Shape Up Your Next Party With 25 Genius Geometric Ideas

Jul 23, 2014

We’re all about themed parties, from donut parties to confetti obsessions. We also love geometric shapes on everything: swimwear, lighting, jewelry, you name it. So it was only a matter of time before we combined the two and decided to show y’all how to throw a party studded with geometric decorations! Appropriate for birthdays, weddings and no-occasion-needed soirees, the geo theme can be both playful and upscale. Erase all thoughts of high school math class and use these 25 geometric party ideas to buy, DIY or simply find some inspiration for your next event.

1. Geometric Cookies: The bold lines and shapes of this trend are softened using pastel shades, making these cookies perfect for kids and adults alike. (via The Little Big Company)

2. Arrow Meringues: All it takes is some meringues and a food marker to create these sweet little desserts. Go crazy and draw all kinds of shapes. (via Kristi Murphy)

3. Geometric Wedding Invitations: The shape of these wedding invites is simple but unique, and the gemstone makes for a fun souvenir for your wedding guests. (via 100 Layer Cake)

4. Faceted Drink Stirrers: Make any drink extra special with these easy DIY drink stirrers. (via Confetti Pop)

5. Geometric Heart ($19): This wood grain geometric heart makes a great backdrop for a Valentine’s day party, without being overly cheesy.

6. Geometric Cake: With some fondant and a little bit of patience, anyone can recreate this fun and flirty cake design. (via The Cake Blog)

7. Pretty Piñatas: What’s a party without a piñata? These sparkly, metallic ones are almost too pretty to destroy! (via Brooklyn Bride)

8. Neon Pink, Navy Blue and Yellow Triangle Garland ($12): These strands are super simple, but add lively pops of color to any party. You could easily even make this yourself with construction paper and string.

9. Geometric Favor Boxes: Who wouldn’t want to take home a party favor in this adorable little box? They can also be used as table decor or place cards marked with each guest’s name. (via Ruffled)

10. Geometric Party Bags: A more simple option for party favors, these embossed party bags feature a cool architectural stamp and can be filled with all sorts of goodies. (via Paper + Stitch)

10. Geometric Ice Cream Cups ($8): Bust these babies out at your next BBQ and enjoy as instructed!

11. Geometric Party Installation: Beautiful and elegant, yet so simple to create. Make a big impact by hanging this above a table to create a chandelier effect. (via Oh Happy Day)

12. Gem Escort Card Holders: Greet your guests in style with these snazzy geometric place card holders. And if you’re loving gold as much as we are right now, you can’t go wrong. (via Ruffled)

13. Geometric Paper Backdrop: This gorgeous and vibrant backdrop will make any plain old wall look like it just exploded with gems! (via Green Wedding Shoes)

14. Folded Origami Decoration: Fold your way to a bright and multi-dimensional party garland. Add some string lights to make things even brighter. (via Minieco)

15. Geometric Coasters: These honeycomb coasters are both pretty and functional. Customize them to match the rest of your theme using different shapes and colors. (via Ciera Design)

15. Washi Tape Wall: Take your party to a whole new level and add some temporary decor to your walls or doors like we did at our Brit + Co headquarters. And honestly, who doesn’t love some washi tape? (via Brit + Co)

16. Easy Geometric Cake Toppers: If cake decoration isn’t your thing, have no fear! You can still work the geometric theme into your desserts by popping on these cake toppers. (via Minted)

17. Mini Geometrics Party Tableware ($7): From the mini geometric shapes to the scalloped edges, this tableware is all kinds of cute! Perfect for serving up cupcakes and other desserts at your next girly soiree.

18. Shapes Garland: This paper display is so easy to make that the hardest part is going to be choosing which colors to use. It’s ideal for a fun photo booth background. (via Design Love Fest)

19. Romantic Table Runner: For your next Valentine’s, engagement or wedding party, make yourself this geometric printed table runner in gemstone shades with pops of gold. (via 100 Layer Cake)

20. Kaleido Trays ($16 and up): These trays are EVERYTHING! Mix and match different shapes and colors to create a unique arrangement every time.

21. Mini Geometric Scallop Bunting ($30): The tiniest bit of shapes can still make a huge impact, like with this mini scalloped garland. The gold clay gives it a subdued, earthy look and there are plenty more colors to choose from!

22. Gemstone Wedding Invites: This invite manages to expertly walk the line between elegant and playful, with touches of gold enhancing the gemstone effect. (via Ruffled)

23. Geometric Ornament Templates ($25): These versatile ornaments don’t need to be confined to just your Christmas tree.

24. DIY Geometric Table Runner: This table runner is insanely creative and like a beautiful piece of art! We guarantee it will be all your guests can talk about. (via Ruffled)

25. Geometric Triangular Party Printable ($20): Make your party prep a whole lot easier with this set of customizable printables. It includes everything you need, from food labels and cupcake wrappers to stemware tags and menus.

Will you be throwing a geometric party? Which of these ideas are you dying to try out?Comment away!

Brie Larson's Life-Changing Relationship Advice Took My Breath Away

Brie Larson takes wellness very seriously. And considering she's saved the universe as Captain Marvel and fought alongside King Kong in Kong: Skull Island, prioritizing her health only makes sense. I got up close and personal with the Oscar-winning actress at Thorne's Mocktail Club in New York City on October 8, where she told me that in the pursuit of wellness, she's "always" seeking to feel "happy and safe in my body."

Brie Larson tells Brit + Co that movement, breathing techniques, and temperature changes help her feel "happy and safe in my body."
When it comes to her work, she says she chooses stories with messages she'll "be able to live with for the rest of my life."
She also reveals the best piece of advice she's received, and says keeping it in mind "makes things easier."

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

But even Larson has days she feels off, saying she knows that feeling "very well," and whether it's seasonal blues or mental health days, she knows routine is where she thrives — and seasonal affective disorder lamps. "Light is a big game changer for me because I grew up in California," she says.

To engage her other senses, she relies on movement, breathing techniques, and temperature changes to keep in touch with her body. "A hot bath, a cold shower, both — anything that sort of wakes your brain up and kind of jolts it," she says. "I have a pretty demanding schedule and I truly don't have room to not feel like I'm present in my life. And so you come up with ways to figure out how to do that."

That includes everything from drinking plenty of water and prioritizing sleep to packing foam rollers and bands in her carry on. "It looks like a clown bag!" she says. "I always do [those exercises] every morning because even if I don't want to do it, which I always don't want to do it, I feel a lot better after I do it."

Thorne

Admittedly, that's exactly how I feel some days about making breakfast — but a powerhouse like Larson knows how important fueling our bodies is. "Pretty consistently I'm having an egg, like a breakfast sandwich, egg on toast first thing in the morning," she says. "I can't think beyond that for breakfast because I wake up so early. It's like there's no creativity happening in the morning. I'm sorry. No."

And while her mornings are all about wellness, her evenings are all about getting cozy, and she tells me her dream night in includes playing a new video game, wearing Gelato Pique sweatpants, and ordering Thai food. But when she's in the kitchen? "I've been making pasta and sausage quite a bit and I make tacos quite a bit. I mean, I kind of just do like protein and veggies and a little bit of a carb," she says.

Walt Disney Studios / Marvel Studios

Cozy nights in wouldn't be the same without a movie, and there's a very good chance you've seen Larson on your screen recently, whether you're rewatching Captain Marvel, 13 Going on 30, or Lessons in Chemistry. But how does the actress consistently choose such beautiful, inspiring pieces to work on? She equates the feeling to having a crush.

"When I feel like [a story] hits something that lives so truthfully in me that I just want to know if it's true to other people," she says. "I just know that we all have more that's the same than different...Film and television, it lives in a way that is beyond me physically. So I'm here talking to you, but anybody can be watching whatever they want. And so I try my best to think through what the pieces are saying so that they go out in the world and I don't get to be at the end of it and explain it or tell people what to feel or what to take from it. It lives a life outside of me. So I try and make sure that it has a complete message in it that I feel like I'll be able to live with for the rest of my life."

Apple TV+

Just like Carol Danvers and Elizabeth Zott empower so many viewers, Brie Larson says she feels empowered by her own Hollywood heroes. "Earlier in my career, like when I was trying to visualize what kind of career I wanted, it was Toni Colette and she's still a hero of mine, but she was truly the one that I was like, 'I want to disappear into characters the way she does.'"

"There's so many incredible [actors]," she continues. "Some of them are people that are more my age and some are older than me. But that's the fun part of my job is that there's so many good people and so many things that are getting made. And so it just feels like we're constantly kind of maneuvering, and when they take on certain roles and represent certain things, it frees up for other people to do other things. And so we kind of all work as a unit."

One movie on the horizon that I'm excited for is Mattel's new American Girl movie. Like many 80s and 90s kids, Brie Larson loved American Girl dolls — and borrowed her stage name from pioneer Kirsten Larson! And just like the rest of us AG kids, she tells me she can't wait for the movie. "I've also seen that there's going to be adult Halloween costumes, which I'm also very excited about," she says. Will she be grabbing a Kirsten one for herself? "I just might!"

Q+A With Brie Larson

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

What's the first thing you did after you won your Oscar?

I probably drank champagne...I drank champagne and I put sneakers on, and then I went to the airport.

What's the best piece of advice you've received?

"When I think I know, I miss so much." We all get stuck in these things — I think an easy one to think about is like, you're in a fight with your sibling or your partner, and you are just so right in how angry you are. And then maybe the next day you wake up and you're like, "Maybe there was another side to that." And so we miss things when we're in a space where we believe that we know. Having an openness to what something can be or that things can be different than what you think makes things easier.

Thorne

What's on your holiday bucket list?

I love the holidays. Because I'm in California, I really am looking forward to this year having a chilly winter. I love a cold winter, cozy winter. I love Christmas markets, so I'll definitely hit things like that. All the little holiday markets pop up around, yeah, it's just like a rare time when everybody is resting at the same time.

What are you watching, reading and listening to right now?

Okay. I am reading a book called Patricia Wants To Cuddle. I am watching Love is Blind season 7 because I am not silly. And listening to Chappell Roan, obviously.

Read Hilarie Burton Just Spilled Some Serious One Tree Hill Teafor more fun celeb insights!

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This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Lake Geneva Is The Midwest Travel Destination Full Of Cozy, European Charm

With fall in full swing, it's safe to say you may have already taken trips to a local pumpkin patch or made your way to a haunted house (or two) for Halloween. However, if you're looking for a perfect quaint fall getaway, then add Lake Geneva to the top of your list! Located in Wisconsin, Lake Geneva — not to be confused with the similarly named Swiss body of water — is a gorgeous midwest town located right next to the stunning, sprawling Geneva Lake. You'll find numerous hotels, local restaurants, boutique and shops throughout the city, offering up plenty to do.

Not sure where to start? Luckily for you, I took a trip to Lake Geneva last month, and I've rounded up a quick guide for where (and what) you'll want to check out during your visit.

PS: If you can't make it this fall, just imagine the winter wonderland you'll find this winter, or the summer oasis you'll savor all summer!

Where To stay In Lake Geneva

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

There are so many hotels to stay at in Lake Geneva, but there are definitely a few that really standout properties you should consider during your visit!

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is luxurious — yet somehow wonderfully quaint — property located an hour from Chicago that's great for your fall getaway. You'll find standard rooms and suites alongside a plethora of dining options and amenities to utilize during your stay including an indoor and outdoor pool, golf courses, a fitness center, a spa, and an on-site trolley. Plus, the resort has packages for the fall available where you can receive free rounds of golf during your stay on The Brute or The Highlands courses. Might I suggest sending the boys on a golfing spree while you and the girls savor the spa? 😉

Maxwell Mansion

Maxwell Mansion

Book lovers, this one's for you! The Maxwell Mansion is a boutique hotel that's two blocks away from Geneva Lake. The historic mansion has 28 rooms, some of which are inspired by historic figures such Emily Bronte, Charlotte Bronte, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, General Grant, and Virginia Woolf. You'll also find a hidden speakeasy that's open to resort guests, and it's definitely worth checking out if you have some free time. Otherwise, you can find an indoor bar or grab a drink at the seasonally open tiki bar by the pool!

Warning: This hotel is adults only, so it's best suited for a romantic getaway or a girls' trip!

The Abbey Resort

The Abbey Resort

For a more full-service experience, The Abbey Resort is a great option for families and solo travelers. Aside from spacious rooms, the property has indoor and outdoor pools, live music, an entertainment center, and a 35,000 square-foot spa. The Avani spa is absolutely a highlight at this property, too — you can book a massage, manicure, pedicure, hair and makeup services depending on what you're interested in. Outside of all that, the resort is simply stunning, making it an even better spot to enjoy the fall foliage and take some totally Instagram-worthy photos.

Where To Eat In Lake Geneva

Instagram/@pier_290

While you'll eat lots of cheese curds (and cheese in general, let's be real) in Lake Geneva, you'll probably want to swing by a restaurant for a more hearty meal. Here are some top options to add to your reservations!

Pier 290

You can't visit Lake Geneva without dining alongside Geneva Lake, and Pier 290 is the city's only lakeside restaurant! While the view alone has plenty of allure, the menu loaded with familiar favorites from cheese curds to lobster rolls. Plus, if you stop by on the weekend, you'll be able to enjoy some awesome live music as you eat!

Instagram/@soprabistro

Sopra

If you're craving Italian food, then you'll definitely want to head on over to Sopra. This Italian-American bistro located on main street is home to scrumptious eats including fish, pastas, salads, and more. A majority of the menu items have unique names — I'm looking at you, "donald from delhi" — adding a little extra fun and flair to your dining experience. So grab a "b positive" cocktail (blood orange vodka, club soda, splash of blood orange juice), and enjoy your evening!

The Abbey

240 West

Chow down on locally sourced ingredients at The Abbey Resort's 240 West Restaurant. Chef Noah Gumustekin curated a selection of dishes from pappardelle to a grilled ribeye that'll get your mouth watering at the thought. Plus, if you're staying on the property, you can eat to your heart's content and make your way to a lovely night's sleep in no time!

What To Do In Lake Geneva

Instagram/@cruiselakegeneva

Go On A Mail Cruise

Looking to actually get out on the lake itself? Lake Geneva Cruise Line hosts a US mailboat tour where you can sit on a boat as employees deliver mail to over 75 homes around the lake. During the two hour tour you'll learn all about the different mansions on the lake, plus some fun facts about Lake Geneva in general! This is a must-do for first-time visitors!

Instagram/@yerkesobservatory

Visit Yerkes Observatory

Science lovers will want to take a trip over to Yerkes Observatoryfor all things space. The historic building is home to the world's largest refracting telescope (wow!), alongside plenty of other exhibits which you can browse at your own leisure. If you're looking for a more guided experience, the observatory offers tours to help you understand what the heck you're actually observing.

VisitLakeGeneva.com

Walk Along The Shore Path

You should totally take some time out of your busy itinerary to walk the shore path around Geneva Lake. The entire path is over 20 miles — which would take you almost all day to complete in its entirety — but you can just start and end wherever you'd like to get a gorgeous view of the lake and the larger-than-life mansions. The best part? It's free and open to the public, so you can stroll around at any time.

Lake Geneva Cooking School

Take A Cooking Class

If you're looking to spend time like a local in Lake Geneva, then you'll want to register for a class at Lake Geneva School of Cooking. Join Chef John Bogan and his team as you participate in a hands-on cooking class alongside other locals and vacation go-ers. You can browse the classes offered online and pick one that suits your palate, whether that's a meat-driven dinner or a perfect pasta dish. Classes are priced at $150 per person, so it's a bit on the expensive side, but think of it this way: this experience goes beyond the class! You can cook this menu over and over again at home, remembering the fabulous time you had in Lake Geneva.

Hill Valley Dairy

Try Some Local Cheese

You can't visit Wisconsin without trying some local cheese. Head on over to Hill Valley Dairy to get your hands — and taste buds — on locally produced cheeses. Once you figure out what you like, you can buy them to take home with you, so you can enjoy them even after you leave Lake Geneva! And who doesn't want more cheese in their lives?

Why is Lake Geneva so famous?

VisitLakeGeneva.com

Lake Geneva is famous given all its fine dining, larger-than-life mansions, and absolutely beautiful body of water. Additionally, this quaint town is also in a pristine location located only an hour away from Chicago, making it an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and be a little more in tune with nature.

On top of that, plenty of travelers compare Lake Geneva to more expensive destinations across the globe, from Lake Comoto Newport. This lets you get all the beauty and luxury of those bucket list towns without the high price tags!

How do I spend a day in Lake Geneva?

VisitLakeGeneva.com

When it comes to activities, Lake Geneva has plenty to offer! Whether you're simply walking the shore path, indulging in delicious locally grown dinners, or taking a cruise around the lake, you'll find fun everywhere you turn! And just because this is a lake town, doesn't mean you have to be outdoorsy. You can cater your experience based on your interests, including relaxing in one of the lovely luxury hotels.

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

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25 Halloween Costumes That Prove Humor Is Sexy

The age-old Halloween dilemma (for some of us): Your funny sense of humor is dying to go with a Halloween costume that produces laughter, but another part of you wants to look sexy. Well, you’re in luck, girl, because funny *is* the new sexy. That said, we get what you’re actually going for, so we’ve brought you 33 Halloween costumes that prove you can get freaky (in a weird yet sexy way) and still wear those fishnets on Halloween.

Brit + Co

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

With prior reporting by Ariel Garneau and Jessica Ourisman.

This post has been updated.

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