What to Bring to a Dinner Party When Your Host Tells You “Nothing”

Jessica Smith
Nov 30, 2017

We’ve all been there: You get an invite to a fun dinner party and when you ask your host what you can bring, they insist on absolutely nada. What’s the next move? Your host declined your gesture because they want to treat you to a lovely evening, so let them! They may also have some pretty specific plans for the menu. But if it feels too weird to arrive empty-handed, show your appreciation with one of these ideas instead. Your host will love it, and you’ll feel great about your contribution.

1. A Bottle of Wine: Wine is your easiest go-to. Your host can open it that evening if needed, or enjoy it later. Choose a bottle of something you love. A seasonal six-pack of beer is also a great option.

2. Box of Candy: A small box of chocolates or a package of artisan caramels doesn’t require extra dishes for serving and can easily be passed around alongside whatever dessert is on the menu. It will also keep well if they want to indulge in it later on their own.

3. Breakfast Bread for the Next Day: The morning after throwing a party can be rough. Pick up a loaf of banana or pumpkin bread (or make your own) that your host can dive into the next morning.

4. Coffee and/or Tea: A pound of freshly ground coffee from your local roaster smells great and will be a welcome pick-me-up for your friend the morning after. Bonus if you include it with some of that breakfast bread! If they’re not a coffee drinker, a small tin of a seasonal tea works too.

5. A Jar of Flaky Sea Salt: Does your pal love to cook? An upgraded version of a basic ingredient is both useful and special. A flaky sea salt can be used on anything from salad to avo toast to chocolate chip cookies.

6. A Really Great Loaf of Bread and Some Artisan Butter: Do you have a local bakery that you absolutely adore? Pick up a fresh loaf of bread that could be served at dinner, but is hefty enough to keep for a few days (ask for something like a country batard). If your friend doesn’t serve it that night, it’ll make an easy meal if they’re feeling tired the next day.

7. Coffee Table Book: A coffee table book is an instant conversation starter amongst guests, which will buy your host some extra prep time if they need it. Plus, it’s a fun souvenir of the evening.

Follow us on Pinterest for all your dinner party needs and inspiration.

(Photos via Janko Ferlic/Unsplash, Jennifer Pallian/Unsplash, Ben Garratt/Unsplash, Daniel Lee/Unsplash)

40 Housewarming Gift Ideas That’ll Make You the Best Guest Ever

Moving is tough. Sure, it's also a fresh start and a new experience, but we know carrying those belongings up several flights of stairs is hardly easy. Whether you're the best friend helping the movers pivot the couch in a walk-up, the new next-door neighbor, or just invited to the post-move gathering, make sure you reward their successful relocation with a thoughtful housewarming gift. We've hunted down everything your hosts will appreciate, from smart items you can order online to the little entertaining extras.

One Hope Winery Best Seller 6-Pack

We love this Napa Valley wine for the taste and the mission: to share wine and give hope. One Hope has donated more than $7 million to organizations that provide access to clean water, hunger relief, health research, and education. It's the gift that really does keep on giving.

Huski Wine Cooler

Raise a glass to your new neighbors — and a chilled one at that! A wine cooler paired with your favorite bottle, like this award-winning Los Vascos Chilean wine, is the perfect way to toast to their new digs.

Bottle Opener

They’ve just landed the dream home, and it’s time to celebrate! Be a bon ami, and show up with a six pack and a beautiful bottle opener that they’ll always associate with their first days at home.

Salt + Pepper Grinders

Help them get their seasoning on with salt and pepper shakers. These gourmet grinders are so sleek and pretty, they can even stay on the counter when not in use.

Crate & Barrel Herb Garden

Jump-start the new homeowners' herb garden with this ceramic container with a dedicated slot for the accompanying scissors.

Benchmade Table Knife Set

For the serious chef, this beautiful set of four dinner knives is seriously a cut above the rest.

Etsy Chunky Wool Throw

We feel cozier and calmer just looking at this snuggly throw. Bring on the movie nights.

Atlas Coffee Club

Give coffee lovers a subscription to this coffee-of-the-month club, offering single-origin coffee from more than 50 countries.

GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker

Have we mentioned how much we love coffee? And what better way to start the day than with this vintage-style metal brewer, perfect for waking up at breakfast.

Woodford Reserve X Williams Sonoma Cocktail Mix


Gift bourbon fans these Woodford Reserve mixers for an Old Fashioned, Mint Julep, and Whiskey Sour and they will no doubt by delighted.

Pottery Barn Harper Cocktail Shaker

Set your BFF up with the tools to throw a party where the drinks are flowing. Pair this cocktail shaker with drink mixers to really get the housewarming party started!

Our Place Always Pan

This is hands-down our favorite pan to cook with. Think fry pan, saute pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, non-stick pan, spatula, and spoon rest ALL IN ONE!

Hawkins New York Dinner Napkins and Placemats

For the mover who has everything — you can be sure they don't have elegant fringed cocktail napkins, dinner napkins, and placemats in mix-and-match hues.

Aurelie Glass Jar Candle

Kick this housewarming classic up a notch with these glass jar candles. Once the candles are all used up, the various votives make amazing catchalls.

Anthropologie Old Havana Platter

A lot of stuff gets tossed during a big move, like plasticware from the kitchen. That's where you come in, replacing old, stained bowls with gorgeous platters like these that are sure to add a punch of color.

Half Baked Harvest Super Simple Cookbook by Tieghan Gerard

Take a very simple housewarming gift idea, a cookbook by one of our pals Tieghan Gerard, and vastly improve the presentation by wrapping it in a tea towel or cloth napkin.

Crate & Barrel Wood + Marble Salad Server Set

These radiant salad servers are sure to wow the crowd. Whether it’s a dinner party or a home date night, salad has never looked this good.

Pendleton Roll-Up Chess And Checkers Set

Game on! This Chess and Checkers set in Pendleton style is the perfect gift for friendly game nights.

Bliss Gardens Air Plant Terrarium Kit

Add a little greenery to their new home with the DIY terrariums. It’s perfect for hanging or placing on a mantel or bookshelf.

Make Life Beautiful by Syd and Shea McGee

Pals need a design assist? Help them create a place that feels like home with inspo from the McGees!

Wild Creations By Hilton Carter

For major plant inspiration, Hilton Carter is the most lovable plant guy with all the care and styling tips.

The Gold Foil Map Company Prints

Whether your pal is new to the city or has just left one behind, we love how bright and blingy these gold foil maps are.

Freshware Bamboo Cutting Board

Gift these organic cutting boards to complement the marble knives.

Mosser Glass Crown Tuscan Mixing Bowl Set

Everyone needs new kitchenware, right? Spruce up the space with this adorable pretty-in-pink set of mixing bowls.

Knack Herbivore Calm Experience Spa Gift Set

Your friends will LOVE this gift. After a long day of lifting boxes, a little pampering is all they'll want (and need!)

Pehr Pom Set of 3 Canvas Bins

If you like the practicality of the basket idea, but want to get something a bit prettier, bundle up some necessities for the home in this pom-pommed basket.

DIY Bacon Kit

Take some inspiration from Sur La Table and give the gift of homemade bacon. Need we say more?

Xilli Salsa Macha (Set of 2)

Bring over a bag of chips and this salsa macha set and be the most popular guest in the room.

Uncommon Goods Cocktail Bitters Set

Your host is sure to crack open these bottles right away and get to mixing their fave drinks STAT.

Mkono Macrame Wall Hanging

Here’s an easy way for your bud to add some pizazz to walls they can’t paint: a pretty wall hanging.

Macrame Plant Hanger Set

Even if they don’t have the greenest of thumbs, this macrame planter will make any plant look cute hanging in their new home.

PrintableSky Welcome Home Sign

Let your friends feel welcome in their new abode from the moment they walk through the door.

Sqirl LA Everything I Want to Eat Cookbook

LA-based restaurant restauranteur Jessica Kaslow shares her vision of delish and healthy meals in this wonderful cookbook. This gem is sure to inspire your friends to get their creative cooking on.

Blue Apron Food Delivery

Give the gift of easy-to-cook every night dinners made with farm fresh produce and hormone-free mean. You can also choose 2-Person and Family Plans.

West Elm Deco Barware Collection

If your pal is more of a cocktail connoisseur than a craft brew fan, this will make a fantastic addition to their new home bar.

Chef’s Daughter Travel Spice Kit

Restocking the kitchen cabinets after a move can be such a pain, so these 20 herbs and spices are perfect for getting your friends through the first few weeks of quick meals.

Kupia Handpainted Vase

Toss in some pretty florals with an even prettier vase and you have a gift that will breath life into their new place.

Amazon Echo Dot

We all know that moving is a little easier with some good background tunes. This compact Bluetooth speaker will do just the job, in addition to telling them what’s on the rest of their to-do list!

Calloway Mills Hello Doormat 

Welcome them home on the friendliest note. A doormat is a #genius home decor idea that they probably never thought of!

Knock Knock Things to Do Around the House Pad

So much to do, so little time! Let your friends know you're thinking about them during the big move with a cute pad that'll keep their priorities in order from A to B.


Find more gift ideas on our Pinterest page!

This article has been updated.

Additional reporting by Theresa Gonzalez

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Here's What To Eat (& What Not To) If You Have Painful Period Cramps, According To An Expert

I thought my days of having painful period cramps were over after giving birth and getting an IUD, but last month proved me wrong. There was a time I could pinpoint the source of my bloating and other PMS symptoms, but I've stopped paying as much attention to what I eat lately...and things have gotten way off track.

Since I'm tired of suffering, I decided to reach out to Urologist Dr. Eric Margolis to how the food you eat can impact your period cramps. If you're wondering how Urologists can help with this issue, it's because they're trained to treat urinary and reproductive conditions (via Cleveland Clinic). Take it from someone whose had to see one before!

So let's get into all the top tips Dr. Margolis has to offer!

What causes cramps when someone is PMSing or on their period?

Polina Zimmerman

Consider yourself lucky if you don't struggle with PMS — I'd honestly love to trade places with you for a day. According to the Office on Women's Health, almost three in four women say they experience PMS, and the National Institutes of Healthnotes that one in ten women deal with painful period cramps every month. In other words, some of us are genuinely struggling to function without really understanding why we're in so much pain. What gives?

"Cramps, or dysmenorrhea, occur due to the release of chemicals called prostaglandins during menstruation. These chemicals cause the uterus to contract in order to shed its lining," Dr. Margolis says. What people tend to feel is the result of contractions" becoming "too intense," thus causing them to "cut off blood flow and oxygen to the surrounding muscle tissue, leading to pain." Dr. Margolis also wants you to know, "The higher the level of prostaglandins, the more severe the cramps are likely to be."

If that sounds painful, just know it is! I never thought about the actual process our bodies go through during menstruation, so understanding that better makes me want to be kinder to be my body. Still, does this mean cramps are normal?

Are period cramps normal?

MART PRODUCTION

Dr. Margolis says that period cramps are "a normal part of the menstrual cycle for many people." He explains that "mild to moderate cramps" typically occur towards the beginning of your period, as your uterus is contracting. IDK about you, but it's definitely nice to know that cramps are a part of the process and they don't necessarily mean anything's wrong. However, this doesn't mean you should ignore severe pain.

"If the pain is severe and disrupts daily life, it might indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention," Dr. Margolis says. Only you know the level of pain you're able to handle monthly, but there are definitely some key factors that can help you identify what is considered "abnormal" when it comes to your period cramps.

When are severe period cramps considered abnormal?

Freepik

"Severe cramps that are unmanageable with over-the-counter medications or last for an extended period may indicate underlying health issues," Dr. Margolis continues. Based on his experience, these conditions can be "fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)" which "often cause more intense pain."

Prior to my painful period cramps returning, I underwent Laparoscopy surgery in 2019 to rule out endometriosis as the culprit for unbearable cycles. My OBGYN didn't find that, but she discovered a large fibroid nestled in the side of one of my uterine walls which needed to be removed.

Some of the signs Dr. Margolis says you need to pay attention to are:

  • Heavy bleeding
  • Irregular periods
  • Pain during sex
  • Bleeding between periods

If you notice these symptoms, Dr. Margolis implores you to consult with your doctor about them. Truthfully, it took years for someone to take my pain seriously, so I also recommend you keep advocating for yourself if you're dealing with cramps that feel abnormal.

What's the worst thing to eat before your period?

Pavel Danilyuk

Here comes my favorite topic — food! I love eating all kinds of food, but I'm having to relearn how to balance hormones all over again. Between that and my digestive system, I know my undisciplined eating is the root cause of painful period cramps, but I've forgotten what I should be avoiding.

Dr. Margolis says, "Highly processed foods, sugar, and salty snacks should be avoided. They can increase inflammation, contribute to bloating, and worsen cramps. Caffeine and alcohol can also dehydrate the body and lead to more discomfort during menstruation."

I feel like your jaw just dropped in disbelief because most of the things that make periods so painful taste so good. I mean, who doesn't love snacks, coffee, and yummy cocktails? Sigh...as much as we may love or crave them, they're not always the best things to indulge in when we're already going through so many bodily changes.

What foods should someone eat to lessen painful period cramps?

olia danilevich

But, there's things we can do to lessen our chances of suffering every month. Dr. Margolis says, "Anti-inflammatory foods are particularly helpful for reducing period cramps." He says these include the following:

  • Leafy greens like spinach and kale, which are high in magnesium and calcium
  • Fatty fish such as salmon or sardines, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation
  • Nuts and seeds that contain magnesium, which can relax muscles and reduce pain
  • Fruits like bananas and berries, which provide antioxidants and potassium, aiding in muscle relaxation and inflammation reduction
  • Whole grains that are a good source of fiber and help regulate blood sugar, preventing spikes that may worsen cramps
We have a ton of healthy dinner recipes and a clean eating grocery list here! Hopefully if you start incorporating these into your diet, you can part ways with painful period cramps for good.

Is it actually possible to avoid sugar before and during your period?

Tim Samuel

Sugar is in a lot of things we eat and drink so I asked Dr. Margolis if there's a way to avoid it altogether. He says, "It’s challenging, but not impossible to avoid sugar entirely. Cravings for sugary foods often increase due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle." I don't know about you, but I always crave specific things like sugary juice, muffins, or cupcakes right before and during my period. It's like my brain knows they're going to cause more harm than good, but my hormones demand them.

As a replacement, Dr. Margolis believes "reducing sugar intake by opting for natural sweeteners like fruits or healthier alternatives like dark chocolate can help curb cravings." Also, there's more benefits to putting down the artificial stuff. "Cutting back on sugar may also help in managing inflammation and stabilizing mood and energy levels during your period," says Dr. Margolis.

In short, painful period cramps don't have to rule my life or yours, but it does require us to make a few diet changes. I've done it before and it starts with being consistent on a daily basis. I've talked about it before, but the food diary I used to keep truly helped me stay on track and pinpoint my triggers. It's worth trying if you're tired of being doubled over in pain each month!

We have even more wellness tips to help you live your healthiest life, so make sure to bookmark them when you need a little extra help!

wellnesswellness tipsperiod healthhealthy eatinghealth

50 Gift Ideas for People Who Love Coffee a Latte

For many of us, late nights and early mornings have made coffee a staple in our daily routine. As our coffee culture evolves, home brewing becomes more of an art form than just adding grounds to a coffee machine. Whether you're in love with the buzz, the smell, or just the taste of coffee this is the list for you. From coffee subscriptions that give you a taste of beans from around the world, kona-scented candles to fill your home or a t-shirt that sums up your coffee infatuation, make your day, or someone else's, a brew-tiful one, with one of these coffee-lover gifts.

Coffee Advent Calendar ($89): Treat your favorite coffee drinker to 24 specialty coffees from around the world with this stylish advent calendar.

Library Card yellow mug ($12): Kick it back old school with a library card-inspired mug for your bookish coffee drinker.

Copper Cow Coffee Classic Vietnamese Coffee 5 Pack ($13): Get your caffeine fix in only 90 seconds with this on-the-go pour-over Vietnamese coffee, complete with sweetened creamers.

Stan's Donuts & Coffee Lovers Gift Pack($75): Enjoy this Chicago favorite (coffee + donuts) with a signature Stan's coffee mug.

La Colombe Workshop Sampler Gift Box ($30): Gift six light to medium roasts for *almost* every day of the week.

Kona Coffee Vegan Candle($22+): Love the smell of coffee? Fill your home with the scent anytime with this soy wax candle from Etsy. Also available in a Chai Latte. Order up!

UpCircle Coffee Body Scrub ($16): Buff away dry and dead skin with this coffee body scrub with shea butter, peppermint and eucalyptus oils.

Stojo Pocket Cup ($12+): Reduce waste by carrying your coffee cup with you. Whether you're purchasing coffee from a local shop or grabbing a cup from your machine at home, this collapsible cup is a great choice for coffee on-the-go, from 8 oz to 24 oz.

Big Island Coffee Roasters Classic Espresso Bites ($24/3-pack): This bite-size espresso gives you two ways to enjoy Hawaiian coffee. Either pop it in your mouth for a creamy pick me up or melt it in hot water for an espresso-to-go.

Coffee and Everything Bagel Ornaments($26): All I want for Christmas is...more coffee.

Emoticon Coffee Mug & Stickers ($15): Whether it's a good day or bad one, you can express how you're feeling with coffee.

Sunshine & Coffee Tee ($35): Save Lands plants 12 trees for every tee, all ethically sourced, printed, and shipped in the United States, sold.

Yes Plz Coffee + Zine Subscription ($17): Get sourced beans from around the world and a weekly arts and culture publication with this beans + zine subscription.

Coffee Neon Light ($75): Let coffee be your guide with this neon steaming cup of coffee.

Mistobox Coffee Subscription ($11+): Give the gift of a monthly brew featuring 590 coffees from 52 roasters.

Soma Brew BottleBrew Bottle ($40): Don't let your hectic schedule deprive you of a quality brew. This on-the-go brew bottle allows you to brew coffee or tea during your commute. Pour hot water over ground coffee, put on the lid and you're good to go. Leave it in the fridge overnight for cold brew in the morning.

Daily Harvest Gift Box ($75): Give the gift of worry-free lattes or morning smoothies with a Daily Harvest gift box. Simply dump the ingredients into a blender, add your favorite base and you've got a cold brew + almond smoothie.

NY Coffee Lovers Gift Pack ($59): When you can't get on a plane for a cup of NY Joe this sampler is the next best thing.

Dr. Mills Electric Dried Spice and Coffee Grinder($26): Grind your favorite beans, spices, nuts, and grains in seconds.

Covergirl Exhibitionist Lipstick Cream, Coffee Crave ($6): Rich and smooth just like a cup of good coffee, Covergirl's Coffee Crave is a great color for any season and time of day.

Retro Coffee Sweatshirt ($34+): This is the perfect sweatshirt to espresso your love for coffee.

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug ($120): Keep your coffee at just the right temperature and control it with your smartphone.

YETI Rambler Stainless Steel, Vacuum Insulated Tumbler ($30): For the days where you're literally being held together by coffee grounds.

Iced Vanilla Latte Coffee Gummy Bears Coffee Cup ($8): Coffee lovers won't be able to stop eating these coffee-infused gummy bears from Sugarfina. Enjoy latte-flavored sweetness with a tiny kick in each bite. It's a great blend of coffee and candy.

Cuisinart Perfectemp Coffee Maker($100):This coffeemaker self cleans and can hold up to 14 cups of coffee. Need we say more?

Bonavita Interurban 1.0L Variable Temperature Gooseneck Kettle ($120): This kettle can be adjusted in one degree increments. When it gets all steamed up then it shouts, tip it over and pour it out — over your favorite coffee.

Casetify Coffee Time iPhone CaseCoffee Time iPhone Case ($45): Hello, it's your latte calling.

Coffee Scoop Clip ($5): Never lose your coffee scoop in the bag again.

Pour and Simple Graphic Tee ($25): What's better than a classic black tee? A classic black tee with coffee mugs on it, of course.

Saipua Soap Coffee Mint Soap ($19): Wake your body up with this organic coffee + mint soap. Your skin will thank you later.

1950's Retro Style Coffee Maker ($200): For the nostalgic coffee drinkers, flash back a few decades with this retro-style machine.

Burst Sonic Toothbrush Rose Gold Edition ($100): Give someone back their smile with an electric toothbrush guaranteed to keep the coffee stains away.

Barisieur Coffee Brewing Alarm Clock ($445): For the people who must be lured out of bed by the smell of coffee, try this coffee brewing alarm clock.

Coffee Poster ($23): Add some decor to your place so visitors will know that home is really where the coffee is.

Ratio Eight Coffee Maker ($500): This simplified yet chic coffee maker gives you a great cup of coffee with the touch of a button.

Bright On Teeth Whitening Kit($67): Don't let coffee stains get in the way of your beautiful smile. Remove unwanted stains 3x faster than strips with this year supply Bright On kit.

Smashmallow Dark Chocolate Dipped Cold Brew ($5): If you like marshmallows and hot chocolate, you'll love these dark chocolate cold brew marshmallows.

Highwire Steeped Bag ($3): Steeping isn't just for tea. Keep a few of these in your bag at all times and you'll never be without coffee. All you need is hot water and you're good to go.

Winky Lux Coffee Kitten Palette ($25): Mask those sleepy eyes with coffee-themed eyeshadow palette.

Handheld Milk Frother ($12): Be your own barista and make cafe-inspired drinks at home with this milk frother.

Nespresso Essenza Plus ($229): This chic and compact coffee machine can squeeze onto any counter space. Perfect for the one-and-done coffee drinkers, this machine also has a reordering system that allows you to refill your capsule supply with the touch of a button.

Jcoco Chocolate Arabica Espresso ($8): These chocolate espresso candy bars make great stocking stuffers, but probably a good idea to not hang them over the fireplace.

Nitro Flash Brew 12 Pack ($47): For the nitro brew fans, try a 12-pack of Verve's flash brew coffee.

Instant Americano Mushroom Coffee Mix ($20): NeuRoast's instant americano comes with five superfood mushrooms to help you focus your energy.

Granita di Caffè Body Scrub ($34): Scrub away the day with Jordan Samuel's body scrub.

Bodum Caffettiera French Press($25): This colorful french press is the perfect gift for design addicts too.

Cold Brew Coffee Cocktail Set ($24): Remix your cold brew into boozy cocktails with this gift set.

Coffee + Donut Earrings ($22): Name a more dynamic duo than coffee and donuts.

Atlas Coffee Club Subscription ($60-$240): Travel the world one cup at a time with this coffee club subscription.

DIY Doodle Mug ($24): The perfect coffee mug to get you through a morning Zoom meeting. Each mug comes with two markers for doodling and writing down ideas.


Follow us on Pinterest for more gift ideas!

This article has been updated from a previous post. Additional reporting by Theresa Gonzalez.

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

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We Finally Have A Release Date For Lindsay Lohan’s ‘Freaky Friday 2’

We're getting closer and closer to seeing a Freaky Friday2. The cat's out of the bag that the sequel treatment is confirmed and actually happening, and movie stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan have been increasingly vocal about the upcoming movie's plot. The dynamic duo, who you can see in 2024's Borderlands and Irish Wish, respectively, are expected to return as Tess and Anna, the mother and daughter that wake up one titular freaky Friday in swapped bodies.

Filming for Freaky Friday 2 finally began on June 24, and we finally have an official release date for the film! Here's everything we know about Freaky Friday2 so far.

Check Out The First Freaky Friday 2 Set Leaks

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A post shared by BitchBeWithYou (@bitchbewithyou)

The first set leaks from Freaky Friday 2 are totally dreamy — and they also prove Anna's just like us, because who didn't go from emo-teen to boho-chic? Jamie Lee Curtis' Tess has published a brand new book, and based on her author photo, she's a lot more carefree than the last time we saw her! We also get a look at new cast member Julia Butters (who might be playing Anna's daughter?) and the internet's newest boyfriend, Manny Jacinto.

When is Freaky Friday 2 coming out?

Walt Disney Studios

According to Disney,Freaky Friday 2 is coming to theaters on August 8, 2025. This is definitely one of our most-anticipated movies of 2025 now!

Disney / Instagram

Disney posted this sneak-peek screen cap that we can only assume is from the movie. We truly can't wait to watch this sequel!

What is Freaky Friday 2 about?

Carlo Allegri / Getty Images

Freaky Friday 2 sees Anna with a family of her own, including a daughter and a future stepdaughter. According to a press release from Disney, "As they navigate the myriad challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna discover that lightning might indeed strike twice."

"It's going to be a really freaky Friday," Lindsay Lohan told Good Morning America on June 27, 2024. "Much freakier than you would expect."

"[There's] a lot of love, a lot of fun, a lot of laughs," she continues.

Is Chad Michael Murray in Freaky Friday 2?

Presley Ann / Getty Images for Netflix

Yes, Chad Michael Murray is returning for the sequel!

"How great would it be to bring Jake back?" he teased during the Mother of the Bride premiere in May 2024. "If Jake's invited back, Jake will be there." Thank goodness they invited him back!

Freaky Friday 2 also stars Mark Harmon, Christina Vidal Mitchell, Haley Hudson, Lucille Soong, Stephen Tobolowsky, Rosalind Chao, Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Manny Jacinto, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan.

Is the band Pink Slip going to be in Freaky Friday 2?

Carlo Allegri / Getty Images

Anna's pop-rock teen band, Pink Slip, is undoubtedly integral to the plot of the original Freaky Friday, so it'd be surprising to see a Freaky Friday 2 without fan-favorite jams like “Take Me Away” and “Ultimate.”

Via recently published interviews with Cosmopolitan, a fewFreaky Friday crew members spilled on whether or not we'll actually see the angsty band in the sequel.

Screenwriter Heather Hach clearly agreed that the soundtrack played a huge part in the movie's plot.

"You take out the band element and I don’t think Freaky Friday would be as popular as it is," she said. "It didn’t feel like a derpy Disney movie. The music was actually really good."

Jaclyn Pearson, PHD, the drummer for the band Lash (who wrote the ever-iconic song "Take Me Away"), teased that Freaky Friday 2 might revisit their discography.

"We contacted our record label because we heard there might be a sequel," she said. "We’ve got this whole back catalog. Maybe they could use another song for the film."

Producer Andrew Gunn seemed to suggest the same thing:

"We got a draft of a script for the sequel right before the writers’ strike, and it was really good. A writer came up with the most brilliant idea. It uses music and the band in a great way."

Are they making a Freaky Friday 2?

John Nacion / Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

Lindsay Lohan said on Andy Cohen's Sirius XM show that Freaky Friday 2 is really and truly happening! However, "I don’t want to say too much,” she said about the potential timeline.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the cast could be on set as early as summer 2024. In addition to Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis reprising their roles, Andrew Gunn and Kristin Burr will produce the movie, Elyse Hollander will write the script, and Ann Marie Sanderlin will executive produce. Nisha Ganatra will direct.

While Lindsay is looking forward to the story, she's “just excited to work with Jamie [Lee Curtis] again and see how much further we can take it," she tells PEOPLE. “We talk almost every other day in general, so I think we're going to have a lot of fun with this."

Are Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan friends?

Jamie Lee Curtis / Instagram

Yes, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan are definitely still friends! In November 2023, Curtis shared an adorable Instagram selfie with Lohan, teasing the upcoming project. And after the writers' and actors' strikes ended, project promotion is slowly returning to light.

"YOU GREW UP and SO BEAUTIFULLY!" the caption reads. "Well, it's Friday, and the strike is over so hopefully, we can switch places again in the near future!" She also tagged Lohan and Disney, which teased the iconic ‘03 comedy in a fun way.

What has Jamie Lee Curtis said about Freaky Friday?

Allyson Riggs

Curtis — coming off some serious cinematic hits, Everything Everywhere All At Once and Halloween Ends — still retains a strong bond with Lohan, and hasn’t exactly been shy about her excitement towards circling back to Freaky Friday. Landing the original role and moving through production was undoubtedly significant to the actress: she cites her own success with Tess after taking on the job at the last minute, despite being booked and busy elsewhere.

“Had I had all the time in the world to prepare, I don’t think it would’ve been so good,” Curtis told the New York Times. “I just had to be in my body. I was also newly sober and I was able to have a community within the movie-work world. That was a big deal for me.”

What has Lindsay Lohan said about Freaky Friday?

Scott Everett White / Netflix

Lohan told the New York Times that she was ready and raring to tackle 2003’s Freaky Fridayback in the day after rocking a dual-role in 1998's The Parent Trap.

“I threw myself into everything: accents, green screens, playing two people,” said Lohan. “So I felt comfortable after that. Freaky Friday felt different because I was going through all of the phases of a 16-year-old [but playing a character who was a year younger]. This was the era of Avril Lavigne and punk, and I wanted to experience it. We did white stripes in my hair.”

The fame Lohan endured at a young age didn’t always leave a positive effect, and it’s been a hot second since we’ve seen her fully emerge back into the spotlight. The star’s been busy since – she moved to Dubai, manages her overseas businesses, got married, and recently welcomed motherhood. After all that, Lohan remains eager to act again – and thankfully in a second Freaky Friday.

“Jamie and I are both open to that, so we’re leaving it in the hands that be,” Lohan told NYT. “We would only make something that people would absolutely adore.”

It sounds like Curtis is ready, too. "As I went around the world with Halloween Ends, people wanted to know if there was going to be another 'Freaky Friday.' Something really touched a chord. When I came back, I called my friends at Disney and said, 'It feels like there’s a movie to be made.'"

Who's writing Freaky Friday 2?

Disney

Elyse Hollander is writing the sequel for Freaky Friday.

Who is directing Freaky Friday 2?

Jamie Lee Curtis / Instagram

Nisha Ganatra is directing Freaky Friday 2. She’s directed TV episodes on shows like The Mindy Project, Shameless, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Dear White People. Ganatra has also done directorial work in movies like The Hunters, Late Night, and The High Note.

Disney will be distributing the Freaky Friday sequel.

Sign up for our newsletter for more entertainment news, and check out how Chad Michael Murray's Role In The Freaky Friday Cast Almost Went To Jared Padalecki!

Header image via Walt Disney Studios

This post has been updated.

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The 'We Live in Time' Ending Is More Hopeful Than Heartbreaking

If you knew you had limited time, how would you spend it? That's the question at the heart of We Live in Time, which movie lovers have been waiting for since Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh proved they have amazing chemistry at the 2023 Oscars. I do intentionally use "heart" of the movie instead of "center" because the film is so overwhelmingly rich in beauty and emotion that it's the only word that fits.

You'll definitely want to bring tissues to the theater because, just like we all predicted, this romance movie is a tearjerker. Here's exactly what happens at the end of We Live in Time — and the impact of that final scene. If you haven't seen the movie yet, bookmark this and come back after your tears have dried.

What happens in We Live in Time?

A24

In We Live in Time, Almut, a chef and former figure skater, and Tobias, a Weetabix cereal employee, unexpectedly cross paths when Almut literally hits him with her car. All it takes is a single trip to the ER and a diner, followed by a visit to Almut's restaurant, for the couple to fall for each other. They embrace their newfound romance with reckless abandon, but their vision of the future comes to a screeching halt when Almut's ovarian cancer returns.

Instead of using a typical storytelling arc, the movie actually opens with the diagnosis, taking viewers by surprise almost as much as Tobias and Almut. The story jumps back and forth between their early relationship, starting a family, and life post-diagnosis, highlighting the beauty of both the boring and special moments of a life lived together — and it's way more hopeful than heartbreaking. (It's also pretty easy to keep up with thanks to the length of Florence Pugh's hair in any given scene).

A24

The couple's relationship is marked by reveling in quiet moments, like Almut showing Tobias the perfect way to crack an egg or eating an entire sleeve of Jaffa Cakes in the bathtub while nine months pregnant. But those simpler moments are interspersed with parties and passion, and Almut, who'd rather live six incredible months than agree to chemo and wait for a remission that will never come, is determined to keep up the momentum.

She begins leading a sort of double life, hiding her involvement in a new cooking competition from Tobias, and hiding her cancer from her fellow chefs. (One moment of levity comes when Almut's second finds her throwing up in the bathroom and asks if she's on drugs).

A24

But while many viewers can understand dedicating yourself to a goal, Almut's driving force goes much deeper than that: she's terrified of being forgotten. When competition training means she forgets to pick up their daughter Ella, and winds up fighting with Tobias, Almut reveals how scared she is of only being "the mom with cancer." She wants to give Ella another identity to remember her by. So, they move forward together and finally make it to the cooking competition — but despite all the work it took to get there, it's not the beautiful dishes or the applause or the overall success that make the greatest impact.

How does We Live in Time end?

A24

Almut ditches the competition before it's over, taking her family to a nearby ice skating rink instead. After leaving Tobias and Ella at one end of the rink, she waves and takes off, and it's the final image we see of her — like an angel on ice skates.

When the film flashes forward to the period after Almut's implied death, we see Tobias teaching their daughter how to crack eggs the way Almut showed him at the beginning of their relationship. And that is the part that left me weeping. Instead of romanticizing death, We Live in Time truly romanticizes life in every sense of the word. It's a reminder that the simple ways we honor our loved ones, the inescapable moments that are totally interwoven in our lives, end up being the most powerful. And the fact that no matter what comes, memories mean we can live forever.

A24

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