How to Make a Floral Chandelier for Your Spring or Summer Wedding

I’ve never been married, but the thought of planning the most magical day sounds a little stressful and intimidating! Luckily you have us at Brit + Co to give you the lowdown on how to DIY your way through one of the most memorable moments of your life. I’m not going to lie — I have a Pin board filled with DIY wedding ideas for my future day already started, and this hanging flower chandelier is one of my favorite pins.

The tricky part about this DIY is using real flowers. With fresh buds, you need to prep the piece the night before or morning of the wedding, and let’s be real — you aren’t going to have time to make a floral chandelier the night before your wedding. So, we turned to a site called Afloral to help us with our fake flower needs. I spent $145 on fake flowers and probably had enough to make a three-tiered flower chandelier, but decided to stop at two. I used the basic principles from Roxy’s post on how to arrange flowers to complete my flower chandelier. This is the perfect piece to hang over the bride and groom’s seat at the dinner table, the dessert table or even the welcome table. If you aren’t getting married soon, don’t worry. This chandelier works well for all occasions or as a statement chandelier in any room.

Materials:

Tools:

  • wire cutters
  • hot glue gun
  • scissors

Instructions:

1. Hot glue the coral fern and green leaves to the sides of the frame.

2. Wrap the wire around the frame and palm leaves to hold the leaves in place.

3. Hot glue the flowers around the frames to cover up empty spots and wire wrapping.

4. Create little bundles of succulents and dusty miller leaves and secure the stems with wire. Attach to frame with hot glue or wire.

5. Tie the fishing line to the frame, hang it up and step back to enjoy its beauty.

  1. Grab your frames and remove the backing and glass. You will only be using the frame. Feel free to spray paint the frame green to better blend in with the plants, but this step isn’t necessary. Grab your green leafy plants and begin to plan out how they will be arranged on the frame.
  2. Start gluing the coral fern and green leaves to the edge of the frame. Don’t feel as if you need to cover the whole frame. You will be adding three more layers of depth in the steps to come!
  3. Decide the placement of your palm leaves and then wrap with wire to hold in place. You want the palm leaves to hang down from the frame to create a cascading effect.
  4. Time to add the stars of the show — the flowers! Use hot glue to attach the flowers to the frame. Place them in areas where the frame is bare or there is wire wrapping that needs to be covered. Mix and match the placement of flower colors throughout the four sides of the frame.
  5. Looking good. Let’s add the last touch: the succulent fillers.
  6. Cut off sections of the succulent bundle and dusty miller leaves to create new bundles. Wrap the stems in wire to hold it together, then attach to the frame using hot glue, wire and/or floral tape.
  7. Tie fishing line to the corners of the frame and then have all pieces meet in the middle to create one loop for easy hanging.
  8. Place the smaller frame inside the larger frame to create a two-tiered floral chandelier.
  9. Insert heart-eyed emoji here.

Show us your project by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!

DIY Production and Styling: Kelly Bryden
Photography: Kurt Andre

I guess fall is cool for the mass amount of pumpkins and all things Halloween, but what I really look forward to the most is the food. With the holidays on the way, my mind is laser-focused on crafting (and chowing down on) comfort foodslike savory soups, stews, gooey mac and cheese,roast chicken, green bean casserole, and so much more. There’s no better way to prep these delicious seasonal dishes than showing them some TLC with the proper cookware. Le Creuset’s new fall collection is the perfect supplier of all the fall vibes, especially since it’s packed with adorable pumpkin-shaped pots, mugs, and baking dishes. Shop the pieces I’m obsessing over below – you’ll be obsessed, too!

Nordstrom

Le Creuset Pumpkin Mug & Lid

The ideal vessel for homemade PSLs and hot chocolates (or even soups and cobblers), this lidded stoneware mug keeps its contents warm and fresh to deliver unparalleled comfort in each sip or bite. It also comes in white, olive green, and burgundy – and at $50, it'd make the perfect gift for the foodie in your life!

Nordstrom

Le Creuset Figural Pumpkin Mini Baking Dish

Just imagine a fresh loaf of sourdough in this baby. My mouth's watering already! The stoneware material this $50 mini baking dish is made of ensures even heat distribution, no matter what you're cookin' up. It also retains heat very well to keep your food warm for serving a crowd. The best part is it's broiler, microwave, and oven-safe up to 500ºF!

Nordstrom

Le Creuset Pumpkin Gravy Boat & Lid

Good gravy, I haven't seen a gravy boat this cute in, like, ever. This charming $65 pumpkin-shaped piece allows for the perfect steady pour, and the dense stoneware keeps the contents warm for a good while, so you can grub completely uninterrupted.

Nordstrom

Le Creuset Pumpkin Butter Dish in Persimmon

Another pumpkin-y staple for your next fall dinner party spread, this butter dish encases your sticks of butter with an easy on-and-off lid.

Nordstrom

Le Creuset Pumpkin Butter Dish in Olive

In addition to the stark white colorway, the butter dish also comes in persimmon (orange) and this serene olive green for $70.

Nordstrom

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Pumpkin Baking Dish

Fit for all kinds of fall cuisine like cobblers, pot pies, soups, breads, and casseroles, this lidded cast iron baking dish is a total pro at delivering substantial, even heat, retaining the temperature of its contents, and looking so cute while doing it. This is the largest pumpkin piece in Le Creuset's fall collection, currently going for $368 at Nordstrom.

Nordstrom

Le Creuset Figural Pumpkin Stoneware Baker

Pumpkin pie, anyone? This low-lying baking dish is the perfect piece to chef up your favorite seasonal desserts. The lid will keep your treats nice and fresh until it's time to serve!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more cute fall hosting essentials!

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

"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!

Ready-to-wear fashion brand RHODE and global design company West Elm have collaborated for a fashionably floral homewares collection that’s simply *perfect* for the summer season. When warm weather calls us outside for one-too-many-glasses-of-wine dinner parties, this latest 40-piece collab’s covered-in-blooms dinner plates and funky serving tray come into play, making for a stylish table spread. Decorative linens from the likes of pillowcases and tea towels join the collection by striking a balance between polished and playful.

The two retailers joined forces to elevate your spaces, inside and out. You can shop the pieces, ranging from $39-330, exclusively at westelm.com beginning today. Find our favorite picks for summertime entertainment and leisure below!

Wiggle Round Pillows ($39)

Each of these rounded pillows complements the other in *such* a satisfying way. The primary color palette keeps things wondrously juvenile, which strongly correlates with our everlasting dopamine decor dreams.

“This collection is full of inspiration from our travels and intended to mix and match unabashedly," said RHODE Creative Director and Co-founder, Purna Khatau. "It was such an incredible process to collaborate with West Elm and bring our signature prints to life with their team."

Mushroom Reversible Sham ($50)

This pillow gracefully works texture into your bedroom or living room spaces. The earthy hues bring the summer season inside, highlighting delicate floral imagery.

Lacquer Tray ($50)

We're so ready to serve our girls only the bestsummer cocktails via this groovy serving tray. The piece really embraces fun with waves and bright blue.

Begonia Pillow Cover ($49)

Each color on this throw pillow balances out the other with harmony. The ruffle edging adds visual interest to a piece that might have otherwise been dangerously simple.

Wiggle Rope Bath Mat ($45)

Your bathroom is incomplete until you've laid out an eye-catching bathmat. This round one from the RHODE + West Elm collab marries the rest of the collection with ease, utilizing the wavy green line detail. It's playful in shape, but the color palette keeps this accessory elevated.

Begonia Napkin Sets ($40 for set of 4)

Mix and match your kitchen linens by beginning with this combo. The wavy green hem is the perfect pair for the more simple tea towel, which gets a barely-there yellow stitch finishing.

Echoing the sentiment, “In working with West Elm, we truly went back to our origins," RHODE Co-founder Phoebe Vickers said. "We included a few of our signature prints — bringing the DNA of RHODE to a new medium, which has been incredibly exciting."

Batik Pillow Cover ($59)

This skinny accent pillow is sure to find a home on your lush bedspread or sofa. The patterned fabric has a hand-drawn feel that amps up your home's personality.

Salad Plate ($52 for set of 4)

This patterned plate will undoubtedly complement your best summer appetizer recipe – the organic shape, alongside ornamental vine and flower decals, gives this piece a touch of nature – super suitable for a garden party!

Mushroom Pillow Cover ($49)

We could truly get lost in all of the whimsical details on this throw pillow's fabric. Dotted in adorable little tars, foliage, and flowers, this pick will make you feel warm and cozy inside – just the way being at home should.

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest fashion and home decor collections!

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

Images via RHODE + West Elm

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.