Take Your Memorial Day Picnic to a Whole New Level With This Flag Rug

Kelly Bryden
May 17, 2017

Memorial Day is one of my favorite days because it marks the official start to summer. This means days filled with beaches, outdoor hikes, and picnics are in our future. High five to that!

This picnic blanket is a bit different than your average — it’s made from carpet! The idea came from one of Brit + Co’s new friends, Adi Goodrich — a famous kick-ass set designer in LA. We went to a workshop with her where she told us about all the crazy stores she goes to when looking for art supplies. She told us how she made a whole set with carpet and cutout shapes, and applied them to a wall just as she would with paint or vinyl. I took this inspiration to the smaller screen — my Memorial Day picnic blanket. Set this bad boy outside or keep it indoors to spruce up a sunroom or covered patio.

Materials and Tools:

Instructions

Trim your canvas to be 63 x 43 inches.

Cut your pink carpet squares into three-inch strips. Use a box cutter or scissors — it’s actually not as hard to cut as I thought it would be. High five to that!

Roll out your white carpet and cut strips that are about 3.5 inches thick and six feet long. The white rug will shag a lot more, so cut a half-inch buffer to hide under the pink strips when you’re assembling.

Cut out a 26 x 22-inch rectangle from the blue rug. If you’re really looking to impress, you can try adding stencil stars with fabric paint.

Lay out all of your rectangles to create the flag. Lay the white strips down first and then the pink stripes slightly overlapping the edges. Trim the white strips to the correct length, and then piece together pink strips to create the correct length.

Grab the liquid nails and start gluing everything down. Really make sure to get all edges to avoid any holes in your rug.

Lay out your rug and add all your picnic fixings — cheese, berries, and wine are always a must.

Lay on down and get ready for the near future — sun, shorts, and long nights.

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

DIY Production and Styling: Kelly Bryden
 Photography: Brittany Griffin and Kurt Andre

The 8 Best '90s Rom-Coms That Prove The Genre Will Never Be That Good Again

There's nothing like a good rom-com, and unfortunately there's also nothing like a bad rom-com. With dull scripts and (at times) even duller characters, the romance movie market has been flailing for me in recent years. I'm really hoping movies like Anyone But You, Set It Up, and Materialists revive the era of the rom-com (recession core!!!) but I still stand by the fact the 1990s and early 2000s is the best rom-com era of all time. Here are 8 movies to prove it.

Keep reading for the 8 best '90s rom-coms that put the rest to shame.

1. Notting Hill (1999)

Universal Pictures

Notting Hill follows famous American actress Anna (Julia Roberts) who stumbles into Will's (Hugh Grant) Notting Hill bookstore...and his life. But Anna's fame (and the paparazzi) make everything more complicated.

Notting Hill stars Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, Rhys Ifans, and James Dreyfus.

2. While You Were Sleeping (1995)

Hollywood Pictures

This '90s rom-com follows Sandra Bullock's character Lucy, who works as a Chicago Transit Authority ticket booth operator. And her life gets more exciting than she could have predicted when she rescues her longtime crush from an oncoming train...and his family believes they're engaged.

While You Were Sleeping stars Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle, Glynis Johns, and Jack Warden.

3. You've Got Mail (1998)

Warner Bros. Pictures

When Harry Met Sally might be Meg Ryan's most iconic movie, but You've Got Mail is arguably the most romantic. The movie follows two rival bookstore owners (Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks) who don't realize they've been falling for each other over email.

You've Got Mail stars Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.

4. Sleepless In Seattle (1993)

TriStar Pictures

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan also starred together in Sleepless In Seattle, in which widower Sam's (Tom Hanks) son calls into a radio show to find Sam a partner — and Annie (Meg Ryan) decides to find him IRL.

Sleepless in Seattle stars Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks, and Bill Pullman.

5. Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

Renaissance Films

Yes, this '90s rom-com is actually a Shakespearean tale. Much Ado About Nothing follows Hero and Claudio who decide to set the very-single and very argumentative Benedick and Beatrice up with each other. Fun fact, this loosely inspired Anyone But You!

Much Ado About Nothing stars Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh, Michael Keaton, Robert Sean Leonard, Keanu Reeves, Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington, and Kate Beckinsale.

6. Shakespeare In Love (1998)

Universal Pictures/Miramax

And I can't talk about Shakespeare adaptations without mentioning Shakespeare In Love! The movie follows the one and only William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes), who totally runs out of money and inspiration...until he meets Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow).

Shakespeare In Love stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush, Colin Firth, Ben Affleck, Judi Dench, Simon Callow, Jim Carter, Martin Clunes, Antony Sher, and Imelda Staunton.

7. Pretty Woman (1990)

Touchstone Pictures

Pretty Woman is the perfect mix of '80s and '90s, and the fact that Julia Roberts stars as the titular pretty woman makes this movie a must-watch. Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) is a Hollywood escort who's hired by wealthy Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) to accompany him over the course of a week. And, of course, their business deal quickly turns into something more.

Pretty Woman stars Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Jason Alexander, and Héctor Elizondo.

8. Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

Rank Film Distributors

This '90s rom-com follows bachelor Charles (Hugh Grant), who — over the course of four weddings and a single funeral — realizes he's fallen in love with Carrie (Andie MacDowell).

Four Weddings and a Funeral stars Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, Kristin Scott Thomas, Simon Callow, James Fleet, John Hannah, Charlotte Coleman, David Bower, Corin Redgrave, and Rowan Atkinson.

Read 10 Cringy 90s Movies That Would Never Be Made Today for more throwbacks!

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The 8 Best Family Movies of All Time That Everyone Will Love

Family movie nights might seem like a simple way to get your kids to simmer down for the evening. But once they grow up, the time you all spend together huddled under blankets on the couch and munching away on popcorn will truly become cherished memories.

If we're being honest, though, finding a film that keeps both the little ones and the grown-ups entertained can be a tall order. That's why we've rounded up the best family movies of all time. Some are classics, while others are newer, but they each strike that perfect balance of heart and humor that will get everyone engaged.

Scroll to see all the best family movies of all time you can stream right now!

Pixar

1. Inside Out (2015)

Pixar's Inside Out takes viewers on a journey into the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley as she grapples with a big life change: moving to a new city. Directed by Peter Docter, this beautifully animated film brings Riley's emotions of Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust to life, giving kids and parents alike a creative way to talk about feelings.

Inside Out is rated PG, clocks in at 102 minutes long, and features an all-star voice cast, including Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader, and Lewis Black.

Columbia Pictures

2. Daddy Day Care (2003)

In this hilarious movie, Eddie Murphy plays Charlie, a man who loses his corporate job and teams up with a buddy to open a daycare out of his own home. As it turns out, a lot can go wrong.

Directed by Steve Carr, Daddy Day Care is a laugh-out-loud comedy that pokes fun at traditional gender roles while still delivering a sweet message about parenting and perseverance. It's rated PG, has a runtime of 92 minutes, and is perfect for families who love a bit of silliness.

20th Century Fox

3. The Greatest Showman (2017)

This feel-good musical premiered in 2017 and quickly captured the hearts of viewers everywhere, bringing the story of P.T. Barnum to life.

Hugh Jackman leads a star-studded cast that includes Zac Efron, Zendaya, and Michelle Williams. The Greatest Showman also features a ton of catchy tunes, so at 105 minutes, it's a great choice for families into showbiz.

Pixar

4. Finding Nemo (2003)

We'd be remiss if we didn't include Finding Nemo, Pixar's timeless underwater adventure that has stood the test of time. It follows Marlin, a cautious clownfish, as he teams up with the forgetful but lovable Dory to search for his son Nemo, who's been scooped up by a diver and placed in a fish tank.

Directed by Andrew Stanton and rated G, this film is 100 minutes of humor, lovable characters, and important lessons about bravery, independence, and trust.

Universal Pictures

5. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Another cultural phenomenon that still tugs at our heartstrings decades later is E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. This sci-fi tale of a gentle alien stranded on Earth and the boy who befriends him is packed with wonder and a few emotional gut punches.

It's rated PG-13, is 115 minutes long, and is best suited for older kids who can handle some mild language and more intense scenes towards the end. Also, parents will get to see young Drew Barrymore again!

Sony Pictures

6. Paddington (2015)

Paddington is a modern classic based on the beloved children's books, following a polite bear from Peru who finds himself lost in London's Paddington Station. Then, the kind Brown family takes him in.

Directed by Paul King, this G-rated film is only 95 minutes long and will draw viewers of all ages in with its clever humor and heartfelt themes. Plus, if you fall in love with the first Paddington film, there's an equally good sequel you can watch as well.

Pixar

7. Up (2009)

This Pixar movie follows Carl, a widowed 78-year-old balloon salesman who decides to fulfill his lifelong dream of visiting South America by tying thousands of balloons to his house and floating away. Along for the ride is Russell, a spirited Boy Scout who's just as eager for the adventure.

Featuring the voices of Ed Asner and Jordan Nagai, Up is rated PG, lasts 96 minutes, and has some emotional moments, including a famous opening montage that may cause you to shed some tears.

Warner Bros

8. Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

Last but certainly not least is Where the Wild Things Are, which takes Maurice Sendak's classic book and transforms it into a thoughtful film about childhood emotions and imagination.

The story follows Max, a lonely boy who runs away from home and finds himself in a mysterious land filled with large, furry creatures. With a PG rating and a 101-minute runtime, the film is better suited for tweens who can appreciate its slower pace and introspective themes.

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8 Small Town TV Shows That Will Hold You Over Until 'Sullivan's Crossing' Season 3

There's just something so charming about small-town life — especially on TV. Maybe it's the quirky neighbors or the sense of community, but the drama that unfolds still has a way of feeling familiar and heartwarming.

Whether you're craving a cozy vibe for your next binge watch or just want a break from the chaos of everyday life, here are some of the best small-town TV shows to start, including both classics (I'm looking at you, Gilmore Girls) and newer series (hello, Sullivan's Crossing season 3!).

Scroll to see all the best small town TV shows you can watch right now!

CTV

1. Sullivan's Crossing

It's never a bad idea to dive back into the first two seasons of Sullivan's Crossing before it comes back! Set in Nova Scotia, Sullivan's Crossing tells the story of Maggie Sullivan, a successful neurosurgeon whose life experiences a sudden detour after some unexpected legal problems. So, she decides to take a break from Boston and return to her childhood home, a campground run by her estranged father, Sully, in Canada.

This heartfelt drama, adapted from author Robyn Carr's novels, stars Morgan Kohan, Chad Michael Murray, Tom Jackson, Andrea Menard, Scott Patterson, and more. It debuted in October 2023 and currently has two seasons to stream.

Netflix

2. Ransom Canyon

Ransom Canyon is a contemporary Western that follows the entangled lives and romances of three ranching families in Texas Hill Country.

This new series, which was created, written, and executive produced by April Blair, is based on author Jodi Thomas' first book in a series of 10 different contemporary Western romance novels. Ransom Canyon stars Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, and Lizzy Greene, and the first season has 10 episodes.

The CW

3. Gilmore Girls

If you are a sucker for witty banter, quirky characters, and a captivating mother-daughter dynamic, look no further than Gilmore Girls. This seven-season show first debuted in 2000 and is set in a quaint Connecticut town known as Stars Hollow.

There, viewers get to watch Lorelai Gilmore, a single mom, raise her brainy daughter, Rory, and encounter all sorts of life complexities, like love, loss, and family strife. Gilmore Girls is a feel-good series starring Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel that's comforting and totally binge-worthy.

CBC

4. Schitt's Creek

In 2015, the world was graced with the creation of the hilarious sitcom Schitt's Creek. This series follows the once filthy rich Rose family, who lose everything except for a rundown town they once bought as a joke.

So, businessman Johnny and his soap opera star wife, Moira, are forced to trade in their luxurious lifestyle for a motel room with their two kids, David and Alexis.

Featuring standout performances from Eugene Levy, Dan Levy, Catherine O'Hara, and Annie Murphy, this Emmy award-winning series will have you laughing and appreciating the little things.

The CW

5. Hart of Dixie

In Hart of Dixie, a New York Doctor named Zoe Hart, played by Rachel Bilson, finds herself in Alabama after unexpectedly inheriting half of a medical practice in the town of Bluebell. Zoe is initially met with some Southern sass as she tries to adapt to her new lifestyle, but eventually, she rediscovers herself in the unlikeliest of places.

Other cast members in Hart of Dixie, which came out in 2011 and has four seasons, include Wilson Bethel, Jamie King, Cress Williams, and Scott Porter.

NBC

6. Friday Night Lights

Few shows out there capture the spirit of small-town America quite like Friday Night Lights. This five-season series debuted in 2006 and is set in Dillon, Texas, where football is practically a religion.

Viewers follow along as Coach Eric Taylor, played by Kyle Chandler, leads a high school team on their quest to win while battling his own personal struggles at home. So, if you're a fan of football and some emotional themes, Friday Night Lights is perfect for your next binge session.

Netflix

7. Firefly Lane

This series premiered in 2021 and, over two seasons, tells the personal story of two best friends named Tully and Kate. They first met as teens during the 1980s while living on Firefly Lane, and over the next three decades, their bond is tested by time, tragedy, and the overall complexities of growing up.

Katherine Heigl stars as the ambitious and fiery Tully, while Sarah Chalke grounds the story as Kate, who's quiet yet strong. Be prepared to shed some tears over this friendship drama, especially if you opt to watch Firefly Lane with your own bestie.

Netflix

8. Sweet Magnolias

Last but not least is Sweet Magnolias, a 2020 romance series set in the Southern town of Serenity. It follows three lifelong friends as they support each other through the ups and downs of romance, family, and their careers.

Starring JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliot, and Heather Headley, Sweet Magnolias has four seasons you can start watching on Netflix today.

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