13 Items to Stock Pile Now to Get You Ready for Holiday Entertaining

Oct 17, 2015

We know it’s coming. We can feel it in the air. That’s right, the holiday season is nearly upon us. Soon, pumpkins and candy corn will be replaced with pumpkin pies and candy canes. And TBH, we are just excited to start redecorating for the holidays. But like any good hostess, we’re preparing in advance for our lovely holiday guests. Now you don’t have to wait till the last minute to grab those entertaining goodies. Here is a list of must-have items to keep stockpiled around your home for a seamless holiday entertaining experience.

1. Colorful Tableware: The great thing about plates, bowls and silverware? They don’t have to be explicitly holiday-themed to feel merry and bright. Start collecting a few of your favorite pieces now so you’ll be more than ready when it’s time to carve the turkey or serve up those Santa cookies. (via Brit + Co)

2. A Well-Stocked Bar: Whether you have a full-on wet bar, a little corner in your kitchen or an entire bar cart, make sure your booze and fixins are ready to go. You could also start collecting colorful straws, cocktail napkins or holiday drink recipes for an even more eye-catching drink situation. (via The Skinny Confidential)

3. Pretty Napkins: While napkins can up the “wow” factor on any tablescape, all that drinking and eating can cause those napkins to be flowing more heavily than the booze you’re serving. That’s why it’s always good to have plenty of extras on hand. We’re especially loving this unique DIY scalloped version. (via Sarah Hearts)

4. String Lights: Absolutely nothing feels cozier than a well-lit room. And don’t think those rainbow colored bulbs you throw on the tree every year are the only way to get the job done. Try stringing up a set of simple white bulbs anywhere in your home for instant warmth. (via Alex’s Closet)

5. Festive Glassware: The right glasses will add a certain holiday dazzle to that otherwise ordinary cup of wine or ‘nog. This gilded set ($56) from our shop would make a great addition to any home and will last well past the holiday season.

6. Extra Seating: This DIY ottoman is a great way to turn a ho-hum vintage piece into some extra legroom for your dad or place for your friend to sit. Make or find a few of these similar pieces to create extra seating on the fly. (via Brit+ Co)

7. Colorful Place Cards: Whether you buy or DIY them, name cards are a great thing to have on hand. They instantly tie together a holiday theme, while also adding a personal touch. We’re especially in love with these walnut place cards, which can be used for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve and many holiday seasons to come! (via eHow)

8. Seasonal Candle: You don’t have to be part of Kappa Kappa Tau (Scream Queens, anyone!?) to be obsessed with candles. There’s a reason why they seem to have an extra special place in the holiday celebrations. We especially love this essential oils candle ($28), which has fall-inspired notes of cedar and sage.

9. Colorful Coasters: Of course with a well-stocked bar and beautiful glassware comes watermarks. Protect your favorite furniture pieces and start DIYing a few (like the rustic ones featured above) right now in order to make sure you have plenty to go around when the party date arrives. (via Brit + Co)

10. Cheeseboards: Every season there seems to be talk of a new or interesting way of arranging the ultimate cheese plate. Start looking for different pairings now — crackers, wines, international cheeses and even the trays themselves — to have the ultimate cheese spread ready to go by party time. Pick up this DIY wood-burnt cheeseboard kit ($40-$50) to make it even more special.

11. Napkin Rings: Somehow these rings go missing after every get-together, but that just gives you a reason to add a few more to your collection! This DIY is great since the foliage works for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. (via Hello Natural)

12. Wine Charms: Help your guests keep track of their drinks by offering each of them a fun wine charm. This tassel option is totally on trend and would also make a great favor. (via Design Fixation)

13. French Press: Always make sure your bean stock is high. Between late-night Irish coffees and early morning cleanup sessions, you’ll want to have the caffeine makers running at all hours for both you and your guests. If you don’t have a coffee maker, we highly recommend this copper french press ($60), which is so gorgeous it almost doubles as a sort of decor.

How many of you are entertaining for the holidays? Share in the comments below.

26 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers Guests Will Love

Since cooking a Thanksgiving dinner takes a hot minute, it's not a bad idea to have some appetizerson-hand to serve your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving guests. Of course, you don’t want to have to spend a ton of time making snacks when you’re also preparing a feast – but that’s where these last-minute bites come in! These Thanksgiving appetizers will keep your guests satisfied until dinner, and they’re so easy to make, you won’t have to deal with any extra kitchen drama.

Without further ado, let's dive into these quick and easy Thanksgiving appetizers!

Fresh Eggs Daily

Baked Eggs in Butternut Squash Rings

Yummy Thanksgiving Appetizers can be as cute as they are scrumptious — like these Baked Eggs in Butternut Squash Rings recipe form Lisa Steele, author of The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook. Here's how you make it:

Ingredients:

1 large butternut squash
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
6 eggs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh sage for garnish

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash the squash and cut crosswise into six 3/4- to 1-inch slices. Scoop out the seeds and hollow out the middle of each slice to allow room for an egg.
Arrange the squash on the baking sheet and brush each ring with olive oil inside and out, then season with salt and pepper. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 20 minutes, until the squash has softened. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently crack and slide 1 egg into the center of each squash ring. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and return to the oven. Bake about 8 minutes, until the egg whites are set and the yolks are firm but not fully set.
Use a spatula to slide the squash rings onto plates. Top with Parmesan, garnish with fresh sage, and drizzle with olive oil.

Sarah Anderson

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are such a reliable crowd-pleaser when it comes to Thanksgiving appetizer, or starters for any occasion, really! These 'shrooms in particular take inspiration from Greek cuisine and include tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, feta cheese, and salami.

Plant Provisions

Italian Savory Hand Pies

These hand pies are 100% vegan, so you can confidently serve them to a party of all diets. They're meaty, cheesy, herby, and definitely filling if you need to prep a decent snack ahead of your fancy Thanksgiving feast.

Parmigiano Reggiano

Chocolate-Covered Cheese Bites

Chocolate and cheese work surprisingly well together, and these creative dipped bites will certainly have all the foodies at the function buzzing.

Snixy Kitchen

Butternut Squash and Bacon Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are such a classic snack, but they can easily become yummy Thanksgiving appetizers when you add butternut squash and bacon to the centers!

The Pioneer Woman

Perfect Fall Cheese Board

Transform your famous charcuterie board with fall accents to make a Thanksgivingappetizer that'll hit all the right taste buds.

Nutmeg Nanny

Sausage, Spinach and Mushroom Phyllo Cups

Don't you just love a bite-sized snack that's super quick to make?

The Home Cook's Kitchen

Mushroom Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Should your guests craves something that's creamy and crunchy, serve them these bready Thanksgiving appetizers.

Half Baked Harvest

Baked French Onion Meatballs

What do you get when you combine the savory flavors of French onion soup and meatballs? We'll give you a hint — it has something to do with being irresistible.

Half Baked Harvest

Cheesy Bacon Holiday Crack

Warning: biting into these sweet, spicy, crispy, and cheesy chips is the point of no return, but it's so worth it.

Savory Tooth

Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Two-ingredient appetizers are always a winner in our book, and this one is extra hearty.

Pizzazzerie

Candied Walnut Bruschetta

Candied walnuts are excellent on their own, so imagine how they taste with pears and goat cheese on toast.

The Blond Cook

Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Little Smokies

Soy sauce and brown sugar coat these mini hot dogs, and a touch of Sriracha makes them even more spice-tastic.

Sunkissed Kitchen

Roasted Carrot Hummus

Carrots and cinnamon are blended with classic hummus ingredients for a healthy dip to pair with pita chips. The pomegranate and pumpkin seed garnish really ups the presentation of this Thanksgiving appetizer.

Recipe Tin Eats

Caesar Salad Wonton Cups

Keep a package of wonton wrappers in the fridge, and you’ll never have to worry about what snacks to prep next for your party guests! This recipe stuffs the wraps with Caesar salad fixings, but the options are endless.

The Real Food Dietitians

Chili and Rosemary Roasted Nuts

Even if you don’t have a ton of time, you can easily roast up a batch of these smoky mixed nuts before your guests arrive.

Tara's Multicultural Table

French Onion Soup Toasts

Turn French onion soup into a convenient appetizer with crusty bread, sautéed onions, and smoky cheese! Yummm.

The Recipe Critic

Raspberry Baked Brie

Smooth goat cheese and tart raspberry preserves are a match made in snack heaven. The crispy puff pastry layer makes it all worth it.

Lavender and Lovage

Smoked Cheese and Onion Straws

If you have cheese lingering in your deli drawer, it’s the beginning of a tasty appetizer. Sprinkle it into some puff pastry for a twisty "straw" you'll reach for again and again.

The Seasoned Mom

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites

The combo of chicken, bacon, and barbecue sauce results in a Thanksgiving appetizer that's almost impossible to stop eating.

Savory Tooth

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Bacon and Cheddar

Smokey bacon and salty, nutty cheddar top some earthy mushrooms for a new version of this classic stuffed app.

The Baking Fairy

Garlic-Stuffed Olives-in-a-Blanket

If you have vegetarian guests coming to your party, you’ll want to have a tasty option for them. These olives in a "blanket" do the trick nicely! As a bonus, most store-bought crescent roll dough is vegan.

The Cookie Rookie

Best Cheese Ball

There's a reason why sharp cheddar cheese balls are a classic Thanksgiving appetizer. Serve them with buttery Ritz crackers to reach total snack nirvana.

Half Baked Harvest

Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates

Sweet and savory, this goat cheese dip is perfect for dipping crostini and vegetables in.

Live Eat Learn

Savory Roasted Cranberry Salsa

Top a cracker with sour cream (or brie or goat cheese) and spread on this cranberry salsa for a light, yet spicy-sweet bite.

Amanda Wilens

Pear and Gouda Puff Pastry

Pear really finds its life's purpose when it's tucked into a square of puff pastry and topped with salty gouda cheese.

Get more ideas and inspiration for your Thanksgiving appetizers and other festive holiday entertaining tips by following us on Pinterest or joining our newsletter.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Sara Cagle,Jasmine Williams, and Meredith Holser.

Not Close With Your Family? Here's How To Have a Joyous And Connected Holiday Season

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.

relationship advice wellness friendship relationships holidays

14 Tasty Fall Mocktails To Shake Up Your Friendsgiving Function

Fall cocktails may get all the love, but you don't need alcohol to make a pretty drink with fun ice and a nice glass. Well-made fall mocktails can be every bit as refreshing and a great way to embrace autumn and celebrate Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving. Besides – seasonal drinks are really all about the ingredients — mainly apple, pumpkin, and fig. So, get your mocktail cart ready, and check out the yummy non-alcoholic fall mocktails below!

Gabi Porter

Jaguar's Coupe

Though originally crafted for a May holiday (hola, Cinco de Mayo), this spicy drink can be a total fall mocktail. It's zesty and sweet all at the same time, and brings some warmth via bell pepper juice. Give this one a try when you don't feel like sipping on some alc. (via Nikola Nikoletić, Head Bartender at Patent Pending for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Sleepy Girl Mocktail

Easily crafted with just 3 ingredients, this Sleepy Girl Mocktail encourages relaxation and a refreshing night of sleep. It's perfect for cozying up and sipping alongside your favorite book! (via Brit + Co)

Spindrift

Ginger, Orange, Cranberry, + Raspberry Spritz

For this sipper, you'll use a can of Cranberry Raspberry Spindrift alongside some fresh ginger and orange to craft a crisp glass that's sure to bring forth fall feels. (via Spindrift)

Pink Owl Kitchen

Espresso Martini Mocktail

The girlies love an espresso martini – so make sure you've got this virgin recipe in your arsenal for your besties who don't drink. Use some pumpkin spice syrup to truly make this a fall mocktail you can't miss! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Bowl of Delicious

Honey Blackberry Mint Mocktails

Blackberry and mint is *the* combo of the season. Those bubbles, though! (via Bowl of Delicious)

The Endless Meal

Apple Lemonade

Apple juice (or cider) gets a citrusy twist from lemon juice in this crisp, refreshing fall mocktail. (via The Endless Meal)

The Real Food Dietitians

Sparkling Cranberry Kombucha Mocktail

All fall cocktails require for that extra oomph is a splash of kombucha – this holiday-forward one will provide a great flavor transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas, with the help of cranberry. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Completely Delicious

Non-Alcoholic Juicy Julep

This sip is seemingly summery, but we urge you to make it work for fall. It's heavenly. (via Completely Delicious)

Amanda Wilens

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

Swap the bourbon for sparkling water (or apple cider!) to make this fall-spiced cocktail a true mocktail. (via Amanda Wilens)

Half Baked Harvest

The Hermoine Granger

To make this cute Harry Potter-inspired mocktail, substitute the vodka for lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Barley & Sage

Woodford Spire Cocktail

Trade bourbon for black tea to make this cranberry-lemonade cocktail a very delish fall mocktail. (via Barley & Sage)

The First Mess

Pomegranate Pomander Spritz Mocktail

Non-alc bitters and vanilla extract work together to really forge some unforgettable flavors in this fall mocktail. (via The First Mess)

A Spicy Perspective

Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice

Inspired by the pumpkin juice at Harry Potter World, this fall mocktail mixes apple cider, pumpkin puree, and apricot nectar with vanilla and pumpkin spice – yummm. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Crowded Kitchen

Cranberry Mocktail

The thyme garnish on this fall mocktail is a no-brainer for amping up the seasonal vibes! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Follow us on Pinterest for more fall-ready drinks and recipes!

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

fall mocktails entertaining non-alcoholic fall drinks recipes drinks

Zach Bryan & Brianna Chickenfry's Break Up Is COMPLICATED — Here's What To Know

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"

Looking to stay up-to-date on all your fave celebs? Follow us on Facebook for more!

celebrities celebrity news celebrity breakups celebrity couples

83 Budget-Friendly Finds Under $30 That'll Have You Gifting Ready This Season

Discover 83 Amazon products under $30 that are nothing short of pure gold. From stylish fashion finds to the latest beauty trends, these steals offer exceptional value without compromising on quality. We always ask, what's better than the perfect gift? Well, it's the gift that also doesn't break the bank! We're confident you'll find something in here to at least appease a few loved ones this holiday season.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.