How to Make Your Own “Wreath Witherspoon” for the Holidays

Dec 01, 2016

Today I’m going to talk to you about a gal we know and love: Reese Witherspoon! There’s a Reese for everyone, whether you identify more with her Legally Blonde character or her Wild side. In other words, she really gets us all, doesn’t she? That’s why we were over the moon when we heard about the Wreath Witherspoon trend. Combining our love for puns, the holidays AND Reese, this ode to all three deserves a solid slow clap. Today we’re making our own version and we’ll walk you through the steps.

Draper James

Draper James site!

Materials and Tools:

First order of business is to spray paint your wreath. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area and give it a few coats. Remember, hold the can about a foot away from the wreath. We know it seems like a great idea to spray it mere inches away, but that will great “drips” and won’t result in an even layer of paint.

eucalyptus wreath
Reese Witherspoon photos printed on paper
red cardstock
ruler
gold spray paint
metallic tape
hot glue gun + glue
X-ACTO knife

Print out your favorite Reese photos. We resized each into 1/5-inch squares in Photoshop and printed them on cardstock. Using a cutting mat (not pictured above!), your ruler and an X-ACTO knife to cut out each photo. Then cut out red cardstock squares that are about a 1/4 inch larger than the photos.

Our tape was thick, so we cut it into smaller strips. Note: the link in the materials list is for rose gold washi so if you get that, you won’t need to do this step. Tape the photos to the red cardstock on the diagonal.

Hot glue your photos to a branch or leaf, evenly spacing them out. You might want to lay them out first so you get the right distribution.

There you have it!

Pop this baby on your door, a wall or use it as a centerpiece on your dinner table.

The wine bag, place mat, plate, napkin and Deck the Halls Y’all coaster are all from the Draper James line if you want to go full Reese on your table settings :)

What kind of Wreath Witherspoon will you make this year? Show us your project by tagging us on Instagram + using the hashtag #iamcreative!

Get Ready To Deck The Halls With Target's Holiday Decor

There’s just something magical about going all out on holiday decorations. What’s even more magical is frolicking down the aisles of your local Target, on the hunt for the cutest pieces to add to your space. Bonus points if there’s a seasonal Starbucks drink in hand, which really amps up the spirit. There’s a wide range of style routes to take when it comes to holiday decorations, which is why we’ve rounded up a handful of different pieces to get those creative juices flowing. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays this year or not, Target has something for everyone. Let the decorating begin!

Decor For Hanukkah

This year, Hanukkah begins on December 7 and ends on December 15. Fill your home with delicious foods, lots of love, and holiday spirit throughout this eight day celebration. Here's some inspiration to get your Target decor ideas flowing:

Threshold Happy Hanukkah Mantel Decor

This mantel decor is an easy and appealing way to honor Hanukkah.

Sprtiz Aluminum Hanukkah Menorah

This vibrant menorah is an easy addition to your Hanukkah celebration.

Spritz 16" x 16" Reversible 'Happy Hanukkah' Square Decorative Pillow

Stay cozy and spirited with this velvet blue menorah pillow.

Threshold Dreidel and Pom Pom Hanukkah Garland

This unique Hanukkah garland will tie all of your decor together in the best way!

Decor For Christmas

Christmasfalls on December 25, though a lot of us like to start the celebration early by decorating throughout the entire month. Here's a quick roundup of what sort of decorations Target has to offer this year:

Threshold Mini Eucalyptus with Red Berry Christmas Wreath

There is no shortage of wreaths out there. If you are indecisive among all of the choices, DIY your own wreath this year.

Wondershop Featherly Friends Fabric Hanging Christmas Tree

We love this pick from Target, which features cozy snowmen that represent the 12 days of Christmas.

Threshold Artificial Tinsel Christmas Tree

Bring on the Christmas trees. Whether you need aesthetically pleasing accent decor, or you're looking for an alternative tree this year, this tinsel piece will do the job.

Threshold Woven Plaid Table Runner

If you're hosting Christmas Eve dinner, a cute table runner is a must-have.

Wondershop Christmas Nativity Scene Figurine Set

Minimal and elegant, this nativity scene works well within any Christmas setup.

Threshold Noel Wall Sign

Instead of decking the halls with boughs of holly, opt for a Christmas wall sign.

Wondershop Felt Christmas Tree and Gift Figurines

How cute are these felt Christmas figurines?

Wondershop Shatter-Resistant Textured Christmas Ornaments (20pc)

If you didn't know shatter-resistant Christmas ornamentsare essential if you have kids, we're happy to share that they're essential.

Decor For The Non-Celebrator

If you're not celebrating this year, you can still create a cozy winter wonderland at home. Reach for cozy pillows and blankets, as well as decor with warm lighting and some of your fave candles!

Threshold Quilted Velvet Square Throw Pillow

This plush pillow will add peak cozy vibes to your living room.

Threshold Long Faux Fur Round Throw Pillow

This throw pillow may remind you of a huge snowball but it doesn't mean you're forcing yourself to celebrate Christmas if you add it to your couch or bed.

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Winter Plaid Woven Throw Blanket in Tonal Green

Add more greenery to your couch with this plaid woven throw blanket by Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Winter Plaid.

Opalhouse Limited Edition 'Christmas Cheer' Candle

Take it from us, this candle smells like Christmas.We'll be burning it all season long.

Wondershop Mixed Greenery and Poinsettia Christmas Wreath

If you still want to show off your holiday spirit, opt for a wreath that has gilded pinecones and Poinsettias on it!

Wondershop Flocked Sitting Deer Christmas Figurine

These deer figurines are the cutest. Accent your holiday decor with a few of the same color, or go all out with a multicolored theme.

Wondershop Battery Operated Lit Deer and Foliage Sculpture

If you need a little more light in your space, go for this battery operated lit deer and foliage sculpture. It's festive without being too overwhelming.

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Faux Cedar & Magnolia Leaf with Winterberries

Faux plants are universal so this design by Hearth & Hand with Magnolia is great for the person who simply wants to add a pop of color to their living room.

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

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Jasmine Williams.

Featured images via Target.

Brie Larson's Life-Changing Relationship Advice Took My Breath Away

Brie Larson takes wellness very seriously. And considering she's saved the universe as Captain Marvel and fought alongside King Kong in Kong: Skull Island, prioritizing her health only makes sense. I got up close and personal with the Oscar-winning actress at Thorne's Mocktail Club in New York City on October 8, where she told me that in the pursuit of wellness, she's "always" seeking to feel "happy and safe in my body."

Brie Larson tells Brit + Co that movement, breathing techniques, and temperature changes help her feel "happy and safe in my body."
When it comes to her work, she says she chooses stories with messages she'll "be able to live with for the rest of my life."
She also reveals the best piece of advice she's received, and says keeping it in mind "makes things easier."

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

But even Larson has days she feels off, saying she knows that feeling "very well," and whether it's seasonal blues or mental health days, she knows routine is where she thrives — and seasonal affective disorder lamps. "Light is a big game changer for me because I grew up in California," she says.

To engage her other senses, she relies on movement, breathing techniques, and temperature changes to keep in touch with her body. "A hot bath, a cold shower, both — anything that sort of wakes your brain up and kind of jolts it," she says. "I have a pretty demanding schedule and I truly don't have room to not feel like I'm present in my life. And so you come up with ways to figure out how to do that."

That includes everything from drinking plenty of water and prioritizing sleep to packing foam rollers and bands in her carry on. "It looks like a clown bag!" she says. "I always do [those exercises] every morning because even if I don't want to do it, which I always don't want to do it, I feel a lot better after I do it."

Thorne

Admittedly, that's exactly how I feel some days about making breakfast — but a powerhouse like Larson knows how important fueling our bodies is. "Pretty consistently I'm having an egg, like a breakfast sandwich, egg on toast first thing in the morning," she says. "I can't think beyond that for breakfast because I wake up so early. It's like there's no creativity happening in the morning. I'm sorry. No."

And while her mornings are all about wellness, her evenings are all about getting cozy, and she tells me her dream night in includes playing a new video game, wearing Gelato Pique sweatpants, and ordering Thai food. But when she's in the kitchen? "I've been making pasta and sausage quite a bit and I make tacos quite a bit. I mean, I kind of just do like protein and veggies and a little bit of a carb," she says.

Walt Disney Studios / Marvel Studios

Cozy nights in wouldn't be the same without a movie, and there's a very good chance you've seen Larson on your screen recently, whether you're rewatching Captain Marvel, 13 Going on 30, or Lessons in Chemistry. But how does the actress consistently choose such beautiful, inspiring pieces to work on? She equates the feeling to having a crush.

"When I feel like [a story] hits something that lives so truthfully in me that I just want to know if it's true to other people," she says. "I just know that we all have more that's the same than different...Film and television, it lives in a way that is beyond me physically. So I'm here talking to you, but anybody can be watching whatever they want. And so I try my best to think through what the pieces are saying so that they go out in the world and I don't get to be at the end of it and explain it or tell people what to feel or what to take from it. It lives a life outside of me. So I try and make sure that it has a complete message in it that I feel like I'll be able to live with for the rest of my life."

Apple TV+

Just like Carol Danvers and Elizabeth Zott empower so many viewers, Brie Larson says she feels empowered by her own Hollywood heroes. "Earlier in my career, like when I was trying to visualize what kind of career I wanted, it was Toni Colette and she's still a hero of mine, but she was truly the one that I was like, 'I want to disappear into characters the way she does.'"

"There's so many incredible [actors]," she continues. "Some of them are people that are more my age and some are older than me. But that's the fun part of my job is that there's so many good people and so many things that are getting made. And so it just feels like we're constantly kind of maneuvering, and when they take on certain roles and represent certain things, it frees up for other people to do other things. And so we kind of all work as a unit."

One movie on the horizon that I'm excited for is Mattel's new American Girl movie. Like many 80s and 90s kids, Brie Larson loved American Girl dolls — and borrowed her stage name from pioneer Kirsten Larson! And just like the rest of us AG kids, she tells me she can't wait for the movie. "I've also seen that there's going to be adult Halloween costumes, which I'm also very excited about," she says. Will she be grabbing a Kirsten one for herself? "I just might!"

Q+A With Brie Larson

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

What's the first thing you did after you won your Oscar?

I probably drank champagne...I drank champagne and I put sneakers on, and then I went to the airport.

What's the best piece of advice you've received?

"When I think I know, I miss so much." We all get stuck in these things — I think an easy one to think about is like, you're in a fight with your sibling or your partner, and you are just so right in how angry you are. And then maybe the next day you wake up and you're like, "Maybe there was another side to that." And so we miss things when we're in a space where we believe that we know. Having an openness to what something can be or that things can be different than what you think makes things easier.

Thorne

What's on your holiday bucket list?

I love the holidays. Because I'm in California, I really am looking forward to this year having a chilly winter. I love a cold winter, cozy winter. I love Christmas markets, so I'll definitely hit things like that. All the little holiday markets pop up around, yeah, it's just like a rare time when everybody is resting at the same time.

What are you watching, reading and listening to right now?

Okay. I am reading a book called Patricia Wants To Cuddle. I am watching Love is Blind season 7 because I am not silly. And listening to Chappell Roan, obviously.

Read Hilarie Burton Just Spilled Some Serious One Tree Hill Teafor more fun celeb insights!

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

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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15 Front Door Wreaths To Cheer Up Your Entry

Front door wreaths are a festive way to decorate your home any time of year, not just around the holidays. From faux pine to pampas grass to a beautiful mix of dried fruit and flowers, this door decor can add personality to your home while also greeting guests year-round. To preserve your wreath outdoors, keep it sheltered from direct sunlight and limit exposure to rain, snow, whatever elements come your way. Prefer to make your own? Check out our pom pom, succulent, and holiday wreath DIYs you can make at a fraction of the cost. Here are 15 wreaths you'll want to deck out your doors and indoors this holiday season and beyond.

Anthropologie Ashn Earth Holiday Wreath ($238)

With beautiful botanicals sourced from woman-owned farms, this wreath is like an art piece made of branches, stems, and dried fruit.

Crate and Barrel Rust Pampas Grass Wreath ($60)

This rust color stopped us in our online shopping tracks. Faux pampas grass in a red-orange hue looks stunning through Friendsgiving and all year long.

DIY Holiday Wreath

Say hello to our embroidery hoop mixed with fringe, florals and wood. Take it a step further and add in succulents and some gold detailing to make it the cutest DIY Christmas wreath on the block. (via Brit + Co)

Etsy Large Beaded Natural Dried Wreath ($178)

This mix of botanicals on a lovely beaded wreath include: Baby’s Breath, Banksia flowers, Brunia stems, Phylica, and white everlasting flowers in green, red, yellow, and pink hues.

Etsy Boho Wreath ($83+)

This boho-inspired pampas wreath is lush and beautiful and would look stunning on a dark-colored door.

Afloral Real Touch Norfolk Pine Wreath ($68)

This super natural-looking pine wreath is faux and fabulous all year-round.

DIY Pom Pom Wreath

Here's a wreath that's festive, colorful, and could be hung yearlong. All it takes is some pom-pom skills (read: scissors) and a good Netflix binge to get you there. Get ready to bring pom-pom holiday decor to your home. (via Brit + Co)

ETSY DRIED FLOWER PAMPAS WREATH ($122)

Dried flowers combined with oats, wheat, pampas grass, and mixed cereals will turn your front door into an actual conversation piece.

William Sonoma Halloween Corn Husk Wreath ($100)

Dried corn husks painted in seasonal hues and arranged in an eye-catching pinwheel gives off all the fall feels.

Terrain Iron Constellation Wreath ($58)

This wreath is made up of a constellation of weathered iron stars for a little celestial vibe.

Food52 Dried Mixed Marigold Wreath ($78)

Made on a family farm by hand, this marigold wreath showcases all the orange and yellow herbs and flowers of fall's bounty. Hang on your door or indoors. It starts out fresh and dried beautifully for long-term use.

Cost Plus Dried Harvest Botanicals and Black Metal Wreath ($25)

Simple and subtle with a natural aesthetic perfect for fall, this wreath adds texture to your nature-inspired decor.

West Elm Kids Felted Wreath ($40)

Cozy and colorful, this felty wreath will spruce up your doors and walls with playful pom poms (bonus: it's made in in Fair Trade-certified factory).

Orchid & Ivy Felt Leaf Front Door Wreath ($33)

This affordable felt wreath os so fun and colorful we want to make it ourselves!

DIY Succulent Wreath

Here's a holiday wreath refresh, California style. It also makes a great handmade gift! (via Brit + Co)

Sign up for our newsletter to receive more creative home decor ideas, delivered right to your inbox and check out our creative DIY classes on B+C Classes!

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

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Lake Geneva Is The Midwest Travel Destination Full Of Cozy, European Charm

With fall in full swing, it's safe to say you may have already taken trips to a local pumpkin patch or made your way to a haunted house (or two) for Halloween. However, if you're looking for a perfect quaint fall getaway, then add Lake Geneva to the top of your list! Located in Wisconsin, Lake Geneva — not to be confused with the similarly named Swiss body of water — is a gorgeous midwest town located right next to the stunning, sprawling Geneva Lake. You'll find numerous hotels, local restaurants, boutique and shops throughout the city, offering up plenty to do.

Not sure where to start? Luckily for you, I took a trip to Lake Geneva last month, and I've rounded up a quick guide for where (and what) you'll want to check out during your visit.

PS: If you can't make it this fall, just imagine the winter wonderland you'll find this winter, or the summer oasis you'll savor all summer!

Where To stay In Lake Geneva

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

There are so many hotels to stay at in Lake Geneva, but there are definitely a few that really standout properties you should consider during your visit!

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is luxurious — yet somehow wonderfully quaint — property located an hour from Chicago that's great for your fall getaway. You'll find standard rooms and suites alongside a plethora of dining options and amenities to utilize during your stay including an indoor and outdoor pool, golf courses, a fitness center, a spa, and an on-site trolley. Plus, the resort has packages for the fall available where you can receive free rounds of golf during your stay on The Brute or The Highlands courses. Might I suggest sending the boys on a golfing spree while you and the girls savor the spa? 😉

Maxwell Mansion

Maxwell Mansion

Book lovers, this one's for you! The Maxwell Mansion is a boutique hotel that's two blocks away from Geneva Lake. The historic mansion has 28 rooms, some of which are inspired by historic figures such Emily Bronte, Charlotte Bronte, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, General Grant, and Virginia Woolf. You'll also find a hidden speakeasy that's open to resort guests, and it's definitely worth checking out if you have some free time. Otherwise, you can find an indoor bar or grab a drink at the seasonally open tiki bar by the pool!

Warning: This hotel is adults only, so it's best suited for a romantic getaway or a girls' trip!

The Abbey Resort

The Abbey Resort

For a more full-service experience, The Abbey Resort is a great option for families and solo travelers. Aside from spacious rooms, the property has indoor and outdoor pools, live music, an entertainment center, and a 35,000 square-foot spa. The Avani spa is absolutely a highlight at this property, too — you can book a massage, manicure, pedicure, hair and makeup services depending on what you're interested in. Outside of all that, the resort is simply stunning, making it an even better spot to enjoy the fall foliage and take some totally Instagram-worthy photos.

Where To Eat In Lake Geneva

Instagram/@pier_290

While you'll eat lots of cheese curds (and cheese in general, let's be real) in Lake Geneva, you'll probably want to swing by a restaurant for a more hearty meal. Here are some top options to add to your reservations!

Pier 290

You can't visit Lake Geneva without dining alongside Geneva Lake, and Pier 290 is the city's only lakeside restaurant! While the view alone has plenty of allure, the menu loaded with familiar favorites from cheese curds to lobster rolls. Plus, if you stop by on the weekend, you'll be able to enjoy some awesome live music as you eat!

Instagram/@soprabistro

Sopra

If you're craving Italian food, then you'll definitely want to head on over to Sopra. This Italian-American bistro located on main street is home to scrumptious eats including fish, pastas, salads, and more. A majority of the menu items have unique names — I'm looking at you, "donald from delhi" — adding a little extra fun and flair to your dining experience. So grab a "b positive" cocktail (blood orange vodka, club soda, splash of blood orange juice), and enjoy your evening!

The Abbey

240 West

Chow down on locally sourced ingredients at The Abbey Resort's 240 West Restaurant. Chef Noah Gumustekin curated a selection of dishes from pappardelle to a grilled ribeye that'll get your mouth watering at the thought. Plus, if you're staying on the property, you can eat to your heart's content and make your way to a lovely night's sleep in no time!

What To Do In Lake Geneva

Instagram/@cruiselakegeneva

Go On A Mail Cruise

Looking to actually get out on the lake itself? Lake Geneva Cruise Line hosts a US mailboat tour where you can sit on a boat as employees deliver mail to over 75 homes around the lake. During the two hour tour you'll learn all about the different mansions on the lake, plus some fun facts about Lake Geneva in general! This is a must-do for first-time visitors!

Instagram/@yerkesobservatory

Visit Yerkes Observatory

Science lovers will want to take a trip over to Yerkes Observatoryfor all things space. The historic building is home to the world's largest refracting telescope (wow!), alongside plenty of other exhibits which you can browse at your own leisure. If you're looking for a more guided experience, the observatory offers tours to help you understand what the heck you're actually observing.

VisitLakeGeneva.com

Walk Along The Shore Path

You should totally take some time out of your busy itinerary to walk the shore path around Geneva Lake. The entire path is over 20 miles — which would take you almost all day to complete in its entirety — but you can just start and end wherever you'd like to get a gorgeous view of the lake and the larger-than-life mansions. The best part? It's free and open to the public, so you can stroll around at any time.

Lake Geneva Cooking School

Take A Cooking Class

If you're looking to spend time like a local in Lake Geneva, then you'll want to register for a class at Lake Geneva School of Cooking. Join Chef John Bogan and his team as you participate in a hands-on cooking class alongside other locals and vacation go-ers. You can browse the classes offered online and pick one that suits your palate, whether that's a meat-driven dinner or a perfect pasta dish. Classes are priced at $150 per person, so it's a bit on the expensive side, but think of it this way: this experience goes beyond the class! You can cook this menu over and over again at home, remembering the fabulous time you had in Lake Geneva.

Hill Valley Dairy

Try Some Local Cheese

You can't visit Wisconsin without trying some local cheese. Head on over to Hill Valley Dairy to get your hands — and taste buds — on locally produced cheeses. Once you figure out what you like, you can buy them to take home with you, so you can enjoy them even after you leave Lake Geneva! And who doesn't want more cheese in their lives?

Why is Lake Geneva so famous?

VisitLakeGeneva.com

Lake Geneva is famous given all its fine dining, larger-than-life mansions, and absolutely beautiful body of water. Additionally, this quaint town is also in a pristine location located only an hour away from Chicago, making it an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and be a little more in tune with nature.

On top of that, plenty of travelers compare Lake Geneva to more expensive destinations across the globe, from Lake Comoto Newport. This lets you get all the beauty and luxury of those bucket list towns without the high price tags!

How do I spend a day in Lake Geneva?

VisitLakeGeneva.com

When it comes to activities, Lake Geneva has plenty to offer! Whether you're simply walking the shore path, indulging in delicious locally grown dinners, or taking a cruise around the lake, you'll find fun everywhere you turn! And just because this is a lake town, doesn't mean you have to be outdoorsy. You can cater your experience based on your interests, including relaxing in one of the lovely luxury hotels.

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

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25 Halloween Costumes That Prove Humor Is Sexy

The age-old Halloween dilemma (for some of us): Your funny sense of humor is dying to go with a Halloween costume that produces laughter, but another part of you wants to look sexy. Well, you’re in luck, girl, because funny *is* the new sexy. That said, we get what you’re actually going for, so we’ve brought you 33 Halloween costumes that prove you can get freaky (in a weird yet sexy way) and still wear those fishnets on Halloween.

Brit + Co

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

With prior reporting by Ariel Garneau and Jessica Ourisman.

This post has been updated.

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