The #LazyGirl’s Guide to Throwing an Awesome Holiday Party

So it’s already December, and that legendary holiday bash you were hoping to plan doesn’t seem like it’s happening… for the third year in a row. This is getting a *little bit* embarrassing. Enter, parties in a box! With this new crop of companies, you’ll be stocked with paper straws, tissue garland, foil balloons, cake toppers and more. So get ready to fulfill your #lazygirl party-planning needs with just a few clicks and spend more time enjoying that spiked eggnog.

1. Be Merry Mini Holiday Kit ($75): This kit has all you need for a festive dinner or cookie swap: reindeer plates, santa cups, a garland and a few complete-the-look pinwheels.

2. Hanukkah Collection Printables ($7) This DIY Printable kit is stocked with everything you need for eight crazy and perfectly decorated Hanukkah nights. There are minimal maker skills required, which we know you can master just like you’ve mastered that dreidel.

3. Custom Party Package ($46): Nothing spices up a ho-hum shindig like huge letter balloons. Choose your letters or numbers and this kit will quickly arrive with coordinating garland and confetti. Easy peasy.

4. Merry & Bright Party Box ($45): Get the whole merry package: a happy, colorful and bold banner, some festive confetti and the cutest mini balloons ever. Seriously though, how cute are these tiny balloons?

5. DIY NYE in a Box: So this one requires a little bit more work, but it’s so perfect we had to include it. This DIY kit is filled with sparkly party horns, party poppers, headbands and printable highlights and resolutions cards.

6. HOHOHO Letter Balloons ($28) This may not actually be a “party in a box” per se, but it’s definitely rad enough to make this list. PLUS, it’s the easiest way to make a quick DIY photobooth backdrop.

7. Christmas Character Headband Pack ($22): A party ain’t a party if no one dresses up. This Christmas Character pack (for 10 of your #squad) is the perfect easy addition to liven up any holiday shindig.

8. Winter Wonderland in a Box ($21): This is your solution for Hanukkah, Chrismukkah or a random + dreary can-we-please-not-leave the-house night in mid-February.

9. New Years Party in a Box ($100): This kit has the makings of a glamorous NYE party. You’ll be stocked with blow horns, tissue garland, foil balloons and cupcake holders. Now just pop that bubbly!

10. Little Miss Party in a Box ($49): So it’s technically a “Shower in a Box,” but we’re so into the combo of patterns and mixed metallics that we’re ignoring the label and using it for a classy holiday fête.

11. Party in a Box Piñata and Garland ($85): Enter the dream duo: a set of metallic piñatas and matching garlands. Skip the food, drinks and presents, ’cause this is all you need for an Instagram-worthy holiday soiree.

12. 2016 NYE in a Box ($69): All you need to set the ultimate party mood is a big pop of pink and some bomb-ass sunglasses. Oh, AND a cheat sheet checklist for stocking your bubbly bar. Party on!

What are all of your #lazygirl solutions to throwing a last-minute holiday party? Tell us your all-time favorite hostess hacks in the comments below.

Since cooking a Thanksgiving dinner takes a hot minute, it's not a bad idea to have some appetizerson-hand to serve your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving guests. Of course, you don’t want to have to spend a ton of time making snacks when you’re also preparing a feast – but that’s where these last-minute bites come in! These Thanksgiving appetizers will keep your guests satisfied until dinner, and they’re so easy to make, you won’t have to deal with any extra kitchen drama.

Without further ado, let's dive into these quick and easy Thanksgiving appetizers!

Sarah Anderson

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are such a reliable crowd-pleaser when it comes to Thanksgiving appetizer, or starters for any occasion, really! These 'shrooms in particular take inspiration from Greek cuisine and include tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, feta cheese, and salami. (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Plant Provisions

Italian Savory Hand Pies

These hand pies are 100% vegan, so you can confidently serve them to a party of all diets. They're meaty, cheesy, herby, and definitely filling if you need to prep a decent snack ahead of your fancy Thanksgiving feast. (via Plant Provisions for Brit + Co)

Parmigiano Reggiano

Chocolate-Covered Cheese Bites

Chocolate and cheese work surprisingly well together, and these creative dipped bites will certainly have all the foodies at the function buzzing. (via Parmigiano Reggiano for Brit + Co)

Snixy Kitchen

Butternut Squash and Bacon Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are such a classic snack, but they can easily become yummy Thanksgiving appetizers when you add butternut squash and bacon to the centers! (via Snixy Kitchen)

The Pioneer Woman

Perfect Fall Cheese Board

Transform your famous charcuterie board with fall accents to make a Thanksgivingappetizer that'll hit all the right taste buds. (via The Pioneer Woman)

Nutmeg Nanny

Sausage, Spinach and Mushroom Phyllo Cups

Don't you just love a bite-sized snack that's super quick to make? (via Nutmeg Nanny)

The Home Cook's Kitchen

Mushroom Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Should your guests craves something that's creamy and crunchy, serve them these bready Thanksgiving appetizers. (via The Home Cook's Kitchen)

Half Baked Harvest

Baked French Onion Meatballs

What do you get when you combine the savory flavors of French onion soup and meatballs? We'll give you a hint — it has something to do with being irresistible. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Half Baked Harvest

Cheesy Bacon Holiday Crack

Warning: biting into these sweet, spicy, crispy, and cheesy chips is the point of no return, but it's so worth it. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Savory Tooth

Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Two-ingredient appetizers are always a winner in our book, and this one is extra hearty. (via Savory Tooth)

Pizzazzerie

Candied Walnut Bruschetta

Candied walnuts are excellent on their own, so imagine how they taste with pears and goat cheese on toast. (via Pizzazzerie)

The Blond Cook

Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Little Smokies

Soy sauce and brown sugar coat these mini hot dogs, and a touch of Sriracha makes them even more spice-tastic. (via The Blond Cook)

Sunkissed Kitchen

Roasted Carrot Hummus

Carrots and cinnamon are blended with classic hummus ingredients for a healthy dip to pair with pita chips. The pomegranate and pumpkin seed garnish really ups the presentation of this Thanksgiving appetizer. (via Sunkissed Kitchen)

Recipe Tin Eats

Caesar Salad Wonton Cups

Keep a package of wonton wrappers in the fridge, and you’ll never have to worry about what snacks to prep next for your party guests! This recipe stuffs the wraps with Caesar salad fixings, but the options are endless. (via Recipe Tin Eats)

The Real Food Dietitians

Chili and Rosemary Roasted Nuts

Even if you don’t have a ton of time, you can easily roast up a batch of these smoky mixed nuts before your guests arrive. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Tara's Multicultural Table

French Onion Soup Toasts

Turn French onion soup into a convenient appetizer with crusty bread, sautéed onions, and smoky cheese! Yummm. (via Tara's Multicultural Table)

The Recipe Critic

Raspberry Baked Brie

Smooth goat cheese and tart raspberry preserves are a match made in snack heaven. The crispy puff pastry layer makes it all worth it. (via The Recipe Critic)

Lavender and Lovage

Smoked Cheese and Onion Straws

If you have cheese lingering in your deli drawer, it’s the beginning of a tasty appetizer. Sprinkle it into some puff pastry for a twisty "straw" you'll reach for again and again. (via Lavender and Lovage)

The Seasoned Mom

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites

The combo of chicken, bacon, and barbecue sauce results in a Thanksgiving appetizer that's almost impossible to stop eating. (via The Seasoned Mom)

Savory Tooth

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Bacon and Cheddar

Smokey bacon and salty, nutty cheddar top some earthy mushrooms for a new version of this classic stuffed app. (via Savory Tooth)

The Baking Fairy

Garlic-Stuffed Olives-in-a-Blanket

If you have vegetarian guests coming to your party, you’ll want to have a tasty option for them. These olives in a "blanket" do the trick nicely! As a bonus, most store-bought crescent roll dough is vegan. (via The Baking Fairy)

The Cookie Rookie

Best Cheese Ball

There's a reason why sharp cheddar cheese balls are a classic Thanksgiving appetizer. Serve them with buttery Ritz crackers to reach total snack nirvana. (via The Cookie Rookie)

Half Baked Harvest

Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates

Sweet and savory, this goat cheese dip is perfect for dipping crostini and vegetables in. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Live Eat Learn

Savory Roasted Cranberry Salsa

Top a cracker with sour cream (or brie or goat cheese) and spread on this cranberry salsa for a light, yet spicy-sweet bite. (via Live Eat Learn)

Amanda Wilens

Pear and Gouda Puff Pastry

Pear really finds its life's purpose when it's tucked into a square of puff pastry and topped with salty gouda cheese. (via Amanda Wilens)

Get more ideas and inspiration for your Thanksgiving appetizers and other festive holiday entertaining tips by following us on Pinterest or joining our newsletter.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Sara Cagle,Jasmine Williams, and Meredith Holser.

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

Like it or not, ‘tis the season to start thinking about the holidays. ‘Tis a stressful season, too, but don’t let the hustle and bustle of it all get you down. Whether you’re already formulating family plans or researching the best gifts to give, the best way to lean into this time of year (and not resist the holiday cheer) is by decorating your place to be as merry and bright as possible.

I know what you may be thinking: it’s still quite early to kickstart the festive mindset. And trust me – I’ve always been anti-early holiday decorating, but Anthropologie’s most recent holiday collection has persuaded me otherwise. They’re selling tons of timeless pieces to help you get a jump on the season, and my favorite part is that many of them can be used year after year. Single-use decor is overrated – heirlooms are where it's at.

From cozy Christmas doormats to candle holders I’m actually excited to spend money on, I scrolled through all of Anthro’s offerings to find 11 festive faves that’ll also sway you to start setting up early this year.

The best Anthropologie holiday decor pieces for 2024:

Anthropologie

Confetti Glass Tree

I love anything with retro flair, and these confetti glass trees have definitely earned a spot on my mantle! I also really appreciate that they span beyond your classic red and green Christmas decorations, adding a subtle pop of color via pinks, blues, and yellows. They're shoppable in 3 colors so you can snag a perfectly complete set!

Anthropologie

Embroidered Stars Velvet Runner

For all the family dinners and parties to come this season, this cozy cotton-velvet table runner sets any food and drink spread up for success. You get a little bit of holiday charm from the embroidered gold starts without it being overly Christmas-y, so you could even use it in the dining room once the holidays have wrapped up.

Anthropologie

Poplar Tree Wall Hanging

This wall hanging is such a unique piece that you can customize based on each year's ornament collection. I definitely will be snagging this to curate my very own (and highly curated) ornament art installation. It's also a wonderful small space-friendly hack to hang up if you don't have space for a traditional tree!

Anthropologie

Lou Benesch x Anthropologie Stargazer Zodiac Ornament

Astrology fans, rise up! These eye-catching ornaments come in all 12 signs – which can be great for your own tree, or as a thoughtful personalized gift for any zodiac lover in your life. I just absolutely love the cozy touch of the velvet ribbon!

Anthropologie

Espresso Martini Cocktail Glass Ornament

Is the season ever merry and bright without an espresso martini? Year after year, this drink graces my family's bar around the holidays. This glass ornament is the perfect "spirited" touch for the season that doesn't require a huge monetary commitment, and with the right care, it can last you a lifetime.

Anthropologie

Chunky Knit Holiday Icon Stocking

You're never too old for stocking stuffers – I prefer mine packed with candy. The chunky wool knit of this adorable, bow-adorned stocking has a vintage feel that'll fit right in with any interior.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more of our holiday faves, from decor to gifting!

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

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our best 2024 gift guides, shopping advice, and all things holiday!

The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

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This post has been updated.