How to Serve Up Serious Style at Your Next Cocktail Party

We’ve been kicking up our cocktail party game lately, with all sorts of personalized glassware, fun recipes and DIY party decor to show off at our next shindig. This project is a little sampler of all of these party preparations, PLUS the one missing ingredient — a killer cocktail party ensemble to wear the night of!

Cocktail Party Kit

20% off your Rent the Runway order! Fun DIYs, cocktails and new party duds? We are SO in.

(Psst! Make sure to scroll all the way down to learn more about this thing called The Real Runway.)

Materials:

– rocks glasses

– party coasters

– cocktail jigger

– cocktail muddler

– gold paint pen

– at home mixology guide

(or get everything HERE in our kit!)

Grab all of your materials (included in our kit!) and lets get started!

These gold pens seriously rock. Draw phrases, monograms, confetti dots and other patterns. Just make sure to leave some space near the rim of the glass where your mouth will touch.

Repeat for your second glass to make a little mismatched set! If you make a mistake, you can quickly wipe it away with water, soap and a paper towel and then continue drawing.

Let your paint pen design dry for about 15 minutes and you’re done! Hand wash these glasses with the soft side of a sponge in between uses.

We made a second pair of glasses with minimalist monograms, perfect for a personalized holiday gift.

Same deal with these party coasters. Write your party guests’ names or initials on them or just make a variety of cute designs.

We made a fun assortment of 10 different designs, all with this one gold pen.

Part 1: Personalization — done! Check out that fun (and incredibly easy-to-make) set.

For part two of this DIY cocktail party, use those glasses and cocktail tools to mix up a few Old Fashioneds!

First off, drop one sugar cube and three dashes of Angostura bitters into a rocks glass.

Next, pour half an ounce of club soda into the glass using your 1 ounce/2 ounce cocktail jigger to measure.

Muddle to a paste with your wood cocktail muddler.

Add two ounces of bourbon and stir with a spoon until the sugar is dissolved.

Add ice and garnish with a thin strip of orange peel. Twist the peel before garnishing for extra fancy points ;)

Cocktail Party Kit

20% off your Rent the Runway order to complete your look!

THE REAL RUNWAY FEATURING BRIT MORIN

Oh, and don’t forget to check out Brit’s feature in The Real Runway, a platform from Rent The Runway celebrating stylish, multi-faced women who have made the world their runway.

From seasoned entrepreneurs to the fearless girl who just decided to go for it, Rent The Runway is shining a light of these inspiring women through stories, films and collaborations. Learn more here.

If you’re looking to add a little luxury to your life, look no further. Apparently, there are gold plated, custom $15,000 vibrators out there — and And Just Like That’sSeema is a proud owner of one (Because of course she is!).

Seema’s golden vibrator is proudly made by “THE luxury pleasure brand” (their words), LELO, who are on a mission to offer “the experience of ecstasy without shame, the pleasure of discovering all the wonders of one’s body, arming our customers with confidence that leads to a fulfilled intimate life.” And we’re sure the custom-made, gold-clad Inez does just that. The g-spot vibrator is “defined by decadence and elegance…for those who understand you can’t put a price on pleasure.” But don’t worry — if gold isn’t to your liking, LELO also offers a stainless steel version for $7,900. Thank goodness.

Now, we certainly don’t have the Birkin-funded bank account to shell out a cool $15k. If you’re in the same boat (and also want to feel like luxury), we’ve got you covered. Here are our top Seema-approved pleasure toys that will guarantee a happy ending.

​LELO SONA 2 Travel ($99)

Prepare to escape on a journey of sexual wellness with a truly orgasmic companion. This petite travel vibrator is here to provide a clitorally mind-blowing experience anywhere you go in an elegant and discreet fashion.

​Nu Sensuelle Multi-Play Tulip ($99)

The Tulip is a multi-play vibrator that “cultivates your thirst for sexual pleasure,” delivering pinpoint stimulation for an abundance of erogenous zones. Equipped with ten speeds, five pulsations, and two independently controlled motors, this toy will leave you feeling good

plusOne travel bullet ($15)

One button, infinite orgasms. Don’t be fooled by its size — this toy packs a punch.

LELO DOT Cruise ($199)

The same company that brought you a $15k golden vibrator brings you this pinpoint clitoral stimulator. Thanks to LELO’s Infinite Loop™ technology, it moves in a unique elliptical motion with delicate precision, using the soft and bendable tip to provide a new type of sensation that will leave you wanting more.

​Unbound Ollie ($76)

It’s hard to go wrong with a classic wand. Whether you're a seasoned professional or sex toy newbie, this waterproof wand is ultra-reliable and ultra-satisfying.

Diosa Soft Touch by Bellesa ($179)

“Diosa’s dual action vibes hit your clit and g spot better than ever before — bringing you the highest quality blended orgasm you can find on the market.” But don’t just take their word for it, dozens of five star reviews will certainly convince you to click “add to cart.”

​Dame Pom ($99)

Dame means it when they call Pom “small vibe, big versatility.” For “first-time players looking for a place to start (and finish) to experienced pleasure-seekers craving flexibility and ease, Pom offers broad or targeted stimulation, plus a powerful motor with 5 intensities and 5 vibration patterns for anything you're in the mood for.”

​Nu Sensuelle Aluminium 60sx Amp ($100)

Experience the fusion of intense vibrations and gentle warmth with this versatile bullet. The Aluminium commands 12 vibration speeds, and combined with its aluminum composition ensures that its intensity and heating element withstand dampening, allowing for a “heavenly sensory experience.”

​Unbound Bender ($71)

This flexible internal vibrator caan hit all the right places. On the quieter side, this vibe is travel-friendly for those flying solo or with roomies.

​Dame Eva ($140)

Spice up partnered sex with this hands-free device that will blow your mind away. Designed for a secure and comfortable clitoral fit, Eva leaves your hands free so you can really be in the moment.

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Header image courtesy of Wallshoppe, Craig Blakenhorn/Max,LELO.

Design by Olivia Taylor.

I truly feel like I’ve been living under a rock when it comes to what’s good at Whole Foods. Turns out, they’ve been hiding some really impressive deals on groceries in the shadows, but I’m here to shed some light on ‘em. Whole Foods offers savings every week, and I’m fully convinced that my local Whole Foods will be seeing a whole lot more of me from now on.

Scroll on for details on Whole Foods’ top deals to shop starting today!

Kaboompics / PEXELS

1. BOGO 50% off packaged soups (Tuesdays)

Tuesdays and Fridays are the main days of the week that Whole Foods offers savings on their groceries. The first amazing deal for Tuesdays is BOGO 50% off packaged soups – perfect for this time of year!

They’ve got every kind of flavor from minestrone and chicken noodle to Italian wedding and broccoli cheddar. Their packaged soups average out at about $9 per 24-ounce tub, so saving 50% on one when you buy one is pretty good, especially for meal prep purposes.

Lukas / PEXELS

2. $2 off classic and organic rotisserie chickens (Tuesdays)

You can take $2 off two kinds of Whole Foods’ rotisserie chickens every Tuesday. Their classic rotisserie chicken goes for $9 while the organic version sells for $13. I love using rotisserie chicken for soups, sandwiches, wraps, and pastas, so getting a whole chicken to use for recipes all week long for just $7 is so nice!

Nadin Sh / PEXELS

3. $8 large cheese pizzas (Friday)

Sometimes you just do not feel like cooking on a Friday evening after work – that’s where this Whole Foods savings hack comes in! Every Friday, you can get a large cheese pizza for $8. While there’s nothing wrong with a plain cheese pizza (nostalgia galore!), I’d take advantage of this deal then bulk up my slices with various toppings like peppers, pepperoni, and olives.

Nadin Sh / PEXELS

4. 12 for $12 wild caught oysters (Friday)

Ooh, fancy! Every Friday, Whole Foods’ wild caught oysters go for $1 a pop. Buy a dozen for just $12, and you’re golden. This deal would be perfect for a bougie at-home date night.

Pixabay / PEXELS

5. BOGO 50% off packaged sushi rolls (Friday)

This is another great date night pick! Buy one packaged sushi roll, and get another 50% off on Fridays only. From rainbow rolls to California rolls, this Whole Foods savings hack has my cravings going crazy.

Minchephoto Photography / PEXELS

6. $10 family-sized tiramisu (Friday)

Got a hankering for a sweet treat? Don’t fret – you can shop a whole family-sized serving of tiramisu at Whole Foods for just $10 every Friday.

Kseniia Lopyreva / PEXELS

7. $12 bottles of prosecco (Friday)

The death of the work week and start of the weekend is obviously a cause for celebration, and Whole Foods has you covered with $12 bottles of Presto prosecco every Friday. Cheers!

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You read that right – the Phoebe Bridgers x Catbird jewelry collection is getting a restock on May 24.

The singer-songwriter's collaboration with Catbird Jewelry (that originally dropped in February and quickly sold out) features six enchanting charms that recall various themes and lyrics of her songs, and they are simply perfect. As part of the collaboration with Bridgers, the Catbird Giving Fund is donating $25,000 to The National Center for Transgender Equality in honor of their work in policy change. Supporting an amazing cause, and our favorite artist? We're in.

The collection flaunts a duo pair of charms. What better way to celebrate your bestie than splitting the pair with them? Whether you and your bestie are silver wearers, or more go-for-gold girlies, don't fret — Bridgers made sure both preferences are covered in the designs. Scroll for the collection and shop it when the pieces return on May 24. We're *dreaming* about wearing it.

www.catbirdnyc.com

Kissing Skull Friends Charms in Yellow Gold ($490)

We especially adore the Kissing Skull Friends Charms, which is the perfect gift to share between yourself and your closest Pheobe-fan friend.

www.catbirdnyc.com

Kissing Skull Friends Charms in Silver ($130)

The matching heart-shaped charms are also available in silver. The lyrics to "Garden Song" are etched on the backs of the charms, adding a sentimental touch we just need in our life.

www.catbirdnyc.com

Give You The Moon Charm in Yellow Gold ($398)

It's name hailing from one of Phoebe's sad girl anthems, "Moon Song", this sleek moonstone charm also boasts her handwriting etched on the back.

www.catbirdnyc.com

Give You The Moon Charm in Silver ($198)

Wear this beautiful charm on a necklace chain, or on a bracelet.

www.catbirdnyc.com

I Want To Go Home Charm in Yellow Gold ($290)

The dainty chains that dangle from this UFO-shaped charm are so sweet, and the fact that it's topped with a pearl adds to the *wow* factor.

www.catbirdnyc.com

I Want To Go Home Charm in Silver ($98)

Pop the charm on an earring hoop, and you've got your new favorite earring that'll also make you think of Phoebe each time you wear it.​

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

This post has been updated.

As much as I love celebrity couples, I love celebrity sibling relationships even more. And Elle and Dakota Fanning are two sisters I've grown up watching since I first saw Dreamer in 2005. Considering Elle Fanning is only five months older than me, and I have a sister of my own, this is one relationship that feels particularly familiar. And while Elle has also watched Dakota Fanning act since we were kids, Dakota just revealed seeing Elle onscreen is just as special for her.

Here's why Dakota & Elle Fanning get emotional seeing each other onscreen.

Elle remembers "sobbing" during one particularly emotional Dakota Fanning movie.

“When Elle’s in anything, it makes me feel it deeper,” Dakota Fanning said at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit on December 3. “She never can fully disappear into a character totally for me as her sister. She obviously does an amazing job, but I’m always gonna see my little sister a little bit.”

And Elle is just as touched by Dakota's roles, and remembers "uncontrollably sobbing" after seeing Now Is Good, a movie where Dakota's character was dying of cancer. “Because it was my sister, I had a real traumatic reaction after that premiere and the screening,” Elle says. “Obviously the acting, but it was something felt on a deeper level.”

“I’m doing this job, I’m an actor because my sister started before me and I watched her,” Elle continues. “I wanted to do exactly what my big sister wanted to do.”

And their movies have also made an impact on everyone who watches them.

When Brit + Co caught up with Dakota Fanning at the world premiere of The Watchers, I had to ask about one of her most iconic movies: Uptown Girls. "I love it," she says of TikTok memes and edits giving the movie new life. "It's nostalgic for people who are kind of around my age, who grew up watching that movie, I think it's like a comfort movie for people. And so I love that people are still revisiting it and loving it. And maybe now that everyone's older [they're] understanding different things about it."

Dakota starred opposite Brittany Murphy, who also had roles in movies like Clueless, 8 Mile, and Girl, Interrupted. Brittany passed away in 2009 when Dakota was 15. "I loved Brittany so much and I still miss her," she says. "So anytime that she has, you know, a moment where people think about her is also nice."

You can see Elle Fanning in A Complete Unknown, in theaters December 25, and you can also stream Dakota Fanning's new show The Perfect Couple on Netflix now.

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.