13 Red, White + Blue Memorial Day Party Essentials

Peeps, we’re in the home stretch of spring, and you know what that means: a whole new excuse to have your besties over for a Memorial Day bash. Think: a total red, white and blue get-together. If you’re looking to kick this year’s cookout up a notch (or two or three, TBH), you can’t go wrong with an all-American theme. The flag’s colors are *sure* to add a punch of patriotism to your standard burgers-and-dogs party. Scroll down to check out our favorite ways to amp up your Memorial Day party, America style.

1. DIY Flag Photo Booth Backdrop: There’s no better way to show your love for America than a flag photo booth backdrop. Add red, white and blue fabric to your shopping list, because this must-make will give everyone at the party a reason to snap a few pics. (via Brit + Co)

2. Sprinkled Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches: If you’re looking for a way to sweeten up your cookout, give your classic vanilla ice cream sandwiches a roll in some patriotic sprinkles to make them next-level. Whether you make your sammies or go with the store-bought version (no judgment here), your guests will not be able to resist this yummy dessert. (via Freutcake)

3. Dessert Pizza: And if a batch of ice cream sandwiches isn’t enough, this dessert pizza will *definitely* impress your guests. Use cake mix or cookie dough to make the crust, then top it off with a layer of marshmallow fluff, strawberries and blueberries to keep with that colorful theme. Patriotism has never tasted so good. (via Brit + Co)

4. DIY Fabric Cozy: Hot summer days call for a nice, cold brewsky. Instead of using your stack of freebies this year, make a set of these fabric cozies that take less than 20 minutes to DIY. Leave a stack next to the beer cooler so your friends can drink in style this Memorial Day. (via Brit + Co)

5. DIY Star Piñatas: It’s not a 21st century party without a couple of piñatas. Make these red and blue ones using star-shaped boxes and streamers to give your space an extra festive vibe. Fill it with whatever screams ‘Merica and you’ll be good to go. (via Studio DIY)

6. Red Piña Colada: Making sure your cocktails go with your theme is essential to being the hostess with the mostess. Use your favorite piña colada recipe and finish it off with a splash of Seagram’s Escapes to give it an extra hint of flavor and some serious color. You’re going to want to pick up *double* what you think you need, because your besties are going to love this drink. (via The TomKat Studio)

7. DIY Edible Pinwheels: Take your basic cupcake to the next level with these red and blue edible pinwheels made from Airheads. Both kids AND adults will love snacking on them. (via Studio DIY)

8. American Flag Donuts: Speaking of something yummy to munch on, donuts are never a bad idea. Use colored icing or candy melts to dress ’em up like Uncle Sam, then get ready to have the most amazing Memorial Day dessert in town. (via The First Year)

9. DIY Stars + Stripes Paper Cups: Skip the Solo cups and opt for blue and white paper cups. Use a Cricut or stencil to make star cutouts and stick them on with double-sided tape. Add a striped paper straw for wow factor. (via The TomKat Studio)

10. Printable Photo Booth Props: Make a few photo booth props with downloadable printables. Cut out the shapes and attach them to paper lollipop sticks for a super easy way to give your photo booth some oomph. (via I Heart Naptime)

11. DIY Tie Dye Placemats: Plastic tablecloths and boring placemats are a thing of the past. Use this tutorial to make a set of DIY firework-inspired placemats using everyone’s favorite summer activity: tie dying. Not only are they perfect for your Memorial Day party, but you can also use them all summer long. (via Brit + Co)

12. PaperNCharm Printable Invitation ($10): You can’t throw an epic party without an even more epic invitation. Ditch the group text this time around and opt for this printable invitation that’ll liven up your pals’ mailboxes and get them hyped for the par-tay.

13. Red, White + Blue Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Chocolate-dipped strawberries are a crowd fave when it comes to classic party snacks. Head to the farmers’ market to pick up fresh berries, then dip ’em in white chocolate and blue sprinkles to make them perfect for your Memorial Day cookout. (via The Girl Who Ate Everything)

Are you throwing a Memorial Day bash this year? Follow us on Pinterest for more party inspo!

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

Hosting for the holidays just got a whole lot more magical with Anthropologie’s goodies. From elegant tableware that'll totally "wow" your guests to whimsical decor that sets the perfect festive mood, Anthropologie is the premier destination for polished party essentials. Whether you're planning a chic dinner party or getting lit with your cousins, these are the best finishing touches for a spirited gathering. Get ready to impress your guests with our picks!

Our favorite holiday hosting necessities from Anthropologie:

Let's dive into some of the best holiday hosting pieces from Anthropologie, from tableware to decor!

    Anthropologie

    Holiday in the City Stoneware Dessert Plate

    These adorable dessert plates are available in several different designs, all of which depict a different city pictured in holiday snow. Your Christmas sweet treats will look stunning served on these!

    Anthropologie

    Bow Icon Juice Glasses

    Anthro's viral Icon Juice Glasses are super cute for a variety of occasions, but these bows feel especially holiday-esque. Snag a set for your next gathering's cocktail lineup!

    Anthropologie

    Waterfall Coupe Glasses

    Martini, anyone?! These stunning, shine-lined glasses have the perfect touch of elegance.

    Anthropologie

    Benedita Bow Ceramic Stoneware Serve Bowl

    This serving bowl is perfect for salads, pasta salads, soups, and more. Bring it to a holiday potluck, and everyone will be asking where you got it.

    Anthropologie

    Morgan Shot Glasses

    Now it's really gonna be a party with these colorful shot glasses. Practical in the moment and quite cute when not in use, your bar cart is begging for this set!

    Anthropologie

    Festive Bistro Tile Dessert Plate

    'Tis the season for more and more sweet treats, but you could even serve dinner or apps on these unique dessert plates.

    Subscribe to our newsletter for more holiday decor, hosting tips, and recipe ideas for the season!

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

    I'll follow Reese Witherspoon just about anywhere.Legally Blonde, Love in Fairhope, and Where the Crawdads Sing are just a few of her projects that leave me feeling totally empowered and overjoyed when I watch them. Hello Sunshine has plenty of exciting stories on the horizon, and thanks to our AMC queen Nicole Kidman, we now know that includes Big Little Lies season 3. We're ready to head back to Monterey, and we're not the only ones.

    Turns out, Nicole Kidman put out feelers for Big Little Lies season 3 after watching the series with her daughter Sunday. “She was like, ‘No. There’s no more discussion. The third series has to happen…I’m sick of the talk. Sick of circling it. Just get it done,’” Nicole toldVogue Australia. “You need a teenager to go, ‘Enough. Just do it.’”

    Keep reading for everything we know about Big Little Lies season 3, and everything our Monterey Five have said about it.

    When is Big Little Lies season 3 coming out?

    HBO

    Big Little Lies Season 3 Release Date

    We don't have any official news about a release date, and since season 1 and season 2 released at different points of the year, it's a bit harder to pinpoint when a new season could hit our screens. Shailene Woodley, however, did just confirm that "it's happening."

    "I ran into Nicole Kidman a few months ago and I was like, 'So, what's the...' And she's like, 'It's happening,'" she told Jimmy Fallon. "I was like, 'It is? It's happening?' She's like, 'Yeah.' I was like, 'But when? How? When? Why? How?' I think it's a lot of people with a lot of schedules. And our beautiful director from season 1 [Jean-Marc Vallée] passed away, and that was really hard for everyone. So I think the whole experience has been a little bit one of trying to find all the right pieces to come together."

    The Fault in Our Stars actress told Brit + Co that she's hoping to hear news sooner rather than later! "I hear the same rumors and gossip that you hear," she says. "I hope it's true. It'd be very fun."

    Hilary Bronwyn Gayle/HBO

    Nicole Kidman also told Elle there IS a timeline for Big Little Lies season 3. “I think when you’re all scattered and never sort of cross paths, it’s very, very different," she says. "But when you’re all still very intertwined, that’s what makes it doable, because there’s a willingness and you want to spend time together."

    In June 2024, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon revealed to Vanity Fair that (in addition to why Reese won't call Laura Dern by her first name), season 3 is coming soon! After Nicole's comments about season 3 being in the works, the cast started getting calls about it.

    “I’ve got Laura [Dern] calling me and Zoë [Kravitz] and Shailene," Reese says. "They’re all like, ‘Nic said that we’re making Big Little Lies season three?'”

    “But we are now!" Nicole says. "We’re moving fast and furious, and Liane [Moriarty] is delivering the book. Yeah, and we’re in good shape.”

    Who's in the Big Little Lies cast?

    Jennifer Clasen/HBO

    Big Little Lies Season 3 Cast

    The Big Little Lies cast is almost too good to be true. In addition to Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Zoë Kravitz, Laura Dern, and Shailene Woodley, the show has starred Kathryn Newton, Meryl Streep, Alexander Skarsgård, and Adam Scott.

    Shailene revealed just how close she's gotten with her costars, telling Bustle there's "zero animosity between Laura and I."

    "There't not even a hint of that, like, behind-the-veil, female curiosity, rage, jealousy, all the stuff that can happen between women, we have none of that," she says. "And so it was just a fun little boogie we got to jump into and explore all of those different colors together."

    What is Big Little Lies season 3 about?

    HBO

    Big Little Lies Season 3 Plot

    Shailene Woodley told Bazaar how excited she is to explore the show's characters that are a little more grown up now. "I think what excites me about the possibility of a third season, more than what I could think of with Jane, is the fact that these children [on the show] are not children anymore. They’re teenagers now!" she says. "Their voices have dropped, they all have their teenage situation happening, and the angst is kicking in, and that, to me, is what is exciting about the possibility of a third season. What does life look like for those people who are not children anymore?"

    Will there be a season 3 of Big Little Lies?

    HBO

    It looks like yes, there will be a Big Little Lies season 3! During the CME Group Tour Championship, Nicole Kidman talked about her involvement in the series.

    "I loved Big Little Lies," she said during a Q&A (shared in an Instagram story by Deux Moi). "It sort of came along at a time in my life when I had my children and I was thinking I was going to retire. And then this situation came along, where Reese Witherspoon and I were able to produce that show and create that show. And then all of you watched it and made it a massive success...And we will be bringing you a third one, just FYI."

    Laura Dern is also ready to do do Big Little Lies season 3! "Well, let's just say we're best friends in art and in life," Laura tells TODAY. "And there would be nothing more fun for all of us. You know, we would have the time of our lives."

    What happened at the end of Big Little Lies season 2?

    Hilary Bronwyn Gayle/HBO

    To put it simply, Big Little Lies season 2 ended in pure chaos. Each of the Monterey Five have their own singular victories — Bonnie lets go of her husband and makes peace with her mother, Celeste gets full custody of her kids, and Madeline renews her vows to Ed — before they walk into the police station together. We're guessing it's so Bonnie can confess to her role in Perry's death, but it looks like we'll have to wait for season 3 to find out. One surprising detail about the end of season 2, however, is what didn't happen.

    "There was someone that was supposed to die," Zoë Kravitz revealed to Vanity Fair in 2020. "It wasn’t me, but I don’t know what I’m allowed to say, so I don’t know. But someone did die. But I think the way we ended the season was obviously really intriguing, but also everyone got to come together and I think that felt important to everybody." Because that death didn't happen, it would only make sense for it to have gotten pushed to season 3...right?

    How many seasons of Big Little Lies are there?

    HBO

    So far there are two seasons of Big Little Lies, both of which you can watch on Max now. If you go ahead and press play, that means you'll have enough time to rewatch every episode before Big Little Lies season 3 drops. Trust me — you'll want to ;).

    What town is Big Little Lies in?

    HBO

    Big Little Lies takes place in Monterey, California. Unlike some other series that have to shoot off location, Big Little Lies actually does film in Monterey so all of the scenes and settings are authentic!

    What is the message of Big Little Lies?

    HBO

    Like so many of Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine's projects, Big Little Lies explores a number of important and relevant issues families deal with in the real world: domestic violence, blended and single parent homes, and how far you're willing to go to protect the people you love.

    Is there a spin off of Big Little Lies?

    Vince Valitutti/Hulu

    Hulu's Nine Perfect Strangers (which is based on the book of the same name by Liane Moriarty, who also wrote Big Little Lies!) serves as a Big Little Lies reunion of sorts — the show stars Nicole Kidman as actress and executive producer, along with Big Little Lies' producers Bruna Papandrea and David E. Kelley.

    Are you excited for Big Little Lies season 3? Let us know in the comments and check out our TikTok for more fun TV show news!

    This post has been updated.

    Forget what Big Internet is telling you: you don’t have to shell out hundreds of dollars for a single dress. Target has tons of dress styles that rival that of Nordstrom and Reformation, available for way less. In fact, all of these Target party dresses are on sale right now through November 9. These luxe-looking designs will ensure your look is the talk of the party, no matter what you’re getting up to. From company Christmas parties to a New Year’s Eve night out, you’re most definitely going to find a dress fit for the occasion.

    Our top 14 favorite Target party dresses for the 2024 season:

    Target

    A New Day Midi Lace Trim Dress

    The chic v-neck on this silky midi dress is lined with a lace trim that make it all the more elegant. Pair this pick with a contrasting clutch and your favorite tall boots to totally rock the look!

    Target

    A New Day Drop Tier Maxi Dress

    This is a dress style I gawk over all the time, thanks to none other than Sex and the City. The dramatic drop-waist helps elongate and flatter your figure, so you'll be feeling uber-confident the moment you walk into any party. Plus, this sultry burgundy color is such a perfect fit for winter functions.

    Target

    Wild Fable Rosette Tube Maxi Bodycon Dress

    A tube dress is gonna get me every time. The strapless look is simply iconic because you can show up to the party covered up in a cardigan, then make the big reveal once things start to turn up. The statement rosette on this pick's neckline is a whole accessory in itself, so all you need is a good pair of statement earrings to complete the ensemble!

    Target

    Wild Fable Long Sleeve Flocked Mini Fit & Flare Dress

    Want a bit of coverage, but still want to feel sexy? This off-the-shoulder party dress is for you! The long sleeves and textured velvet material make it feel much more winter-appropriate, but you still get to show off your neckline.

    Target

    Wild Fable Tiered Bow Mini Lace Dress

    I am still thoroughly obsessed with bows, which is why I'm definitely snagging this style for any upcoming holiday shindigs. The tiered styling is undeniably flattering, and the black trim qualifies this party dress to be a good match with other black pieces, from jackets to boots.

    Target

    Ava & Viv Long Sleeve Rosette Midi A-Line Dress

    When it comes to wintery fabrics, velvet reigns supreme. This playful square-neck mini dress is super soft to the touch and has the perfect amount of personality, thanks to the lil' rosette decal up front.

    Target

    Wild Fable Open Work Sequin Midi Dress

    Yes, yes, and yes. This is my favorite Target party dress of them all. Though simple in its silhouette, the multicolored sequins do all the talking. Since this long dress makes a statement all on its own, I'd style it with some simple heels.

    Subscribe to our newsletter for more holiday outfit inspo!

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

    The holidays are the perfect time for all kinds of surprises, and Gilmore Girls fans are convinced two of the show's stars are giving us a present tomorrow, December 3. When both Lauren Graham (Lorelai Gilmore) and Scott Patterson (Luke Danes) posted from Stars Hollow, fans picked up on the connection faster than you can say "coffee coffee coffee!" And all signs point to a very special Gilmore Girls cast reunion.

    Here's everything we know about Lauren Graham and Scott Patterson's Gilmore Girls surprise.

    • Lauren Graham and Scott Patterson starred as Lorelai and Luke on Gilmore Girls from 2000 to 2007.
    • The show is known for its obsession with coffee, and Lauren, Scott, and Sean Gunn teased a special announcement coming December 3, 2024.
    • Fans think it could be a reunion between the actors (and their characters).

    The Mini 'Gilmore Girls' Reunion Is Here!

    We finally have a mini Gilmore Girls reunion! Luke and Lorelai (and Kirk) are back, and in addition to standing in the snow and unpacking a Walmart delivery in Luke's Diner, they're talking about GG's favorite thing: coffee.

    "My parents return 🥹," Reddit user mizbizsav said before the commercial launched. "I just got the 15 second Walmart ad before a YouTube video and freaked out over seeing Lorelai and Luke together again."

    I love getting official confirmation about what Luke & Lorelai would look like in 2024. Of course, Luke is still rocking the flannel and backwards cap, and Lorelai looks amazing in her leather and sherpa jacket. It might not be official canon, but it's close enough for me!

    Lauren Graham/Instagram

    Lauren posted this shot of Luke's Diner in a snowy Stars Hollow, teasing she's "got something brewing" that she'd announce on December 3. And when Scott made an almost-identical post that he was "back at #LukesDiner for something really special," fans flooded his comments with everything from "KING LUKE WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?!?!?" to "I’m ready for whatever this is ☕️ 😍."

    And on November 26, another member of the Gilmore Girls family teased the collab too: Sean Gunn. "Kirkʼs 63rd job? Find out on 12/3 📦☕," he said on Instagram. And in the words of one fan in his comments: "WHAT is going on."

    Considering all three actors tagged Walmart in their post, I was expecting a Luke's Coffee x Scotty P's Big Mug Coffee collab, but it looks like it could be something even better: a reunion!

    "I think this has already accidentally aired on Hulu, Lauren and Scott are in a commercial as Luke and Lorelai, where she says 'coffee coffee coffee!' and he pulls out a Walmart shipping box full of brew lol!" one Reddit user says. "I was very surprised when I saw it but it was cute!"

    This totally make sense in my headcanon of Gilmore Girls in 2024. Because you can't tell me Lorelai wouldn't totally be obsessed with grocery delivery. Paying someone else to do a chore for her AND avoiding Taylor Doose at the market? Well that's a win-win baby.

    Here's hoping we see Alexis Bledel as Rory again too!

    What do you think about this potential Gilmore Girls reunion? Tune in December 3 to find out what this is all about and read up on 24 Cozy Gilmore Girls Gift Ideas For Anyone Who'd Rather Be In Stars Hollow.

    This post has been updated.

    Following in the footsteps of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid, there's a new live Disney movie in the works: a live-action Snow White! The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes actress Rachel Zegler stars as Snow White in the new iteration, and this weekend, we got the first official look at the film!

    Snow White has faced plenty of controversy this year, from the actors' comments to the costumes to the rest of the cast, but I'm actually excited for it. I'll see any story that places women at the forefront!!

    Here's everything you need to know about the new live action Snow White, coming in 2025.

    Is there a Snow White trailer?

    Well, yes, the Snow White trailer is here! And I can't stop watching. Rachel Zegler's vocals, Gal Gadot's mystery, and the handsome Jonathan. Because, FYI, Rachel clarified that the movie WILL feature romance, telling Variety that "I would never want to box someone in and say, ‘If you want love, then you can’t work.’ Or ‘If you want to work, then you can’t have a family.’ It’s not true. It’s never been true."

    "The love story is very integral," she continues. "A lot of people wrote that we weren’t doing [the romance] anymore — we were always doing that; it just wasn’t what we were talking about on that day."

    I have had "Waiting on a Wish" (the new song by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul Rachel sings in the trailer) stuck in my head since I first heard it, and I CANNOT get enough. The vibrato on "meant" just scratches an itch in my brain!

    What else has Rachel said about the movie?

    Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Disney

    Like the live-action Disney movies before it, the new Snow White teaser trailer shows off a variety of shots you know and love from the original 1937 movie. But there's also a hint of modern edge that I'm excited to see in the final film. While the cartoon Snow White is pure sweetness, Rachel Zegler adds a touch of sass, spunk, and determination. I have no doubt she'll be able to bring the iconic princess into the modern age without sacrificing the goodness we love in the original character!

    But as much as I love seeing Rachel Zegler in this starring role, I was not expecting the entire movie to look so CGI. The live-action Cinderella was successful aesthetically because it used so many practical elements, but so far, the Snow White visuals — from the animals to the dwarves to the cottage — seem a little hazy.

    However some people are taking their critiques wayyyy too far and sending Zegler literal death threats. "fun fact i will be dying eight times a week on broadway this fall!!!!!" she says in response to a now-deleted tweet. "get your tickets, lee! also @fbi." You can see Zegler star in Romeo + Juliet opposite Kit Connor.

    When is the live-action Snow White coming out?

    Disney

    Snow White Release Date

    Snow White hits theaters on March 21, 2025! Check out the rest of the Most-Anticipated 2025 Movies you can watch next year. The lineup is already amazing.

    What is the new Snow White movie about?

    Disney

    Snow White Plot

    Based on the 1937 animated Disney movie, the 2025 Snow White will follow a similar plot, but it looks like it'll focus more on the princess becoming a leader than the OG movie. Rachel Zegler went viral for her comments on how the film would change the original story. "We absolutely wrote a Snow White [that's] not going to be saved by the prince, and she’s not going to be dreaming about true love," Rachel says in a clip from D23 in 2022. "She’s going to be dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be and that her late father told her that she could be if she was fearless, fair, brave, and true.”

    Many internet users didn't like how Rachel phrased her problem with the original story, claiming that telling women they have to choose between falling in love and leadership is inherently anti-feminist. "No but she could fall in love AND be a leader at the same time," one TikTok user commented.

    However, the extreme backlash to Rachel's comments was put in a new light after Priscilla star Jacob Elordi (who plays Elvis Presley) joked he didn't know much about Elvis except what he learned on Lilo & Stitch.

    "Okay but when Rachel Zegler says she wasn’t a fan of the original Snow White (a cartoon btw), and only revisited it for her role as Snow White, she’s 'entitled' and a brat," one user wrote on X. "This just confirms Rachel Zegler hate is literally just misogyny." Say it louder for the people in the back!

    Who else is in the cast of Snow White?

    Disney

    Snow White Cast

    Gal Gadot will star as the Evil Queen opposite Rachel Zegler's Snow White. We'll also see Andrew Burnap as Jonathan (in place of the original film's Prince) and Ansu Kabia as the Huntsman.

    I love that Rachel is starring as Snow White because she has always captured goodness and integrity without becoming harsh, which is a true feat. And director Marc Webb feels the same way. "[She] has an inherent grace, poise and goodness that reminds me so much of what is essential to Snow White," he told Variety.

    Will Snow White be a musical?

    Disney

    Yes, Snow White is going to be a musical, just like the original film! In addition to original songs like "Whistle While You Work," La La Land and The Greatest Showman writers Pasek and Paul (who also added a couple of new songs to the 2019 Aladdin) wrote some new tunes for the film.

    How many dwarves does Snow White have?

    Disney

    In the original film, Snow White meets seven dwarves: Doc, Bashful, Sneezy, Grumpy, Dopey, Happy, and Sleepy. After actor Peter Dinklage expressed his anger over the new story ("You're still making that f—king backwards story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together, what the f—k are you doing, man? Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soap box? I guess I'm not loud enough," he said in an episode of Marc Maron's WTF podcast), Disney released a statement to Good Morning America saying they were changing the original story.

    "To avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film, we are taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community," a Disney spokesperson said. "We look forward to sharing more as the film heads into production after a lengthy development period."

    However, the movie's first look clearly shows Rachel Zegler's Snow White surrounded by seven dwarfs, and honestly, we're even more confused than we were before about how Disney has updated the story, if at all.

    What is the original dark story of Snow White?

    Disney

    In the original Grimm's Fairytales Snow White, the princess avoids even more brushes with death than she does in the Disney version. In addition to the poison apple, the queen also tries to suffocate her with too-tight bodice laces, as well as a poison comb through her hair.

    Are you excited for Disney's Snow White, or do you wish they had just come up with a new story? Check out our Movies page for the latest news on the rest of this year's films, including this year's Fall Movies!

    This post has been updated.