How to Turn Eggshells into Hanging Planters for Spring Flowers

Dyeing and decorating Easter eggs is great and all, but there are so many other projects you can make with eggs around the holiday. Like a Gin Fizz served in an eggshell. Or an herb starter. Today we’re going to use these poultry creations to make hanging vases. Not only are they delicate looking, but they’re also actually delicate, so be careful, ya hear?

Materials:

– fresh eggs

– fresh flowers

– twine

Tools:

– bowl

– turkey lacer (aka a strong pin or embroidery needle)

Instructions:

Crack your egg gingerly on the side of a bowl or countertop. Try your best to create a straight line around the edge of the shell. Pull the egg apart and discard the yolk and whites in a bowl. Save them for a delicious egg dish after you’re done with your project.

  1. Gently break the egg in half, removing the yolk and the whites. Wash your egg halves.
  2. Poke holes opposite each other at the top edge of each egg half, using the turkey lacer. Be very careful not to crack the shell.
  3. Thread twine through each hole and tie a knot on the inside of the egg.
  4. Hang and add blooms.

Using your turkey lacer, poke two holes in your half shell. They should be directly across from each other and about a centimeter down from the top edge. This part is NOT easy. You have to be really careful not to crack the entire egg. But don’t worry — if you do, you can try again. Invite some friends over. Your egg dish might turn into a brunch.

Once you’ve successfully punctured holes in the shell, cut some twine and thread a piece through each hole. Tie a knot on the inside of the egg.

Hang your new little planters on a branch and add fresh flowers.

We just love the wax flower in the egg.

We're all about colorful Easter egg dye come spring, but if we're honest, we're not always thrilled with the cleanup. Whether you're dyeing with or without a kit, there are tons of bowls, spoons, and paper towels to scrub once your finished. And don't even get us started on what happens if you spill the dye!

If you want to dye eggs this year but are feeling hesitant about everything it entails, don't worry because this hack from Reynoldsis here to save the day. We like to hard boil our eggs before dyeing, but blown eggs work just as well. Then just grab your slow cooker and get dyeing!

An Easy + Clean Egg Dye Hack

Image via Reynolds Kitchens

First, make some DIY slow cooker dividers with cardboard wrapped in aluminum foil.

Once your slow cooker is divided into four sections, line each section with saran wrap, plastic bags, or slow cooker liners. This will let you use more than one color, but still gives you enough space to dye multiple eggs at once!

Next, fill each section with water. Make sure that, while you want to fill them enough for multiple eggs to be submerged, you don't fill them too high. You don't want the water to overflow — that's definitely not mess-free!

Image via Reynolds Kitchens

Add your Easter egg dye to each section. Pink, purple, and blue are classic shades!

Image via Reynolds Kitchens

Gather your hard boiled or blown eggs to add to the water. You can use strips of tape or string to make all kinds of striped and dotted designs. Then all you have to do is just drop them in the water and wait! This is the perfect opportunity to make a colorful Easter cocktail ;).

The longer the eggs sit in the dye, the darker the color will turn out. So if you prefer pastel eggs, only leave them in for a few minutes.

Image via Reynolds Kitchens

When you remove your eggs from the dye, let them dry on a cookie rack before you remove the tape and the string. Display them on a pretty plate along with your Easter desserts, or as a centerpiece!

Image via Reynolds Kitchens

Voilà! A rainbow of colorful eggs, all boasting different designs. And the best part is, all you have to do to clean up is throw away the liners and the cardboard, then put your slow cooker back in your cabinet. We'll definitely be doing this from here on out.

How To Dye Easter Eggs: More Colored Egg Dye Ideas For Display

Marbled Nail Polish Eggs

If you're not too keen on buying food coloring that you'll only use every once in awhile, just use your nail polish! Instead of adding dye to the sections, pour in your polish. You can use a toothpick to swirl everything around and achieve that marbled look. Have some nail polish remover nearby because your fingers will get messy.

Mosaic Easter Eggs

This hack is a great option for using up hard boiled eggs because you have to peel one to make it! (AKA, you'll have a snack to accompany your DIY). After you peel an egg that you've already dyed, use a hot glue gun to attach the broken shell pieces to a second, plain egg. Easy-peasy.

Sharpie Tie Dye Eggs

This Easter egg design only takes ten minutes, which makes it perfect for busy evenings or for kids who can't sit still for too long. Fill your slow cooker sections with nail polish remover instead of water, then color your eggs with as many Sharpie colors as you want. Dunk them into the nail polish remover (or smear with a wet Q-tip) to give them that tie-dye look.

Housefront Easter Eggs

Paint your favorite TV characters' apartment building or your childhood home onto eggs for a fun and nostalgic DIY. Once you've drawn your design, you'll want to tape up the rest of the egg to make sure the dye stays where you want it. Paint the house with the egg dye, or submerge the whole egg in a slow cooker section. Set to dry.

Enjoyed learnign how to dye Easter eggs? Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our email newsletter for more Easter egg dye hacks!

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"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

When you factor in all of the egg hunting, Easter brunching, and a few photo ops with the Easter bunny, the time allotted for brainstorming egg decorating ideas slips away fast. No worries though — we've got you covered! Whether you're going all out with an intricate design or just need something to quickly DIY day-of, this eggy inspo has a little something for everyone. Before you start stocking those Easter baskets, grab a few Peeps and check out this list for the most egg-cellent ideas to DIY this year.

Full House Easter Egg

Proudly display your love for this '90s favorite with these nostalgia-packed wonders. Grab a waterproof pen and some painter's tape to help you color inside the lines. (via Brit + Co)

Pointillism Easter Egg

Turn those blank Easter canvases into mini masterpieces with this easy DIY that requires just stickers and markers to add dots to your masterpiece. (via Brit + Co)

Paper Dot Garland Egg

If you're really short on time after the Easter brunch is prepped, grab some premade garland or embroidery floss and wrap up your eggs for the big finish. This DIY takes seconds to throw together, so you can get back to planning that Easter brunch. (via Brit + Co)

Floral Easter Egg

There's no better nod to those spring blooms than showing your eggs a little botanical love. Decorate them with your #squad's favorite flowers for a customized Easter basket. (via Brit + Co)

Calligraphy Egg

These calligraphy eggs add the sweetest personalized touch to those Easter gift baskets, and they'd also make some A+ place cards at your Easter brunch. (via Brit + Co)

Sharpie Tie-Dye Egg

Put that Sharpie collection to good use and get in on the tie-dye trend. Just don't forget: They're too pretty (and toxic) to eat! (via Brit + Co)

Tat Egg

This DIY is about as easy as it gets. And it further proves our point: You should always have gold temporary tattoos on hand. (via Brit + Co)

Egg Centerpiece

Save those eggshells from your brunch recipes and put them to good use for your centerpiece. Throw in fresh spring florals and set them into a carton for an Easter garden your guests will love. (via Brit + Co)

Golden Speckled Egg

These metallic wonders belong on the Easter mantle. Use a paintbrush to dab gold paint on the shell for a natural (but glam) look. (via Craftberry Bush)

Fruit + Veggies Eggs

Remind everyone that fruits and veggies are still part of a balanced diet, even with all of those Easter sweets around. (via Brit + Co)

Crescent Moon Egg

Add a mystic edge to your collection this year and throw some crescent moons in the mix. For some edible goodness, opt for natural dye. (via Paper & Stitch)

Swan + Flamingo Pool Float Egg

If your Easter grass is a traditional shade of green, you just can't go wrong with flamingos and swans. These birds will bring the Easter LOLs and make that egg hunt a lot more interesting. (via Brit + Co)

Typography Egg

Graphic designers and hardcore IGers will love this egg DIY. Have your hashtags at the ready to get those "likes" rolling in. (via Lovely Indeed)

Painterly Egg

Sometimes a subtle pattern is all you need. Skip the dip dyes and go with something hand painted instead. These are sure to stand out from the rest. (via Paper N Stich)

Pop Star Egg

Because there's no better way to pay Easter tribute to your favorite celeb than with their own eggy likeness. Have an Easter get-together with your squad and make it a contest for whose egg gets the most votes. Winner takes home a basket of Cadbury eggs and Peeps! (via Brit + Co)

Hipster Egg

These 'stached little dudes are guaranteed to crack a smile or two at the Easter bash. Study up on your knowledge of mustaches, label the bottoms of your eggs, and turn it into a guessing game with your guests. (via Brit + Co)

Naturally Dyed Egg

Give your craft drawer a little time off for this holiday and step outside to find inspo and materials that are au naturale. One of these at each place setting will offer a warm welcome to your guests. (via Brit + Co)

Bouffant Egg

These sassy little eggs are sporting some serious volume. Talk about an A+ basket choice for the hair goddess in your life. (via Studio DIY)

Mosaic Egg

Peeling off a cute design is like unwrapping an adorable holiday gift — it's just so sad! Luckily, these non-toxic mosaic eggs look best right when you're about to chow down. (via Brit + Co)

Cactus Egg

No need to worry about cactus prickers with these adorable little dudes. Personalize each "plant" with a color-coordinated bloom for a desert-chic Easter presentation. (via Brit + Co)

Emoji Eggs

Express your virtual feelings with cute emoji faces! (via Studio DIY)

Burger Easter Egg

The perf answer to brown eggs — no dye needed! (via Studio DIY)

Chalkboard Eggs

We're big fans of chalkboard everything, and Easter eggs are no exception. (via Oleander + Palm)

Photo Print Eggs

We can't decide if these are totally awesome or totally weird. Scratch that: These eggheads are exactly right. (via A Subtle Revelry)

Easter Egg Sticker Art

Great for kids and adults and alike, just download your *adorbs* printable stickers and get to creatin' Easter art! (via Hello, Wonderful)

Alphabet Eggs

Send all your kids Easter messages with the cutest of DIY alphabet eggs. (via Lovely Indeed)

Paint Pen Patterned Eggs

Spray paint and paint pens make for a perfect pairing when it comes to simple and quick egg design. (via Lovely Indeed)

Celebrity Eggs

The secret here is tattoo paper — then you can choose all the stars and phrases. (via Studio DIY)

Easter Egg Tree

Your naturally dyed eggs will look right at home nestled in the branches of this graceful arrangement. (via The House That Lars Built)

Nail Polish Marbleized Eggs

This colorful egg design will come out unique every time! Plus it'll take you less than ten minutes. Just keep in mind that your fingers will get a bit messy. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Stamped Eggs

Simplicity and beauty go hand in hand. And if you don't have the exact shapes you want, make your own potato stamps! (via Squirrelly Minds)

Spring Egg Easter Display

All you'll need is a little paint and some crafting wire to make these spring-y (get it? get it?) creations. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Flower Crown Eggs

Yass queen! Even your seasonal decor can rock a floral headpiece. (via Brit + Co)

Punniest Egg Centerpiece

You can never go wrong with a pun, especially one this egg-cellent. (See what we did there?) (via Brit + Co)

Unicorn Easter Eggs

Unicorns. So hot right now. (via Brit + Co)

Baby Chick Easter Eggs

These cute chickies will be crowd faves with the kids as well as the adults. (via Tell Love and Party)

Piñata Surprise Easter Eggs

Marry your love of all things fringed with your love of chocolate eggs. It doesn't get any better! (via Lovely Indeed)

Pantone Easter Eggs

The inner graphic designer in you is already in love with this idea. Now it's time to bring it to life. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

DIY Terrazzo Easter Eggs

This pattern popped up just about everywhere last year, and it's going strong now. And for good reason: It's a bright and colorful feast for the eyes. (via Club Crafted)

Nautical Themed Eggs

Put a seaside theme on your seasonal decor and it will fit right in with your Lilly Pulitzer vibe. (via Martiza Lisa)

Gradient Easter Eggs

For when you can't decide on just one color palette. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

Leather Ribbon Eggs

You can reuse the leather year after year — no one will know that the eggs were purchased at the last minute. (via Monsters Circus)

Modern Gold Painted Easter Eggs

Matisse himself would be proud of this gilded display of spring color. (via Lovely Indeed)

Follow us on Pinterest for more DIY ideas!

(Additional reporting by Anjelika Temple, Allison Wheeler, and Lindsey Graham-Jones)

This post has been updated.

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

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

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.