14 DIY Luminaries to Make Your Party Glow

From weddings and holiday get-togethers to birthday bashes and baby showers, parties are all the more amazing when you have the perfect lighting to set the mood. Whatever your style and plans might be, we’ve rounded up 14 DIY luminaries that look spectacular and, most importantly, can be made right from the comfort of your own couch. Here’s to having a fun time creating and an even better time celebrating!

1. Holiday Tree Luminaries: With summer on the downswing and Halloween just around the corner, Christmas can’t be too far behind, right? Get a jump on the season by putting together these understated yet eye-catching porcelain tree lights that will look pretty year ’round too. (via A Beautiful Mess)

2. Chinese Lantern Luminaries: Bright colors and a geometric tissue square pattern help give white Chinese lanterns a modern makeover. (via Oh Happy Day)

3. Washi Tape Luminaries: From decorating keyboards to creating super stylish coasters, there are tons of versatile uses for washi tape. Here, it’s seen dressing up votives for a whimsical, rainbow-inspired look. (via Santa Barbara Chic)

4. Pumpkin Luminaries: Along with welcoming the return of sweater weather and hot apple cider, we just love decorating pumpkins during the fall. Give this year’s gourds a creative twist by turning them into twinkling luminaries guaranteed to impress party guests and trick-or-treaters alike. (via BHG)

5. Pyramid Luminaries: These warmly glowing pyramids prove that even something as simple as a security envelope can be beautifully transformed. (via Tinkerlab)

6. Ice Luminaries: Banish snow day boredom by using balloons to make ice luminaries so cool you’d swear they came straight out of Frozen. (via One Little Project)

7. Water Balloon Luminaries: Believe it or not, these stunning luminaries are created by dipping water balloons into wax! Follow the tutorial to make your own in just 10 easy steps. (via Candle Making Techniques)

8. Vinyl Luminaries: Guests will feel as if they’ve driven straight into a winter wonderland when you line the driveway with a sea of gleaming vinyl lights. (via Lowe’s)

9. Tissue-Covered Luminaries: This tissue medallion-adorned vase lends a classy look that’s just right for an elegant wedding reception or chic holiday dinner party. (via Hey Gorgeous Events)

10. Paper Flower Luminaries: Whether you’re getting married in the spring or just want to bring some extra beauty to your day, floral luminaries make great table accents and can even be used to line the aisle. (via 100 Layer Cake)

11. Tin Can Luminaries: Planning a rustic wedding? Upcycle tin cans by painting them to match your color scheme and then using a punch to create pretty, customized designs. (via Hometalk)

12. Aluminum Luminaries: Aluminum sheets, wire and string lights are all you need to create these two-step luminaries that are as pretty to look at as they are simple to design. (via Lowe’s)

13. Pennant Garland Luminaries: Let love shine by displaying this illuminated pennant garland during an outdoor party. (via Once Wed)

14. Colored Paper Luminaries: Colored paper isn’t just for the kiddos when you create these fun and festive luminaries. (via Minieco)

Do you have any fun luminary DIYs to share? Shout ’em out in the comments below or on Facebook.

Studio McGee has spent the last decade inspiring us with a blend of accessible and elevated designs, creating beautiful and totally livable spaces. In her 2025 Home Decor Trends report, Shea McGee emphasizes that home decor trends evolve gradually over time, and I couldn’t agree more. Unlike the fast-paced world of fashion, where trends shift every season, these design moves develop organically over time, and that's good for your wallet and taking your time to create a space you love. Get inspired to refresh your home in 2025 with a few new accents, from embellishments like fringe to maybe a little western or seaside art.

Here are Studio McGee's 2025 Home Decor Trend Predictions, with a few surprises!

Photo: Shade Degges | Design: Studio Mountain

Romantic Silhouettes

Take Romantic Silhouettes, for example. This is a trend we've seen steadily gain traction over the past few years. Think curvy furniture, delicate floral prints, and soft blush hues — when curated thoughtfully, these elements can become timeless staples in your home.

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Watch Shea's take on designing your home for 2025!

Photo: Michael P.H. Clifford | Design: A1000XBetter

Western Cowboy

This is a design trend that totally surprised me, but I'm so happy to see it in the mix. Elements like leather furniture, rustic accessories, equestrian art, even wood walls, shown in this office designed by A1000XBetter, are making an impact in 2025 and beyond. But Shea notes that you can take this trend literally or just be inspired by the look. You can also mix it with other styles to personalize it for you. Add romantic pillows or ruffled tablecloths like McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall Gardenia Ruffle Border Tablecloth – things you love that make it yours vs. based solely on one trend.

Gavin Carter| Design: House of Rolison

Saturated Colors

Shea predicts that rich hues like deep browns, oxblood red, and earthy greens will continue to dominate home decor colors going into 2025. House of Rolison's bathroom brown is an excellent example of this beautiful trend.

courtesy of Stewart-Schafer

Pattern Drenching

Embracing a single pattern and drenching an entire room in it — from walls to pillows, headboards, and curtains — is a surprise trend for 2025. This maximalist approach, which has been quietly gaining traction, draws inspiration from Arts and Crafts designers like William Morris and has been in and out of vogue since the Victorian era.

McGee & Co.

Embellishments

This is a trend you can easily DIY to add an extra layer of charm to your decor. Think playful details like fringe accents —beautifully shown in McGee & Co.'s Philippa Settee — along with tassels, pleats, ruffles, and rope. It’s all about embracing texture and whimsy, so have fun with it!

McGee & Co.

Seaside Inspiration

Coastal decor has long been an influence in design and you can be inspired by it in many forms, from shell accents to beach-inspired artwork like McGee & Co.'s Distant Coastline art to textured seagrass baskets and jute rugs. Even the soothing hues of the sea — think soft blues, sandy neutrals, and gentle greens — can inspire your 2025 spaces.

Check out the full list of Studio McGee 2025 Design Trends!

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

Dunkin’s winter menu for 2025 is lookin’ pretty sweet. Seriously – 3 out of 5 new drinks on the menu are inspired by cake. Since there’s little I love more than a good, decadent dessert (other than coffee, of course), I’m especially excited about this new lineup!

The Dunkin’ winter menu also has one sweet snack and an iced espresso drink that are both hauntingly similar to what Starbucks has to offer. Is the competition heating up, or is it just me?

The Dunkin’ winter menu dropped on December 31, just ahead of the new year. Dunkin's holiday menu dropped on November 1.

Let’s officially get into it. Here’s everything on the Dunkin’ menu this December to start 2025 off just right!

Drinks On The Dunkin' Winter Menu

@snackolator

NEW! Lava Cake Signature Latte

Lava Cake Swirl flavoring, whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and hot chocolate powder. Now that's a mouthful! That's exactly how this new drink is built – with tons and tons of chocolate. If you've got a strong sweet tooth, this one's for you.

@snackolator

NEW! Lava Cake Coffee

Dunkin' is also featuring the new Lava Cake Swirl flavoring in this creamy coffee. It'll be available to order hot or iced!

@snackolator

Brown Sugar Shakin' Espresso

Um, Starbucks dupe, anyone?! Dunkin's version of the famed Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso looks like it follows a very similar recipe to the Starbies way: espresso (shaken until frothy), brown sugar syrup, and oat milk. I can't wait to try this one and see how it measures up to my routine Starbucks order. It even got a co-sign from Sabrina Carpenter.

Dunkin'

Brown Sugar Oat Iced Matcha Latte

Dunkin' will offer two new in-app exclusive drinks this season, the first being the Brown Sugar Oat Iced Matcha Latte. It's like your average iced matcha latte, amped up with some brown sugar syrup and oat milk. Yum.

@snackolator

Raspberry Lava Cake Coffee

The second in-app exclusive drink on theDunkin' winter menu is the Raspberry Lava Cake Coffee, which features a dose of Lava Cake Swirl alongside a raspberry flavor shot and cream. You'll be able to order this one hot or iced.

Food On The Dunkin' Winter Menu

@snackolator

NEW! Whoopie Pie Specialty Donut

Now, onto the good stuff. The Whoopie Pie Specialty Donut features a halved glazed chocolate cake donut that's filled with vanilla whipped buttercreme icing and topped with a cute lil' buttercreme rosette.

Dunkin'

Iced Lemon Loaf Cake

Okay, yet another Starbucks similarity! This zesty-sweet snack returns on December 31. Dunkin's Iced Lemon Loaf Cake is moist as can be, and is topped with a thick layer of lemon icing.

More Dunkin' Menu Items To Come In 2025

Dunkin'

Dunkin' Valentine's Donuts

Speculation around the Dunkin' winter menu for 2025 also dropped some hints about the chain's Valentine's Day offerings.

According to the buzz, the Brownie Batter (pictured above) and Cupid's Choice donuts will return on January 29. What's even more exciting is that a new iteration of Dunkin's Munchkins will be available, too!

The new Valentine's Munchkins will reportedly be made from glazed chocolate donut holes coated in Valentine's-esque sprinkles. I'm craving them already!

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This post has been updated.

If there’s any holiday where you’re encouraged to take shots, it’s New Year’s Eve. But, that doesn’t mean you should limit your NYE party beverages to champagne. These sparkly, glittery and all-around enticing shots are sure to please and won’t induce any bad-idea hangovers from too manytequila drinks. You can let your resolution ideas start when the calendar reads 2025. Meanwhile, cheers to enjoying these shots you’ll actually want to make (and take) this New Year’s Eve.

The 14 Best New Year's Eve Shots To Throw Back For 2025!

Brit + Co

Apple Cider Shooter

That caramel vodka you bought on a whim once can finally be put to good use with this spiked apple cider shooter. Whip it up as a shot or a large punch that will last all night long. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Root Beer Float Shooter

This soda shop classic gets an adult upgrade with ROOT, a traditional alcoholic Native American tea. And tea is healthy, right? ;) (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Rainbow Shots

Meet your new party trick! All five of these shots come out of one shaker. Prepare to amaze your guests with your bartending skills this NYE. (via Brit + Co)

Sprinkle Bakes

Champagne Chantilly Shooters

Be sure to add these cake-inspired shooters to your after-holiday to-do list to start 2016 with a little bit of deliciousness. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Feast + West

Champagne Jell-O Shots

Turn your champagne into a shot! If you’re hosting a large party, these are a way more affordable option than a case of champagne. (via Feast + West)

Dine and Dish

Blackberry Gin Shooters

This shooter is *almost* too pretty to drink. Plus, we can all pretend that the blackberries are doing you some good. (via Dine and Dish)

A Year of Cocktails

Butternut Rum Lifesaver

A shot that tastes like candy is a sweet way to start your year off right. (via A Year of Cocktails)

Holly's Cheat Day

Tipsy Spritzer Shots

Not every shot needs to be super strong. If you’re looking for something you can enjoy throughout the night, this sweet, bubbly and tart “spritzer” shot is low in alcohol content and big on flavor. (via Holly’s Cheat Day)

Bubbly Nation Creations

Sparkling Jello Jigglers

Swap out champagne for the grape juice in this recipe to make a fancy, adult version of a JELL-O jiggler. Sprinkles and edible gold stars required. (via Bubbly Nation Creations)

Broma Bakery

Champagne Jello Shots

Awww, Jello Shots are all grown up in this festive recipe. They have a nice flavor that won’t leave you wincing afterwards. (via Broma Bakery)

The First Year

White Chocolate Champagne Cheesecake Shooters

This shot is delicious enough to be dessert. Top yours with edible glitter sprinkles to get even more festive. (via The First Year)

Cookin' Canuck

Cranberry Kamikaze Shots

NYE calls for a fancier drink than a go-to beer or wine. Ring in the new year with cranberry kamikaze shots that look pretty and taste delicious (via Cookin' Canuck)

Tablespoon

Banana Split Shooters

This shot requires five ingredients that'll send your taste buds soaring. I mean, what could be better than taking a shot of something that tastes like dessert? (via Tablespoon)

Something Swanky

Sparkling Cider Jello Shots (Non-Alcoholic)

If you want to be extra careful not to induce a hangover when you wake up in 2024, your best bet are these sparkling cider jello shots. They're made with unflavored gelatin, distilled water, cider and your choice of berries, cherries, or gummies! (via Something Swanky)

Looking for more NYE recipe or drink ideas? Check out Brit + Co on Pinterest and check out our New Year's Eve dinner ideas for more inspiration.This post has been updated.