Checkered Home Decor Is The Geometric Answer To Spring Florals

Do a Quick Clutter Sweep

You don’t need to deep-clean — just focus on visible clutter. Clear off countertops, coffee tables, and entryways. Short on time? Just toss items into a basket and tuck them away in a closet.

Light a Candle Or Diffuse A Favorite Scent

Set the mood with a seasonal or favorite scent, like vanilla, amber, or something citrusy. It instantly makes your space feel warm and inviting. I like to put one in the guest bathroom too for a little surprise.

Have a little time? You can also simmer citrus and your favorite herbs on the stove.

You’ll Need:

• Citrus slices like oranges, lemons, or limes
• A few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
• 1–2 cinnamon sticks or whole cloves
• A splash of vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Slice your citrus thinly. Try a mix of orange and lemon for a bright, balanced scent.
2. Fill a pot with water, about ¾ full.
3. Add your ingredients to the water.
4. Bring to a simmer over low heat. As the mixture warms, the scent will start to fill your space. (Keep an eye on the water level, and add more as it evaporates.)

Prep the Bathroom

Nothing makes guests feel more "ick" than a dirty or messy bathroom so prioritize this space. Wipe down the sink and toilet, put out a fresh hand towel, and make sure there’s enough toilet paper.

Set the Mood with Music or Lighting

I make sure to switch off all the overheads (not a fan of this harsh lighting) and turn on table lamps for a cozy vibe. Then cue up a Spotify "dinner party" playlist that matches the energy — something mellow and upbeat is usually a safe bet.

Add Thoughtful Touches

A long-distance friend of mine would always leave me a basket of toiletries for my overnight stays and it's something I always remember fondly. On their bedside table, you can leave them a pitcher of water, their favorite snacks, flowers or herbs, and/or a book or magazine. Little details make people feel instantly loved.

Take the Garbage Out

Nothing ruins the party vibe like a smelly garbage can. Empty it before anyone arrives, and consider adding a fresh liner with a drop of essential oil or baking soda to keep things smelling fresh and clean.

1. Dresses Over Jeans

Wearing a dress is already enough of an ordeal, particularly when you have to use the restroom. Yet, for some reason, this process was made even more complicated with the infamous dresses-over-jeans look.

The 2000s loved layering, whether it made sense or not, so dresses were just thrown on over jeans, even for the red carpet. The result was a strange combination that wasn't functional or fashion-forward. And if you wanna try it for yourself in 2025, this Urban Outfitters dress seems to work for the trend...

2. Skinny Scarves

These ridiculously thin pieces of fabric served no real purpose other than to add another layer to an outfit. Nonetheless, the skinny scarf was used to spice up all kinds of ensembles, from dresses to basic T-shirts with jeans.

Let's save scarves for, well, when our necks need to be kept warm in the fall or winter. Otherwise, the tiny piece of fabric isn't doing anything for us except adding noise.

3. Big Belts

Do you remember the giant belts that Y2K celebs wore high on their waist or super low on their hips? They typically had flashy buckles or heavy metal details and wouldn't even fit through jean belt loops!

Again, Y2K fashion followed the "go big or go home" mentality and big belts were no exception. They just weren't practical, flattering, or necessary most of the time.

4. Wedge Heels 24/7

We all know that certain trends have the power to last for more than one decade. Wedge heels were one of them, infiltrating the early 2000s and remaining the go-to footwear for literally all occasions.

Nowadays, wedge heels are generally reserved for more casual or even beachy outings. But during this era, they had us in a chokehold and were worn for nights out and even by celebs on the red carpet.

5. Striped Highlights

Given how balayages are all the rage today, it's unimaginable why anyone wanted chunky stripes of highlights in their hair during the early 2000s.

To be clear, there's nothing inherently wrong with experimenting with your hair, but this bold style was both hard to maintain and super patchy, making it just painful to look at. I don't envision this trend making a resurgence anytime soon.

6. Pirate Pants

Thanks to M.C. Hammer, teens and young adults ate up wide, voluminous pants. Then, this garment got its own spin in the 2000s with the rise of Pirate Pants — or baggy joggers.

They tapered around the ankles, puffed around the thighs, and made everyone look pretty pear-shaped. We commend the fashion risk-taking, but the result didn't really complement any silhouettes.

7. Neckties

Arguably, one of the most random accessories to pop up in this decade was the necktie, particularly in punk-inspired fashion.

Avril Lavigne was this trend's trailblazer and added ties to tons of her outfits, even if she was just wearing jeans and a tank top. This look never made sense and, in hindsight, feels a lot more misplaced than edgy.

8. Ultra Mini Skirts

Finally, the ultra mini is perhaps one of Y2K's worst offenders. These barely-there skirts were so tiny that I don't even know how they stayed in place.

The idea was that you'd get to show off your legs, but with one wrong move, you'd end up accidentally revealing much more. Again, kudos to 2000s celebs for trying out something bold, but the constant stress isn't worth it. Thankfully, our more recent ultra minis are skorts, now!

Michelle Randolph teases '1923' season 2 finally gives us answers to the Dutton family tree.

By the end of season 2, Michelle Randolph says "we might be able to fill in some blanks" in the Dutton family tree, which is a very hot topic for internet users! "I had to make my own [family tree] because all of the ones I saw on the internet were like — every single one was different. I was like 'I'm confused.'"

The Dutton family is made up of incredible cast members like Brandon Sklenar, Harrison Ford, and Helen Mirren, and Michelle reveals that the cast are just as close as their characters.

"There's a giant group chat called Giddy Up, which started during cowboy camp of season one," she says. "A cute little name, and I think I mean we all were on location in Montana and all in the same hotel, and we would get dinners after [filming], so I think even though our characters are very different and in different story lines like we all really did bond, which was really helpful to have each other throughout the chaos of of shooting a show."

The actress also says Elizabeth would connect with her 'Landman' character Ainsley.

And if you're a tried and true Taylor Sheridan fan, you've probably picked up on the fact that Michelle isn't just in 1923 — she also has a starring role as Ainsley Norris in Landman! But would Elizabeth and Ainsley get along if they met in an alternate universe?

"That would be a fun thing to witness. I think they would," she says. "They're very different, but the similarities between them is they're both young women who are finding their place in this world and I think that they both actually look at the world through very bright eyes and have a lot of hope, which is an interesting correlation between the two of them. I think Elizabeth has gone through so much more than Ainsley obviously, so there might be a difference there, but I think they would get along."