17 Formal Hairstyles That Are Surprisingly Easy to DIY

Molly Griffin
Jun 05, 2015

Wedding season is upon us. And as most of us already know, it ain’t cheap. Whether you’re a guest, a bridesmaid or the couple of honor, you’re either gonna have to drop a serious chunk of change or get creative. We’re all for the latter option ;) One of the simplest ways to DIY a wedding is to become your own beauty pro, so browse these YouTube tutorials to find the perfect formal hairstyle. No one will guess you didn’t hire a stylist!

1. Glam Me Up Curls: Let’s start with the basics. These big, voluminous curls would make a Kardashian green with envy. (via Kayley Melissa)

2. Inside-Out French Fishtail Braid: If you’re rocking the pastel hair trend, show it off with this beautiful (and easy!) side braid. (via Lilith Moon)

3. Top Knot: Pick up a donut kit to instantly get all that thick hair off your neck. That way, you can dance all night long (sans sweaty locks). (via Michelle Phan)

4. Romantic Flower Half Updo: These dreamy hair rosettes are deceptively simple. Just braid, twirl and curl. (via Kayley Melissa)

5. Natural Hair Updo: Pin on some kinky twist hair extensions for a sky-high elegant updo that takes all of five minutes to style. (via My Natural Sistas)

6. Date Night Hair: This half-up style works just as well with your own long locks as it does with hair extensions. We think it would look killer with a wedding veil, so pin this to your bridal hair board STAT. (via Luxy Hair)

7. Fancy Ponytail: The major differences between a gym ponytail and a fancy ponytail? Strategic teasing and a hidden elastic. (via The Small Things Blog)

8. Fishtail Braided Updo: As long as you know how to do a French braid, a fishtail braid and a bun, you can recreate this sophisticated style. Finish it off with a sparkly clip and dazzle the crowd. (via Missy Sue)

9. Textured Elegant Formal Updo: Starting with a stretched style like a twist out or bantu knot out, tie your curls into loose knots and then tuck in the ends. That’s it! (via Naptural85)

10. Frozen-Inspired Updo: This braided/knotted updo was good enough for Elsa’s coronation, so it’s definitely good enough for your big day. No superpowers needed — just super long hair, so get some extensions in there if you need the boost. (via Fashion On My Own)

11. Messy Bun Without Bobby Pins: Ahh, next-day wedding hair… combing through teased tresses while pulling out pin after pin after pin. Or not! Try this smart messy bun which only requires a hair tie, and then accessorize with flowers or sparkly pins to make it formal. (via Bebexo)

12. Voluminous Ponytail Illusion: Two ponytails on top of each other will trick everyone into thinking your hair grew overnight. Just add a DIY hairband to glam it up. (via Naptural85)

13. No-Heat Spiral Bantu Knot Out: You can get big, voluminous corkscrew curls without any heat by using bantu knots on stretched hair. Keep separating those untwisted locks to get more and more body. (via Samirah Gilli)

14. Big, Curly Side Ponytail: Side ponytails are perfect for special occasions because they’re just a little bit different from your everyday look, photogenic from every angle and the right blend of cute and sultry. (via Foxy Locks)

15. French Braided Bun Updo: Show off your undercut AND your braiding skills with this reverse French braid topped with pre-plaited hair. (via TheChicNatural)

16. 10 Formal Looks for Bobbed Hair: Yes, you CAN style a bob, blunt bangs and all! Just watching this video is inspiring us to chop our hair off again. (via sunnie brook jones)

17. Braided Formal Updo: If your arms are getting tired just watching all these hair videos, remember that your bridesmaids are here to help. Enlist the help of your best friend to follow along with this tutorial. (via Kayley Melissa)

What big events do you have coming up this summer, and what hair ‘dos are you going to try? Tell us your favorites in the comments!

The Best 'Hot Ones' Episodes To Binge When You're Feeling Spicy

“Hot Ones: it’s the show with hot questions, and even hotter wings.” It's the mantra for the best online interview series, hosted by First We Feast. Hot Ones is a slightly different – and dare I say devilish – interview show, and has become *pretty* iconic in the realm of great web series. The episodes always bring the humor, plus host Sean’ Evans' interviewing skills are impressively unmatched.

Evans comes in hot AF on his guests with deep-dive questions as they move through the interview eating hot wings of varying spice levels. The stakes rise higher as they scale the Scovilles and interview questions amp up, a combo which usually unravels guests (unless you’re Lorde) in a super comedic fashion.

Though I wouldn’t wish the Hot Ones spice challenge upon myself (or anyone I care about) it makes for a unique concept that I can’t help but keep coming back to. Seeing your favorite celebrities reveal their authentic selves in an interview while ingesting insane amounts of spice is always a fun time.

If you're new to Hot Ones or may have missed some of the standout moments from the 400 episode-long series, I handpicked a few of the best episodes to give you a boost of humor this week. Check out our faves below, and keep an eye out for more awesome celeb guests coming this year!

Amelia Dimoldenberg

The queen of chicken herself, Chicken Shop Date host Amelia Dimoldenberg, appeared on this week's episode of Hot Ones and we can't get enough! Right off the bat, Sean calls her his "chicken-fueled talk show host, sister in arms" which was so funny, I had to rewind. They talk about how she interacts with her own guests, surprising props, and her iconic red carpet interviews. In her signature chaos, Amelia breaks out a portable fan to try and cool her tongue, but she actually does remarkably well compared to the tears and freak outs we've seen before!

*NSYNC

Justin Timberlake, Chris Kirkpatrick, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, and Joey Fatone, AKA *NSYNC stepped up to the Hot Ones challenge, beating the record for most wings on the table before they even took their first bite. In this episode, they talk about the making of their new single, “Better Place,” what it’s like to be in a boyband (although now, they’re more of a manband), crazy fan experience, and the infamous Star Wars casting rumors.

Sean and the boys struggle hilariously through the last of the hot sauces, but the crew still manages to answer all of the questions. Whether you were a die-hard fan of *NSYNC or only caught the tail-end of their Y2K run, you just can’t miss this monumental episode of Hot Ones.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Award-winning actor, best-selling cookbook author, and the founder and CEO of Goop, Gwyneth Paltrow, wasn't too enthused about the hot sauce-drenched wings in front of her when she first sat down at the Hot Ones table.

"I am full of regret," she says at the start. "I can't believe I'm here... I like hot sauce, I like spicy, but I don't think I'm equipped to be here." LOL, same! That's exactly what we'd say if we were on Hot Ones.

Though she hesitantly approaches the wing line-up throughout the interview, Gwyneth offers thoughtful insights on running a business, dishes on behind-the-scenes deets from her film work, and even reveals a best-kept secret cocktail recipe from the Paltrow family! This interview is totally worth watching to the end – Sean and Gwyneth team up for a hilarious post-show segment.

Jennifer Lawrence

J Law enters the Hot Ones ring looking iconic and glowy AF. The beaming look she begins with slowly turns to a glistening sweat, though, as she wades her way through the sauce lineup. The anecdotes she gives about her career throughout the interview (that watches more like a playful conversation between good friends) all testify to her commitment to acting. For example, she’s coughed up her swallowed nose ring on set *right* in front of Leo DiCaprio, and has torn her literal diaphragm while filming Mother. She’s increasingly “a little hurt” by the Hot Ones spice, but a little turns into a lot once Sean leads her to Da Bomb Beyond Insanity. We’re constantly amazed by Jennifer’s previous projects (like Silver Lining’s Playbook, The Hunger Games, and American Hustle), but feel just a tad curious about her Chili Pizza Sandwich concoction.

Rosalía

Rosalía states that she’s not really a hot sauce person before her Hot Ones interview starts, and as the spice grows, she discovers the “disturbing” nature of the show. The singer-songwriter’s energy is delightful and silly in general, so seeing her be herself while eating hot AF wings is just as fun in this episode. She runs through an entertaining anecdote about her time being a singer-for-hire in Barcelona, her favorite emotion-inducing instruments, and teaches us how to describe devilishly hot and spicy food in Spanish.

Megan Thee Stallion

Whatever Megan Thee Stallion does, I truly support and love her. She's a model, singer, rapper, fashion and beauty icon, and comedian rolled into one stunning and talented women. She always keeps it real, especially on her 2021 episode of Hot Ones. While literally indulging in some hot girl sh*t with the show's spice-filled sauce lineup, Megan carries on an engaging conversation about her love of anime, the top sonic influences to her music style, and music video behind-the-scenes. The moments where she's falling apart from the spice and needs to reel things back in are the funniest.

Paul Rudd

If you were anywhere on the internet when Paul Rudd's Hot Ones episode came out, you obviously know the iconic "hey, look at us" line that was meme'd for seemingly forever. Aside from relishing in those few seconds, and watching Paul be the super handsome actor, writer, producer and heartthrob he is, Sean leads a conversation that makes the episode barely an interview. It carries out so naturally, and the video feels like him and Paul are just two best pals hanging out. By the end, they pretty much are besties. The best moment from Paul Rudd's episode falls at the end of the video – watch the last minute, hot sauce-induced improv acting challenge play out above.

Lizzo

Musician, rapper, beauty queen, Instagram icon, and Yitty CEO Lizzo hopped on Hot Ones last summer to chat all things music theory, red carpet fashion and career starts. Among insightful responses about how formal music training shaped her budding career, and talk about the cities with the best music scenes, Sean pops off with a mega-throwback Lizzo fact. His hardcore interview research often surprises guests, and Lizzo's case is no exception. Watch as Sean throws Nardwuar-like interview knowledge at Lizzo about her first years as an underground rapper, and how well she excitedly receives it.

Viola Davis

Acting and producing powerhouse Viola Davis delivered some truly unfiltered reactions to the Hot Ones sauce lineup. Between gracefully answered questions about her background in theater, and what goes into making a movie like The Woman King, Viola's responses to the spice just adds so much magic to the already amazing interview. She starts getting scared around the 69,000 Scoville mark, so the fact that she kept composure that far in to the episode is amazing. The best quote from Viola from this series? "My lips are burning off... and I've got some lips."

Midsommar and A Good Person actress Florence Pugh is scared of the hot sauce lineup from the start of her episode. Shockingly, she powers through the Scovilles with only a trace of her initial hesitance. Her sweat-filled episode first dives into the real behind-the-scenes of eating on camera with a hilarious Flo anecdote from the set of Hawkeye – she got to eat mac n cheese all day at work, which is a true dream of ours. Just have to LOL. Flo throws out recipe pairing ideas for each hot sauce she and Sean enjoy down the line, which shows her chef’s headspace, a la Cooking With Flo. This 2023 episode leaves her in legit tears and sweat.. But we’d be in the same exact state after all that!

Gordon Ramsey

For maybe the most highly anticipated Hot Ones round, multi-Michelin star holder and restauranteur Gordon Ramsay stepped up to the sauces. Of course he had to harshly critique the Hot Ones wings themselves, and with the spiciest sauces they're coated in. The episode is full of snarky banter between Gordon and Sean, and of course, a healthy amount of spice-retaliating profanity. Jokes aside, the fact that you can tell each of them is having an absolute ball in the interview is my favorite part. But, the segment where Sean makes scrambled eggs for Gordon is pretty funny, too.

Mille Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown of Stranger Things and Enola Holmes joined Hot Ones in 2022 for a pretty panic-filled episode. She was smooth sailing until the duo chowed down on the Da Domb hot sauce about halfway through the interview. From then on, it was pure melodrama and pain. Millie thought she had it at the beginning, when she makes a stab at Tom Holland's Hot Ones performance, but it subsequently all crumbles under her, and the irony is hilarious.

Emma Chamberlain

Miss Emma Chamberlain approaches the beginning of her Hot Ones episode with the utmost confidence, and the chemistry she has with Sean throughout the episode makes for a charming watch. Sean's questions explore the range outside of Emma's YouTube career (though their discussion about editing styles is pretty neat), tapping into coffee nerd moments from her brand Chamberlain Coffee, exploring her famous Architectural Digest home renovations, and even chatting about homemade nut milk. Emma slowly ends up in tears due to the Scoville spices and resorts to praying to the ghosts of Hot Ones guests past, but she rocked the challenge either way.

Khloe Kardashian

Khloe K prefaces her Hot Ones visit by admitting that she doesn't eat chicken or hot sauce, which gives the impression that she probably won't be able to handle the heat with ease. The episode quickly proves that assumption wrong, and she goes all the way without reasonable struggle. Sean talks with Khloe about the behind-the-scenes workings of reality TV and her perspectives on lifelong fame, which made the episode a really eye-opening experience for me. It's entertaining to watch Khloe succumb to the spice, because we don't usually see the more authentic side of a highly-tailored personality like hers. You can tell Sean wants to learn a lot in his interviews, and in Khloe's case, he gets curious about self-care, and hilariously whips out a notepad to take notes on her coveted skincare advice.

Agree with our picks for the best Hot Ones episodes? Get more spicy entertainment takes directly to your inbox when you sign up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

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Your Ultimate Guide To Holiday Shopping In 2024

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!

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Get Fit Anywhere with These Free YouTube Resistance Band Workouts

When you're looking to refresh your workout at home, there are tons of YouTube workout videos to choose from, ranging from super easy to hardcore HIIT. Since they’re free, these videos are an awesome resource for trying out new exercises and switching up your workout routine. You may have seen resistance bands at the gym or received a new set during the holidays and wondered how you’re actually supposed to use them. Lucky for you, the world of YouTube workout videos is to help! Most of these workouts are short, meaning they’re easy to fit into your jam-packed sched. If you want to get a longer workout in, tack one of these onto the end of a run, or group a few videos from one of these channels together! Arm yourself with a yoga mat and a band, and you’re set to get your sweat on.

Not only are resistance bands a convenient option for working out at home, they’re also one of the best options for both travel and small space workouts, since they’re ultra-light and compact. Another perk? They’re crazy cheap and can be ordered online for under $15 (sometimes even less!). Seems like a small price to pay for being able to work out literally anywhere, right?

Shop These!

Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5

Resistance Bands for Working Out With Handles

Resistance Bands Strength Training Starter Set

MONDAY

The BEST Band Workout

Start the week off right with this short but surprisingly sweat-inducing workout from the Tone It Up girls. Trainers Karena and Katrina have a cult following, and after doing a few of their YouTube workouts, we totally understand why. They’re super encouraging and engaging, and everything from their music to their attitude is fun and positive. Give this full-body workout a try and you’ll barely notice the 14 minutes fly by. (via Tone It Up)

TUESDAY

30-MIN INTENSE MINI BAND WORKOUT

Okay Tuesday, time to up the intensity. This full-body workout focuses on completing as many reps as you can in 50 seconds. @growingwithannanas provides a good vibes workout with energetic music and easy instruction.

WEDNESDAY

Full Body Mini RESISTANCE BAND Workout

Trainer Heather Robertson starts you off with lower body exercises using a mini band, then upper body and then finishes things off with ab exercises for a total body workout that feels amazing.

THURSDAY

15-Minute RESISTANCE BAND WORKOUT

On a time crunch? Sculpt and strengthen your body in this 15-min workout using a light to medium resistance band with handles. Trainer Mikala takes you through 45-second intervals to breeze through this full-body workout.

FRIDAY

Tighten & Tone Your Abs With a Resistance Band

In this workout, trainer Katia Pryce uses a handle-less resistance band to make your abs hurt so good. Don’t let the fact that you get to lay down for most of this workout fool you; this is a tough one, but Pryce does an amazing job of talking you through each move. Get ready for the soreness you’ll feel tomorrow. (via CosmoBody)

SATURDAY

Full Body Resistance Band Workout

This video is a full 30 minutes and you will feel the burn. We especially love the short cardio burst at the end of this workout, which really gets your heart rate up and ends the sweat sesh on a high note. (via GymRa)

SUNDAY

Thigh Trimmer & Butt Lifter Workout

You’ll need a few different circular bands to complete this workout from Cassey Ho of Blogilates, but the targeted toning you get in return is totally worth the minimal investment. Cassey is also fun and encouraging, which is probably why she has over 3 million subscribers on YouTube! (via Blogilates)

MIX IT UP

Resistance Band Arms & Abs Workout

Work your upper body and core with this 12-minute video that takes you from standing moves to planks and then to a floor abs series. We love that this channel also offers printables of their workouts, so you can do them without watching the video once you get the hang of the moves. (via The Live Fit Girl)

10-Minute Travel Resistance Band Workout

This workout from PopSugar Fitness and Fit Chicks Michelle Lovitt and Angie Akers utilizes super compact bow-tie bands, making it ideal for travel (or tiny apartments!) Be warned: The triceps series is absolutely killer, but you’ll feel strong and accomplished when you’re done. (via PopSugar Fitness)

Short Full Body Workout With Resistance Bands

No bands? No problem. Natalie Jill constructed all the moves in this video so that you can do them with or without resistance bands. Go ahead and add them in for a little extra intensity, but these exercises will have an impact no matter what. We also love that she explains how to use different types of bands for the same result, meaning you can adapt whichever kind you have to her workout. (via Natalie Jill Fitness)

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Images via Shutterstock.

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.

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When Is Starbucks' Red Cup Day?

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.

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18 Thanksgiving Crock Pot Recipes You Can Make This Year

It seems Thanksgiving is barely a week away by the time we start thinking about the menu. But while ovens all over the country will be working overtime this year, don't forget your secret weapon — the crock pot! Kitchen strategy is key when you're trying to factor various cook and prep times for both oven and stovetop dishes. There just never seems to be enough time (or counter space).

Whether you're already finalizing your menu for the day or are just in charge of a few side dishes, we've scoured the web and found 18 Thanksgiving crock pot recipes that are perfect for any gathering.

Creamed Corn

Damn Delicious

Cornis a standard side dish for most Thanksgiving meals, but this recipe is a total game-changer. Five simple ingredients go in your crock pot, and three hours later you’re greeted by corn that is so creamy and delicious, you’ll never be able to eat the canned stuff again.

Wheat Bread Stuffing

Recipe Runner

Free up some room in your oven and cook the stuffing right on the counter this year. Crusty whole wheat bread, celery, onions and chicken broth will have you going back for seconds. Once it’s cooked, turn the heat to low and it will be ready whenever you are.

Brussels Sprouts

Damn Delicious

These aren’t Grandma’s Brussels sprouts. Covered in a brown sugar balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, these sprouts will have you converted after just one bite.

Sweet Potatoes

The Magical Slow Cooker

This one takes minimal effort, but packs maximum flavor. Wash and dry your sweet potatoes before wrapping them in tinfoil and piling into the crock pot. Cook on high for six hours, and resist the urge to open the lid so the steam doesn’t escape. Serve with butter, brown sugar and mini marshmallows.

Apple Cider

Damn Delicious

Your guests are going to need something to sip on. Made 100% from scratch, this apple cider recipe will definitely steal the show: Combine apples, cinnamon sticks and spices and cover with water, and drink in the delicious smell while it simmers in the slow cooker.

Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

Creme de la Crumb

Okay, so this does require a little oven time, but it’ll be the last thing you heat up before you can dig in (and it’s totally worth it). Peel and chop 5lbs of sweet potatoes and let your slow cooker do all the work for the next four hours. Transfer to a casserole dish, spread a layer of pecans over the sweet potato mixture then bake for 20 minutes to achieve maximum crunch before adding the mini marshmallows. Bake for five more minutes (or until marshmallows are golden brown) and dig in.

Caramel Fondue

Creme de la Crumb

From apple slices to pretzels, there’s no wrong way to dunk with this dip, made from only three ingredients — caramels, heavy cream and marshmallows. Say hello to your new post-Thanksgiving party trick.

Garlic Ranch Potatoes

The Cookie Rookie

Tender red potatoes are a great alternative to the typical mashed variety. Top the wedges with ranch seasoning, chives and garlic for a fresh side dish that no one will believe you made entirely in the crock pot.

Cranberry Sauce Crock Pot Recipe

Gimme Some Oven

This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Toss in the ingredients and come back in three hours for cranberry sauce that is the perfect combination of tart and sweet. Add a splash of vanilla extract right before serving.

Cinnamon Apples

A Spicy Perspective

The best side dishes double as dessert. Cover thinly sliced apples in brown sugar, cinnamon and bourbon, then simmer for four hours. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy as is — they’re delicious either way.

Cranberry Meatballs

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Trade out the usual jar of grape jelly in your famous meatball recipe for cranberry sauce to give it a holiday update. The sweet and tangy flavor will keep you coming back for more. In fact, you better double the recipe.

Maple Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix

Averie Cooks

This tasty party snack is perfect for clearing out your cabinets: cereal, peanuts, pretzels, dried fruit and graham crackers all come together in a salty sweet crunch. Drench the mix in butter, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spices before testing your willpower for the next two hours.

Apple Pie Oatmeal

The Healthy Maven

Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day (especially on Thanksgiving), but this oatmeal couldn’t be easier: Toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker before you go to bed and you’ll wake up to the aroma of nutmeg and maple syrup.

Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creme de la Crumb

A pile of fresh herbs, butter and garlic make these mashed potatoes stand out on the buffet table. Use red potatoes and leave the skins on for a rustic flair that not only adds a ton of flavor, it also saves you some work.

Spinach + Artichoke Dip

Damn Delicious

Keep your guests from getting hangry while they wait for dinner: Serve this creamy spinach and artichoke dip with bread, pretzels or pita for a Thanksgiving staple made super easy, thanks to your crock pot.

Butternut Squash Soup

Life Made Sweeter

Combine coconut milk with chunks of butternut squash and sweet potato, then cook in the crockpot for four hours. Once everything is fork tender, break out your immersion blender to make the texture velvety smooth. Top with extra coconut milk and toasted pumpkin seeds before devouring.

Pumpkin Cobbler

The Gunny Sack

Trade in your standard pumpkin pie for a cobbler that is made in the crock pot from start to finish. Pro tip: place a paper towel underneath the lid to keep the condensation off the food and ensure a crispy crust. Top the plated perfection with a dollop of whipped cream and caramel syrup.

Dinner Rolls

Lil Luna

The slow cooker might be the last place you'd think to bake dinner rolls, but trust us on this one. This trick comes in handy year-round, especially on hot summer days when you don't feel like blasting that oven. Genius.

Don't miss out on knocking out a dish or two this year with these Thanksgiving crock pot recipes and if you need more inspiration, join our newsletter or explore our new cooking classes on B+C Classes.

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