20 Must-Follow Graphic Designers on Instagram

If you can’t tell, Instagram is our jam. From pictures of colorful day-to-days to detailed nail art and fashion-forward feeds, we love sharing all things square-sized and inspirational. And that’s especially true for the talented designers rockin’ their well-composed snapshots on the ‘gram. So, if you enjoy being inspired on the daily by awesome graphics and bright pics, we suggest you give these 20 users (and makers!) a follow. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

1. Design Love Fest: As an awesome Los Angeles-based graphic designer turned creative director and blogger-extraordinare, Bri shares bright snapshots of her international travels, laid-back home life, airy studio and colorful nail art. (via @designlovefest)

2. Chelsea Brink: This Minnesotan turned Long Beach, CA resident, is a freelance designer who has worked for the likes of UCLA and Cheerios. Her design eye is not lost on her Instagram feed, where she shares her love of patterns, pups and bright pops of color. (via @chelseabrink)

3. Jessica Comingore: Another designer based out out of L.A., Jessica is also a photographer and blogger who has worked with awesome brands like Kinfolk and Warby Parker. Her style of “quiet elegance” translates to her Instagram through paired down interiors and thoughtful landscape snapshots. (via @jessicacomingorestudio)

4. Imaginary Keri: This Hawaii native and twenty-something freelance designer is always on the move and scatters her bright designs throughout her envy-worthy travel photos (think: Free People). (via @imaginarykeri)

5. Savannah Maiedae: Blogger and co-owner of the graphic design shop Maiedae, this hard-to-miss redhead posts happy photos from her everyday life as a mom, make-up enthusiast and entrepreneur. (via @savannahmaiedae)

6. Oh Joy: Joy is a graphic designer turned major blogger turned author turned creative director turned designer for Target. She’s also a mom of one (with another one on the way) and somehow finds time to sprinkle her Instagram feed with neon colors, parties and snapshots of her little girl, Ruby. (via @ohjoy)

7. The Weaver House: These Portland-based, twin sisters co-own their own photography and design studio and gravitate toward capturing organic environments and personalities. They also have a not-so-secret penchant for fashion and vintage pieces, some of which can be found in their shop. (via @theweaverhouse)

8. Kccesiro: Kristen is a web designer at Gilt (how stylish is that?) and snaps perfect compositions of clean, beautiful interiors and the city she calls home: The Big Apple. (via @kccesiro)

9. Asia Pietrzyk: This Stockoholm-based designer and illustrator shares peeks of her day-to-day, as well as her colorful geometric designs. When she’s not curating her gorgeous Instagram, she’s curating her site Instamissimo, where she creates designs based off users’ photos. (via @asiapietrzyk)

10. Grown-Up Shoes: Ana is a self-taught designer (talk about inspirational!), blogger and stylist rockin’ it in Austin, TX. If you love aerial views of food and slightly desaturated colors, Ana’s account was made for you. (via @grownupshoes)

11. Olivia Thebaut: Olivia is a french art director and designer who shares minimal pictures of her travels and home life — images that are always splattered with pastels. (via @oliviathebaut)

12. Jessica Hische: As a San Francisco transplant, Jessica snaps quirky ‘grams which give a behind-the-scenes look into the life of a young, but extremely accomplished, designer, letterer and public speaker. She’s also worked with The Washington Post, The United States Postal Service and Wes Anderson. (via @jessicahische)

13. Mark Weaver: As a New York-based art director and designer, Mark clearly has experience capturing perfectly intriguing photos. From little deer to infant children, scrolling through this designer’s feed is like walking through a beautiful art gallery you don’t want to leave. (via @markweaver)

14. Mary Kate Mcdevitt: Author of The Hand Letter Ledger, Mary Kate is a freelance graphic designer and hand lettering superstar who makes words look really, really pretty. She also blogs and crafts in her (probably limited) spare time. (via @marykatemcdevitt)

15. Brenton Clarke: This drum-playing, music-loving designer uses Instagram to showcase his well-composed, magical landscapes. The pictures are so beautiful, we don’t blame you if you snag a print from his Society6 shop or head over to his portfolio for even more inspiration. (via @Brenton_Clarke)

16. Riley Cran: Riley is more than a packaging, identity and illustration design expert. He’s an expert at finding (and capturing) beautiful letters in everyday life. (via @RileyCran)

17. Will Bryant: Will’s quirky, eclectic feed will have you smiling at first follow. He favors fun, humor and positivity, which are perfectly captured in the abstract patterns, vibrant colors and happy plates he shares on his account. (via @WillBryantPlz)

18. Daily Dishonesty: Brainchild of Chicago-based designer Lauren Hom, Daily Dishonesty is more than an Instagram account that showcases the pretty little lies we tell ourselves. It’s a blog and soon-to-be-published book. (via @dailydishonesty)

19. No Pattern: As a self-taught designer and artist, Chuck started creating at a young age and now counts Nike, Bloomberg Businessweek and Kaskade as past clients. If you miss Lisa Frank and wish you could eat the rainbow, you’ll want to live in Chuck’s world. (via @nopattern)

20. Hey SP: A San Francisco-based freelance photographer, designer and cool crafty girl, Sarah is a self-proclaimed tinkerer whose photos will inspire you to get out your art supplies and play. (via @heysp)

Who are your favorite graphic designers? Share your favorites below!

As much as we love diving into a spellbinding novel, there's something to be said for the instantaneous inspo that comes from flipping through a stunning art or design book. And let's be honest, sometimes our attention span isn't up for the challenge of conquering a verbose, 500-page tome.

With an explosion of new poetry, design, and coffee table reads on the scene, we thought we'd do the heavy lifting for you and curate our absolute faves. Ahead, see this spring's fresh book releases (plus some essential coffee table reads you may have missed) from the most inspiring and creative minds among us. Whether you're into interior design, poetry, travel or plants, there's a little something for everyone.

Image via Amazon

Great Women Artists

Discover artists you may have missed in your male-centric art history classes in this robust survey of over 400 leading female creatives spanning the last 500 years.

Image via Amazon

Directions: Really Good Advice For Getting From Here To There

Directions features hand-lettered affirmations and observations from artist Hallie Bateman that are equal parts uplifting, relatable, and humorous. Flipping through the collections feels like you're stumbling across a fortune cookie truth written just for you.

Image via Amazon

Ibiza Bohemia (Classics)

Ignite your wanderlust with this breathtaking photo series that captures why this Mediterranean locale has been such a hotspot for escapism.

Image via Amazon

Wild Interiors: Beautiful Plants In Beautiful Spaces

Calling all plant people! Hilton Carter brings his trademark green thumb to a beautiful new coffee table read brimming with plant care tips and at-home styling advice for all your greenery.

Image via Amazon

Design The Home You Love: Practical Styling Advice To Make The Most Of Your Space

The co-founders behind the interior design service Havenly are publishing their first book this spring that aims to be a budget-friendly guide to identifying your unique style and designing your space accordingly.

Image via Amazon

Atlas Of Mid-Century Modern Houses

Nostalgia seekers will love scanning the pages of this visual stunner, which showcases the works of famed architects like Richard Neutra, Marcel Breuer, and hundreds of other design icons.

Image via Amazon

Radiant Human: Discovering The Connection Between Color, Identity, and Energy

If you're not already familiar with the rainbow portraiture style that is aura photography, let Lonsdale's new book teach you everything you need to know about this creative practice that captures your energy and disposition through a color-coded index.

The Apricot Memoirs

Guinery's book of poetic musings (printed across apricot-hued pages, of course) serves as an exploration of love, growth, motherhood, and vulnerability that invites the reader to unlock their own creativity.

Image via Amazon

Escape

This quintessential art book goes beyond Malin's iconic overhead beach shots and captures unbelievable vacation locales like Aspen, Namibia, Bora Bora, and more to fuel your ideal getaway.

Image via Amazon

Jungalow: Decorate Wild The Style Guide

Teach Me Something New guest Justina Blakeney's new book is an interior lovers dream. If you need a push to break free from your minimalist instincts and dive into the world of big, bold pattern, let this book serve as your guide to do it.

Image via Amazon

Film For Her

This visual diary features prose, poetry, short stories and photography from the well-known YouTube poet and achieves the feeling that you're sifting through someone's intimate DIY scrapbook. Forewarning, it may just inspire you to be in your feels.

Image via Amazon

Poolside with Slim Aarons

Featuring Slim Aarons' signature peek into the lives of wealthy jet-setters, this collection of photographs will be the star of your art book rotation.

Image via Amazon

Cherry Bombe: The Cookbook

This essential foodie read captures recipes from some of the most interesting and famous female chefs, bakers, and food stylists of our time.

Image via Amazon

Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power

Further your art education by discovering previously neglected histories of 20th-century Black artists during one of the most revolutionary eras in American history.

Humans

Humans of New York pioneer Brandon Stanton traveled to more than 40 countries to tell the resonate stories of what it means to be human.

Image via Amazon

Flower: Exploring The World In Bloom

Florals for spring? How groundbreaking. But in this new collection, see how floral motifs have been depicted throughout history across art, film, textiles, and more.

Image via Amazon

Virgil Abloh. Nike. ICONS.

Bring some color to your bookshelf in a major way with this innovative dive into Virgil Abloh's creative process during his collaboration with Nike. The end result is an ode to design true sneakerheads can't miss.

Image via Amazon

The Bright Book: A Creativity Workbook Designed to Help You Shine

Also known as EttaVee, Jessi Raulet brings her signature bold pattern play to life in this creative workbook. Once you're feeling sufficiently inspired by all of the amazing reads above, tap into your own creativity by following the prompts for collaging, journaling, painting, and more.

Image via Barnes & Noble

Architectural Digest at 100: A Century Of Style

This stunning and informative read is full of glorious designs from past and present. Featuring the homes of top celebrities and architects, it's an inspirational nod to the ever changing landscape of home decor.

Image via ThriftBooks

The New York Dog

Rachael Hale has managed to use her powerful photography skills to capture the quintessential nature of dogs in The New York Dog.

Image via Barnes & Noble

The Colors of Sies Marjan

The Colors of Sies Marjan is a beautiful recollection of the celestial brand of the same name. With memorable collections that wowed crowds during past NYFW seasons, Sander Lak's beautiful explosion of texture and color remain immortalized in this gorgeous coffee table book.

Image via Barnes & Noble

The New Black Vanguard

Get lost in the pages of The New Black Vanguard. Curated by Cultural Critic Antwaun Sargent, this coffee table is great for the fashion enthusiast who's interested in seeing the world of fashion, beauty and art through a more inclusive lens.

Image via ThriftBooks

Latin American Artists: From 1785 To Now

Allow yourself to be transported in time as you view the artwork of more than 300 Latin American artists.

Image via ThriftBooks

Glass Houses

Foray into the wondrous build of glass houses. You'll find yourself admiring designs that date back to the 1930s and will love learning how architects create stunning homes with sturdy foundations.

Which coffee table books are you thinking about adding to your collection? Let us know in the comments!

This post has been updated.

Header image via Amazon

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!

Finding art that you love, from bold abstracts to breezy landscapes, can make a creative and personalized impact on your space. Sure, your home decor can be inspired by the latest trends but art is the element that really brings your unique style home. Whether you have an extensive art collection or are just starting to curate one that expresses your creativity, Singulart is an online art and design gallery that makes buying art online super easy. Search through their collection of 30,000 artworks and find stunning one-of-a-kind art based on your budget, style preferences, orientation needs, and more.

Indies by Hervé Perdriel, France, 2019 Giclée print on Paper, 39x39in

Here, we curated a few gems from the original art gallery. Plus, find tips for creating a dreamy art collection that expresses your personal style. From mixing styles to making the most of color and texture, we’ll help you confidently build a collection that brings joy and inspiration to your space.

Blumenmuster XXVII by Karoline Kroiß, Germany, 2022 Acrylic on Paper, 10x10in

Seek Out Emerging Artists

Find artwork that is truly one-of-a-kind by investing in talented artists who are just starting to make their mark. Perhaps you have artistic friends or love to DIY? Seek out artists on social media or visit local art shows. Singulart features 12,000 established and emerging artists from all over the world who work in a variety of mediums – photography, sculpture, painting, drawing, and more. Follow the ones you love and save them for future collections.

Colette et Lucien - Triptique by Mathilde At, France, 2023 Oil on Linen, 20x20in

Mix And Match Art Styles

Think beyond the print and consider original artwork as part of your lasting art collection. Combining different art forms not only adds visual interest but also lets you explore unique textures, colors, and dimensions. Pair a thought-provoking painting with a whimsical sculpture to create a collection that sparks conversation. There’s creativity in building your art collection – have fun with it! The key is finding an element, perhaps a color palette or a theme, that ties them all together.

Seducción by Artista Enzo, Spain, 2023Acrylic on Wood, 19x19in

Set The Mood With Placement

Give your artwork the space it deserves to make it really shine. Landscape pieces in the dining room can create a serene vibe while bright and energetic artwork in a home office can inspire creativity. Let your art guide the mood and function of a room. Consider size, style and theme of the artwork when deciding where to display it too. Large, bold pieces can make an amazing focal point in a living room while smaller pieces grouped together make a great gallery wall. Singulart will create a collection based on your preferences to help you curate the perfect gallery wall too. Browse their curated picks too!

Out of the dark VII by Ute Laum, Germany, 2023 Acrylic on Canvas, 39x39in

Play With Color + Texture

Consider your existing color scheme at home and choose art pieces that complement or contrast them. Bold, vibrant artwork can breathe new life into a neutral room, while textured pieces can add depth and playfulness to a minimal design. Want to give a piece you love the spotlight? Enhance the impact of your art with accent lights or natural light (just make sure to protect it as directed).

Gasa (Rainbow) by Kurtis Brand, United States, 2022 Cotton on Canvas, 50x48in

Rotate And Refresh

What’s fun about a personal art collection is that you can swap it in a new space for an instant refresh. Consider changing art with the seasons or moving art from one room to the next to give it more exposure in a high-traffic space.


Once you’ve begun to curate art pieces that resonate with you, it’s essential to take good care of your purchases so they’ll stand the test of time and continue to bring you joy.

Here are a few tips on how to preserve your art for a lifetime:

  1. Avoid hanging artwork in direct sunlight or in a space with extreme fluctuations in temperature. Sunlight can cause fading overtime, so explore UV-filtering framing options and be mindful of how the light can change in your space throughout the year.
  2. Keep a microfiber cloth or soft, clean brush on hand for routine dusting and cleaning of your art. Avoid any chemical cleaning solutions or water that could damage the work.
  3. Research the art trends associated with your work and learn more about the creator behind the art so you can take pride in the pieces you’ve curated and feel super knowledgeable about them.

Treat your art with love and care, and let your imagination run wild to create a collection that is truly a reflection of you and your creativity!

Main photo: Dawn by Nelly Van Nieuwenhuijzen, Netherlands 2023, Acrylic on Canvas, 39x39in

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.

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.