How To Create a Custom Home Office On A Budget

We're always in a decorating mood at Brit + Co, fromsummer entertaining outdoors to fall cozinessindoors. Here, we tapped Tiffany Leigh Piotrowski, founder of Toronto-basedTiffany Leigh Design, for tips on creating the perfect home office. Take it away, Tiffany!

If you've been working from home for the past year, you have likely discovered the importance of a functional workspace. Whether you have a whole room for a home office or just a quaint nook for a desk, your WFH (work-from-home) space should be able to accommodate your distinct needs. Creating a proper office space seems like an expensive undertaking, but I can assure you that it doesn't have to break the bank. Everyone deserves a comfortable at-home workspace, regardless of budget. With that, today I'm taking you through how to create a custom home office that is beautiful, functional, and affordable. Say goodbye to the dining room table and hello to a fresh space to inspire productivity!

In "one bedroom plus den" apartments, the "den" spaces often make the perfect little WFH areas. I did just this in my downtown Toronto condo. My one-plus-den unit came with a den large enough to accommodate a full transformation into a home office with not one, but TWO, workspaces.

Since the space needed to allow for both myself and my partner, Luke, to work from home, a large work surface was a necessity. While I love custom desktops for large-scale renovations, a custom piece just didn't make sense financially for the rental. Instead, my team and I opted for twowood-look IKEA countertops set atop drawer units (from IKEA's ALEX collection) for a sleek yet affordable DIY desk. The three units plus desks tops came in under $500. We love this solution as it allows you to customize the size and look of your workstation more than standard IKEA desks could.

Another major consideration for your home office is storage. Many homeowners and renters underestimate how much storage space they'll need, so my advice is to always maximize storage within your designated office zone. Keep in mind that we collect things over time so the number of items you have now will likely grow in the coming years.

For Project Mutual (my condo), we installed two massive IKEA PAX units opposite the desk wall for tons of storage. Again, we opted for ready-made furniture as built-ins would have been too costly for the rental. To elevate the basic IKEA units, we added affordable long brass handles to the cabinet doors for a more custom look. We then positioned another ALEX drawer unit in between the two cabinets for a tucked-away printer station (with printing supplies easily accessible in the drawers below). Above, we mounted some inexpensive laminate shelves to hold baskets of fabric samples; these woven baskets(also IKEA) were a worthwhile addition to the space as they tuck away clutter while adding a textural element to the room — they house all of my fabric samples!

If you're spending hours upon hours at a desk, proper seating is an essential element of your WFH space. There are tons of options when it comes to office seating so you can always find the perfect fit for your space and your needs.

In most cases, I recommend ergonomic chairs with adjustable settings for home offices. People spend long days sitting at their desks so a proper office chair is a smart investment for both short-term comfort and long-term wellbeing. When looking for an office chair, prioritize seating options with adjustable heights; this is an important factor as the chair's height can be customized to your preferences as well as the height of your work surface. I also recommend upholstered (or semi-upholstered) options as having some cushioning can majorly increase a chair's comfortability. Click here for a chair similar to ours.

Photo credit is Patrick Biller

While I always aim to create layers of lighting within rooms, this is especially important in home offices. By "layers of lighting", I mean multiple mediums for artificial lighting to cater to different times of day as well as tasks performed within a space. I find that the best home offices have a combination of ambient lighting (overall illumination) and task lighting (illumination provided to aid a certain task). In my apartment, a milk glass pendant lights up the space as a whole, while black desk lamps illuminate the work surface for a comfortable lighting level at the desks.

In terms of natural lighting, I believe that daylight should be maximized whenever possible. That being said, natural light is variable and shouldn't be the sole illumination for a workspace. Anyone who works after hours requires artificial lighting, as well as those who live in a place like Canada where in the winter, the sun goes down before the workday is over! Often, a combination of daylight along with one or two artificial fixtures creates the perfect mix of lighting for an office space.

Even though home offices exist for functional purposes, they are still a part of the home and as such, require personal touches and accessories. Especially if you're relying on IKEA furniture for your space, you'll want to customize your space through decor.

For my office, we mounted two rows of shelves above the desk area to provide a fun decorative moment. Without the collection of objects on the shelves where we rotate our TLD Curated collection, the office might have seemed a little sparse or sterile. In this WFH space, the styled shelves, cool artwork, and patterned area rug help elevate this room and give it a custom appearance. If you're stumped on what kind of decor to include in an office space, start with the basics: office supplies! There are so many stylish alternatives for office gear these days, so select functional objects that are also beautiful. I love things likethis cool acrylic file sorter.

Thanks Tiffany!

Design: Tiffany Leigh Design | Source: The Identité Collective | Photography: Kiely Ramos

This article was originally published on TiffanyLeighDesign.com.

Offering a clean slate of stunning earthy decor is a gorgeous five-bedroom home in LA's Los Feliz hood, tucked in the hills with pine trees and wildlife near the iconic Griffith Park. The home is on the market so it's not yet lived in, which makes it the perfect inspiration for creating a cohesive and modern look that's also clutter-free.

"We’re so sick of all white everything and this house is the perfect antithesis of that," said Sam O'Connor of O'Connor Estates, who helped stage the home after it was beautifully renovated by Ruby and Mike Rubin, design principals at Rubin Studio. "The overall aesthetic is warm and earthy but with the perfect use of color throughout," says Sam.

Keep scrolling to see this gorgeous, earthy LA home tour:

Tessa Neustadt

With a mix of rustic reds, rich greens, and vibrant blues, the home feels inviting and ready for a lucky someone to plant their roots. Budget aside, the inspiration here is worth noting for your 2025 decor and sources come from places like All Modern, Nordic Knots, and HD Buttercup along with vintage pieces too.

"The inspiration for styling was 1970’s Brazilian interiors… Bold, casual and elevated," says Sarah S. Brady, founder of Platform Home. She used an antique rug in the entry from LA's Rose Bowl Flea Market and a large portrait by artist Ali Silverstein.

Tessa Neustadt

Rubin Studio used a Sea Ranch-inspired cedar exterior, and natural materials with interesting textures throughout the home like corks, rough cement tiles, tiles with saturated colors, and cedar, teak, and white oak woods.

Green lovers can take cues from this living room, with saturated green tiles, a Willow Modular Sofa in sage from HD Buttercup, and a Moroccan rug with pops of contrasting yellow by Raha Roho.

Tessa Neustadt

“Going into 2025 we have been seeing a lot of darker tones of browns and deep mauves, including upholstery with interesting texture and rich in tone, plus millwork with darker stains or paint" says Ruby Rubin. Rubin Studios added in custom details with more warmth and character.

Tessa Neustadt

"We created new functional spaces and isolated moments in the walk-through pantry, kitchen, dining room bookshelf, and wet bar," says Mike Rubin of the custom millwork.

Tessa Neustadt

Sam and Claire highlighted the warm earthy tones throughout. "We feel the house is a piece of art and we didn’t want to distract from that. The new dining area is now one of our favorite areas of the home!” Sam says.

Tessa Neustadt

I am 100 percent on board with this green bed in velvet from All Modern. Paired with a jute rug, oak flooring, and mid-century banquette, it's the perfect starter kit for a dreamy bedroom. Vintage art and an iconic Zig Zag chair add personality to already gorgeous design.

Tessa Neustadt

Rubin Studios used a collection of natural honed stone including Jade Quartzite, Quartzite Nero, Calacatta Viola, and Red Travertine that make moments like these interesting, bold, and beautiful throughout.

Tessa Neustadt

The earthy tile and Nickey Kehoe rug continues the green theme from master bedroom to master bath.

Tessa Neustadt

The slate floors, custom millwork, and green tile on the main floor flawlessly complements the trees and views of the home.

Tessa Neustadt

The guest bedroom pairs warm amber tones with natural linens and a jute rug with organic pattern.

Tessa Neustadt

This rosy bathroom is the perfect extension of some of the neutral and warmer tones in the house.

Tessa Neustadt

Here's where olive green meets a burgundy red tile (in the bathroom coming up) to warm up the neutral base.

Tessa Neustadt

Floor-to-ceiling tile makes a beautiful statement in a small bathroom.

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The burgundy marble stone is a stunning complement to the tile above.

Tessa Neustadt

And then there's the rich cobalt blue to surprise and delight with a rug from Nordic Knots. This is the perfect chill spot with wet bar for entertaining. Sign us up!

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For your friend who just can’t resist making a charcuterie board for every occasion to your cooking-crazy uncle, we’ve got the coolest edible gifts for 2024 right here. Gift something deliciously unforgettable – from decadent chocolate truffles to zesty spice mixes, these edible gifts bring joy to every bite. Edible gifts are also perfect for those who host you during the holidays and even coworkers! Get ready to spread some cheer with these edible gifts.

The 24 best edible gifts of 2024:

Below, find our top favorite edible gifts for everyone on your list!

Amazon

Graza Olive Oil Variety Pack

Any foodie will instantly recognize Graza's iconic squeezable olive oil bottles. This variety pack includes both their "Drizzle" and "Sizzle" oils that work wonderfully for a wide range of recipes.

Amazon

Coop's Original Hot Fudge

This hot fudge is crafted from super wholesome ingredients: pure chocolate, fresh cream, organic sugar cane, natural cocoa powder, and a touch of sea salt all come together for a heavenly (and very chocolatey) experience. Glob it on top of some ice cream to achieve pure dessert-y bliss.

Amazon

Tate's Bake Shop Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies may be light and crispy, but they're decadent as ever. Snag this 4-pack of bags (with 14 cookies each) to totally nail any sweet tooth's gift this year!

Flamingo Estate

Flamingo Estate Spicy Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This luxurious olive oil is infused with Guajillo chiles that bring an undeniable kick to whatever you cook with it.

Amazon

Hickory Farms Farmhouse Sausage & Cheese Food Gift Basket

Because who doesn't love snacking on meat and cheese? This loaded gift basket will keep them munching and satisfied during the in-between moments around the holidays.

Compartés

Compartés Boozy Chocolate Gift Box

This gift box's boozy chocolate flavors range from espresso martini to strawberry champagne. Gift them the entire box or split it up amongst friends for a fun (and alcoholic) stocking stuffer moment!

Fly By Jing

Fly By Jing Sichuan Starter Gift Set

This gift set from Fly By Jing includes four different chili crisps and sauces so your giftee can instantly spice up their dishes. We love using the OG Sichuan Chili Crisp on eggs, noodles, chicken, and more.

Kola Goodies

Kola Goodies Lilly's Maple Chai Box

This adorable book-shaped gift box is packed with a delicious maple chai drink mix for the perfect cozy beverage, which is simply a necessity around the holidays (and wintertime as a whole).

Fishwife

Fishwife The Starter Pack

Fishwife's variety of tinned fish can be used across a wide range of different dishes like sandwiches, wraps, salads, pastas, and more. Gift them this set of 7 tins so they can test out different recipes and find their absolute fave!

Uncommon Goods

Custom Message Shortbread Cookies

Let these sweet treats deliver your holiday wishes for you! You're able to customize the text on each piece of shortbread to bring even more cheer.

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After years of white paint neglect, the fifth wall — AKA your ceiling — is finally having its moment. From playful wallpapers and brightly painted stripes to statement chandeliers that venture beyond the dining room, and modern woodwork and moulding details, ceilings are looking better than ever. Here is ceiling inspiration to bring home with you and spark your own creative designs!

Keep scrolling to see genius inspiration for how to wallpaper and paint your ceiling:

Wallpaper Ideas

BelArte Studio

BelArte Studio Artistic Lines White

For a more graphic maximalist look, this abstract wall mural does the trick in four different colors.

BelArte Studio

BelArte Studio Sky Wild Forest Ivy Green

Go bold on the ceiling with this hand painted forest wallpaper that climbs from the ceiling and down the wall for a stunning conversation piece.

@addisonswonderland via Hygge & West

Hygge & West Daydream Wallpaper

Kids rooms are a great place to play with pattern and spark kids imaginations as they drift off to sleep. This design by @addisonswonderland uses Hygge & West's soaring birds and floating clouds overhead.

@oakandpillar via Hygge & West

Hygge & West Daydream Wallpaper

In another colorway for a completely different look, @oakandpillar used this Daydream Wallpaper in gold to pair with the gorgeous dark cabinetry here.

@cassmakeshome via Hygge & West

Hygge & West Forest Floor

This ceiling installation by Cass Smith of @cassmakeshome is a dramatic statement in atop a neutral space.

Graham & Brown

Graham & Brown Tramonto Amber Wallpaper

Get creative with wallpaper on the ceiling and then a faux headboard to match!

Graham & Brown

Graham & Brown Midnight Tropic Wallpaper

Powder rooms are perfect for a playful wallpapered ceiling aesthetic.

Photowall

Photowall Silhouettes in Flight

Using wallpaper to accentuate a beautiful molding is an easy yet impactful way to upgrade your decor.

Wallpaper Tips

Wayfair

York Wall Coverings Evening Star Geometric

Try two complementary wallpapers, like a floral and a graphic, for an eclectic look.

Wallpaper Tips:

  • Work with a buddy: Hanging wallpaper on a ceiling can be tricky, so having an extra set of hands can make it much easier.
  • Use a temporary support: For longer strips, you might need to support the wallpaper temporarily with painter's tape until it's actually secured.
  • Consider your lighting situation: When choosing wallpaper, keep in mind how ceiling lighting will affect the wallpaper color and pattern. Make sure to test a swatch by taping it to the ceiling and observing the day and night light.

Paint Ideas

Maison Deux

These circus stripes from design retailer Maison Deux are so on trend right now and just so fun!

Farrow & Ball

Farrow & Ball Broccoli Brown

Color drench your rooms from floor to ceiling with this dark stone color that feels natural and elegant and totally on trend.

Farrow & Ball

Farrow & Ball Sulking Room Pink

Pair complementary tones like this muted rose in Farrow & Ball Calamine and richer pink for a color blocked aesthetic.

@kyrosedesign via Clare Paint

Clare Paint Good Jeans Paint

Here's another cozy color-drenched look by @kyrosedesign.

Dulux

Dulux Paint Pressed Petal

Try a statement stripe that creates a dining moment for two.

Painting Tips

Dulux

Painting Tips

  • Paint in natural light: If possible, paint during the day when natural light is brightest. This helps you catch any missed spots or uneven coverage more easily.
  • Start with the edges: Use a brush to “cut in” around the edges of the ceiling, creating a border. This makes it easier to roll paint up to the edges without bumping into walls or light fixtures.
  • Use a pole extension: An extension pole gives you better control, minimizes neck strain, and helps you achieve an even coat.
  • Roll in one direction, then cross-roll: Apply the first coat by rolling in one direction, usually parallel to the longest wall. Then, cross-roll by going perpendicular to the first direction to avoid streaks.
  • Let each coat dry. This is the kind of project you don't want to rush, so let your layers dry before applying another coat. The paint can should say drying times for the best finish!

Mouldings + Wood

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Delphine Rattan Chandelier

If your ceiling needs a little love, add a ceiling ring and a statement chandelier and you have a refreshing new look. Medallions are also surprisingly affordable for an elegant look.

Wayfair

Ashford Smooth Panel Moulding Kit

This highly rated moulding looks great on the wall or the fifth wall.

Wayfair

Wood Ceiling Beams

Wood beams create a rustic look and give cozy cabin vibes!

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If you're finding it hard to make friends as an adult, or maintain friendships from different life stages, you're definitely not alone. According to Dr. Deborah Gilboa, MD, Scientific Advisor for Azar, and a recent study from Azar and Talker, it's not abnormal to feel heightened levels of loneliness. In fact, that study suggests Gen Z feels lonely every day.

"Loneliness feels isolating because it goes beyond just lacking company; it’s a lack of meaningful connection," she says over email. "Social contact without meaning can worsen loneliness as it increases the individual’s perception of isolation and lack of belonging. The antidote is true social connection."

But how can we find that real social connection and community? I talked to Dr. Gilboa, JustAnswer Mental Health Expert Jennifer Kelman, and NYC Psychologist Dr. Alexandra Stratyner PhD, for some insight into behaviors that attract friends. Here are some behaviors that will simply make you irresistible — and will help you identify good friends in others!

Keep reading for some advice on how to attract friends — and easy ways to be a better friend to the people you love.

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There's no shame in realizing you're feeling lonely, but it's also important to identify when that loneliness morphs into isolation. "Even though many might be experiencing the same feelings, that doesn't mean they are reaching out for support," Kelman says. "Many are not feeling enough strength to reach out to others or feel like they are being a burden so they reason alone with their feelings."

"It's also become more evident as our reliance on digital communication has grown, sometimes leaving us more connected online but feeling less understood and less connected in more meaningful, in-person ways," Dr. Stratyner adds. And then there's the social expectation of it all. "Many people tend to hide their loneliness because they feel shame or embarrassment about it. This can make it even harder to open up and connect with others who might be feeling the same way. The more we keep these feelings to ourselves, the more it reinforces the isolation, even though we all experience it in varying forms."

"It is hard to see light when things feel dark, and many go inward to deal with their feelings," Kelman points out. "Many are so burdened by their feelings that they might not feel capable to care for those around them or to show up and be present for others."

And just like Dr. Gilboa says, we're looking for true connection, not just surface-level friendships. But how can we make true social connection? Here's what they suggest.

1. A good friend shows care and empathy for the people around them.

If you care for the people around you, there's a very good chance others will want to be your friend. "People that show empathy toward others are very attractive qualities as it shows that one has the capacity to care for others and be present for them," Kelman says. "Those that are gregarious and selfless can be quite appealing as well. Those that are self-involved tend to repel others rather than attract."

Focusing on others instead of yourself can be easier said than done, but the it's definitely worth it. "People are drawn to those who show genuine care and understanding," Dr. Stratyner agrees.

​2. A good friend is reliable and trustworthy.

Our inner circle is going to be made up of people who know us inside and out, but it's unlikely someone will reach that level of emotional intimacy unless you really trust them. "In friendship people rate reliability, honesty and trustworthiness more highly [than romantic relationships]," Dr. Gilboa says.

​3. People are attracted to humor.

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I'm sure we can all think of someone who never fails to make us laugh. And being the funny friend can mean a lot of things: you know how to poke fun at yourself or you don't take things too seriously (unless they need to be taken seriously, of course). But that doesn't mean making other people the butt of mean jokes.

"A good sense of humor helps foster a positive, lighthearted atmosphere, making interactions feel enjoyable and memorable," Stratyner says. "Plus, everyone loves to laugh."

​4. You need to be a good listener.

No one wants to be talked at and never listened to. After all, we do have two ears and one mouth! But simply nodding your head and zoning out won't cut it. "People appreciate feeling truly heard," Dr. Stratyner says. "This demonstrates respect, interest, and a willingness to connect on a deeper level."

"Be a great listener without asserting your own views or agenda," Kelman adds. "Be available, vulnerable and present. Ask those around you how they are and truly listen to how they feel. Be open and direct and most of all, be a constant. Nothing better than knowing that you will be there for all things."

So engage with what your friends are saying and, even better, remember it later!

5. A good friend is generous.

Is there a better time to talk about generosity than Thanksgiving? Be generous with your time, resources, and your heart — but don't worry, that doesn't mean you have to let someone else steam roll you. After all, a good friend also won't take advantage of you!

"Giving to others and the community are wonderful traits and habits that are very attractive to others and may draw people in," Kelman says. "People want to be around people that give and are easy-going in their interactions with individuals and the world around them."

​6. New friends are attracted to positivity.

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When things feel dark, new friends will be attracted to someone who can make the world feel a little lighter. "People are often attracted to those who can find the silver lining, stay hopeful, and spread good vibes, especially in challenging situations," Dr. Stratyner says.

That's not to say you can never have bad days or process things like disappointment and grief. It just means you aren't ruled by them. (Listen, as an Enneagram 4, I'm talking to myself!)

Ok, you might be thinking, this is great but what do I do with this information? Here are some easy, actionable steps to take if you want to make new friends.

1. Understand why you're feeling lonely will help you address the real problem.

"First is to get an understanding of the loneliness and where it is coming from...finding community too soon may cause an increase in loneliness even while being surrounded by others," Kelman recommends.

You can't reach a solution if you don't know what the real problem is. I realized since I work from home, I need to do better about leaving the apartment, and my favorite way to spend an afternoon is coworking with a friend at a coffee shop.

​2. Finding new hobbies will connect you with similar people.

I met some of my best friends through a big movie group, which means when I have a meme or a piece of news to fangirl over, I know exactly who to contact. "Find activities that ignite you, find like minded individuals with whom to connect," Kelman adds. "Join a book club, pick up a new sport or hobby, but again, trying to immerse yourself too soon may not have any impact on the lonely feelings."

"The antidote to loneliness is social connection — true connection that paves the way for belonging," Dr. Gilboah says. "Talking to people to learn what interests and values are shared will open the door for the types of relationships that become community."

​3. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.

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Listen. If you only ever order takeout and watch Netflix, you'll simply never make new connections. You gotta get after it! "Look for community events, clubs, or hobby groups that align with your interests, whether book clubs, sports leagues, or volunteering opportunities," Dr. Stratyner says. "Being around people with shared passions makes it easier to start conversations and find common ground."

​4. And don't be afraid to reach out first.

For some reason, we've decided that reaching out first (or double texting) means we're needy and insufferable. This is simply not the case because who doesn't want to know they were thought of!! Plus, there's a good chance that if you're overthinking every little detail, other people are too.

"Reach out, even in small ways, to those around us who may be feeling the same," says Dr. Gilboah. "Loneliness often leads to rumination - the act of dwelling on or spiraling downward through negative thoughts. Ruminating can cause further isolation and distracts us from the people and stimuli around us."

​5. Be present when you're finally with people.

When you do make special connections, it's super important to make sure you're offering your full attention. "Showing up emotionally and physically makes them feel valued and heard, strengthening your bond," Dr. Stratyner says. She also recommends checking in to remind them you're there, and genuinely celebrating their wins (which, separately, is definitely a sign of being a girls' girl). "If a friend is going through a tough time, offer to help in any way you can," she adds. "Sometimes, simply acknowledging their struggle and offering your time can make all the difference."

"The best news about friendship is that Gen Z values authenticity above just about any other factor in friendship," Dr. Gilboah says. "Gathering the courage to be your true self and [mixing] that with empathetic listening will make you a sought after friend."

What's your favorite way to get to know new friends? Here are 10 Thought-Provoking Questions To Know Close Friends More Intimately!

With the holidays now approaching almost eerily quickly, you might already be feeling slightly uneasy about the family stresses that are bound to be on your plate (along with delicious Christmas cookies, of course). Spending a lot of time face-to-face with family can dig up old arguments or squabbles that everyone may have forgotten during the rest of the year.

Learn the 8 best ways to support your friend while they're in the middle of family drama

You’re not the only one dealing with the drama, though, and while your own family issues might feel somewhat out of your control, there might be more you can do to take the edge off the stress that your friends are feeling in anticipation of holiday gatherings. Keep scrolling for eight expert tips for how to best offer support to your most stress-ridden BFFs.

1. Listen without judging if your friend reveals an ongoing argument about a family will

RDNE Stock project

Being a good listener is one of the most basic — and yet most important — things you can do as a friend 365 days of the year, but when tensions run high near the holidays, those listening skills become all the more crucial. You might even consider resisting the urge to speak, like, at all. “Be a good listener and don’t give advice,” licensed marriage and family therapist Katie Ziskind says. “Supporting someone doesn’t mean that you have to fix their problem. Instead, truly being supportive means giving a hug when someone is crying and being a caring friend.”

2. Prep your pal to expect drama if your uncle's invited his new girlfriend and ex to dinner

Rather than reassuring your friend that things at family celebrations may not be as bad as they fear, trust what they know about the situation and help them wrap their head around what’s to come. This should minimize the stress for them in the long run. “If you expect it and it happens, situation normal,” certified life coach Susan Golicic tells us. “If you expect it and it doesn’t, well, then, a bonus!”

3. Help your bestie make a plan in case their fight-or-flight mode gets triggered

Going into any situation with a plan almost always feels better than going in unprepared. Per writer, speaker, and healing expert Alisa Zipursky, a helpful plan might include specific check-in times, a code word that indicates your friend needs extra support, and ideas for creating healthy boundaries with family members who make them feel especially triggered. “The idea is to make asking for help as easy as possible,” Zipursky says. “Making sure a proactive plan is in place well before someone enters the stressful situation can help relieve some of the anticipatory anxiety.”

4. Check in often by sending your friend periodic texts 

Licensed counselor Maria Inoa recommends that you prioritize regular touch-base texts over the course of whatever event is causing your friend the most stress. It’s not about solving the conflicts or taking away their pain. Instead, you can focus on offering gentle reminders that you are thinking of them and are available if they need you.

5. Create a new tradition that revolves around you and and your bestie's favorite Christmas movies

If your friend’s family holiday celebrations don’t exactly inspire positive feelings about the occasion, why not help them establish some better associations? Licensed clinical professional counselor Anna Poss suggests planning a “low-stress, fun way to celebrate with each other before or after the actual holiday.” Get a seasonal movie night or cookie swap on the calendar before everyone leaves town to hang with family. Those cozy vibes may help dull the negative, anxious feelings.

6. Write down words of affirmations for them to look at

Photo By: Kaboompics.com

Grab some pretty stationery and put your love and support on paper for your BFF. “In the note, remind her how strong, courageous, and capable she is,” licensed psychotherapist and life coach Diane Petrella says. “Let her know how much you love and admire her and how grateful you are for her friendship. Write whatever you think your friend needs to hear to feel supported, grounded, and loved.” Remind her to hide the note in her pocket or bag so she can read it whenever she needs a little extra TLC over the course of the holidays. You can even go one step further and send them home with a care package, per therapistShannon Thomas.

7. Invite your friend to your family celebration

If things have gotten so bad with your bestie’s family that she wants to steer clear of their celebrations entirely, you may want to invite her to join you and your crew instead. Even if she opts to decline your invitation, it will mean a lot to her to know that she has choices. If your friend does take you up on the offer, Mountainside Treatment Center‘s family wellness manager Tina Muller recommends that you try to incorporate some of her favorite traditions into your holiday schedule.

8. Keep your phone nearby if your friend needs to talk about everything that happened

Photo By: Kaboompics.com

“Before an event with possible family issues even happens, schedule a time not long after to see the friend,” marriage and family therapist Sarah Epstein suggests. “Now you’ve become the light at the end of the tunnel for them.” Be prepared to be a listening ear over dinner or a workout session so your pal can vent about everything that’s gone on and (hopefully) be ready to move on from there.

How do you and your pals support each other through the not-so-fun parts of the holidays? Tweet us @BritandCo.

(Photo via Getty)