11 Creative Wedding Buffet Ideas to Personalize Your Reception

If you’re planning a wedding, you know how much of an impact the food has on the reception and everything else. It gets expensive to feed all those people! But you don’t have to stick with a plain Jane cake-and-punch reception. There are lots of creative wedding buffet menus that are budget-friendly and will make your reception unique. Take a look and get inspired by DIY wedding ideas for buffets that will please you and your guests.

1. Taco Bar: Adding edible flowers adds an upscale touch to this classic buffet option. While you’re at it, let your guests whip up their own tequila-based cocktail too. (via Brit + Co)

2. Mimosa Bar: Step away from the punch. Juice, fresh fruit, and bubbly are all that are required for the perfect drink buffet to go with your cake. (via Gimme Some Oven)

3. Spiked Milkshake Buffet: Everyone loves ice cream. If you’re planning a summer wedding, consider serving up some boozy milkshakes. Pre-blend them and let them get frosty in jars perfect for sipping. (via Brit + Co)

4. Crostini Bar: Bread, cheese, and endless topping options — it doesn’t get much classier than crostini for your afternoon wedding. (via Brit + Co)

5. Biscuits Bar: It’s a fact that breakfast is the best meal of the day. So whip up brunch faves (i.e. plenty of bacon and biscuits), and make everyone happy. (via Sugar & Cloth)

6. Pizza Buffet: You can make your own crust or buy it, but as long as there is enough cheese, your pizza buffet promises to be the best buffet yet. (Photo via Getty)

7. Dessert Bar: A cookie bar (with maybe a few cake pops and parfaits) gives you a chance to hang with your maids while you bake. (Photo via Getty)

8. Chips and Salsa Bar: If you’ve got family looking to help with your big day, ask them to make you a big pot of chili for the reception. Then all you have to do is provide the toppings for a wedding buffet to remember. (via Damn Delicious)

9. Bloody Mary Bar: Looking for a buffet to please your adult guests? Try putting together a Bloody Mary bar for major kicks. This is also a great idea for the morning-after brunch. (via Brit + Co)

10. Candy Charcuterie Board: Let guests make their own mini bags of candy to take home at the end of the night. (via Brit + Co)

11. Popcorn Bar: This idea just screams country-classic. We’ll guarantee that your wedding will be the kid favorite of the summer. (via A Joyful Riot)

(Additional reporting by Casey Watkins)

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.

Baby name trends will always come and go, but some classic picks will just never go out of style. These monikers, occasionally called "old man" names, stand the test of time for a reason. They're strong, vintage, and sometimes hold historical significance.

So, if you're welcoming a baby boy into your family soon, you can't go wrong with an old man baby name. Here are our top picks that are packed with character.

Scroll to see all the old man baby names we're loving right now!

1. Walter

Carlos Santiago

With German roots, Walter is a compelling name that's derived from the Old High German Walthari. It combines the elements "walt," which means "power," and "hari," meaning "warrior." This gives Walter the meaning of "commander of the army."

Its regal sound and commanding symbolism make Walter the perfect fit for a boy who's destined to be a future leader.

2. Franklin

George Pak

This distinguished name has deep historical roots and was most famously carried by the former American president and founding father, Benjamin Franklin.

It originates from the Middle English word "frankeleyn" and was originally used as a surname, meaning "freeman" or "freeholder." Franklin carries a sense of independence, intellect, and hard work, all qualities that most parents hope to instill in their little ones.

3. Leroy

Norman Milwood

French in origin, Leroy is bold and actually means "the king." This name hit its height of popularity during the mid-nineteenth century, but to this day, it continues to exude strength and authority.

Many expectant parents across the globe keep choosing this moniker for their newest additions because it's a timeless choice that feels both distinguished and approachable.

4. Grady

Ivan Samkov

With Irish roots, Grady means "noble" and "renowned" and has a rugged, adventurous vibe. It might make you think of an outdoorsy little boy with a curious spirit who's always seeking out new experiences.

Grady has traditionally been considered a boy's name, but in recent years, it's been used as a gender-neutral choice, too.

5. Kenneth

Foden Nguyen

Kenneth is a name with deep Scottish ties, as it was famously borne by the first King of Scotland. Then, author Sir Walter Scott popularized Kenneth outside of the nation in his 1825 novel The Talisman.

More recently, the name became a household one when Barbie's boyfriend, Ken, was introduced to children everywhere in 1959. Kenneth actually holds two appealing meanings, "good looking" and "fire born."

6. Preston

Larbigno

Preston is English in origin and means "priest's town" or "priest's estate," offering a nice blend of history and charm. This name is also associated with a historic town in Northern England that was known for playing a significant role in the Industrial Revolution.

With an air of sophistication and a connection to faith, Preston is a great choice for parents who want their little boy to stand out.

7. Casper

Henley Design Studio

While Casper might call to mind the friendly ghost that graced our TV screens during the '90s, it actually dates back to the Old Testament. This cute name has Persian origins and means "treasurer bearer," which couldn't be more appropriate for the newest gift in your life.

Casper is derived from the Chaldean word "gizbar," meaning "treasurer," and can be spelled in multiple ways, such as Caspar or Kaspar.

8. Harold

Becerra Govea Photo

Finally, Harold is derived from Old English, Germanic, and Old Norse variations, all of which carry the strong meaning of "army ruler" or "heroic leader."

Historically, this name was favored by Scandinavian settlers and royals throughout England, Norway, and Denmark. Despite its interesting history, Harold is surprisingly underused today, making it a distinctive option for parents who want a name that's classic and still a bit unique.

Looking for more baby & parenting advice? Sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!

If there’s one recipe you 100 percent need to crank out some seriously festive Christmas dessert ideas, it’s the classic, basic sugar cookie. Some of the most intricately ordained, masterpiece cookies (like pink Christmas decorations, jolly reindeer, and llamas) begin with a simple foundation. Let’s start with this recipe we love for a vanilla-bean-speckled version that’s sure to hold its own under all that royal icing.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter (room temperature + cubed)
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cups flour

Directions

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add vanilla bean and egg. Mix until just incorporated. Stop mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.

Gradually add flour (you may not need the full three cups), and mix until dough forms and pulls away from the bowl. Divide dough into two even discs and wrap in cling wrap, then refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.

When ready to roll dough, pre-heat oven to 350°F and line baking trays with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Using a rolling pin, roll cookie dough between two pieces of parchment paper to 1/4-inch in thickness, and use cookie cutters to cut out cookie shapes.

Transfer cookies to a baking tray using a lightly floured spatula. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before baking.

Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or when edges begin to brown. The time will be dependent on size and thickness of cookies.

Allow to cool on tray until warm to touch, then transfer onto a wire cooling rackbefore decorating.

Decorate your easy Christmas cookies to you and your family's liking!

Check out our baking and cooking classes for more recipes to make at home!

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

See our ‘Grammable Holiday Cookie Guide.

Recipe via Vickie Liu; photos via Brittany Griffin/Brit + Co

My love for making latte recipes has come to a halt with the news I need to balance my hormones. I could curse the sky for this minor inconvenience, but I've been testing low-to-no caffeine coffee alternatives to curb my sadness. Thanks to Google, I've found 10 of the best products ever created.

I know this sounds far-fetched, but I think I may opt to drink them more often than relying on things full of acidic caffeine!

Scroll to find the best low-to-no caffeine coffee alternatives that boosts your energy without being harsh on your body.

Low Caffeine Coffee Alternatives 

Live Conscious

Live Conscious Beyond Brew Vanilla Latte

Starting off with the first coffee alternative I've tried, Live Conscious' Beyond Brew Vanilla Latte is high on my list because almost forgot I wasn't drinking my Nescaf Gold Instant Coffeelatte mix. My favorite thing about it is how easy it is on my tummy. Coffee usually gives me an extreme case of gas cramps, but this doesn't. I think it's because it's filled with ingredients like turkey tail and other probiotics!

Everyday Dose

Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee

Next up is Everyday Dose's Mushroom Coffee! Made with 80% less coffee than other brands, it's way better than Dr. Robotnik's recipes in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. It's easy on digestive and nervous systems because it's full of ingredients like collagen, chaga, and lion's mane. So, you get the boost of energy without the weird jitters and pained run to the bathroom!

MUD/WTR

MUD/WTR Matcha Starter Kit

Is Matcha coffee-adjacent? It depends on who you ask, but it's technically not. I just love drinking it when I feel like I've exhausted my go-to latte drink. MUD/WTR's starter kit only has 55g of caffeine in it which is a better alternative than your go-to coffee drink. Trust me!

No Caffeine Coffee Alternatives 

World Wide Botanicals

World Wide Botanicals French Chicory Root Brew-Like Coffee

Not only is this coffee alternative caffeine free, but it's not acidic either! I especially love that how the chicory breaks down into a healthy prebiotic that helps the right kind of bacteria flourish in your digestive tract. Knowing that most illnesses begin in our stomachs, I love how this promotes a healthy version of what coffee lovers typically drink.

Anthony's Goods

Anthony's Goods Instant Chicory Root

Do you need another reason to drink chicory root? Not really, but Anthony's Goods has another alternative that's just as good as World Wide Botanicals' version. Besides being caffeine-free, this product's also gluten-free and has non-GMO properties. The taste is just an extra benefit!

Rasa Koffee

Rasa Koffee Original Adaptogenic Mushroom Coffee

What I want? More mushroom coffee ASAP! This vegan product is also great for anyone who's following a Whole 30 or Ayurvedic diet. It has 13 natural herbs in it and helps you feel less stressed with each cup you drink. How's that for an incentive to reach for coffee alternatives?

Walmart

Cafix All Natural Instant Beverage Crystals

Calling all barley lovers! I've found instant coffee crystals that are 100% caffeine-free! Amazingly enough, Cafix has figured out how to leave out the ingredient that makes some of us experience a post-coffee crash and I love that. I will say it's a little pricey for Instant Coffee, but you don't need to use that much.

Teeccino

Teeccino Turkey Tail Astragalus — Toasted Maple

The name 'Turkey Tail' may sound hilarious, but this blend is so good it's not funny. It's another acid-free, pre-biotic drink that doesn't taste like raw mushrooms (so important) and it brews like your favorite drink. Not bad.

Banyan Botanicals

Banyan Bitter & Bold Coffee Alternative With Chicory & Dandelion

If you don't need a ton of sugar or caramel syrup in your coffee, you'll enjoy drinking this chicory and dandelion mix. It a;so has adaptogens and prebiotics for a bold flavor you'll enjoy before a busy day. Plus, the fact it's caffeine-free is another added bonus.

Sip Herbals

Sip Herbals Peppermint Mocha Superfood Coffee Alternative

Did you really think I'd forget to include something that tastes festive? I couldn't leave this coffee alternative off the list because it combines "antioxidant-rich carob and soothing peppermint" together for a taste that feels like someone's throwing a Christmas party in your mouth.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more healthy food and drink alternatives!

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

White Lotus season 3 is coming to a close, and the internet has a lot of questions — led, of course, by Who is The White Lotus killer? Well, I can't answer that one for you just yet, but we'll all get the answer this Sunday, April 6, when the White Lotusseason finale airs. Here's everything you need to know about how to stream the episode (and how to rewatch all the episodes leading up to it).

Here's everything you need to know about season 3 The White Lotus season finale episode, airing on HBO and Max April 6, 2025.

When is The White Lotus season finale?

Fabio Lovino/HBO

The White Lotus season 3 finale will air on HBO and Max April 6, 2025 at 9 PM EST.

How many episodes will The White Lotus season 3 have?

The White Lotus season 3 will have 8 episodes total, and episode 8, "Amor Fati," is premiering this week! Here's the full schedule:

  • Season 3, Episode 1 "Same Spirits, New Forms" premiered on February 16, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 2 "Special Treatments" premiered on February 23, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 3 "The Meaning of Dreams" premiered on March 2, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 4 "Hide or Seek" premiered on March 9, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 5 "Full-Moon Party" premiered on March 16, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 6 "Denials" premiered on March 23, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 7 "Killer Instincts" premiered on March 30, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 8 "Amor Fati" airs on April 6, 2025

Who's in The White Lotus season 3 cast?

Fabio Lovino/HBO

The White Lotus season 3 cast is one of the best on TV right now! The list includes:

  • Jason Isaacs as Timothy Ratliff: a financier vacationing in Thailand with his family, and with some secrets.
  • Parker Posey as Victoria Ratliff: Timothy's wife.
  • Patrick Schwarzengger as Saxon Ratliff: Timothy and Victoria's eldest son who works Timothy.
  • Sarah Catherine Hook as Piper Ratliff: Timothy and Victoria's daughter, a college senior who's studying religion.
  • Sam Nivola as Lochlan Ratliff: Timothy and Victoria's youngest, a high school senior.
  • Michelle Monaghan as Jaclyn Lemon: a TV actress on a girls' trip.
  • Leslie Bibb as Kate Bohr: one of three friends on a Thailand girls' trip.
  • Carrie Coon as Laurie Duffy: a lawyer escaping the real world with a girls' trip.
  • Walton Goggins as Rick Hatchett: a guest at The White Lotus traveling with his younger girlfriend Chelsea.
  • Aimee Lou Wood as Chelsea: a young English woman staying at the resort with her much-older boyfriend.
  • Lalisa Manobal as Thidapon "Mook" Sornsin: the White Lotus' health mentor.
  • Lek Patravadi as Sritala Hollinger: an owner of the White Lotus.
  • Natasha Rothwell as Belinda Lindsey: spa manager visiting from the White Lotus Hawaii vacation.

Where did The White Lotus season 3 film?

The White Lotus season 3 filmed from February 2024 until August 2024, and filmed in various locations around Thailand, like Bangkok, Phuket, and Ko Samui.

Is White Lotus season 3 finished?

Fabio Lovino/HBO

The final episode of White Lotus season 3 airs this week, April 6, 2025. But filming for the show finished in August of 2024.

Are you excited for The White Lotus season finale? Tag us with all your insane theories on Instagram!