See the Best Celebrity Christmas Cards of 2017

Kim Kardashian West’s not the only one showing off her family’s holiday photos! Celebs are flocking to social media to show off their Christmas cards in all their cheery glory, from the Real Housewives gang to the gals of the Jersey Shore, and it’s DEFINITELY helping to get us in the holiday spirit. Check out who’s spreading joy to their loved ones — and their social media followers — with the precious snaps below!

1. Cash Warren: The Warren/Alba gang celebrated their last year as a family of four before the couple’s baby boy arrives, with Warren noting, “Last one where I’ll be the only dude in the photo… I’m having a moment. Merry Christmas Eve! He also threw in a little Christmas humor, saying, “Tried to convince Haven that today was Christmas and Santa forget about her but she saw right through it. Smart kid.”

2.Lauren Conrad: Conrad and hubby Wiliam Tell’s little one, Liam, was front and center in their Christmas card, which LC says she “finally got our act together and sent out.” Still, “We also managed to kill our Christmas tree in two weeks, so there’s that,” she joked.

3. Allison WIlliams: Williams’ Christmas card is so good, it’s up for “Best Holiday Card,” with reviews from everyone PETA to yes, even Brit + Co, which was included as follows: “Solid cardstock, double-sided photo layout, and a handwritten signature. This one may be the Holy Trinity of Christmas cards.”

4. Heidi Pratt: Pratt gushed over her little family of three snuggled up in a plaid shawl, writing, “Our first family Christmas card with @gunnerpratt! I have been dreaming about this day for years! Thank you God for answering my prayers! All I want for Christmas is you, my baby! Miracle baby!” (Photo via Oxana Alex Photography)

5. The Royal Family: The Royals chose a blue theme for their annual card, sparking speculation over whether or not the Duchess might be welcoming a little brother for Princess Charlotte and Prince George. (Photo via Chris Jackson/Getty)

6. Mark Wahlburg: The x star ditched the shirt for his family’s annual snap, taking us back to sunnier days on the beach.

7. Melissa Joan Hart: The The Watcher in the Woods executive producer rounded up her troop on a bale of hay for their awww-worthy pic.

8.Eniko Hart: The Hart family turned their card into a straight-up movie poster, with their two sons, Hendrix and Kenzo, and daughter Heaven as the stars.

9. Tori Spelling: Simple and elegant, Spelling’s photo referenced a Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, with some pretty gold script on the bottom of her Simply to Impress card.

10. Ali Fedotowsky-Manno: Fedotowsky-Manno, hubby Kevin, and daughter Molly donned matching PJs for their family shoot, which she says she got on eBay for less than $20. Score!

11.Kendra Wikinson-Baskett: Wilkinson-Baskett’s adorable shot featured the mommy of two and her athlete hubby smiling big for the camera with a festive gold-specked backdrop.

12. Jenny Mollen: Mollen, who is married to actor Jason Biggs, admittedly isn’t normally one for holiday cards, but caved after having her second child this October, saying, “I’ve never been adult enough to create holiday cards, but now with two kids the guilt just doubled.” She also shared what went into creating their snuggled up snap, writing, “It took four lactation cookies, three bottles, two bottles, and the promise of a date night to get this pic.” Well worth it, Jenny!

13.Kyle Richards: The Beverly Hills housewife looked more like they were shooting an episode of Richards’ show than taking a simple Christmas pic, dressed to the nines in black-and-silver ensembles. Gorgeous!

14. Nicole “Snooki” LaValle: The Etsy star joked about “torturing her kids” as they posed slightly less-than-enthusiastically with a reindeer, a lit-up tree, and several gold presents.

15. Roger Mathews: LaValle’s BFF, Jennii “JWoww” Farley, and hubby Roger Mathews, got all decked out in their Christmas finest (check out those sweaters!) for this loving shoot with their two kids, Meilani and Grayson. (Photo via Anthony Serrantino)

16. Ayesha Curry: Even the dogs got in on the Curry family’s holiday action, “smiling” big for the camera and posing politely.

17. Kim Kardashian West: The Kardashian family is going all out this year, with a pic for each of the 25 days of Christmas. Check out their cutest snaps, which even include (gasp!) a SMILING Kanye, here.

Which celeb Christmas card do you like best? Tell us over @BritandCo.

(Photos via John Scuilli/Getty)

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.

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.

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I'd consider myself a hot chocolate connoisseur. I've sipped rich and decadent drinks at Colonial Williamsburg, whipped up a homemade recipe for Christmas parties, and sampled my fair share of instant hot cocoa packets. So I was shocked when the Whole Foods Hot Chocolate ended up being one of my favorite cocoa options of all time — for only $2 a cup! The hot chocolate offers a smoother, richer taste than other instant cocoas I've tried, and it really offers a bang for your buck.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about the delicious Whole Foods Hot Chocolate.

The delicious Whole Foods hot chocolate is only $2 a cup.

Whole Foods

The Whole Foods hot chocolate (officially named Organic Milk Chocolate Flavor Mix Hot Cocoa Mix. Fancy!) is from the 365 by Whole Foods Market brand, and features 10 packets in a single box. Not only does that mean it's $2 a cup, but it's also easier than ever to whip up a late night beverage. My favorite thing ever is curling up with hot cocoa and a book or TV show in bed!

Instead of a pot or saucepan, all you need is a mug and a microwave. Just heat up your water or milk and mix a packet in! I'm pretty bougie when it comes to hot chocolate, and use equal parts water and soy milk, then add a splash of eggnog. Trust me, it makes the cocoa even richer and more flavorful than it was before.

The hot cocoa packets include organic cane sugar, organic nonfat dry milk, organic cocoa powder, and some sea salt among other ingredients.

Amazon

You can enter your zip code to find the Whole Foods hot chocolate near you, but you can also order it on Amazon for a quick delivery. And if you're not a fan of the packets, opt for a 12 oz container instead!

One Amazon reviewer says this product is "such a treat," and that it "dissolves without any issue," which is a huge challenge when talking about instant cocoa. "You can control how much of the flavor you want which we like since you just scoop it into your cup from the container," they continue. "Good size for the price. Container seems to last a while too."

"I'm a REALLY PICKY hot chocolate lover," another Amazon review says. "This is good stuff. It blends perfectly and tastes rich. I blend it 50/50 with 365 coffee and a hot cup of milk. Some reviews say it's expensive compared to Swiss Miss. I just checked and this is $6.79 for 12 servings - Swiss Miss Simply Cocoa's cheapest prices is $7.33 for 8 servings. This is a good buy."

"I like it because I can adjust the amount that I use, for myself I use less than is suggested because it is so rich and chocolatey," a third review says. "Price is on point. And product is consistent."

And if you mix it into your morning cup of coffee? Well, that's a mocha for way cheaper than you can find at Starbucks ;).

Check out the $4 Trader Joe’s Holiday Cookies With An Insane Cult Following so you have something to dip in your Whole Foods Hot Chocolate!

Why am I just now learning that Costco sells caviar?! After a quick catch on social media, I’m totally hooked on finding the TsarNicoulai Caviar Tasting Flight Gift Set in stores.

This find comes at just the right time, too. Christmas and New Year’s are upon us, and the Costco caviar gift set is the perfect hosting hack for leaving a lasting impression on your guests – especially the ones with a bit more bougie palette.

Costco

The Tsar Nicoulai Caviar Tasting Flight Gift Set is directly inspired by Tsar Nicoulai’s award-winning caviar café in San Francisco – IYKYK. The set features 4 “unique” grades of “top-quality” caviar, with each respective grade sourced from a single sturgeon. The very luxe set is completed with a spread of smoked sturgeon, blini, and crème fraiche.

Costco

The Costco caviar (can’t believe I’m writing that!) can serve 4 to 8 people, so it’s practically perfect for a holiday dinner party or cocktail hour. It arrives with 4 caviar spoons made from Mother of Pearl – can someone say “bougie?!”

Rachel Claire / PEXELS

Costco shoppers have granted the caviar set 4.4 out of 5 stars. Here’s some promising reviews to really help you seal the deal:

  • “We bought it as a trial and pretty happy with the purchase. Even with the full price getting smoked sturgeon which we like a like it's a wickedly good deal. If you want to elevate your dining experience this might be one of the ways to do it.”
  • “This was amazing for my 79th birthday experience. My father taught us that to appreciate caviar you have to serve it "right". My Russian Vodka days are over so we utilized some of our favorite Hard Seltzer and of course some finely chopped hard boiled egg and onion which this time was a scallion. The secret is to to place the whole doctored up blini with the caviar into your mouth in one bite so that all the flavors merge at once. Highly recommend this fabulous treat!”
  • “This set is outstanding value! We used this set for a Vodka and Caviar tasting party we were having. All the caviars were excellent and the addition of sturgeon was a nice touch. Highly recommend.”

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

The Tsar Nicoulai Caviar Tasting Flight Gift Set is currently $50 off through December 31, 2024. This savings opportunity is only available online, so don’t wait to snag it for your holiday plans before it sells out! Originally $250, you’ll only pay $200 for the best fancy holiday snack around.

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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.