5 Minute DIY: Deck Out Your Desk with Neon!

We’ve been having a bit of a friendly competition here at Brit HQ to deck out our desks in our new office. And you know that we had to have at least some neon in the mix! What makes this DIY even better? It could be one of the easiest ones we’ve done on the site, and it involves the new neon Sharpies, which we can’t get enough of!

Just by coloring the edges, you’ll give your acrylic desk accessories a bright neon glow.

And all the supplies you need are available at the office supply store. Let’s get started!

Materials:

– acrylic desk accessories (file tray, notepad holder, business card holder, pen organizer, 4-tiered organizer)

– neon Sharpies

– painter’s tape

– scissors

– rubbing alcohol swabs

Instructions:

1. Clean edges the acrylic pieces with the alcohol swabs. This step is technically optional, but if you’ve had them on your desk for awhile, they might be a bit dusty or have oils from your hands on them.

2. Color the exposed edges of each piece with the Sharpie color of your choosing. Be sure to color the bottom edges as well to increase the “glow.”

3. For any seams that show through on the sides (see the pen holder below), tape off the seams and color with the Sharpie.

4. Using a fresh rubbing alcohol swab clean up any mistakes.

We chose to do each accessory in a different color. They all worked really well, but the blue was the faintest of the five. It took a couple of coats, and had a really subtle finished look.

The “seams” on this organizer don’t go all the way through, so we taped them off to get straight lines. You can skip this step if you want, but we found it really increased the glow of this organizer.

Make sure the ink is dry before you remove the tape to avoid smudging it.

The finished organizers, seem to light up with their colors!

The yellow really pops on these file trays.

The blue was much more subdued. If you end up not liking the way one of the colors turns out, simply use a rubbing alcohol swab to remove the marker. It might take a little elbow grease, but it will all come off.

To make sure the color really stood out on this organizer, we colored the top and bottom of each swiveling tray. It has a great look when stacked all together.

This one might be our favorite! Just by coloring the top edge, the U-shaped cutout, and the bottom edge, the green really lit up this little piece.

What do you have on your desk? Is it time for a neon upgrade? Tell us in the comments!

Are you a member of the type-all-day crowd? Whether you’re tapping away highly complex code or churning out clever quips in the way of content, it’s more likely than not that you spend the bulk of your workday sitting at a desk. But did you know that it is way better for your healthand productivity to stand at your desk?

Sure, standing all day can have its downsides as well but, one good thing to remember when trying out a standing desk for the first time is that a cushioned bar stool is often your best friend. Whether you're picking a pre-made one or you'd like to DIY it so that you can customize it to your space, these standing desks will help you get more work down and improve your posture at the same time.

VIVO Desk Converter Dual Monitor and Laptop Workstation ($120+, was $140+)

Any desk can be a standing desk when you add this adjustable workstation. There's room for your monitor or laptop on the upper shelf, and keyboard on the lower shelf, plus you can pick from a variety of colors to best fit your office.

Upper Square Albin Height Adjustable Standing Desk ($160, was $411)

Ergonomic and adjustable, this desk has a contemporary and minimalist look that works for any modern office. The shallow shelf below the desktop is great for pens and notebooks to jot down your best ideas.

FEZIBO Brasa Electric Standing Desk with Upper Double Drawer ($300, was $400)

This desk comes with different tabletop space and color options to maximize your workspace. The monitor stand, storage cubicle, and two side drawers offer plenty of room to store your desktop knick knacks, without cluttering up the room.

FlexiSpot E1 Standard Standing Desk ($200, was $300)

Have the best of both worlds with a standing desk that you can lower when you'd rather sit. The bamboo is durable and sustainable (not to mention it looks amazing), and the height adjustment is smooth enough that nothing will fall off.

SIDUCAL Mobile Stand Up Desk, Adjustable Laptop Desk with Wheels ($80, was $100)

If you live somewhere small, or you don't enjoy staying in the same place all day, try a standing desk that you can take with you around your home thank to its wheels.

Sit-Stand Cart Mobile Height Adjustable Standing Desk ($107, was $123)

The cool thing about this desk is that the lower portion sits flat or tilts upward so that you can type at an angle that works best for your wrists. It also comes with cord hooks underneath the desk for helpful organization.

OUTFINE Dual Motor Height Adjustable Standing Desk ($219)

This might look like your basic standing desk, but the cupholder and hook (both of which are detachable, by the way) take it to the next level. 

Intension Design Tripod Standing Desk Pro ($400)

Since this option is a tripod, you can fold it up and store it behind a door or under your bed. This works great for anyone who needs a desk but doesn't have room to keep a permanent one in their space.

Judsen Height Adjustable Standing Desk ($128, was $145)

Not only does this pick let you sit or stand, but it also comes with its own bookshelf so you can keep your favorite books nearby.

Klvied Adjustable Standing Desk ($70)

This sitting and standing desk hybrid works like a TV tray, so when you feel like sitting, you can work from your bed or the couch. Yes, please!

Seville Classics Airlift Mobile Height Adjustable Laptop Stand ($51)

If you have a large sitting desk, opt for a smaller laptop stand that you can use whenever you feel like it. That way you can stand during work hours, without committing to a whole other desk.

Beadien Height Adjustable Standing Desk ($112, was $219)

Don't worry if you've never worked from a rolling desk before — two of the wheels lock so that you don't have to worry about accidentally pushing the desk around.

Plenty Of Workspace, Without The Floor Space

When you get a tabletop that attaches the wall, and stools that fit right underneath, you don't have to worry about taking up tons of floor space. Making it a wrap-around desk that sits in the corner also maximizes space in your room. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Ikea Galant Stand Up Desk

[pinterest_embed https://www.pinterest.com/pin/58546863882294743/ expand=1 site_id=19876466]

www.pinterest.com

This basically looks like a desk on top of another desk on stilts. And it kind of is. This is great because it doubles your table space. The craziest thing about this setup? The monitor risers are just upside down plate holders! (via Ikea Hackers)

Standing Desk Accessory

www.youtube.com

Transform any desk into a standing desk

If you already have a regular desk in your workspace, DIY a desk accessory instead of a whole new workspace. That way, you can alternate between standing and sitting when you need to. We love that this one prevents you from leaning over and has a lower keypad area, which will help if you have circulation issues in your hands.

TV Cabinet + Galant Legs Desk

[pinterest_embed https://www.pinterest.com/pin/217158013266799974/ expand=1 site_id=19876466]

www.pinterest.com

Another Ikea hack, this take pairs the base of a desk with a super low TV cabinet. The results? Fashion and function. If your desk is in the middle of a room like this one is, just don't forget that the desk is wide open — you don't want to push your stuff out the back! (via Spacekat on Github)

Cabinet Door Counter

[pinterest_embed https://www.pinterest.com/pin/103723597637633329/ expand=1 site_id=19876466]

www.pinterest.com

Need a really shallow desk for a small space? This hacker took a cabinet door and attached it to the wall. It's wide enough that you can fit your planner, laptop, and desk supplies, but it doesn't stick out too far into your room. Small space win! (via Ikea Hackers)

Elevated Workspace

[pinterest_embed https://www.pinterest.com/pin/202521314463516472/ expand=1 site_id=19876466]

www.pinterest.com

Why not elevate your entire workspace? We love the vibe of this craft room, work room, get-everything-done room. Just look at all that under-the-desk storage! If you organize the space into different sections for your different activities, it won't be as confusing as you might think. (via Paper and Ink)

Tabletop Bolted to the Wall

Of course you can also turn a tabletop into an extra large shelf right on your wall. If you have the space for it, why not! We love the lower level shelving, most likely made from a TV stand or small dresser, which will give you extra drawer space too. (via Jason Garber on Flickr)

Standing Desk + Drafting Table

[pinterest_embed https://www.pinterest.com/pin/13933080075739263/ expand=1 site_id=19876466]

www.pinterest.com

And last, a slightly more advanced take on the standing desk, created by an architect. The desk unfolds into an angled drafting table, doubles as a pretty portable bar, and looks darn good. If you're pretty handy with woodwork and want something that's a bit of a challenge, this is a great project for you. (via Barrett Morgan Design)

Loving these standing desks? Follow us on Pinterest, and check out our Work and DIY pages, for the latest inspirational content.

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.

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

No matter how badly you want to hop on your New Year's resolutions, make new recipes, and get your DIY on, having a messy desk can slow you down or derail your productivity completely. If you're struggling with a mess that just won't seem to go away, you're definitely not alone. Keep reading for some DIY hacks that will clear off your workspace and give you room to breathe.

You Have Too Many Papers

Figure Out A Filing System

If you've got way too many paper piles, consider a DIY filing system that will keep things organized and clear up the space where the papers were taking up. Plus, if you go through the papers, you can probably throw more of them away than you realize.

DIY Ottoman Filing System

This filing system is cute and colorful, and it's multi-purpose. Use the ottoman as extra seating or a footstool when you need it.

Colorful File Organizer

Add some painted caps to a pot lid organizer and you've got one of the easiest DIY file organizers ever!

Go Digital Where You Can

Maybe your bank offers virtual credit card statements, or you don't need a subscription to that magazine because you only check their site anyway. Switching what you can to digital will save you space and help the planet at the same time. And if you're already feeling like your digital space is filling up, you can declutter your digital life too!

You've Got Stuff From All Over The House

Marie Kondo It Up

If you constantly find yourself dealing with mugs, books, or laundry on your desk, trust us, we've been there. Take some advice from the KonMari method and make sure that every single thing you own has a specific place.

Clip On Desk Organizers

When you don't have much space left at your workstation, move your storage off-desk. Grip clips are the secret to making your pencils and tape look like they're floating.

Zip Lock Container Organizers

This DIY is great because Ziploc containers (or other Tupperware) are something that a lot of us already have.

Label Everything

It can be difficult to keep things organized if you don't remember where things go. Consider making labels or color coding your organization so you never forget what's supposed to go in a particular spot.

Washi Tape Cord Labels

Whether you're organizing cords or just trying to keep track of which notebook is which, Washi tape is a great way to create a cute label for less.

You're Also Using Your Desk As A Vanity

Divide By Category

It can be tricky to separate all your necessities when you're using your desk for multiple purposes. That's where dividing your supplies can come in handy. If your desk has drawers, use half for makeup and keep folders and office supplies in the other half. Or if you only have a desktop, keep your beauty and office supplies on different ends.

DIY Vanity Kit

This finished product is so cute, you won't believe it's a DIY! This is great because it has room for tall objects and short, wide ones, both containing and grouping your items.

Marbled Jewelry Trays

You know those tiny rings you're always worried you'll lose? Yeah, this is the place for those.

You're Feeling Cluttered

Find Them A New Home

Sometimes if there's just too much stuff surrounding you when you're trying to work, that's all you can focus on. If your space is feeling claustrophobic, try moving some of the clutter off your desk to another area.

Ladder Shelf

Keep your knickknacks nearby with a shelf that you can put right beside your desk. We love that you can paint it to match your space.

Gold Dipped Baskets

Great for blankets, magazines, craft supplies, and more, these baskets are cute and easy to make.

Hang Things On The Wall

If your office doesn't have room for more furniture, find a way to display your photos and trinkets on your wall above your desk or in another part of the room that won't take up floorspace.

Accessory Organzier

This multi-purpose shelf is great for organizing and keeping things off your desk. You'll never lose your keys again!

Stylish DIY Shelf

Organizing never looked this cute, and it's totally customizable based on what kind of storage you need.

Follow us on Pinterest and check out our newsletter for more desk cleaning inspo.

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

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

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.