13 Ways to Keep Everyone Cool at Your Next Summer Party

Now that you’ve picked out your summer party theme and gotten all the supplies for those fruity bourbon cocktails, make sure your squad can kick back and enjoy without getting overheated. To help you throw an #epic and memorable summer party sans underarm sweat stains, we’ve rounded up 13 essentials that’ll keep your party hot and your guests cool. Keep scrolling to find all the chill hacks below.

Valentine's Day is almost here, and whether you're single or happily taken, you can always have an amazing time celebrating the season with your best girlfriends. We're channeling our inner Leslie Knope this Galentine's Day with 50 ideas for spending it with your squad. From gathering your girlfriends for a Galentine's Day party or embarking on an epic road trip, now is the time to plan your February weekend with the best of your friends, near and far.

Scroll on for 50 Galentine's Day ideas to celebrate with your girls!

The Best Galentine's Day Ideas For 2025

Brit + Co

Add Some Pink With These Taylor Swift Fuzzy Dice

Pink is always a good idea when it comes to Valentine's Day decor, so for any of your Galentine's Day parties this year, DIY these Taylor Swift fuzzy dice inspired by "Cruel Summer"! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Make DIY Galentine's Day Candy Boxes

Send your best friends home with adorable candy boxes that may or may not be used as trinket trays later on. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A Bachelor Marathon

Calling all Bachelor fans! Catch up on new episodes from your favorite season by hosting a marathon viewing party. Not a Bachelor fan? Try one of these Netflix originals that are perfect for Galentine's Day. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

DIY Galentine's Day Fort

Camp out with your BFFs in this homemade fort that's just as much fun to make as it is to relax in! It's the perfect Galentine's Day idea at home. (via Brit + Co)

A Beautiful Mess

Host A Nail Pampering Galentine's Day Party

Pamper yourself and your BFFs with a nail design party! Put out bottles of their favorite polishes and create a fun playlist of your favorite love songs. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Host A Galentine's Day Bake-off

BFFs stand together even when they're single or happily taken. Host a delicious bake-off with your gals to see who can get the most creative in the kitchen! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Make Conversation Heart Care Packages

For friends who live near and far, make these sweet care packages filled with their favorite things. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Host a Galentine's Day Party Game Night

Play Gin Rummy with your favorite gin cocktail, dominoes, charades, whatever floats your game-loving boat! Don't forget the candy charcuterie! (via Brit + Co)

Taylor Simpson

Plan A Girl's Getaway

Here are the happiest cities in the world. Grab your girls and escape winter for an amazing Galentine's Day weekend you'll never forget. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Take a Class Together

Film photography is cool again. One reason to get creative with your gals with a day of fun learning and doing. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Host a Brunch

Our epic Galentine's brunch menu has everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine's card writing stations. Thisgem-inspired brunch is a fun idea, too! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A DIY Party With Planters

Get a jump on spring decor with an easy DIY planter party! With a few basic steps, you and your girls can create living wall decor to decorate your space for February and even all the way through the summer months. (via Brit + Co)

Shutterstock

Host a Cookie Party

Check out our list of 30 Valentine's Day cookie recipes and start a holiday cookie tradition, G-Day style! (via Brit + Co)

Element5 Digital

Go On A Road Trip With Your Gals

You don't have to spend your Galentine's Day party inside. If you're not near the beach, you can take a day trip instead. Some ideas include visiting a ski resort, going for a hike, or exploring that small town you've been meaning to hit. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A Puppy-Love Play Date

Galentine's Day isn't just for humans. Invite your BFFs and their furry friends over for a puppy-love playdate. If you want to keep things a bit more relaxed, host a movie night and ask your friends to bring their dog beds, too.

Aww Sam

Host A Mean Girls Movie Night

Prepare for a cozy night in with your ladies by catching up on one of the most classic flicks (or the newmusical update!). Set the tone for the night with a DIY burn book vase that doubles as a hilarious take-home treat. (via Aww Sam)

Sasha • Stories

Have A Beach Day Picnic

If you live on the coast, host your Galentine's Day gathering at the beach. Make sure you bring your favorite beach bag, a pair of sunglasses, and perhaps some bubbly!

Kelsey Chance

Have A Wine Tasting

You and your girls love your wine, so use the day as an excuse to host your very own rosé tasting party.

Brit + Co

Hit The Slopes

An adventurous way to get outdoors and spend time with your ladies is to take advantage of the snow. Go skiing or snowboarding, or build a snow(wo)man. Then enjoy après ski cocktails!

Brit + Co

Have A Pool Party

If you live in a warmer climate (or have a heated pool), throw a fun G-Day pool party complete with all of the essentials like vino, floaties, and sunhats.

Brit + Co

Host A Parks & Rec Marathon

The best way to celebrate Galentine's Day is by honoring the creator, Leslie Knope, with a Parks and Rec marathon viewing party. Ask your ladies to supply the booze, and you can serve up the snacks and the show — or any of our other favorite feel-good TV shows.

Brit + Co

Host An Outdoor Dinner + Movie

Your ladies deserve a get-together that's sure to give each gal the much-needed fun she deserves. Host a movie and dinner for your ladies, outdoors if the weather permits. Step up your party with favors, swag bags, and a night of unlimited drinks.

Shutterstock

Have A Karaoke Party

What better way to start off your Galentine's Day shindig than by belting out a few tunes with your favorite ladies? Yep, we didn't think we'd have to tell you twice.

Brit + Co

Go on A Hike

Keep up with your health goals with an active day outdoors. It's a great way to bond with your girlfriends and with nature.

No Revisions

Book A Spa Day

What better way to show self love than to book a much-deserved spa day with gal pals. You'll feel refreshed and recharged.

Brit + Co

Zoom With Surprise Takeout

Bestie live in another state? Plan an evening Zoom call and send each other dinner delivery for a fun gab session and thoughtful Galentine's Day gift. Oh, what a night!

More Galentine's Day Party Ideas

A pom pom and lantern wall is literally the perfect way to add some texture to any Galentine's Day party! Plus, you can reuse them for upcoming bachelorette parties and baby showers.

Take a simple white table cloth (bonus points if it's paper) and paint "XOXO" across it for a personalized, romantic addition to your table.

Never underestimate the power of gold letter balloons. They're our favorite!

In lieu of flowers, fill some of your favorite vases with all kinds of red and pink candies.

If a pure candy charcuterie board is overwhelming, opt for a mix — supplement chocolate, marshmallows, and strawberries with meat and cheese for a board that's both lunch and dessert.

Mix up your Galentine's Day party mimosa bar by providing different juices and different garnishes that your guests can choose from.

Letter boards are a super easy and super fun way to add spunk to your party. Plus, they don't take up a lot of room, so that's a win-win for us!

Grapefruit juice is the perfect addition to your Galentine's Day party's pink cocktails — or to sparkling water for a low-key mocktail.

Candlesticks, jars, cake trays, oh my! The more dishes, the better as far as we're concerned.

It's easier than ever to find super cute, super sassy napkins. It's a small touch that goes a long way!

Mini bottles of champagne aren't just good for your Galentine's Day party — have everyone write a goal on their bottle, and wait to pop it until that goal is achieved!

Find heart-shaped plates to add extra romance to your tablescape.

Galentine's Day Party Favor Ideas

Miniature potted plants are as cute as can be, and when they're wrapped in pink napkins? To die for.

Cupid would totally approve of these red candy kabobs.

If you have a collection of white bags for your Galentine's Day party favors, go crazy with the designs! Draw hearts, arrows, or write a little note to each of your friends.

Nothing says "I love you" like knowing your friend's favorites — which means you'll knock beauty product gift bags out of the park.

Red lollipops get a fruity upgrade when you wrap their sticks in green tape. Voilà!! The cherry on top of all your Galentine's Day festivities.

Wall envelopes are the perfect place to stash all your candy — or a super artsy Galentine's Day note.

Less is more with a Galentine's Day party favor that lets your BFF know how much she means to you.

A little bit of thoughtful wrapping makes a colorful bouquet even more beautiful than it already is!

Add tiny bows to all your champagne bottles for a true coquette party theme.

Use a pair of scalloped scissors to turn regular gift bags into something even more eye-catching!

Galentine's Day party favors don't *just* have to be candy and cards — celebrate your friends' hobbies with thoughtful gifts, too!

We'll literally never say no to chocolate, especially when it includes flower petals!

Looking for more reasons to get together with your girls this Galentine's Day? Follow us on Pinterest for even more ideas!

This article has been updated from a previous post with additional reporting by Sarah Koller and Theresa Gonzalez.

A new month means plenty of new Netflix shows to watch. And boy oh boy is April a great month for TV! Netflix literally has something for every kind of TV lover this month. The final season of You, medical dramaPulse, and the romantic Western Ransom Canyon for anyone who's already missing 1923.

Here are the 9 best shows on Netflix in April 2025.

1. Black Mirror season 7 — On Netflix April 10, 2025

Parisa Tag/Netflix

Black Mirror is finally back and the new episodes promise to be just as crazy as the stories everyone's already obsessed with — including a sequel to "USS Callister."

Black Mirror season 7 premieres April 10 and stars Peter Capaldi, Paul Giamatti, Jimmi Simpson, Michele Austin, Harriet Walter, Rashida Jones, Tracee Ellis Ross, Will Poulter, Chris O'Dowd, Billy Magnussen, Cristin Milioti, Osy Ikhile, Asim Chaudhry, Issa Rae, Awkwafina, Siena Kelly, Patsy Ferran, Emma Corrin, Ben Bailey Smith, Paul G Raymond, Rosy McEwen, Lewis Gribben, Milanka Brooks, Michael Workeye, Amber Grappy, James Nelson Joyce, Josh Finan, and Jay Simpson.

2. Ransom Canyon — On Netflix April 17, 2025

Netflix

Three ranching families intersect in Ransom Canyon, which has all my favorite things: romance, drama, and horses. Not to mention the incredible cast!

Ransom Canyon premieres April 17 and stars Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, Marianly Tejada, Jack Schumacher, Garrett Wareing, Andrew Liner, Jennifer Ens, Niko Guardado, Casey W. Johnson, Philip Winchester, Kate Burton, Brett Cullen, Tatanka Means, Jaren Robledo, Justin Johnson Cortez, and Kenneth Miller.

3. Stranger Things: The First Shadow — On Netflix April 22, 2025

Matthew Murphy/Evan Zimmerman/Netflix

While we all wait for Stranger Things 5 this year, tune into this prequel stage adaptation, which follows the Creel family in 1959 Hawkins.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow premieres April 22 and stars Louis McCartney, Rosie Benton, Alex Breaux, Andrew Hovelson, Alison Jaye, T.R. Knight, Gabrielle Nevaeh, and Burke Swanson.

4. Battle Camp — On Netflix April 23, 2025

Camila Jurado/Netflix

All your favorite Netflix reality stars are competing in one giant reality competition — and their time is determined by a random, giant spinning wheel. And whoever becomes Netflix's ultimate reality competitor wins $250,000!

Battle Camp premieres April 23 and stars cast members from Love Is Blind, The Circle, Perfect Match, and even more Netflix shows.

5. You season 5 — On Netflix April 24, 2025

Clifton Prescod/Netflix

Joe is back for one last season of You — and this time, he promises it "is the last time" he's going to be tested by love. Yikes.

You season 5 premieres April 24 and stars Penn Badgley, Madeline Brewer, Anna Camp, Charlotte Richie, and Griffin Matthews.

6. Love On The Spectrum season 3 — On Netflix Now

Netflix

This Netflix show follows a group of people on the autism spectrum as they navigate love and dating. And the series is so good, it's already Emmy-winning!

Love On The Spectrum season 3 premiered April 2 and stars Abbey, Madison, Adan, Connor, Dani, David, James, Madison, Pari, and Tanner.

7. Pulse — On Netflix Now

Anna Kooris/Netflix

3rd year resident Danny Simms steps into leadership when Chief Resident Xander Phillips is suspended...right as a hurricane locks the hospital down. And all the secrets about Danny and Xander's relationship definitely aren't helping.

Pulse premiered April 3 and stars Willia Fitzgerald, Colin Woodell, Justina Machado, Jack Bannon, Jessie T. Usher, Jessy Yates, Chelsea Muirhead, Daniela Nieves, Néstor Carbonell, Jessica Rothe, Santiago Segura, Ash Santos, and Arturo Del Puerto.

8. Adolescence — On Netflix Now

Netflix

13-year-old Jamie Miller becomes a suspect in one of his classmate's murders in this Netflix show. But the fact each episode is done in one shot is most shocking for a lot of viewers.

Adolescence stars Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, and Erin Doherty.

9. Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer — On Netflix Now

Netflix

Sex workers in New York City and Long Island had been disappearing when female remains were discovered in 2010. But questions remained until 2023, when corruption within the police force came to light.

Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer is on Netflix now and is directed by Liz Garbus.

Tag us with your favorite Netflix shows on Instagram!

If there’s any holiday where you’re encouraged to take shots, it’s New Year’s Eve. But, that doesn’t mean you should limit your NYE party beverages to champagne. These sparkly, glittery and all-around enticing shots are sure to please and won’t induce any bad-idea hangovers from too manytequila drinks. You can let your resolution ideas start when the calendar reads 2025. Meanwhile, cheers to enjoying these shots you’ll actually want to make (and take) this New Year’s Eve.

The 14 Best New Year's Eve Shots To Throw Back For 2025!

Brit + Co

Apple Cider Shooter

That caramel vodka you bought on a whim once can finally be put to good use with this spiked apple cider shooter. Whip it up as a shot or a large punch that will last all night long. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Root Beer Float Shooter

This soda shop classic gets an adult upgrade with ROOT, a traditional alcoholic Native American tea. And tea is healthy, right? ;) (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Rainbow Shots

Meet your new party trick! All five of these shots come out of one shaker. Prepare to amaze your guests with your bartending skills this NYE. (via Brit + Co)

Sprinkle Bakes

Champagne Chantilly Shooters

Be sure to add these cake-inspired shooters to your after-holiday to-do list to start 2016 with a little bit of deliciousness. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Feast + West

Champagne Jell-O Shots

Turn your champagne into a shot! If you’re hosting a large party, these are a way more affordable option than a case of champagne. (via Feast + West)

Dine and Dish

Blackberry Gin Shooters

This shooter is *almost* too pretty to drink. Plus, we can all pretend that the blackberries are doing you some good. (via Dine and Dish)

A Year of Cocktails

Butternut Rum Lifesaver

A shot that tastes like candy is a sweet way to start your year off right. (via A Year of Cocktails)

Holly's Cheat Day

Tipsy Spritzer Shots

Not every shot needs to be super strong. If you’re looking for something you can enjoy throughout the night, this sweet, bubbly and tart “spritzer” shot is low in alcohol content and big on flavor. (via Holly’s Cheat Day)

Bubbly Nation Creations

Sparkling Jello Jigglers

Swap out champagne for the grape juice in this recipe to make a fancy, adult version of a JELL-O jiggler. Sprinkles and edible gold stars required. (via Bubbly Nation Creations)

Broma Bakery

Champagne Jello Shots

Awww, Jello Shots are all grown up in this festive recipe. They have a nice flavor that won’t leave you wincing afterwards. (via Broma Bakery)

The First Year

White Chocolate Champagne Cheesecake Shooters

This shot is delicious enough to be dessert. Top yours with edible glitter sprinkles to get even more festive. (via The First Year)

Cookin' Canuck

Cranberry Kamikaze Shots

NYE calls for a fancier drink than a go-to beer or wine. Ring in the new year with cranberry kamikaze shots that look pretty and taste delicious (via Cookin' Canuck)

Tablespoon

Banana Split Shooters

This shot requires five ingredients that'll send your taste buds soaring. I mean, what could be better than taking a shot of something that tastes like dessert? (via Tablespoon)

Something Swanky

Sparkling Cider Jello Shots (Non-Alcoholic)

If you want to be extra careful not to induce a hangover when you wake up in 2024, your best bet are these sparkling cider jello shots. They're made with unflavored gelatin, distilled water, cider and your choice of berries, cherries, or gummies! (via Something Swanky)

Looking for more NYE recipe or drink ideas? Check out Brit + Co on Pinterest and check out our New Year's Eve dinner ideas for more inspiration.This post has been updated.

We've been teasing news surrounding Emily Henry's newest book Great Big Beautiful Lifesince last year partly because her enthusiasm made us want to learn everything we can about it. Fortunately, we're not the only ones because Cosmopolitan just shared an exclusive excerpt from its pages!

All it's doing is making us want to do is watch two writers fall in love while they unravel the enigma of the personality they may get a chance to profile. Ready to feel your heart racing as you get a glimpse of their personalities?

Scroll to read the thrilling excerpt from Great Big Beautiful Life!

Here's A Preview Of The 'Great Big Beautiful Life' Excerpt

Amazon

The excerpt starts off with Alice's POV as she's assessing Hayden's aloof nature. She says, "He can’t be as bad as he seems. And even if he is, it’s not like we’ll be spending time together," as they make their way to the Grande Lucia Resort they'll be lodging at (via Cosmopolitan).

There's an air of excitement surrounding Alice, but Hayden appears like he could care less about her enthusiasm based on these lines: "I glide back onto the mostly empty four-lane road that connects the mainland and Little Crescent and slow to a stop at a red light. Hayden’s in the next car over. He notices me too. I wave. He frowns."


While he does eventually talk to her, it's not like he's looking to be besties with his competition. From gruffly offering Alice a choice of days to interview Margaret Ives to lamenting the fact her hotel room is right next to his, Hayden doesn't seem like the kind of writer who's looking to be distracted. It could have everything to do with him feeling like he was "strung along for a month before even finding out" he and Alice would be in competition to secure the position of writing Margaret's biography.

It's apparent Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson aren't on friendly terms towards the beginning of Great Big Beautiful Life, but the excerpt Cosmopolitan's obtained paints a vivid picture of their enemies-to-lovers troupe. Though it's one of the most familiar book trends, Emily Henry refreshes it by adding the element of surprise to the novel's undertones. Lurking the two writers interactions with each other and the elusive Margaret Ives are hidden secrets that are ready to burst at their seams.

Listen To The 'Great Big Beautiful Life' Excerpt

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Hearing the excerpt aloud is making us even more anxious to stop everything to read Great Big Beautiful Life. Between us, we won't be surprised if this book's tapped for a movie adaptation too!

Follow us on Facebook for more book news!

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

A big ol’ Bavarian pretzel is the center of a massive buzz among Aldi shoppers right now. Fans across the internet cannot stop raving about the $7 frozen find, and many say it’s a total 10/10. Since we’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest groceries, we just had to share this one that carb lovers can’t afford to miss.

Scroll on to discover the frozen snack Aldi fans are simply obsessed with!

Aldi

The frozen find in question is the Bavarian Beast Pretzelfrom Milwaukee Pretzel Company. Described as the “perfect appetizer for gatherings,” this snack is crafted using a traditional German recipe. It’s also free from preservatives, artificial ingredients, and added sugars.

The best part about it, though? The fact that it’s huge. It easily feeds 3-6 people!

Milwaukee Pretzel Company

Soft pretzels are one of those foods that’s hard to hate. When you’ve got a luscious, bready twist covered in chunky salt, how could you possibly go wrong? Knowing this, it’s no surprise that Aldi fans had a hoot with the Bavarian Beast Pretzel once it hit shelves.

“This monster was delicious!!” one Reddit user commentedin r/Aldi. “It took my boyfriend and I two days to eat it and we enjoyed every bite. 😂”

“Had to buy another one,” another person said. “It’s pretty damn good for $6.99.”

“100% top five things we've ever gotten from Aldi,” one more Redditor announced.

Reddit

Compared to the classic Super Pretzel (AKA a freezer mainstay of our childhoods), shoppers say this Aldi version is “superior” and the difference between the two is “night and day.” It comes together super quick in the oven, too.

Shoppers are prepping their pretzels with everything from honey butter and bacon grease to cinnamon-sugar and homemade beer cheese – yum!

Reddit

With plenty of users saying their stores were sold out of the Bavarian Beast Pretzel, you should absolutely stock up if you’re interested in trying it for yourself. As one Aldi shopper warned: “Grab multiple if they have any left!”

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