15 Must-Have Holiday Decor Pieces from H&M’s New Line

Oct 30, 2015

While all the fashionistas love H&M for fast fashion and hysteria-inducing collaborations, all you homemakers should know that its home offerings and seasonal decor are just as enticing. As you’d expect, the styles are on-trend but at crazy affordable prices that make decorating for the holidays even more fun. Whether you need some new mugs to DIY a coffee cart for the winter season or you’re looking for some ways to jazz up your table centerpieces, H&M has it all with accompanying metallic accents and cozy textures.

1. Small Porcelain Plates ($6): Please pass the penguins. From gilded hand lettering to whimsical animals, H&M’s festive dishes are almost too adorable to put away when holiday entertaining is over.

2. Wooden Salad Servers ($13): Add some rustic charm to your kitchen and table with these wooden cutting boards, salad servers and serving trays. Wouldn’t that mini wooden tray look great as a cheese board?

3. Jute Christmas Tree Mat ($18): It’s time to cover up that ugly Christmas tree stand with bold red stars. Lay out this red and tan mat to catch the needles and the piles of presents that might find their way into your home.

4. Faux Fur Seat Cushions ($18): Your dinner guests won’t want to leave the table with seats this soft and warm. Not that they’ll be able to move after stuffing themselves on your delicious holiday treats.

5. Cotton Tablecloth ($30): For a classical Scandinavian holiday look, stick with a simple gold and white color scheme and accessorize with geometric patterns and colorful accents.

6. Christmas Ornaments ($13): Dress up the tree (or a tray on the coffee table) with big + beautiful mercury glass baubles.

7. Feather Tablecloth ($25): For holiday decor that you can leave out long after Christmas, go for something like this silvery feather tablecloth.

8. Glass Dome With Gold Plate ($18): Sure glass cloches are super trendy, but they can also be super expensive. Finding these for under $20 bucks is a guilt-free indulgence that will take your holiday decor to the next level.

9. Small Metal Candlestick ($10): Glam up your coffee table display with several candles at different heights. Remember, ’tis the season for a million different deliciously festive scents.

10. Faux Fur Throw ($80): You can never have enough faux fur when the temperatures get colder. Treat couch-surfing house guests to a sweet, sophisticated throw on the bed or in the living room and they might never want to leave.

11. Porcelain Mug ($7): Tied up with a bow or “Merry Everything” — all of these gilded mugs need to be on your holiday coffee cart ASAP.

12. Mercury Glass Scented Candles ($10): Set the mood with these pretty candles that look like Christmas ornaments. They come in gold and silver tones so you can coordinate your color theme.

13. Velvet Cushion Cover ($18): Cozy up with some wintry textures this holiday season. Nothing says,”Good tidings” like sequins and velvet.

14. Gold Lantern ($30): Put a candle in this lantern or fill it with string lights for a sparkly holiday hack.

15. Glass Jar With Gold Lid ($10): You can never have enough pretty storage and these jars are the perfect size for dry ingredients in the kitchen or those layered jars of cookie mix.

Which are your favorite pieces from H&M? Talk to us in the comments below!

Win Almost $4,000 Worth Of Prizes With Our Jolly All July Giveaway!

It may be summer, but we can't help missing the most wonderful time of the year right now — Christmas! The holidays are our favorite time to get together with friends and family, indulge in our favorite treats, and make our space shine for the season. While we can't speed up time, we can bring you a little holiday joy this July! We teamed up with Balsam Hill, Saint Jane Beauty, Surgarfina, Solawave, Cariloha, Kencko, Minkycouture, Better Homes and Gardens, Purewow, and Note To Self for the Jolly All July Giveaway!

Sign up now for our super fun sweepstakes for the chance to win almost $4,000 in prizes, from holiday home decor to skincare favorites!

The giveaway ends on July 31, so be sure to enter for your shot to win ASAP!

Here's what you can expect to win from this $3,801 prize!

Balsam Hill

6' Nordmann Fir Tree from Balsam Hill (ARV $899)

Not all fake Christmas trees are created equally, and this option from Balsam Hill is top tier. According to the brand, the trees are modeled after Nordmann Firs in Europe, with their slight curve and darker green color. This attention to detail makes sure you get all the classic Christmas tree look without all the classic Christmas tree hassle — no watering, or needle vacuuming necessary.

Saint Jane Skincare

Saint Jane Skincare Collection (ARV $622)

No matter the time of year, skincare is incredibly important! These serums, creams, and other stunning Saint Jane products are perfect for refreshing your skin and keeping it healthy. Whether you need vitamin C for some added brightness, retinol for some smoothing, or hyaluronic acid for hydration, there's a product here to revitalize your skincare routine!

20 Piece Candy Trunk (ARV $225) + 2024 Holiday Advent Calendar (ARV $55) + $250 Gift Card from Sugarfina

Nothing says the holiday season like sweet treats, and these delicious candies from Sugarfina are perfect for ringing in that vibe this July! You can taste all the different flavors with the candy trunk, or you can double down on your favorite with the $250 gift card! Regardless, I know that sweet tooth is calling as we speak...

Solawave

$450 Gift Card to Solawave

Like I said before, skincare is essential all year long, and the Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand is a great way to promote healthier skin. The four therapies included in this tiny little product — red light, microcurrent, warmth, and vibrations — combine to firm up your skin and promote collagen production! Plus, Solawave has products you can pair with the wand round out your routine!

Cariloha

$450 Gift Card to Cariloha

Comfort is absolutely key when it comes to the holiday season! Luckily, Cariloha has plenty of cushy, comfy options for you to snuggle up in! Choose from bedding, towels, robes, sleepwear, basics, and even mattresses!

kencko

$450 of kencko Online Store Credit

Okay, so if you're thinking smoothies don't scream Christmas, think again! How many times have you binged starches and cheeses and all the holiday goodies, wishing you had something fresh and fruity to break it all up? I know I have, and kencko has plenty of delish options for you!

Minky Couture

$400 Gift Card to Minky Couture

Finally, wrap yourself up in a luxurious blanket or robe from Minky Couture! Their products are incredibly soft and sumptuous, coming in plenty of different colors and patterns! I can already picture myself cozying up with a cup of tea, a good book, and a holiday playlist in one of these.

Sign up for a chance to win these amazing, high-value holiday prizes here!

Header image by Balsam Hill

Every Shocking Detail You Missed In 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Part 1

Outer Banks Season 4 Part 1 finally brings the cast back to the OBX.
John B., Sarah, Cleo, Pope, Kiara, and JJ are up against the Kooks — and other treasure hunters.
Season 4 feels more grounded and relatable than past seasons, making it a very strong installment.

If you know me, you know I'm a die hard Outer Banks season 1 fan. I binge watched the entire thing with my family in 2020 while quarantining on the real OBX, I joined the Drew Starkey fan club the moment he stepped onscreen, and I was obsessed with JJ and Kiara way before the internet started shipping them. So, needless to say, I've been waiting for Outer Banks season 4 with baited breath — especially when I heard rumors it would focus on JJ (Rudy Pankow) the way previous seasons had focused on John B. (Chase Stokes) in season 1, Pope (Jonathan Daviss) in season 2, and Kiara (Madison Bailey) in season 3.

I think season 1 will always be my favorite, but Outer Banks season 4 part 1 pleasantly surprised me. We're far enough into the show that we really care about the characters, and they have enough history with one another that we're invested in their decisions. Plus, returning to the OBX provided real-world stakes I could relate to as a viewer: family drama, dealing with bullies, and more. No matter whether you really love JJ, or you're always dreaming about your next beach vacation, here's whyOuter Banks season 4 absolutely NEEDS to be your weekend binge. (Serious spoilers ahead!!!)

We're Back On The Outer Banks!

Netflix

FINALLY! After a couple of seasons in the Caribbean and South America, Outer Banks is back, well, on the Outer Banks. Honestly, this automatically makes the season better because it provides a ton of familiarity, nostalgia, and comfort for readers. And it also provides a realistic, grounded aspect to the adventure. Because let's be honest, a group of teens hopping on a tiny plane and taking part in a jungle treasure hunt requires a little too much suspension of disbelief for me. Plus, just like Gossip Girl wouldn't be the same without Blair and Serena hitting up Bergdorf's, a Pogue beach & surfing day just feels right.

The Pogues Open Their Own Shop

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

The first episode of Outer Banks season 4 catches us up on that season 3 time jump. After learning how much money they actually have their hands on, the Pogues move into JJ's old house (renaming it "Poguelandia 2.0"), and open a bait, tackle, and charter shop. While I have a few questions about how six teens literally built a business without the help of a contractor, I love seeing this group lead regular lives. The shop plays into their strengths and allows them to cultivate their relationships in normal settings instead of life-or-death ones. Friendships are made in those boring moments, IMO.

The Pogues And Kooks Are Fighting Again

Netflix

Because so much of Outer Banks season 4 takes place on the OBX, it means John B., Sarah, JJ, Kie, Pope, and Cleo are once again clashing with Topper, Rafe, and the rest of the Kooks. Despite the fact this season features plenty of death-defying stunts, the scene that will stick with me the most is when the Pogues and Kooks wind up at the same beach access.

I audibly gasped when Ruthie, Topper's new girlfriend, plays chicken with the Pogues on the beach, almost hitting Kiara with her Jeep and running over a turtle hatch in the process. (IRL, protecting endangered sea turtles & their hatches are a big deal on the Outer Banks, so this definitely got a visceral reaction from me).

At the end of the day, the major (and arguably, the most painful) conflict of this teen drama is how the Kooks make the Pogues feel like they don't belong anywhere. And if you ask me, exploring this tension and these relationships is where the show truly shines.

The Villains Are Actually Scary

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

That being said, I found the villains this season, Lightner and Dalia, to be way scarier than I expected — especially once Lightner killed Terrance and almost killed Cleo. Every time he showed up onscreen, my heart started pounding like he was chasing me! The thought of being stuck in my bait shop alone with a creepy guy, especially one brandishing a knife? Thank you, next.

The Pogues Are Searching For More Than Blackbeard's Treasure

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

After Outer Banks season 3, the one thing I said I didn't want the show to do was go into supernatural, ghost territory. Turns out, that's exactly where we're going. Wes Genrette and his son-in-law Chandler Groff hire the Pogues to find Blackbeard's treasure, but it doesn't take long for them to realize they're once again in over their heads.

Wes is a direct descendent of Francis Genrette, the man responsible for killing Blackbeard and his wife Elizabeth. Now, Elizabeth haunts every generation of the Genrette family, and once she appears, you don't have long to live. Wes reveals his daughter Larissa (Chandler's late wife) saw Elizabeth a week before she died, and Wes himself has seen her, which means his days are numbered.

Now the Pogues have to find Elizabeth's amulet to break the curse. Their race against Lightner and Dalia brings Pope, Cleo, Sarah, and John B. to Charleston — and leavesPope and Sarah trapped in a crypt as it slowly floods.

Powers At Be Want To Bulldoze The Cut

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

If this show has proven anything, it's that the OBX is far from paradise. This season, some big names are trying to turn The Cut — including Poguelandia 2.0 — into an extension of the wealthier Figure Eight. Things get even more complicated when Hollis, who worked with Ward before he died, wants Rafe to be her financial partner...and then gets his girlfriend Sofia to convince him to sign her contract.

Rafe Could Actually Be Getting A Redemption Arc

Netflix

Drew Starkey admitted after season 1 that he didn't care whether Rafe got a redemption arc, and I agreed at the time. I found the idea of Rafe, who was so driven to please his father he'd literally murder for him, incredibly compelling. Plus, he's been the ringleader of the War on Pogues this whole time, so suddenly making him sympathetic towards them felt like backtracking on his character.

But now that I've seen him with Sofia, the romantic in me is kicking her feet and giggling.

Rafe still has his moments (like saying he'd never date a Pogue after finding out Sofia was from The Cut), but for better or worse, Sofia brings out the best in him. And in the aftermath of Ward's death, and his ultimate wish that Sarah and Rafe would make up, feeling sympathy for the Pogues might be Rafe's way of staying loyal to his dad.

I just want to know how Rafe is going to respond when he finds out Sofia overheard his comments about never dating a Pogue...and then tricked him into signing Hollis' contract. Messy, messy.

Luke Is Back

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

After JJ & Kiara said goodbye to JJ's dad Luke in Outer Banks season 2, he's been totally off the grid. Except, apparently, he hasn't? JJ learns Luke is back when he visits Barracuda Mike, but the father-son bonding quickly takes a turn for the crazy when Luke drops a piece of news that changes everything: he isn't JJ's biological father. Chandler Groff is.

JJ Has Actually Been A Kook This Whole Time

Netflix

JJ's entire character is based around the fact he's proud to be a Pogue. He hates the Kooks and everything they stand for, which is why when Luke reveals he isn't JJ's biological father, and that JJ is related to the Groff/Genrette clan, it totally sends JJ into orbit.

This Kook identity is something he's been running from the entire series — even before Kie had to reassure him that finding the gold didn't make them Kooks — and he's going to have to do some serious soul searching to figure out who he actually is now.

I was wholly sold on the theory Outer Banks 4 would reveal JJ and Sarah were siblings, but this is a pretty good alternative. And who knows? Maybe they're cousins. Fingers crossed JJ doesn't get a deadly visit from Elizabeth's ghost in part 2...

What did you think about Outer Banks season 4 part 1? Check out 9 Insane Outer Banks Theories That Would Totally Change The Show for more while you wait for part 2!

outer banks pop culture nsfw entertainment

15 Delicious Leftover Ham Recipes To Make In 2024

If there’s one thing you can guarantee this holiday season, it’s that you can make plenty of leftover ham recipes. Out of all the dinner roasts, the salty, versatile meat has the best potential; it can be incorporated into quiche, soup, or even enchiladas. Whether you choose to have your holiday leftovers for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these 15 recipes will help you use up every last bit.

Leftover Ham Recipes You'll Love

Ham and Cheese Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole

Who says you can’t continue to celebrate Easter throughout the rest of spring? Keep the family in town and invite them over for a mimosa-filled brunch with this cheesy, bready casserole as the main event. Plus, it's a make-ahead recipe, which just makes us love it even more. (via FoodieCrush)

Ham and Cheese Monkey Bread

We're pretty sure that monkey bread is our love language. If you and your S.O. need something tasty to snack on while you watch baseball, opt for this gooey bread. It'll definitely become the MVP of the night. (via Show Me the Yummy)

Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Waffles

If you're a ham and cheese fan, then you haven’t lived until you’ve tried the classic combination inside a hash brown. Take the crispiness to the next level by cooking the batter in a waffle maker because everything tastes better when you cook it in a waffle maker. (via Damn Delicious)

Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche

Filling, tasty, and oh-so-cheesy, you can’t go wrong with a quiche on a chilly spring morning. One forkful of this luscious dish, and you’ll be instantly transported to a French bistro. Once you get the hang of this recipe, you can try all kinds of quiche, from sausage to peppers. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

One-Pot Ham and Pea Pasta

Kids will jump for joy at the sight of this creamy, tasty pasta, and you'll jump for joy at the fact that it takes less than 30 minutes to make! They might even eat the peas if you’re lucky. (via Salt and Lavender)

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

In the days after a big holiday meal, make things easier with a tray of sliders to keep everyone well fed. Brush the tops of leftover buns with honey and Dijon mustard, stuff with Swiss cheese and ham, then pop those in the oven until melty and toasted. (via The Cookie Rookie)

Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto

Sweet butternut squash lends some of its starch to make this risotto extra creamy. Salty, caramelized ham and a generous dose of Parmesan cheese help balance out the flavors and textures. (via Give It Some Thyme)

We Can Get Enough Of These Leftover Ham Recipes

Overnight Breakfast Enchiladas

Before you clean up the kitchen, prep these enchiladas for tomorrow's breakfast. All you'll have to do is roll out of bed, pop them in the oven, and enjoy the smoky, cheesy aroma. Top with salsa, sour cream, and avocados to make them extra yummy. (via Joyful Healthy Eats)

Leftover Ham Pizza

Ordering in might be tempting after the holidays, but there’s really no reason to when you have a fridge full of leftovers. Try making your own pizza using your heaps of leftover ham. You can even add pineapple to it if that’s your favorite combo. (via The Cookie Writer)

Potato Ham Chowder

Double the pork, double the fun. Add layers of flavor to this chowder with diced ham, salty bacon, and sweet corn. This is the perfect dish for any spring or summer day that ends up being chilly. (via Damn Delicious)

Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice Bake

You won’t believe how easy this creamy rice bake is to prepare, but with Cream of Chicken soup, sour cream, and cheese, it won't taste like leftovers. (via Plain Chicken)

Healthy Ham and Cheese Casserole With Apples and Sage

Still craving hearty dishes but want to eat healthier as we enter the warmer months? Compromise with this better-for-you bake, made with whole-wheat penne, nonfat Greek yogurt, and fresh apples. (via Well Plated by Erin)

Ham and Cheese Pastry Puffs

These flaky treats are basically bite-size ham, cheese, and mustard sandwiches in puff pastry. The unexpected five-spice seasoning blend on top adds both beautiful color and serious flavor. Serve as baby shower apps or turn them into an unexpected brunch dish. (via Plain Chicken)

Hawaiian Fried Rice

Ham and pineapple are a classic culinary match, no matter what time of year it is. Add a fun kick to your spring menu with a zesty fried rice featuring the tried-and-true combo. (via The Recipe Critic)

Cheesy Garlic Butter Sandwich Skewers

Make your plain ham and cheese sandwiches exciting again. Thread them onto skewers and brush them with fragrant garlic butter for a meal that deserves five stars! (via The Cookie Rookie)

Follow Brit + Co on Pinterest for more leftover ham recipes.

Additional reporting by Justina Huddleston and Sara Cagle

This piece has been updated.

comfort food recipes recipe roundup ham ham recipes christmas food

The Best Liquid Eyeliners To Combat Sweat, Tears, & Smearing

Some of us have sensitive tear ducts that seem to get triggered if the wind blows a little too hard — which can make it so tough for those of us who love a good liquid eyeliner. Suddenly, you look like you were just sobbing about a breakup, when in reality your allergies just got the best of you, leaving streaks of eyeliner and mascara.

However, it IS possible to find the best liquid eyeliner to wear that's long-lasting, waterproof, and perfectly pigmented. Skip the hard-to-grip and smudgy products for these 7 incredible options I found. Trust, you'll barely have to reapply them throughout the day, leaving your makeup flawless for hours and hours!

The Best Liquid Eyeliner Ever!

Target

e.l.f. Expert Liquid Eyeliner (Set of 2)

This is virtually unheard of, but this is probably the best liquid eyeliner you're ever going to wear. 88% of Target's customers recommend it, feeling you're getting the best quality for your money. Though it doesn't have the highest long-lasting rating, it still gets the job done when wearers need it to.

What are customers saying about it?

e.l.f. Cosmetics

From Target:

"i got this eyeliner like a few months ago and let me tell you its the best eyeliner I've ever got, its so easy to apply and good for beginners and STAYS ALL DAY."
"goes on easily and dries with no cracks to create a flawless look"
"I've used this liquid eyeliner for years- really can't beat the price!"

From e.l.f. Cosmetics:

"It's a good liner but it does fade after about four hours so you have to touch it up."
"It's a great eyeliner especially for hooded eyes."
"I have tried many and these just seem to stay put and stay smooth for a long time over so many other brands."

Amazon

NYX Epic Ink Liner

There's a reason why this is considered the best liquid eyeliner on Amazon. It's the overall pick as it's been purchased over 30,000 times and has a 4.5 rating! Also, Amazon noted it's something most customers keep which speaks volumes. So, what makes it so great?

It's a matte, waterproof formula that's going to give you a long-lasting effect and it has a super short precision tip to make your lines look on point. Whether you're going for a cat-eye look or something to complete your Halloween costume, this is your best bet!

Other Popular Liquid Eyeliners

Amazon

Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner

Aside from NYX's Epic Ink Liner, Maybelline's liquid eyeliner is another popular pick on Amazon. It has a similar precise tip that ensures it'll glide on easily — even if your hand isn't the steadiest. It's also hooded eye-friendly (IYKYK) which should bring a sigh of relief to anyone who's tired of seeing smudged eye makeup.

Amazon

Stila Deluxe Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

This Stila waterproof liquid eyeliner is perfect for all-day wear! You can create so many looks, from lightly outlining your eyes to packing on the drama. Plus, Amazon customers love how this eyeliner allows them to get "super smooth, fine lines" with "no smudging or bleeding." Incredible!

Sephora

Glossier Pro Tip

Can I get a little commotion for his vegan liquid eyeliner? It's totally gonna become another beauty staple soon. It's easy to use and has a buildable formula that doesn't waste time drying. Did I mention it's also long-lasting? In the words of my favorite social media sound, "You better get one of these!"

Sephora

Anastasia Beverly Hills Waterproof Matte Liquid Eyeliner

It seems like the top-rated liquid eyeliners have one thing in common: they're waterproof. And this option from Anastasia Beverly Hills is no exception to that! Plus, this one claims to be highly-pigmented — which doesn't seem like a reach if you know how good Anastasia Beverly Hills' products are.

P.S. There's no parabens, phthalates, or mineral oils in it.

Sephora

One/Size by Patrick Starr Point Made Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Rounding this list out is this amazingly vegan liquid eyeliner by One/Size! I've already made a case for their setting spray so it doesn't surprise me that this makes other customers happy too. It glides on super smooth and fits comfortably in your hand so you won't experience a classic case of butter fingers when applying it.

It's also free of the following:

Parabens
Formaldehydes
Formaldehyde-releasing agents
Phthalates
Mineral oil
Retinyl palmitate
Oxybenzone
Coal tar
Hydroquinone
Triclocarban
Triclosan

Follow us on Pinterest for more beauty finds, tips, and tricks!

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

eye makeup beauty beauty products makeup

24 Craveable Chocolate Cake Recipes For Every Occasion

How is your day going? We bet a bit of chocolate cake would make it better — like, way better. And if a bit makes it better, then for good measure, let’s up the stakes to 24 different and divine chocolate cakes and just have a ball. From classic layered numbers to waffle cake masterpieces, we’ve got all your chocolate cake dreams covered. Tie back your hair, and let’s get to baking!

Sarah Anderson

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

chocolate comfort food recipes dessert recipes recipe roundup vegetarian recipes food

15 Must-Have Holiday Decor Pieces from H&M’s New Line

Here's what you can expect to win from this $3,801 prize!

6' Nordmann Fir Tree from Balsam Hill (ARV $899)

Saint Jane Skincare Collection (ARV $622)

20 Piece Candy Trunk (ARV $225) + 2024 Holiday Advent Calendar (ARV $55) + $250 Gift Card from Sugarfina

$450 Gift Card to Solawave

$450 Gift Card to Cariloha

$450 of kencko Online Store Credit

$400 Gift Card to Minky Couture

​We're Back On The Outer Banks!

​The Pogues Open Their Own Shop

​The Pogues And Kooks Are Fighting Again

​The Villains Are Actually Scary

​The Pogues Are Searching For More Than Blackbeard's Treasure

​Powers At Be Want To Bulldoze The Cut

​Rafe Could Actually Be Getting A Redemption Arc

​Luke Is Back

JJ Has Actually Been A Kook This Whole Time

Leftover Ham Recipes You'll Love

We Can Get Enough Of These Leftover Ham Recipes

The Best Liquid Eyeliner Ever!

What are customers saying about it?

Other Popular Liquid Eyeliners

We're Back On The Outer Banks!

The Pogues Open Their Own Shop

The Pogues And Kooks Are Fighting Again

The Villains Are Actually Scary

The Pogues Are Searching For More Than Blackbeard's Treasure

Powers At Be Want To Bulldoze The Cut

Rafe Could Actually Be Getting A Redemption Arc

Luke Is Back