Birthday cakes are a pretty big deal for kids. They end up in every photo album, and we all totally remember our epic cakes from years past. As a parent, relative or designated birthday cake provider, it can be a lot of pressure to deliver an impressive cake that both the kids and adults will love. You need to whip up something that’s #adorable and totally perfect for the theme. Enter the cute, colorful and creative birthday cakes below. If your kiddo is turning another year older soon (how does time go by so fast?!), these cakes will keep your celebratory dessert game strong.
You’ve got your annual Fourth of July cookout responsibilities down pat. One friend brings the pasta salad, another gladly takes care of the grilled veggie sides, and then you are happily in charge of the patriotic flag cake. But this year, you might want to shake things up. We’ve got 15 red, white, and blue cupcakes and cakes with broad stripes and bright stars to celebrate Independence Day in style.
Flag Cake
Oh Sweet Basil
No dessert is more patriotic than a full-blown flag cake adorned with white icing, ruby raspberries, and blueberries. (via Oh Sweet Basil)4th of July Cupcakes
The Little Blonde Baker
Red, white, and blue are twirled to perfection to give you these slightly psychedelic vanilla cupcakes; they’re topped with a finger-lickin’ buttercream that you can easily make on your own. (via The Little Blonde Baker)Red, White, and Blue Funfetti Cupcakes
Treats and Trends
Funfetti has become a birthday *must,* but we’re bringin’ it for the Fourth of July with these gloriously festive cupcakes slathered in buttercream frosting. (via Treats and Trends)Red, White, and Blue Cake Pops
Love Maegan
With a white chocolate coating and festive sprinkles, these gorgeous cake pops are a total crowd-pleaser. They’re also really fun and easy to make, so get the kids to help! (via Love Maegan)Red, White, and Blue Cake
What Should I Make For...
This naked layered red velvet cake skips the festive sprinkles and replaces them with fresh berries. (via What Should I Make For…)Fourth of July Peanut Butter Cookie Cake
Sweetest Menu
What your Fourth of July party REALLY needs is an oversized peanut butter cookie cake covered in red and blue chocolate candies. (via Sweetest Menu)Firecracker Cake
Love Bakes Good Cakes
With red, white, and blue drips of delicious frosting, this vanilla cake is as exciting on the inside as it is on the outside, thanks to some crafty yet simple techniques. (via Love Bakes Good Cakes)Patriotic Swirl Cupcakes
Two Sisters Crafting
It’s hard to beat colorful swirls of buttercream sitting atop moist and crumbly chocolate cupcakes, amirite? Follow the simple tutorial and WOW your pals. (via Two Sisters Crafting)Low Carb 4th of July Vanilla Berry Cake
It's Autumn's Life
If this vanilla berry cake proves anything, it’s that you can still be festive while keeping things clean and simple. Decorated with sweet strawberries and blackberries, this dessert is low in carbs but big on flavor. (via It’s Autumn’s Life)Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
Our Family of Seven
This recipe brings cupcakes to a whole new level by filling ice cream cones with batter before baking. They’re then topped with icing as usual, and a maraschino cherry for good measure. (via Our Family of Seven)Easy July 4th Ice Cream Cake
Just A Taste
This cooling ice cream cake is made with frozen pound cake, your choice of raspberry or strawberry sorbet, and a whipped topping that’s decked out in fresh berries and patriotic goodies. (via Just a Taste)Red Velvet 4th of July Cupcakes
Your Cup Of Cake
These ruby cakes are brimming with red velvety goodness and whipped cream icing, and topped with fresh blueberries for a touch of blue. (via Your Cup of Cake)Red, White, and Blue Cake
Preppy Kitchen
Bring this gawk-worthy petal cake to your Fourth of July cookout and treat your friends to three decadent layers of spongy cake and buttercream. (via Preppy Kitchen)Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Cupcakes
Pack Momma
Speared with sparkling stars, these cupcakes boast American pride with colorful icing and cake layers. (via Pack Momma)American Flag Cake
Cooking Is Messy
This cake might seem run-of-the-mill at first glance, but when you cut into it and reveal your mad baking skills, guests will be left in a complete state of awe. (via Cooking Is Messy)This post has been updated.
'Tis the season... for giving and getting things you (and your giftees) might not really need. With sustainability becoming a paramount concern for many and the drawbacks of overconsumption entering our collective consciousness, the idea of gifting thoughtful, handmade, and possibly even zero-waste gifts is becoming ever more appealing. The only problem? We're not all as handy as we might like to be. Don't worry though — you don't need to be an expert maker to craft these DIY Christmas gifts! From beginner to advanced, there's a homemade Christmas gift idea for giver and giftee alike.
1. Edible DIY Christmas Gift Ideas
Brit + Co
If you know your way around a kitchen, don't sleep on the opportunity to give your loved ones an edible gift. You know it'll get used (AKA eaten), and it's essentially a zero-waste gift-giving strategy.
We love making pretty desserts that work well as gifts, like this matcha yogurt bark, this peppermint bark, these super easy Christmas cookie recipes, and these edible gift ideas. Package them up with these creative gift wrapping techniques, or forego paper altogether and wrap them with a cute kitchen towel for a zero-waste approach.
2. DIY Craft Kits To Gift
If you're a complete beginner to DIY and handmade Christmas gifts, it might be smart to start out with a kit. A DIY kit allows you to fashion a thoughtful gift that shows your recipient just how much time and effort you put into giving them something special.
This DIY permanent jewelry kit is perfect for someone who wants to give their bestie a one-of-a-kind present this year. You can also DIY Christmas-scented candles, grow your loved one's birth month flower, or construct a super-cute tiny house to be displayed as kitschy decor.
3. Handmade Christmas Gifts
We love a good DIY. Our favorite presents are handmade Christmas gifts, and we've shared a ton of homemade gift ideas in our time.
A cute winter terrarium is perfect for the quirky decor lover in your life, while nothing brings the hygge vibes more than a hand-knit blanket. Give your favorite houseplant lover some gorgeous flora in one of these DIY cement planters, or embroider a pillow that'll add a cute touch of color to your bestie's home!
4. DIY Home Decor
Brit + Co
Speaking of your bestie's home, we've got plenty of ideas for DIY Christmas gifts you can give in the home decor category.
Spruce up a simple IKEA desk to give your work wife a WFH chair that's cute and from the heart. Make magazine wall art in your giftee's favorite colors to add a homemade, kitschy touch to their space. This Anthro-inspired DIY chandelier is another great option for artsy decor lovers.
A friend who loves hostessing will appreciate this pineapple cutting board, and someone who's into the beauty of organization will swoon over this DIY wall organizer.
DIY Jewelry
Brit + Co
Many of us adore jewelry, so why not give someone in your life a cute and colorful accessory this holiday season? These acrylic earrings are super colorful and adorable, while this DIY choker is '90s inspired and totally on-trend. We also love this geode statement necklace and this cute necklace made out of old tee shirts. Talk about sustainable style!
Love these DIY Christmas gift ideas? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for gift guides, recipes, and other holiday inspo!
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.
When you think of protein bars,flavored popcorn or gooey cinnamon buns, cake batter probably isn’t the flavor that immediately comes to mind. Well, consider your mind blown, because we have all of the above and then some — and they all taste just like cake! Instead of baking a regular cake for your next birthday, change it up with one of these non-cake cake batter recipes. Or just make one every day for 14 days. That’s fine too.
Broma Bakery
Cake Batter Macarons
Who knew it was even possible to make such a beautiful treat at home? These macarons are pure perfection, and we bet they taste like it too. (via Broma Bakery)
Sally's Baking Addiction
Cake Batter Blondies
We’ll take brownies in any form, especially when that form is filled with bright colors and *two* different kinds of sprinkles. We don’t even care what these taste like — they’re just SO pretty. (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)
Running With Spoons
Funfetti Cake Batter Breakfast Bake
If you’re uncertain what’s in a breakfast bake, let us break it down for you. This one is a combination of oats, almond flour and vanilla almond milk (plus a few more very special ingredients). It’s a healthy spin on a sugary treat. (via Running With Spoons)
Crazy for Crust
Cake Batter Cookie Pie
This pie is like the ultimate hybrid of cookie, cake and ice cream. Chocolate chips layered on top of the crust make this super sweet treat a must-eat! (via Crazy for Crust)
Cookies & Cups
Funfetti Gooey Butter Cookies
Not only is there a whole box of funfetti cake batter in these cookies, but there’s also a full eight ounces of cream cheese. Holy crap. Cream cheese in cookies is definitely the way to sign us up for this trend. (via Cookies & Cups)
Budget Savvy Siva
Cake Batter Dip Recipe
We know a thing or two about savory party dips, but this sweet, cake batter version is a whole different ballgame. We feel like dipping animal crackers in this just *might* taste like heaven. (via Budget Savvy Diva)
Ashlee Marie
Cake Mix and Sprinkles Fudge
This fudge is loaded with sprinkles. They’ll melt in your mouth, along with the white chocolate and powdered sugar this fudge is made out of. One word: DECADENCE. (via Ashlee Marie)
How Sweet It Is
Cake Batter Pancakes
Sometimes you just need some sugar in the morning to get moving. These pancakes are *definitely* sweet, and we’re definitely making them tomorrow. (via How Sweet It Is)
I Heart Naptime
Cake Batter Popcorn
This cake batter popcorn is probably supposed to be dessert, but we could eat it all day, every day. With only four ingredients, this recipe will come together in a matter of minutes. (via I Heart Naptime)
With Salt and Wit
Birthday Cake Pretzels
Maybe it’s just us, but the combination of white chocolate, cake batter and a touch of salt puts us over the edge, in a really good way. We’ll take the whole bouquet, please. (via With Salt and Wit)
Sugar Spun Run
Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats
Double down on the cake batter with this recipe. Not only is there cake batter in the Rice Krispie mixture, but it’s in the frosting too. (via Sugar Spun Run)
Sugar Spun Run
Cake Batter Cheesecake Dessert Shooters
There may not be any booze in these shooters, but Golden Oreos, tons of cream cheese and Cool Whip are enough for us. Three cheers to this gorgeous dessert! (via Sugar Spun Run)
Wine and Glue
Cake Batter Truffles
We’ve seen a lot of truffle recipes in our day, but this cake batter version might take the cake. See what we did there? (via Wine and Glue)
Bests and Bites
Healthy Funfetti Protein Bars
This is the ultimate non-cake recipe, because unlike cake, it’s actually kind of healthy. Boasting tons of vanilla protein and cashew butter, it’s basically a protein bar disguised as a cake. (via Bests and Bites)
Do you love cake batter treats that don’t make cake? Follow us on Pinterest for more sweet recipes!
Lead image via Broma Bakery
This post has been updated.
It looks like we'll just be getting Jacob Elordi movies for the rest of time, and honestly, I'm thankful. (Even if that one cringy Kissing Booth scene still runs on a loop in the my brain). Before Swift Horses with Daisy Edgar Jones, Jacob is teaming up with another Hollywood titan you'll recognize from Pretty Woman: Richard Gere. And the movie looks incredibly emotional.
Here's all the latest info on Jacob Elordi and Richard Gere's brand new movie Oh, Canada.
What is the Oh Canada movie about?
Oh, Canada Plot
Oh, Canada follows the life of legendary (albeit fictional) filmmaker Leonard Fife. This story probably approaches Leo's career the way we think about Steven Spielberg's. AKA, he's very important. Leonard decides to tell his life story before he runs out of time. And even though he's got an impressive resumé, he also has to decide if he wants his Vietnam draft dodge and sticky relationships to become public knowledge.
"Leonard sits for an extended interview with his former student Malcolm (Michael Imperioli), relating candid stories about his younger self (Jacob Elordi) in the tumultuous 1960s and beyond," the synopsis says, adding that "at Leonard’s insistence, his wife and indispensable artistic partner, Emma (Uma Thurman), bears witness to it all."
How to watch Oh Canada?
Oh, Canada Release Date
Jacob Elordi's new movie is coming to theaters December 6, 2024 — the same day as Rachel Zegler's Y2K and Amy Adams' Nightb—ch!
Who's in the movie?
Kino Lorber
Oh, Canada Cast
The cast of Oh, Canada includes Richard Gere, Jacob Elordi, Uma Thurman, Michael Imperioli, and Victoria Hill, while the movie is written and directed by Paul Schrader (who also worked with Richard on 1980's American Gigolo!
What has the cast said about the movie?
Uma Thurman has been vocal about how excited she is to be a part of the project and told Deadline the movie feels like a "reverie" and has a "lyrical, sort of loosely knit, poetic" quality about it.
"The cinematic hand of Paul, of course, carried the day, as far as bringing this sort of illusionary dream together into something that you walk away from with the strong impression of a story," she says. "Just the presence of a master like Paul Schrader on a set of any size, is as distinct as, I don’t know, a warm wind. It’s like the wind that hits you when you get off a plane in the tropics. There’s only one thing of its ilk, and he’s kind of a master like that. You could really be anywhere; you can’t miss it."
That sounds like my kind of movie.
Director Paul Schrader revealed he fell in love with Jacob's performance the moment he saw him — which was before he took the world by storm in Priscilla. “I saw his performance on Zoom and, if this was 40 years ago, this is the guy I would have cast for American Gigolo,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.
Are you excited to see Oh, Canada? Check out the other New December Movies you can't miss out on!
If you're looking for a winter wedding guest dress, then look no further! Winter is the perfect time to lean into your glam side, with a little shine, a sexy slit, or even a statement neckline on your dress. And while the typical palette may lean towards darker, deeper colors, that doesn't mean you have to opt for the same boring look. Instead, I found a ton of elegant dresses that'll land you the Best Dressed Wedding Guest award in no time — and you'll wanna rewear them as much as possible. Cheers!
Shop all the best winter wedding guest dresses here!
Nordstrom
Betsy & Adam Asymmetric Single Long Sleeve Gown
I'm sorry, but nothing is more elegant (or sexier) than a black gown with the perfect peek-a-boo leg slit down the front. When you pair that with this gorgeous asymmetrical sleeve situation, you really have the perfect winter wedding guest dress!
Abercrombie
Abercrombie Long-Sleeve Cowl Back Slip Maxi Dress
Cowl necks are always a classy look — but what about a cowl back?! This whole dress is giving "simplicity is elegance" at its finest. (And BRIDES: this little navy number comes in cream, making for a fabulous bridal outfit, too!)
Anthropologie
Bardot Adoni Off-The-Shoulder Fitted Stretch Lace Midi Dress
I know, I know — it's controversial to wear red to a wedding. But truly, I've never in my life heard that rule until recently, so it can't matter that much, right? I'll let you decide that for yourself, but while you're thinking about it...look at how gorgeous this off-the-shoulder number is!
Azazie
Azazie Atelier Bellini Grape Jacquard Satin Maxi Dress
I adore this deep, rich eggplant color SO much. It goes so well with this high neckline and jacquard fabric, absolutely emanating elegance. This looks fantastic with strappy gold sandals (like above), but I could also see this looking amazing with some pointed toe velvet pumps.
Lulus
Lulus I'm All Yours Black Tulle Ruffled Maxi Dress
I have this exact dress in burgundy, but I am totally into the black tulle. It gives an edge to the elegance that's so playful and COOL. Plus, who doesn't love a deep v neck like this? It's so freakin' good.
Target
Petal and Pup Womens Anabelle Halter Neck Midi Dress
Asymmetrical dresses are absolutely the moment right now. The draping on this Target dress is totally gorgeous, making you look effortlessly beautiful. Plus, if this shade of teal isn't your color, you have 10 other options to choose from — and at under $100!
Nordstrom
Ieena for Mac Duggal Sequin Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Gown
My mom wore this exact dress in black to my own wedding, and she looked like a total goddess. The shimmer could seem like a lot for some, but it's really quite lovely and just understated enough when you're in that glittering wedding environment. You'll definitely wanna dance the night away in this look!
Free People
Elliatt Calypso Dress
Looking for a shorter winter wedding guest dress? This Elliatt option is stunning! The body of the dress itself is really quite simple, letting the statement bow on the back do all the heavy (and very stylish) lifting for your look. I'd pair this with an Audrey Hepburn-esque updo and some pointed black pumps!
Azazie
Azazie Atelier Sara Marigold Maxi Dress
Let this marigold dress light up the room at the next wedding you're invited to! The floral pattern is perfect for winter, not leaning too spring, and giving this balloon sleeve dress a little extra life. (And do you see the slit? I'm telling you: it's the perfect way to accentuate your wedding guest look!)
Anthropologie
Norma Kamali Tara Long-Sleeve Deep-V Ruched Stretch Jersey Midi Dress
Norma Kamali knows how to make something simple oh-so sexy. This dress hugs your curves in all the right places, and the ruching gives the sleek silhouette some much-needed texture. Plus, the slightly off-the-shoulder of it all is just everything — it's giving old Hollywood glam meets modern babe.
Nordstrom
Mac Duggal Long Sleeve Pleated Satin Cocktail Midi Dress
Like I said before, winter doesn't me you can't wear color! This shade is just bright enough to make a statement, but just earthy enough to be perfect for the season. The pleats and the buttoned, ballooned sleeves are just gorgeous here too!
Anthropologie
By Anthropologie The Maya Ruched Cowl-Neck Dress: Stretch Velvet Edition
I seriously just love a high neckline! There's something about it that screams class (but a distinguished, polite scream of course 😉), which is totally what you're going for with your winter wedding guest dress. I also love how the stretch velvet will give you the space to sit, eat, and dance comfortably all night long — exactly what you need for a festive wedding eventing!
Nordstrom
Alfred Sung One-Shoulder A-Line Gown
Alfred Sung makes stunning gowns that are perfect for all your winter wedding guest needs! I wore a different Alfred Sung dress a few years back to a December wedding, and it made me feel totally elegant. This sleek design would look gorgeous on anyone, and the A line silhouette gives you plenty of room to hit the dance floor all you want!
Tuckernuck
Tuckernuck Black Clea Dress
She's giving Audrey Hepburn! She's giving Grace Kelly! She's giving EVERYTHING! Seriously, this neckline is incredible, this length is lovely, and the dress itself is the perfect canvas to make your own. Add some fun jewelry, grab a fun shoe, and let your hair down for an evening — in the most elevated way possible.
Anthropologie
Mac Duggal Sleeveless Rhinestone Flower Crepe A-Line Mini Dress
In case you're looking for another shorter option, I love this Mac Duggal dress! The flower on the hip is so unique, yet it's giving a timeless charm that would look amazing on anyone! I could totally see this with some stunning red tights, an updo, and some statement earrings.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.