How to Host an Instagram-Worthy Holiday Party

Madeline Bachelder
Nov 14, 2017

Calling all holiday party throwers! ‘Tis officially the season to host annual festivities, make memories… and fill those social feeds with snapshots of good times. With the help of IKEA®, we’re bringing you pro tips for a holiday soirée that’s simple to execute, lovely for guests, *and* crazy photogenic. Go ahead — stow these brilliant tricks up your sequined sleeves.

Build an Elegant Table — Using Simple Tableware

FEATURED PRODUCTS

VARDAGEN

plate, dark gray

$2
VARDAGEN

side plate, off-white

$2
BEHAGFULL

flatware set, stainless steel

$40
INGATORP

extendable table, black

$330

First up: the dinner table. The more subtle the colors on the tablescape, the more the color in the *food* will pop, making each dish look super appetizing. We like to layer simple, solid plates, like these VARDAGEN plates in dark gray and off-white. It gives each place setting depth, mimics fancy restaurant protocol, and means your guests can use a clean plate for the main course. Plus, these plates are so affordable that it’s a no-brainer to scoop up a few extras for unexpected guests. Bring in small pops of color with textiles and live seasonal garlands, like bay leaves or pine.

Top off each place setting with crisp white napkins, a little garland bouquet, and, if you fancy, a custom hand-lettered place card and ornament. Handmade place cards are a surefire way to make each guest feel special.

Pro Tip: Make the appetizer table and dining table one and the same by clearing away chairs until the main event. When it’s dinnertime, bring the chairs back in. Space saving, for the win!

For appetizers, make low-maintenance dishes like these easy-as-can-be fancy crostini, which are a cinch to eat sans utensils. They’re also pretty delightful to look at, no?

For the entrée, go with a unique dish with crowd-pleasing ingredients, like couscous and pomegranate stuffed artichokes, which, thanks to the oooey-gooey garlicky Parmesan topping, will definitely be well-received. Serve it up in an oven-safe tray, like this VARDAGEN oven dish, so you can keep it warm and toasty until the guests arrive.

Keep the Cocktail Bar Straightforward

FEATURED PRODUCTS

FÖRHÖJA

kitchen cart, birch

$109
VINTER 2017

champagne flute, patterned

$3
VINTER 2017

glass, patterned

$2
SMÅÄTA

chopping board, acacia

$19

We like to stick to a three-ingredient “house cocktail” that guests can customize to their liking — without feeling overwhelmed. Supply festive glassware (like IKEA® VINTER 2017 Champagne flutes), the ingredients, and a plate of pretty garnishes on a portable cart, such as this FÖRHÖJA kitchen cart. Limit tabletop clutter by housing backup ingredients on the shelves below.

We furnished our bar with a vibrant table runner, then topped that with the SMÅÄTA chopping board (there can and will be spilling, and a wood surface means easy clean-up). We added a few stray garlands to spruce it up — a trick that makes any surface photogenic with next to no effort.

Psst! Need cocktail inspo? Try Wild Blueberry Punch: 2 Tablespoons IKEA®DRYCK BLÅBÄR Blueberry Syrup, 1 ounce gin, and ginger ale. Oh, and a handful of fresh blueberries!

Make Wall Decor That Doubles As a Photo Backdrop

Party Trick Alert! Remember that tip about using a bar cart with wheels? Simply roll it to the side to transform the wall art above into a photo backdrop!

We tied more live fronds to fishing line, then scalloped them on the wall for a quick and elegant garland. We also adorned SILVERHÖJDEN frames with wire-wrapped bundles of bay leaves.

Roll away that bar cart and snap some photos with your party pals. Easy as 1-2-3!

See? You’re just a few tricks away from a post-worthy gathering.

That’s it today, folks! Cheers to party season :)

What are your go-to hosting tips? We want to hear! Share with us on Twitter @BritandCo.

Production + Styling: Maddie Bachelder + Paris Fried

Photography: Kurt Andre

Design: Torii Burnett

Models: Alyssa Asadoorian, Simon Lutrin + Rebecca Fong

30 Bougie But Affordable Gifts To Spoil Everyone On Your List

Charles Chocolates
Chocolate Brand

December always has a way of sneaking up on us with a frenzy of cute holiday decorating, festive gatherings, and dreaming up the best gifts for our besties. If this month has you feeling more frazzled than festive, don’t worry—we’ve got you (and them) covered.

Charles Chocolates

Charles Chocolates Winter Fleur de Sel Collection

We partnered with Charles Chocolates, the award-winning artisanal chocolate brand, to create a gift guide filled with unique and just-a-little-bit bougie finds, because everyone deserves to treat themselves once in a while, holiday season or not! From a plushy robe and scented candles to a box of the most creative handmade chocolates, including a chocolate box you can actually eat, these picks are perfect for everyone on your list — and maybe even a little treat for yourself.

Score a FREE Charles Chocolates Bar when you spend $25 or more!

The Coffee Lover

Brit + Co

Charles Chocolates Winter Collection Edible Chocolate Box

These coffee-lover gifts, including a colorful French Press and adorbs mug, are sure to perk up your day — and theirs! Pair your morning cup with a delicious piece of handmade chocolate for the ultimate sensory experience. You can literally eat the box in this Winter Collection from Charles Chocolates filled with Fleur de Sel Caramels, Peanut Butterflies and Milk Chocolate Caramels. SO good!

Featured:

The Cozy Homebody

Brit + Co

Charles Chocolates Holiday Collection

For the pal who loves to stay in and get cozy, here’s a cute kettle for steeping her favorite tea, some cozy wears, and Charles Chocolates Holiday Collection with flavors like Pecan Fleur de Sel Caramel, Cinnamon Spice Truffle, Orange Zest Truffle, and Maple Truffle. Charles Chocolates are all natural so it’s real chocolate vs. a sugary (read: cheap) substitute. The flavors are so unique and fun to taste-test. It’s the perfect gift for when you’re feeling indoorsy!

Featured:

Your Holiday Crush

Brit + Co

Charles Chocolates Peppermint Bark

Sneak a fancy chocolate bar, like Charles Chocolates Peppermint Bark Bar, made with homemade peppermint candy, in your S.O.’s stocking, plus some essentials for the camper, music lover, and beanie wearer!

Featured:

The Sweet Tooth

Brit + Co

Charles Chocolates Bittersweet Chocolate Santa

Sweet tooth be gone with Charles Chocolates Bittersweet Chocolate Santa Clause. This thing is not small, weighing in at 3 lbs. of deliciously rich chocolate. Adults will actually enjoy this vintage-style Santa as much as kids! Pair with a bottle of wine dressed in an adorable bow, a cake stand candle (so cute!), darling dessert plates, and/or a baking lover’s cookbook! Toss some mint chocolate almonds in stockings too!

Featured:

Your Jewish Bestie

Brit + Co

Charles Chocolates Hanukkah Collection Edible Chocolate Box

There’s a lot of talk about Christmas this time of year, but not all of our friends celebrate. And this year, Hanukkah starts on Christmas day so we can celebrate together! Gift your bestie who celebrates the Festival of Lights with this Hanukkah Collection Edible Chocolate Box filled with flavors like Fleur de Sel Caramel, Passion Fruit Heart, Espresso Caramel, and Meyer Lemon Yankee. They might also enjoy a new cookbook celebrating their heritage, cozy slippers, jewelry, and an artful wine decanter for the holidays. Candle-lighting matches are a perfect stocking stuffer or White Elephant gift too!

Featured:

Score a FREE Charles Chocolates Bar when you spend $25 or more!

chocolatechocolate giftscustom-sponsoredgift guidegifts for chocolate loversholiday gift ideasholiday shoppingholidayssponsoredsponsored-customholiday gifts

Sydney Sweeney Goes Topless After Dealing With Bikini Body Shamers

If you've been on the internet at all this week, you've probably heard about some totally invasive paparazzi leaking Sydney Sweeney's backyard bikini pics — and her incredible clap back to all the trolls body shaming her in the comments. After the actress showed off her resilience & her muscles in a training video from her new Christy Martin biopic (and celeb BFF's like Glen Powell weighed in), she took things to the next level by posting some spicier selfies from a rooftop in NYC.

Sydney Sweeney's latest spicy selfies prove she couldn't care less about her bikini body shamers.

Sydney Sweeney (almost) bares all in new Instagram selfies.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sydney Sweeney (@sydney_sweeney)

"rain rain go away," Sydney Sweeney says in a new Instagram post, which already has 3.4 million likes. The carousel of photos includes Syd standing on a rooftop in New York City (where it has been raining recently) wearing jeans and a brown-and-cream colored Miu Miu cardigan. The Housemaid actress also clutches a brown leather Miu Miu purse boasting plenty of charms.

I have to call out one of my favorite comments on the post, which comes from Sydney's hairstylist Glen "Coco" Oropeza and says, “It’s 68 degrees, and there’s a 30% chance that it’s already raining,” referencing one of the most iconic lines from Mean Girls (which is what his Instagram username references too!)

"hopefully your sunshine will push those clouds the f out 😍," another user commented, hyping up Sydney's positive response to all those internet trolls.

And her friends totally have her back.

Sydney's post came four days after she responded to body shamers with an intense training video from her new Christy Martin biopic — and more than one past costar supported her in the comments.

Isabela Merced, who starred with Sydney in Madame Web, said "The thing is these people would never say it in person. Too scared. But if they ever did? best believe it’s hands 😘, while Syd's Anyone But You star Glen Powell commented, "You’re such a bad—ss. This movie is gonna be 🔥."

Sydney and Glen got super close on the Anyone But You set, and formed such a strong connection that they fooled the entire internet into thinking they were having an affair. But in real life, they're just BFF's!

"I wanted to make sure that we were actively having a conversation with the audience as we were promoting this film," Sydney told The New York Times. "Because at the end of the day, they’re the ones who created the entire narrative."

"Once [the movie] did become a success, a lot of the interviews were just questions about [the rumors], so I don’t know if we necessarily were planning on ever talking about the strategy behind any of it," Sydney added in her 2025 Vanity Fair Hollywood story. "We just had very specific questions and when you say no to a question, people think that you’re a b—ch, so."

Check out the latest news on Sydney Sweeney's insane new thriller Eden, with Jude Law, Vanessa Kirby, and Ana de Armas.

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Collaboration Hacks Every Small Business Owner Should Know

Verizon
verizon

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Therise Edwards, founder/CEO of Teshley Solutions, an education consultancy firm that helps students and families navigate the complexities of the education system K through 12.

What is an unexpected business challenge that you faced and how did you overcome it?

I wouldn't call myself a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) expert, but I ended up having to know a lot more about it than I ever anticipated. FAFSA is what administers Pell Grants, which is what a lot of colleges base their financial aid on. I knew about the application changes, and some were excellent, but they made a series of critical errors and a lot of parents were scrambling. It was not my intent to have this as my area of focus; it just became a necessity.

What's a recent small win for your business?

Recent small wins are my collaborations. I formed partnerships with one organization that focuses on students with special needs. I hosted a webinar with the executive director of that organization. I formed a partnership with members from an insurance company on planning and paying for college. That was my first corporate sponsorship. And I've got a series of events coming out because others actually reached out to me. One of them I met through another networking platform, but I got to that platform from one of the sessions that I did with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program.

How did you start to collaborate with external partners?

Just changing my strategies and my approach, and just being more secure and more emphatic in making connections. It ends up being this continual cycle.

Is there a woman in business that you admire or that you look up to?

I have two. Leontyne Anglin, who runs a nonprofit called Beyond Expectations. She works with a small pool of students, but she just gives them enormous exposure and opportunity. She's brilliant with collaborating with individuals and businesses and really bringing the students what they need. And then the other on a bigger scale is Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary, who taught her Business Plan Bootcamp through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. She is just a dynamo. She is just so supportive of women entrepreneurs. She's awesome.

How did the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program help propel your business forward?

All of the collaborations and partnerships with the exception of one all came from joining the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. I’ve taken all of the free classes and the one on projections and pricing, something every entrepreneur struggles with, was very helpful. There have been so many of them. Sometimes you're completely ignorant in a category so you take the class and it's like, okay, that's good to have. But then sometimes you sign up for it and it's like, oh, yeah, I did know 90 percent of that, but this other 10 percent is going to be very, very helpful.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Teshley Solutions.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces


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8 Simple Ways To Keep The "Spark" In Your Marriage, According To A Relationship Therapist

Life comes at you fast when you're in love, while you're juggling career goals, pets, babies, friends, family, and whatever else folded in to your very, very filled cup. One minute you and your spouse can't enough of each other, but then time passes and you might start to feel like you're roommates. "Ugh, what is that about," is a question I used to ask when my own relationship's spark felt like tiny embers amongst our ever-growing responsibilities. Licensed psychotherapist Lucas Saiter, LMHC, owner and director of Manhattan Therapy NYC, says, "It's crucial for couples to acknowledge periods of disconnection without judgement."

According to him, you can start "by having an open conversation about feeling disconnected" which is a "positive step" in the desired direction. But, he wants this to happen during "a calm moment" instead of "during a conflict or when there are distractions."

The ultimate goal is for "each partner" to feel like they have "the opportunity to express their feelings openly and honestly, using 'I' statements to avoid blaming, while the other partner actively listens without interrupting or getting defensive," according to him.

TK ways to renew your marriage when you're busy checking off your to-do list

Your marriage isn't doomed because you feel like it's gotten off track. Saiter says, "Rekindling the spark in a marriage goes beyond physical intimacy; it's about creating emotional closeness and shared experiences. Couples can focus on deep, meaningful conversations that go beyond the day-to-day logistics."

1. If you don't cook often, surprise your spouse with their favorite dinner recipe.

cottonbro studio

Saiter says you or your spouse "can make time for small gestures of kindness and thoughtfulness, like cooking" each other's "favorite meal." We don't know everything, but we're aware that home-cooked meals mean a lot to some people. Eating out is fun, but seeing someone put time and effort into a meal for you feels more personal.

2. Allow your partner to sleep in while you handle bank runs, grocery shopping, and other chores.

Michael Burrows

One of the other ways to each other's heart is "...running errands to show love and appreciation," according to Saiter. This can look like letting your partner rest while you handle early morning visits to the bank or grocery store before traffic picks up on the weekend.

Setting aside time for shared hobbies or interests can also be incredibly rejuvenating. For instance, taking a class together, whether it’s cooking, dancing, or photography, can help in discovering new aspects of each other and create fun, shared memories.

3. Sign up for a dance or photography class together.

cottonbro studio

If you've been thinking about taking a cooking, wine, dance, or photography class together, now's the time to do so! Saiter says, "Setting aside time for shared hobbies or interests can also be incredibly rejuvenating." Before you roll your eyes because you think you and your spouse don't have anything in common anymore, take a step back to remember what it was like when you were dating.

You probably went on different dates like going to the bowling alley, visiting a pumpkin patch, or even taking a candle class together for fun. Doing this again "can help in discovering new aspects of each other and create fun, shared memories," according to Saiter.

4. Verbally share why you're grateful for each other.

Andrea Piacquadio

Yes, it's time for you and your spouse to remember why you chose to exchange vows. "...practicing gratitude by regularly expressing appreciation for each other's qualities and contributions can strengthen the emotional bond and bring back the warmth and closeness," Saiter says.

You can tell your partner you appreciate the times they've sensed something was wrong and knew just what to say to cheer you up. Also, you could simply thank them for remembering to take out the trash without you having to ask.

There's no rulebook that says expressing thanks for each other has to be elaborate and drawn out. It's just something to help you remember how much you see each other.

5. Set aside time to hold hands or cuddle everyday.

Pavel Danilyuk

If you or your spouse are experiencing a drop in your libido, physical intimacy be hard to navigate. Saiter says, "Overcoming a 'dry spell' requires open communication and a willingness to explore underlying issues." As difficult as it may be, don't be afraid to express concerns because "there are many feelings and unsaid wants underneath the 'dry spell,'" he adds.

Doing something as simple as "prioritizing physical, non-sexual touch" is one way way Saiter believes can help you and your spouse become close again. You do things like "holding hands, cuddling, or sharing a long hug," to add a little spark back to what you had.

6. Pencil in date nights.

Jep Gambardella

How many times have your or spouse asked, "Who has time for date night?" Wait, we don't want to know because chances are one of you have said it one too many times to count. Saiter says, "Planning regular date nights or weekends away can also help break the routine and create a sense of adventure in the relationship."

Communicating and being open to trying new things in the bedroom, like role-playing, using toys, or trying new positions, can also reignite the spark and make things exciting again.

You can also try revisiting places or activities that were significant earlier in your relationship to evoke nostalgic, passionate feelings and remind you both of your deep connection.

7. Let your adventurous side show in the bedroom.

Andrea Piacquadio

If one of you are comfortable initiating sex again, let your fun side call the shots. However, Saiter wants to make sure you're "communicating" before surprising your spouse. "...being open to trying new things in the bedroom, like role-playing, using toys, or trying new positions" is one of the ways he thinks you can reconnect behind closed doors. It's all about finding safe ways to "reignite the spark and make things exciting again," he shares!

8. Revisit the place you fell in love with your spouse.

Taylor Thompson

If you remember the exact time and place you knew your spouse was the one, Saiter suggests revisiting it to "evoke nostalgic, passionate feelings and remind you both of your deep connection." Whether it was at your local pizza parlor, the park, or even at a place like Disney World, find your why again.

My spouse and I are doing great after incorporating these tips, but how can we stay consistent?

Ba Tik

Saiter says, "Life gets busy, but it’s crucial to carve out time for each other. Treat it like any other important appointment—block off time in your schedule for date nights, family dinners, or just time relaxing together." Maybe you think it should sound so simple, but it is. Like Saiter says, you have to prioritize your marriage just like you do everything and everyone else.

Ways to help you do so are limiting "distractions by putting away phones and other devices" to "talk about your dreams, unwind together or simply enjoy each other's company," he adds. Still struggling?

"It might also be helpful to look over your daily responsibilities together to make sure the workload at home is shared fairly. Building a strong and fulfilling relationship takes effort and commitment. By prioritizing your partner, communicating openly, and making time for each other, you can strengthen your bond and reignite the spark," Saiter suggests.

All in all, Saiter believes "seeking couples counseling can be a great step toward getting the conversation flowing," if you and your spouse are still having trouble finding the spark in your marriage.

Visit more of our stories about relationships for dating, friendship, and family tips!

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75 Baby Names Trending For 2025 (+ What They Actually Mean)

Picking the perfect name for your baby can feel like a mix of excitement (it's a big deal!) and pressure. You want something you love that feels unique and also has some meaning — but you haven’t even met the little person whose name it will be for the rest of their life?! Plus, you and your partner have to agree on a name, which can make the whole process feel daunting.

Before we even knew we were having a girl, my partner and I struggled to agree on boy names. But naming my daughter was surprisingly easy. That was settled on our first date — Matilda was a name he had always loved and I came to love it too.

If you’re still on the hunt for the one, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are 75+ baby names set to trend in 2025. According to Baby Center, this year’s big inspirations come from pop culture, sports, and celestial themes. Music-inspired picks like Chappell and Kendrick are climbing the charts, while sports stars Caitlin and Travis are making waves as top contenders in the babe department too. Ready for some fresh baby name ideas? Let’s dive in!

The Top Trending Baby Names

Jonathan Borba

Andie

This cute name, from the Greek name Andreas, means "strong" or "manly" but I also think it makes a great feminine name (Andie MacDowell, anyone?).

Apple

Apple Martin's debut in Paris may have sparked baby name buzz inspired by the symbol of love, beauty, and wisdom.

Arlette

This combo of French words meaning "lion" and "of God" conveys something fierce, as well as divine protection.

Arthur

Arthur has multiple meanings, including "bear-like" (cute), "of honor," and "strong man."

Aurora

This mystical name means "dawn" in Latin. It also has Sleeping Beauty vibes.

Yuri Shirota

Beckam

"Beck" means "brook" while "ham" means "home." Either way, it's a strong name from soccer + Spice Girls fame.

Billie

Billie Holiday or Billie Eilish, you've got good role models covered. This British and German name means "protection," and it's short for William or Wilhelmina.

Boden

Bode comes from the Old Saxon word bodo meaning "messenger."

Bodhi

This very spiritual name means "final enlightenment," or your way to Nirvaṇa.

Colin Maynard

Caitlin

This popular name, thanks to WNBA player Caitlin Clark, is derived from the Gaelic term caith, meaning "pure."

Carmen

Wine lovers? This name means "garden" or "vineyard."

Casey

"Brave" and "vigilant" are words that make up the gender-neutral name Casey.

Chappell

Chappell was an Old English name meaning “one who works at the chapel," but it can also mean a safe space for friends and family.

Rene Terp

Circe

For those who loved the book Circe, the origins of this name make sense: a feminine name of Greek origin meaning "to secure with rings" and a symbol of feminine strength and individuality.

Cove

This sensory name can mean "bold" and "courageous." It's a great one for coastal lovers!

Crew

The name Crew signifies unity and collective strength.

Raul Angel

Edgar

Edgar comes from the Anglo-Saxon words meaning "rich or prosperous" and "spear."

Eclipse

Astrology lovers might lean into this name that signifies seeking change and ushering in evolution.

Elodie

This French name means "wealthy" or "riches."

Emir

Emir comes from an Arabic word for "commander" or "prince."

Emrys

This gender-neutral Welsh name means "immortal."

Pixabay

George/Georgia

These classic names comes from the Greek word georgos, or earth worker, and are inspired by the dragon-slaying knight Saint George.

Goldie

Goldie means "gold" and cues visions of the lovable actress Goldie Hawn.

Anna Shvets

Hallie

A variant of the name "Hayley," this actually ancient name is short for the word "Hallelujah."

Hazel

In Celtic lore, Hazel is associated with "wisdom" and "inspiration."

Holden

This Anglo-Saxon name means "deep valley," and may have originated from places with the same name around England.

Hollis

This gender-neutral name from medieval England translates to "near the holly" or "one who lives by the holly tree." Might be fun to plant a holly tree when they're born!

Hugo

This Germanic name means "mind," "intellect," "thought," and "heart." All good things.

Vika Glitter

Isaiah

This masculine Hebrew name means "salvation of the Lord."

Ivy

A simple three-letter name, this name implies fidelity (so v. loyal) and eternal life because of the plant's gorgeous green color.

Daniel Reche

Johanna

This name has origins in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin and means "God is gracious."

Jolie

This sweet French names comes from the word joli, which means “pretty” or “agreeable.”

Juniper

Juniper, or Juni for short, represents "hope" and "warmth."

Juno

Hailing from the Latins, Juno means "queen of the gods" and "youthful," and was the inspiration for naming the month of June. Due date, anyone?

Polina Tankilevitch

Kai

In Hawaiian, Kai means "sea."

Kendrick

From Old English words meaning "bold" or "brave", Kendrick can mean "bold ruler."

Kira

The feminine form of the name Kir, means "mistress" or "ruler" and the masculine form means "a beam of light."

Kit

Kit actually derives from the names Christopher and Katherine and means “bearing Christ,” or "pure."

Dobromir Dobrev

Lorelai

Gilmore Girls fans will love this Germanic name meaning "alluring" and "enchantress" or "sorceress."

Lottie

This English name means "free."

Louise/Louis

The name Louise means "famous warrior" and is the feminine version of the name Louis.

Luna

Meaning "moon" in Spanish, Luna is often associated with mystery, beauty, and femininity.

Tim Bish

Margot

Inspired by our favorite Barbie, this French name means "pearl."

Mateo

This Spanish name, a version of the English Matthew, means "gift of God."

Miller

Miller means someone who grinds grain and operates a mill, but it's also very cute.

Lawrence Crayton

Nash

I also love Dash, but this name of English origin means "by the ash tree."

Nova

Inspired by the astronomical event that causes the sudden appearance of a bright light, this name can mean "new" star.

Joshua Reddekopp

Opal

This gem is a symbol of hope, purity, and truth.

Otis

Music lovers, this masculine name means "wealthy" and can be associated with prosperity.

Otto

Otto is a masculine name of German origin that means "wealth" or "prosperity."

Ozzy

Ozzy is a shortened version of names like Oswald or Osborne, and has a connection to a deity or divine entity.

Kelly Sikkema

Palmer

Palmer is a name meaning palm bearer or pilgrim, inspired by Christian pilgrims who traditionally carried the palms.

Paloma

The Spanish word for dove, Paloma is associated with peace, love, and spirituality.

zelle duda

Raphael

This classic name of Hebrew origin means "God has healed."

Rain

Rain can mean life, growth, and renewal, but it can also represent sadness, loss, and despair. Let's go with the positive association.;)

Remi

Meaning "rower" derived from Latin, this name can also mean "God comforts me."

Riley

"Courageous and "valiant" are words that come to mind for Riley.

Ripley

For The Talented Mr. Ripley (AKA Jude Law) fans, this gender-neutral name means "meadow" or "clearing" and it goes back as far as the 12th century!

Rocky

Cue the Rocky theme song, this name is often associated with strength, resilience, and a steadfast nature.

Walaa Khaleel

Sabrina

The Celtic word "saber" means "water," which may be the origin of this name.

Saoirse (pronounced "SEER-shə" or "SUR-shə")

Made popular in places other than Ireland by Saoirse Ronan, the Irish female name means "freedom" or "liberty".

Santiago

This name combines the Spanish words santo, meaning "saint", and Iago, a variation of the name James.

Scottie

This Scottish name literally means "from Scotland" or "Gaelic speaker".

Sol/Soleil

Sol is the Spanish word for "sun," as is Soleil in French.

Stone

Cool, calm, and collected (like a rock) is the essence of this British name.

Lawrence Crayton

Tate

Happy baby! This English name means "cheerful" and it's gender-neutral.

Teddy

This masculine name of French origin means "wealthy protector" or "God's gift." (I'm seeing a trend here.)

Travis

Our girl's favorite guy is getting baby-name popular with this Old French word meaning "to traverse" or "to cross".

Pixabay

Van

From the Old Dutch word van, this cool baby name means "from the marsh."

Veda

This girl's name of Sanskrit origin means "knowledge" or "wisdom".

Viviana

This Italian name means "alive" or "full of life." Vivi for short!

Juan Encalada

Warren

Warren can mean "to protect" or "guard."

Walton

This masculine name of English origin means "town of walls" or "city of streams or wood."

Wesley

This English name means "western meadow".

Wilder

Wild child? This name means "untamed" or "wild," and also eager or enthusiastic. I can totally picture Wilder climbing everything!

Jonathan Borba

Zaida

This Arabic name, generally for girls, means "fortunate," "prosperous," and "abundant."

Zara

This pretty name means "blooming flower" or "radiance."

Zephyr

This gender-neutral name comes from the Greek word zephyros, which means "gentle breeze".

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