It’s My Party & I’ll Make Balloon Stemware If I Want To

As you may have seen, yesterday was my birthday. To celebrate, I had a couple of friends over for wine and dinner, where I served up some of my favorite sparking red wine (yes, sparking red – that really exists). And, to make things a bit more Birthday Chic, I decided to dress up our wine glasses with colorful balloons. It was amazingly simple and the results turned out to be uber cute – I am definitely going to do this again with more glasses the next time I throw a big party. I’m already thinking how great it would be to use red/green balloons for a Christmas party, blue/silver balloons for a Hannukah party, or silver/gold balloons for a New Years party.

I experimented with three different designs, which for the sake of this post, I am calling The Bows, The Buttons, and The Pom Poms. All you need to make these are balloons (a few bucks on Amazon) and your own stemware (even the plastic kind from the grocery store would work).

The Bows

To make this design, just grab a few skinny balloons (the balloon animal kind) and cut off the ends so that you are left with a ~4-inch strip of each color you want to use. Then, just tie knots and trim the edges to the length of your choice. You can make a ton of these using only a few balloons if you cut several 4-inch strips out of each balloon. Easy peasy.

The Buttons

Okay, I know they aren’t actually “buttons,” but I had to come up with a title, and they sort of look like them… right? Right. Regardless, this design uses the same knot-tying as above, only I used bigger balloons (the regular kind of inflatable balloons) and kept the end on each one for the rounded shape. I also trimmed the edge down right to the knot base so that there wasn’t any excess other than the rounded “button”.

The Pom Poms

This one ended up being my favorite. Using skinny balloons (like in The Bows) cut 4-5” strips from each long ballon and bundle different colored strips together. Then, tie the entire bundle in a knot. Trim edges if necessary to get the length desired. Repeat two more times so that you have three knotted bundles on your stem. Done!

I’d love to see any more ideas you guys come up with. Shoot them our way if you decide to experiment with your own balloons: hello@brit.co.

‘Tis the season of outdoor dining. Whether you’re packing up a picnic for the park, hosting friends in the backyard, or simply sneaking your morning cup of coffee out onto the fire escape (like me), there’s no question that it’s just simply more fun to sip under the sun or stars.

And for this summer, we’ve found the cutest drinkware to bring a level of woodland enchantment to every garden party – from out back brunches to evening soirees. Taking inspiration from everything from florals and fungi to some of our favorite forest friends, these ceramics and glassware are the perfect place settings for every spring and summer tablescape.

The Backyard Brunch

Poppy Glasses (Set of 4) ($80)

Start your summer mornings with a pop of poppy in this set of four drinking glasses – available in lilac, yellow, or clear – perfect for water or orange juice.

Fauna Friend Glass Mug ($40)

Snails, birds, and frogs – oh my! These handmade glass mugs – made for morning teas – from Anthropologie are adorned with the sweetest forest friends to be your breakfast dates all summer long.

Mushroom Glass ($15)

I’m a hot coffee over iced coffee girl all year long but this ‘shroom shaped glass might get me singing a different tune. Taking the shape of our favorite forest fungi, this hand blown mushroom glass would be the cutest iced coffee, juice, or smoothie cup in your cabinet.

Connected Goods Blue Blooms Ceramic Mug ($30)

And for the hot coffee drinkers like myself, this natural-toned mug features blue florals that are always in season.

Taking your brunch beachside to watch the summer sunrise? I also love the Leona Ladybug Mug from Urban Outfitters for those mornings when you need a heavier pour.

The Late-Afternoon Luncheon

Fauna Friend Glass Tumbler ($28)

The sister of the Fauna Friend Glass Mug, this drinking glass is the perfect accessory to bring our flying forest friends to the tabletop. We may be shoo-ing away the flies but these lady bugs, butterflies, bumble bees, and dragonflies are welcome lunchtime companions.

Garden Floral Tea For One Set ($70)

Enchanted tea party for one? This personal tea set from Kate Spade turns every tea time – yes, even the mug you drink to beat the midday slump – into a moment out of fairy tale.

Faye Mug ($16)

Enchanted tea party for two? These pastel mugs from Anthropologie, adorned with the cutest garden motifs, are perfect for afternoon teas or a second cup of coffee.

The Summer Soirée

Pernille Rosenkilde Flower Coupe Glasses (Set of 4) ($96)

These are the sweetest coupe glasses I’ve ever seen! This set of four comes with two clear and two rose-hued glasses adorned with budding flowers growing up the stem.

For a more subtle floral feel, I also love Anthropologie’s Morro Coupe Glasses which feature pink bowls blooming from green glass stems.

Birth Month Flower Glass ($24)

Hear me out – how cute would these look as place setting accessories, each flowered glass matched to your friend’s birth-month, for a summer dinner party? Just saying! Whether you're setting the table for a birthday celebration or bundling these up as a gift, these glasses add the cutest (and most functional) floral accent to any table.

Flower Wine Glass ($60)

For a funkier take on floral, this handmade wine glass has lily of the valleys growing up its vine. Filled with a pour of natural wine, you’ll feel like you’ve transported right into a woodland dinner party when you’re sipping from this stemmed glass.

Looking for more summer inspo? Sign up for our email newsletter!

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

Header image via ANTONI SHKRABA production / PEXELS

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

The Stanley tumbler has a death grip on the girls. Though it’s adorable and functional, investing $45 for an insulated vessel can seem a little obnoxious. There are tons of other options out there that can contain your water, iced coffee, and tea with the same quality. Scroll a few of the cutest cups, tumblers, and bottles that replace the need for the signature cup!

Glitter Bomb Sip Sip Tumbler with Straw - Lucky Cup ($19)

You won't want this lucky cup to leave your side! It's appeal lies in the colorful font and glitter details!

BLUEPOLAR Glass Tumbler with Straw ($13)

This glass cup is ideal for your A.M. coffee because it comes already suited with a straw! Plus, it lends itself to multiple uses to reduce paper and plastic waste.

Glass Travel Mug - I Believe In Coffee ($22)

We know your workday just isn't the same without some caffeine, which is why this cup is an essential for waking up.​

Ello Tidal 20 oz Glass Tumbler with Lid ($9)

The clear glass on this tumbler is super helpful in comparison to the Stanley tumbler since you can see what's left in it.

Strawberry Color Change Can Glass ($22)

The color-changing features on this lidded glass cup add some joy to any beverage pour.

Altar'd State Kait 40 oz Insulated Cup with Handle ($40)

This model looks *a little* familiar, but has a friendlier price point.

YETI Rambler ($20)

For smaller sips, this insulated cup from YETI is here. Any liquid you want served cold finds a great home in this vessel – anything from margaritas to iced tea!

frank green 16 oz Stainless Steep Party Cup Set of 4 ($60)

If you're a reusable cup girly through and through, then picking up a set will help you make it through the week without taking up too much time to dish wash.

Owala FreeSip in Retro Boardwalk ($38)

Every drink remains ice cold in this bottle, thanks to its triple insulation feature. You can snag it in different colorways to maximize the fun!

Simple Modern Insulated Tumbler with Lid and Straw ($25)

This cup rises to the caliber of Starbucks tumblers, with a tall base and easy-to-use straw.

Pantone To Go Cup ($25)

Relish in the hues of Pantone with this to-go cup that's available in a range of colors!

Hydroflask 24 oz Mug ($33)

This mug can really handle your drink, no matter what it is. Hot chocolate or a cold soda, you can count on this Hydroflask design to hold your sip with care.

Good Citizen Coffee Co. Iced Coffee Tumbler ($22)

Following the outline of curved, organic shapes, this tumbler was made for days when you're on the road or taking a hot girl walk.

Coming Soon Nalgene Water Bottle ($32)

Nalgene bottles are notorious for being unbreakable. Though they lack insulation, you can pick them up in an array of fun colors that complement your personal style!

Embark Stainless Steel Lidded Tumbler ($10)

This basic tumbler can be held accountable for always looking sleek. It keeps your liquids cold and contained, no matter the day.

Sign up for our newsletter for more product recs!

Header image via Target

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

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