I love hosting and making my guests feel at home. And living in a tourist destination (Sonoma wine country) means I get a lot of them — especially as the weather warms up. Over time, I’ve learned that creating a warm, welcoming space doesn’t have to mean stress or all-day prep. Guests only seem to notice a few key things, not whether you color-coded your bookshelf or spring cleaned your closets. Whether it’s a casual dinner party or an overnight stay, these simple steps make a big difference before guests arrive.
You don’t need to deep-clean — just focus on visible clutter. Clear off countertops, coffee tables, and entryways. Short on time? Just toss items into a basket and tuck them away in a closet.
Set the mood with a seasonal or favorite scent, like vanilla, amber, or something citrusy. It instantly makes your space feel warm and inviting. I like to put one in the guest bathroom too for a little surprise.
Have a little time? You can also simmer citrus and your favorite herbs on the stove.
You’ll Need:
Steps:
Nothing makes guests feel more "ick" than a dirty or messy bathroom so prioritize this space. Wipe down the sink and toilet, put out a fresh hand towel, and make sure there’s enough toilet paper.
I make sure to switch off all the overheads (not a fan of this harsh lighting) and turn on table lamps for a cozy vibe. Then cue up a Spotify "dinner party" playlist that matches the energy — something mellow and upbeat is usually a safe bet.
Photo by Tatiana Syrikova
A long-distance friend of mine would always leave me a basket of toiletries for my overnight stays and it's something I always remember fondly. On their bedside table, you can leave them a pitcher of water, their favorite snacks, flowers or herbs, and/or a book or magazine. Little details make people feel instantly loved.
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Nothing ruins the party vibe like a smelly garbage can. Empty it before anyone arrives, and consider adding a fresh liner with a drop of essential oil or baking soda to keep things smelling fresh and clean.
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It's almost time to return to Cousins! The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 is coming this summer, and Prime Video just gave us a first official look at Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad. The new episodes will open at the end of Belly's freshman year of college, and in addition to seeing the evolution of our favorite characters, author and co-showrunner Jenny Han says "there are going to be surprises" in the final season. Eek!
Erika Doss/Prime Video
"There are the things that [fans] know and then there are things they think they know, and then there's going to be, hopefully, things that surprise them," Jenny Han tells Entertainment Weekly. Listen, I am a very proud member of Team Conrad, and seeing how cozy Belly and Jeremiah are in these pics (not to mention the set leak that's definitely not in the third book), I'm starting to wonder if Prime Video is teasing I should switch teams.
But no matter which team you're on, Lola Tung promises the season won't let you down.
Erika Doss/Prime Video
"The one thing I've always admired about Jenny is that every season and every decision about what's coming next is purely to serve the story," Lola says. "She's never going to do anything that doesn't make sense for the story. It's all about this beautiful world she's created and giving the fans something really, really special and giving us something really special to work with."
And that includes some sweet moments which Jeremiah and Belly, who "are, at their core, best friends," Lola adds. "That relationship is something that's so special and so unique to them, so it's exciting to see this season and how their relationship blossoms."
Erika Doss/Prime Video
But don't worry Conrad fans, we also get a look at the elder Fisher brother who "we know that he went to Stanford, and so he's continuing on his journey to become a doctor, as you can see from that white coat," Jenny says. "I think people won't be surprised to see that."
Erika Doss/Prime Video
Jenny Han also teases this image is actually a flashback, "so do with that what you will." BRB, I'm off dreaming of a beach vacation. I also can't help but point out the warm color grade of this season! The golden look makes everything feel warmer and more magical — and offers a youthful glow as Belly gets older.
Erika Doss/Prime Video
But for those of us who care more about Steven and Taylor (Sean Kaufman and Rain Spencer) than the main love triangle, we got this single crumb from the new images. And I'm more than happy about it, thank you very much.
Erika Doss/Prime Video
Belly (Lola Tung) gets cozy on campus in a hoodie and sunglasses.
Erika Doss/Prime Video
And Belly and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) get cozy with each other at a party.
Erika Doss/Prime Video
But they work as hard as they play! I have this exact outfit Belly's wearing, and you best believe I'm adding it into my fashion rotation.
Erika Doss/Prime Video
Great news! The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 will have 11 episodes instead of 7 or 8 like seasons 1 and 2 did. Stay tuned for the official release schedule.
Prime Video
The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 cast features all your favorites:
Meet The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Cast before the new episodes air on Prime Video this July!
Targetis always full of fun surprises, and their current lineup of under-$15 finds is seriously stunning. From chic home decor pieces to trendy fashion picks and affordable beauty essentials, these budget-friendly hidden gems prove you really don’t have to spend big to give your space, wardrobe, or daily routine a lil’ refresh. If you love a good deal (same here!), get ready to add some of these affordable must-haves from Target to your cart.
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The internet's favorite body lotion scent is now available in a dreamy body wash format! With standout notes of vanilla and cashmere and a creamy concoction of shea butter, cocoa butter, and argan butter to keep your skin feelin' nourished as ever, this $10 bottle is a shower must-have.
Target
Swarmed in LoveShackFancy’s signature floral prints, this $10 mini brush is the perfect piece to keep in your purse for on-the-go touch-ups. The collection, shoppable at Target, also includes everything from regular-sized brushes to hair curling sets and cute claw clips!
Target
Versed's new makeup collection has been living in our heads rent-free, especially because we love their skincare goodies so much. Of course, they whipped up a wonderfully smooth $15 blush stick to add to the glow. The lightweight formula is super easy to build up depending on your mood, plus each stick is packed full of jojoba seed oil and fatty acids to help hydrate your complexion!
Target
Moving onto the grocery aisle, this brand-new creamer flavor from Chobani is sure to infuse your mornings with utter joy. Aside from the cheery packaging, this $5 birthday cake-flavored coffee creamer adds some really nice sweetness, whether you splash some into a mug of hot coffee or add a bit to your iced lattes. It's a limited-edition flavor, so make sure to try it before it's gone from shelves!
Target
We're huge suckers for anything checkered. This $15 planter is such a cutie, add will most certainly bring some major springtime energy to your windowsill, bookshelf, or dining room table!
Target
Two words: mushroom lamp. Yep – Target's selling this baby for just $14 (was $20), and the best part is that it's cordless, so you can move it around your space as you please for a trendy home decor touch.
Target
When it comes to spring basics, tube tops should be at the top of your list. They're easy to put on and even easier to wear, plus this solid black number makes putting together a comfy outfit unbelievably seamless! You can snag this top for just $6 (was $8), along with three more solid shades that fit the season.
Target
Oh, it's giving Anthro vibes, for sure. This $15 pair of flower-shaped candle holders will add some cheer and color to your springtime table spreads, and what's more is they're also perfect for sunny Easter celebrations!
Target
For a nice boost in hydration, hyaluronic acid is where it's at. This $12 bottle from Good Molecules truly packs a punch and boosts the performance of your traditional moisturizer!
Target
This ever-so-trendy tank top boasts an asymmetrical cinched hem for a fun touch. Right now, it's on sale for just $8 (was $12)! It also comes in pink, green, and blue if you're seeking a bright pop of color.
Target
We're seeing this puffy pattern everywhere these days, from bags to jackets. Target put it on an adorable little pillow, and we're obsessed! Snag this $7 cutie for an inexpensive living room or bedroom upgrade.
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Two vases for just $10?! Count us in. These playful designs work well together, though you could easily disperse them throughout your home to host all the blooms of spring!
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1923 season 2 premieres on Paramount+ February 23, and Michelle Randolph (who plays Elizabeth Dutton in the cast) is "so excited" for you to watch the new episodes — and she's been keeping up with all your fan theories!
"There are some crazy ones. I feel like the biggest fan theory thing is the family tree," she tells Brit + Co exclusively. "I've seen many different family trees and so it's like, 'OK, which one's accurate?' I actually drew my own at one point."
By the end of season 2, Michelle Randolph says "we might be able to fill in some blanks" in the Dutton family tree, which is a very hot topic for internet users! "I had to make my own [family tree] because all of the ones I saw on the internet were like — every single one was different. I was like 'I'm confused.'"
The Dutton family is made up of incredible cast members like Brandon Sklenar, Harrison Ford, and Helen Mirren, and Michelle reveals that the cast are just as close as their characters.
"There's a giant group chat called Giddy Up, which started during cowboy camp of season one," she says. "A cute little name, and I think I mean we all were on location in Montana and all in the same hotel, and we would get dinners after [filming], so I think even though our characters are very different and in different story lines like we all really did bond, which was really helpful to have each other throughout the chaos of of shooting a show."
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
And if you're a tried and true Taylor Sheridan fan, you've probably picked up on the fact that Michelle isn't just in 1923 — she also has a starring role as Ainsley Norris in Landman! But would Elizabeth and Ainsley get along if they met in an alternate universe?
"That would be a fun thing to witness. I think they would," she says. "They're very different, but the similarities between them is they're both young women who are finding their place in this world and I think that they both actually look at the world through very bright eyes and have a lot of hope, which is an interesting correlation between the two of them. I think Elizabeth has gone through so much more than Ainsley obviously, so there might be a difference there, but I think they would get along."
Check out the 8 Compelling Historical Fiction Books For 1923 Lovers and read our interview with Julia Schlaepfer where she teases the Spencer and Alex's future.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. And this post has been updated.
Leaders in the matcha industry are predicting a matcha shortage this spring. Sparked by a huge surge in demand, it’s possible that your go-to drink could be affected.
Nataliya Vaitkevich / PEXELS
Per The Japan Times, increased demand for matcha powder put an “unprecedented strain” on the tea industry last year, and the same effect is predicted to take place in 2025.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan saw a 185% increase in matcha production from 2010 to 2023 in order to keep up with demand from cafes and home baristas around the world, The Japan Timesreports.
Cup of Couple / PEXELS
Seeing that over half of Japan’s matcha is exported internationally, matcha lovers are looking toward the country for their green tea fix. Search interest for matcha has nearly quadrupled over the past 5 years, and it shows no sign of slowing down.
Olena Bohovyk / PEXELS
This year, mostly organic matcha strains will be affected by the shortage, though lower-grade varieties could face the same issues if consumers begin reaching for them in favor of organic offerings. While top-tier, organic strains like ceremonial-grade matcha are known for being sweeter and smoother, the lower-grade kinds like culinary-grade matcha are noticeably more bitter and don't have the same vibrant color.
Charlotte May / PEXELS
Matcha can only be harvested in the springtime, so though a shortage may be happening now, there’s hope for increased supply in the near future. This year’s harvest will start in April.
Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS
Even though production will ramp up, Jason Eng of Kametani Tea in Japan, a company that produces matcha for beverage companies around the world, says: “This year will be an interesting one. We haven’t hit a point yet where we’re going to run out, but it’s going to be really tight this autumn – not just for us but for everybody. The demand is off the charts.”
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