

Winner: Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez

  • Monica Barbaro for A Complete Unknown
  • Ariana Grande for Wicked
  • Felicity Jones for The Brutalist
  • Isabella Rossellini for Conclave
  • Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez

Best Supporting Actor

Winner: Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain

  • Yura Borisov for Anora
  • Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain
  • Edward Norton for A Complete Unknown
  • Guy Pearce for The Brutalist
  • Jeremy Strong for The Apprentice

Best Director

Winner: Sean Baker for Anora

  • Sean Baker for Anora
  • Brady Corbet for The Brutalist
  • James Mangold for A Complete Unknown
  • Jacques Audiard for Emilia Pérez
  • Coralie Fargeat for The Substance

Best Original Screenplay

Winner: Anora

  • Anora
  • The Brutalist
  • A Real Pain
  • September 5
  • The Substance

Best Adapted Screenplay

Winner: Conclave

  • A Complete Unknown
  • Conclave
  • Emilia Pérez
  • Nickel Boys
  • Sing Sing

Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures

Best Cinematography

Winner: The Brutalist

  • The Brutalist
  • Dune: Part Two
  • Emilia Pérez
  • Maria
  • Nosferatu

Best Original Score

Winner: The Brutalist

  • The Brutalist
  • Conclave
  • Emilia Pérez
  • Wicked
  • The Wild Robot

Best Original Song

Winner: “El Mal” for Emilia Pérez

  • “El Mal” for Emilia Pérez
  • “The Journey” for The Six Triple Eight
  • “Like a Bird” for Sing Sing
  • “Mi Camino” for Emilia Pérez
  • “Never Too Late” for Elton John: Never Too Late

Best Editing

Winner: Anora

  • Anora
  • The Brutalist
  • Conclave
  • Emilia Pérez
  • Wicked

Best Production Design

Winner: Wicked

  • The Brutalist
  • Conclave
  • Dune: Part Two
  • Nosferatu
  • Wicked

Netflix

Best Costume Design

Winner: Wicked

  • A Complete Unknown
  • Conclave
  • Gladiator II
  • Nosferatu
  • Wicked

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Winner: The Substance

  • A Different Man
  • Emilia Pérez
  • Nosferatu
  • The Substance
  • Wicked

Best Sound

Winner: Dune: Part Two

  • A Complete Unknown
  • Dune: Part Two
  • Emilia Pérez
  • Wicked
  • The Wild Robot

Best Visual Effects

Winner: Dune: Part Two

  • Alien: Romulus
  • Better Man
  • Dune: Part Two
  • Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
  • Wicked

Best International Feature

Winner: I'm Still Here

  • Brazil's I’m Still Here
  • Denmark's The Girl with the Needle
  • France's Emilia Pérez
  • Germany's The Seed of the Sacred Fig
  • Latvia's Flow

Universal Pictures

Best Animated Feature

Winner: Latvia's Flow

  • Flow
  • Inside Out 2
  • Memoir of a Snail
  • Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
  • The Wild Robot

Best Animated Short

Winner: In the Shadow of the Cypress

  • Beautiful Men
  • In the Shadow of the Cypress
  • Magic Candies
  • Wander to Wonder
  • Yuck!

Best Live-Action Short

Winner: cine

  • A Lien
  • Anuja
  • I’m Not a Robot
  • The Last Ranger
  • The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent

Best Documentary Feature

Winner: No Other Land

  • Black Box Diaries
  • No Other Land
  • Porcelain War
  • Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat
  • Sugarcane

Best Documentary Short

Winner: The Only Girl in the Orchestra

  • Death By Numbers
  • I Am Ready, Warden
  • Incident
  • Instruments of a Beating Heart
  • The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Did your favorite movie of 2024 get the Oscar nominations you think it deserved, or was it totally snubbed? Let us know on Instagram! And you can still make 13 Award-Winning Cocktails after Oscar Sunday ;).

This post has been updated.

moviespop cultureoscarsawards showsentertainment

This Spinach Artichoke Dip Is The Ultimate Easy Appetizer To Share With A Crowd

I could truly shovel spinach artichoke dip into my mouth via chip like there's no tomorrow. When an appetizer is so cheesy, warm, and comforting, I just can't get enough. Luckily, spinach artichoke dip is super easy to make at home, and our recipe yields a restaurant-tier serving of it!

Made with *two* different kinds of cheeses and all the traditional seasonings, you won't want another side dishever again after making this spinach artichoke dip. The best part is it's made quick with the help of store-bought components like frozen spinach and canned artichoke hearts. Let's get into it!

Ingredients For Our Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Photo by Antonio Filigno / PEXELS

  • 1 (10 oz) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 (14 oz) can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

How To Make Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Image via StableDiffusion

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well until combined.
  3. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish, and spread it out evenly.
  4. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
  5. Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor!
  6. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crispy bread slices, or vegetables for dipping!

Notes For This Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Image via StableDiffusion

  • Using frozen spinach and canned artichokes makes this recipe easier and quicker. You have the option to use fresh ingredients, if you want to!
  • Add a sprinkling of red pepper flakes if you want the spinach artichoke dip to have a kick of spice.
  • Keep an eye on the dip while it bakes, making sure it doesn't bubble over. If you're struggling to get that golden brown layer on the top, broil the dip for a few minutes at the end of its baking time.
  • You aren't totally limited to Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Though these cheeses make for the most traditional flavor, you can throw in some different kinds of cheeses to amp up the taste.

Sign up for our newsletter for more easy recipes to make at home!

Lead image via StableDiffusion.

recipeseasy recipesappetizer recipesdip recipesspinach dipentertainingfood

Alexis Bledel Actually Debunked This 12-Year Old 'Gilmore Girls' Rumor

Gilmore Girls fans know the show like the back of their hand, but considering the show lasted 7 seasons, it makes sense that there's tons of trivia. Like the fact season 7 wasn't supposed to be the finale, or creator Amy Sherman-Palladino placed the series in a small town because she didn't know any of her neighbors growing upand wanted different for Rory.

But there's one foundational detail about Gilmore Girls you might not have known, and it could change the way you watch the show forever: apparently actress Alexis Bledel didn't like coffee! Yep, that's right. Here's how they supposedly got away with Rory drinking a cup o' Joe in every single episode.

Here's what Alexis Bledel reportedly had in her mug when Rory Gilmore drank coffee — and a surprising comment Alexis made about the drink.

Rory Gilmore loves coffee...but Alexis Bledel allegedly didn't.

Warner Bros. TV

One of the most recognizable details in Gilmore Girls is Lorelai and Rory's love for coffee. They drink it like water, and a clip from the show went viral for Rory sobbing about having to give it up. Well, Alexis Bledel probably wasn't that heartbroken because according to HuffPost, the actress didn't actually like coffee while filming the show (although according to Lauren Graham, “There is always coffee in my cup.”)

Considering one of the most viral and recognizable clips from the whole show is Rory sobbing about having to give up coffee — "And I love coffee!" — that is a shocking detail!

Netflix

However, Alexis Bledel might have actually set the record straight on the longstanding claim she always had soda in her mug instead (which seems to originally come from YourTango in 2013). Ahead of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life in 2016, the actress told Marie Claire that she loves any "winter beverage."

"Give me a hot drink and I’m happy," she says. "Hot cider, hot chocolate, coffee… I like all winter beverages!" You and me both sister.

There's a good chance Alexis' tastes changed from filming in 2000 and filming in 2016. There's also a good chance she did actually like coffee the whole time. But don't worry — we reached out to her reps for comment.

Check out How To Make Coffee Like Your Fave Barista for all things coffee, coffee, coffee!

pop culturegilmore girlsentertainment

The 13 Starbucks Drinks Disappearing From The Menu This Week – And What To Order Instead

ICYMI, Starbucks is cutting 13 staple drinks from their menu. Even if your go-to order is no longer, there’s no need to fret – the chain still has plenty of similar options to choose from! As a former barista, I can guarantee you’ll find an alternative Starbucks order you love – one you just might love more than your previous drink!

Scroll on to see the 13 Starbucks drinks disappearing from menus starting March 4, plus what to order instead to satisfy your cravings.

Starbucks

Iced Matcha Lemonade

Alternative order: Green Tea Lemonade

Though Starbucks’ Green Tea Lemonade doesn’t have any matcha in it, you’ll still get a kick from the caffeinated green tea included in the sip. Plus, it’s still crafted with lemonade, so the citrus notes you like in the OG won’t be missed.

Starbucks

Espresso Frappuccino

Alternative order: Coffee Frappuccino

The Starbucks Espresso Frappuccino will be taken off menus on March 4, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your frozen espresso fix. Their Coffee Frappuccino is a great alternative order because it still boasts sweet coffee and can be easily customized with an additional shot of espresso.

Starbucks

Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino

Alternative order: Coffee Frappuccino

The Coffee Frappuccino is another reliable alternative for Starbucks’ Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino since you still get a taste of coffee. If vanilla is what you're craving, you can easily request a few pumps of vanilla syrup as a customization.

Starbucks

Java Chip Frappuccino

Alternative order: Mocha Frappuccino

I’m honestly sad to see the Java Chip Frappuccino go. It’s been my go-to order since I was a kid, and I still order it on occasion when I want a little ‘treat myself’ moment. Luckily the Mocha Frappuccino will stay on Starbucks menus and gives a similar chocolate-coffee flavor.

Starbucks

White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino

Alternative order: Mocha Frappuccino

I fear there’s not a totally similar alternative order to the bygone White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino, but it’s very possible that you could order the Mocha Frappuccino with white chocolate sauce instead of the regular mocha to situate your white chocolate cravings.

Starbucks

Crème Frappuccinos (Chai, Caramel Ribbon Crunch, Double Chocolaty Chip, Chocolate Cookie Crumble, White Chocolate)

Alternative order: Vanilla Bean Frappuccino

Starbucks’ beloved non-caffeinated Crème Frappuccinos will no longer be offered starting March 4. Instead, I recommend trying out the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino and customizing it with your desired flavor – Starbucks still has so many syrups.

Starbucks

White Hot Chocolate

Alternative order: Hot Chocolate

Though the “official” White Hot Chocolate will no longer be available, Starbucks says you can still customize a regular Hot Chocolate with either mocha or white chocolate mocha sauce.

Starbucks

Royal English Breakfast Latte

Alternative order: London Fog Latte

Where the discontinued Royal English Breakfast Latte includes, well, Royal English Breakfast tea, you can still get the same sweet floral notes from a London Fog Latte.

Starbucks

Honey Almondmilk Flat White

Alternative order: Flat White

The Honey Almondmilk Flat White is sadly going away, but you can actually still order it, as long as you request some customizations that make it the exact same drink. Starting March 4, order the Flat White with almond milk and honey – or any milk and flavor of your choice!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more Starbucks news!

food newsstarbucksstarbucks newsstarbucks drinksmenufood