22 Picks for the Perfect Picnic Party

Ah, spring. We can practically smell the [insert your favorite spring flower here]. The warmer weather equals quality time with your besties, co-workers, family or those random people that just know how to have a good time. So get ready to grab some fun yard games and take your party outside. We’ve searched for the perfect picnic party picks so all you have to decide is what DIY maxi skirt you’re going to rock while laying on the fresh cut grass. Isn’t that the best smell ever? Okay, time to focus… these picks kick major picnic grass.

1. Vertical Strokes Market Tote ($36): You’ve totes got this picnic in the bag. Especially with the help of this stylish carryall that’s beyond easy to clean. Just toss all your party supplies in when the festivities are over… sad face.

2. Kate Spade Grass is Greener Picnic Blanket ($45): A blanket that looks just like grass but without the itch? Brilliant. You’ll become one with nature during the picnic, and then when the time comes to leave you can just toss the blanket into its handy drawstring bag. Easy. Cleanup.

3. Mason Shaker Gift Set ($50): Shake your picnic maker with this set that includes everything you’ll need for drinks with a vintage flair. You get a mason jar-turned-cocktail shaker, muddler and jigger for all your boozy needs.

4. DIY Modern Cooler: DIY your way to your very own chic cooler — it’s beyond easy. Just take the standard cooler you’ve probably had for years and update it using wood grain contact paper along with some paint and rope. (via Almost Makes Perfect)

5. Pocket Parrot Citrus Knife ($13): Fruit is a staple on the picnic scene. So come prepared with this handy and small knife that’s ready to show that citrus who’s boss.

6. White Peach-Lavender Soda: The name of this recipe alone has our attention. Fresh lavender and ripe white peaches… all of a sudden, we’re quite thirsty. This homemade mix is a refreshing addition to your standard picnic fare. (via Emma E Christensen)

7. Mini Jambox ($130): Hello, dance party. This tiny wireless Bluetooth speaker will last up to eight hours, which means you can stay outside for as long as you want without any awkward silence. Plus it’s so tiny it can fit in your jean pocket. For reals.

8. Wooden Forks ($9): Equally as important as the pocket knife above, serving utensils make the picnic go round. Go green while sitting on the green with these compostable wooden forks. Mother Nature thanks you.

9. Horseshoes Set ($135): It’s not a picnic without some lawn games. Get your fix with this legit horseshoe set and your friends will be lining up to play.

10. Sriracha + Cheddar Cheese Puffs ($15): The first rule of outdoor fun? Always have snacks on hand to curb hanger. Spice things up with bags of this Sriracha deliciousness. Think of it as fuel to play some yard games. Everyone wins. Well, not in yard games, but you get the idea.

11. Striped Paper Straws ($12): Take your picnic to the next level with these pretty striped straws. Pair ’em with the lemonade above and some vodka if you really want to get the party started.

12. Toast-for-Two Wine Table ($25): Where has this table been all our life? Now you can take your picnic up 17 notches with this chic bamboo table that holds your wine glasses AND has room for a cheese plate. After all, nobody likes a spilled wine at a party.

13. Reusable Plastic Ice Cubes ($4): Say goodbye to watered down drinks or a cooler filled with the artist formally known as ice cube. These handy reusable “citrus” ice cubes do major party tricks and will keep you (and your guests) happy and refreshed.

14. Acrylic Wine Glasses ($38): Forget the red plastic solo cups you used in college. There’s no need to take a trip down frat memory lane thanks to these gorgeous glasses. You get six teal acrylic wine glasses that’ll make you feel like a fancy adult who still knows how to have a good time.

15. Cheese Board Kit ($50): Cheese is picnic’s middle name. This kit will leave you with your very own custom wood-burnt cheese board that’s so rad you’ll be trying to schedule picnic parties every weekend.

16. Cheese Knives ($20): You’ve got the cheese board, and now you just need some spreading power. Enter this awesome knife set. You get a cheese knife, fork, slicer and spreader, all in bright, fun colors.

17. Cool Coat ($34): Number one complaint at picnics: warm wine. It’s a serious condition that impacts picnics across the globe. Well, not anymore. This wine chiller keeps your wine cool for one hour longer than normal. Simply toss the removable inner coat in the cooler for a bit of a recharge.

18. Greek Tortellini Salad: It’s not a picnic without pasta salad. This recipe features cheese tortellini, feta cheese, olives and did we mention, avocado? Plus it’s super easy to make, which is exactly what we’re looking for on picnic day. (via Julia’s Album)

19. Kissing Squirrels Plate ($9): Forgetting something? Sorry paper plates, but there’s a new and stylish serving plate in town. Made of melamine, these adorable wonders will treat your picnic right. Besides, how can you not love cute li’l squirrels?

20. Stack Wine ($13): Forgetting the wine opener is a thing of the past. These why-didn’t-we-think-of-that gems are individual servings of nature’s grape that make drinking easy. Each stack of wine contains the same volume as your standard bottle, and you can choose from all different types — red, white, you name it.

21. Pineapple Tea Towel ($17): We all have those messy friends that spill everything you hand them. Keep it clean and classy while on the grass with this adorably tropical tea towel.

22. City Boy Picnic Grill ($229): Is it hot out here or is it just your picnic? Bring this portable gas grill so you can flex your cooking muscles for all to see. And the modern, chic design? We can’t even.

Ready to throw a rockin’ picnic party? What will you be packing? Tell us in the comments below.

Fashion trends come and go, but there are some that live in our hearts forever. Whether it’s pure nostalgia or reminiscing on just how bad they were, there are plenty of embarrassing and outdated fashion trends I can list off the top of my head: micro vests, chevron dresses, and *shudders* skinny jeans. (How did we let that happen?!)

Since it’s the season of cold, cold, cold, I figured I’d share several outdated winter coat trends that you simply shouldn’t shop anymore since they’re no longer en vogue, not practical at all, or all of the above. Plus, I’m offering some fresher winter coat alternatives to keep you lookin’ oh-so stylish this time of year!

From ultra-cropped coats to army jackets, here are the top 5 “outdated” winter coat trends to avoid at all costs, and what you should shop instead.

Nordstrom

Cotton On The Mother Puffer Cropped Soft Fleece Jacket

1. Swap cropped coats for long coats.

Because what good does a cropped coat do? They aren't very practical for keeping you comfy and warm, especially if you live somewhere where the temperature dips below freezing on the regular.

Plus, cropped coats often come in overly puffy, chunky styles, so they mess with your proportions, which is not flattering at all.

Quince

Quince Stretch Crepe Trench Coat

Instead, opt for an ever-stylish trench coat. They’re all the rage right now, plus they’ll give you that nice ‘quiet luxury’ look. Trench coats are shoppable in all sorts of fabrications, but if warmth and practicality is what you’re looking for, I’d recommend snagging a wool one.

Target

Wild Fable Faux Leather Oversized Moto Jacket

2. Trade faux leather for real leather.

When it comes to fashion trends, investment pieces stand the test of time – which is why you shouldn’t be shopping any faux leather winter coats. Not only do they have the possibility of looking cheap-y, they might not last you as long as a real leather coat would.

Nordstrom

Treasure & Bond Leather Jacket

Look for a real leather coat in a timeless color you know you’re going to wear again and again, like a deep brown or plain black. These neutral colors make ‘em easy to style with everything else you've got going on in your closet, plus a 100% real leather will easily stand up to any weathering as you don it throughout the years.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Utility Jacket

3. Toss any army jackets (especially camo) for leopard print coats.

Army jackets feel so 2014 – and remember when camo was all the rage? Well, it’s not so much anymore. Army jackets and camo feel so 2014 for a reason, and that’s because much trendier (and much more flattering) coats have taken center stage.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Faux Fur Coat

This season, try switching out your outdated army jacket for a different pattern, like leopard. Contrary to popular belief, you can wear leopard and not look too over-the-top. A basic leopard print coat (I love the fuzzy-looking ones) is an easy statement piece to throw over all-black outfits. We’ve matured past camo – try something new this time around!

H&M

H&M Bomber Jacket

4. Trade bomber jackets for barn jackets.

Bomber jackets are another ‘so 2014’ pick in my opinion. While they can work well in some instances, I don’t think they are very flattering. They typically come with elastic waistbands and wristbands, which can constrict your figure and movements in a way that just doesn’t feel good.

Free People

We The Free Denim Barn Coat

Loosen up a bit instead with barn jackets, AKA chore coats. They boast a roomier silhouette, plus everyone seems to be donning them right now. They add a subtle utilitarian look to any outfit, all while letting you layer up underneath with your favorite sweaters and long sleeve tees.

Urban Outfitters

Silence + Noise Yavonne Faux Fur Coat

5. Ditch dramatic furs for more stylish shearling coats.

While I do love a bit of drama, dramatic furs are just way too extra. They can distract from your look easily and drown out your figure instead of flattering it.

Nordstrom

Topshop Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket

I suggest toning down this “outdated” winter coat style by wearing some stylish shearling instead. Shearling will keep you just as warm, but it looks a pinch more polished. You can shop shearling coats in many colors or snag one that has mixed materials for added visual interest.

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

When it comes to New Year's Eve celebrations, the first thought that probably springs to mind is boozing it up with an NYE cocktail. And while there's nothing wrong with sipping some bubbly (if that's your inclination), those of us who prefer to keep thingsnon-alc may feel like there are no New Year's-appropriate activities for our preferences. We say that nothing could be further from the truth! Whether you're pregnant, abstaining, or just taking a break from the booze, here are 10 fun ideas for ringing in 2025, the sober way.

Attend A Silent Disco

A few years ago, just as the sober-curious movement was gaining steam, companies like Daybreaker brought 6 a.m. sober dance parties to the masses. In a similar vein are remote silent discos – events where you put your headphones on and dance it out to the music of world-class DJs right in the comfort of your own home (or in person, if you feel like venturing out).

A quick Google search will reveal that there are tons of options to shake it off on New Year's Eve, whether remotely or in-person in your city. Because silent discos have an alternative vibe, they're much more sober-friendly than traditional clubs and dance parties.

Make A Tea Bar

Photo by Jill Wellington / PEXELS

If you've ever been to a party where they had aProsecco bar or something similar, you know how fun themed bars can be. Why not make a NA equivalent with a tea bar? We're not just talking about hot water and tea bags... include exciting staples like bubble tea, kombucha, Southern-style sweet iced tea, and more!

Do A Goal-Setting Ritual

Brit + Co

Not in the mood to party this year? Celebrate the New Year with some introspection by doing a goal-setting ritual. You can design the ritual in whatever manner you like, but we recommend something along the lines of:

  • Light a candle and sit quietly for a few minutes.
  • Whip out your journal and take inventory of the last year: What were your best memories? What are you grateful for? Where do you think you could've improved?
  • In your journal (we have some killer prompts to start you off), mindfully list out your goals for 2025. They don't have to be New Year's resolutions, exactly, but include small steps you can take in the new year to help you achieve your goals!

Make A 2025 Scrapbook

Brit + Co

Before New Year's Eve, head to your local craft store and pick up some supplies for making an old-fashioned scrapbook. Print out some photos from your most treasured memories of the year (we like printing with Walgreens), and gather any magazines you purchased or journal entries you wrote.

You can also look up some news headlines that made an impact on you, and print out the article as well as photos of any notable celebs or politicians who made the news. On New Year's eve, put together a scrapbook of what made 2024, 2024.

Good, bad, or otherwise, the year was one to remember — so create a momento that will help you re-live the past year in the years to come.

Plan A Costume Party

Brit + Co

Believe it or not, masquerade balls, dressing up in costumes, and concealing one's identity have a long history in the historical celebrations of Christmastime. So we think a New Year's costume party is a fully appropriate idea for a sober New Year's Eve.

Who needs booze to have fun when you can dress up as whoever you want for a night of merriment and mystery?

Karaoke It Up

Photo by Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

Another fun party pastime that's fun with or without booze? Singing! Grab some friends for a sober karaoke night either at your house or a private karaoke room. The singing's bound to be better than it would be if you were imbibing... who knows, maybe you'll steal the show with your rendition of "I'm Just Ken."

Cook A Fancy Meal

Whether you're spending the evening with your S/O or your BFF, cook a fancydinner for two. New Year's Eve is the perfect time to get fancy with food, so use this opportunity to ring in 2025 with only the finest cuisine. Don't forget to make a mocktail to go with!

Host A Game Night

Brit + Co

Bring all your besties over and host a board game night that's sure to be one for the books. Have everyone bring their favorite game – from Cards Against Humanity to Codenames – for a riotous evening that will remind you that you absolutely don't need booze to have a rowdy night of laughter!

Play 2024 Trivia

Photo by Askar Abayev / PEXELS

Before New Year's Eve, compile a long list of trivia questions about 2024. Alternatively, have a friend do it for you, or do a quick Google search... there are a lot of trivia quizzes out there. On the big night, gather your squad together to see how much you remember about 2024. The results may surprise you!

Host A Murder-Mystery Dinner

Image via Amazon

Murder-mystery dinners are still one of the best ways to facilitate a heart-racing and mind-boggling party. Pick up one of the many murder mystery dinner kits out there and have your besties over for a night of thinking on your toes — to be fair, it's probably best to skip the booze for this idea anyway, for the sake of your mental acuity.

Are you planning a sober New Year's Eve party this year? Tweet us @BritandCo to share your plans, and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more booze-free hacks and party ideas!

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.

As fun as Trader Joe’s snacks and desserts are, there’s one aisle you definitely should not skip – and that’s their plant section. Trader Joe’s is constantly stocking up on blooms like orchids and monsteras, all of which are easy to take care of once they make it home from the store.

Any houseplant lover knows the easiest of all easy houseplants is the famed pothos. I can water mine (I have about 5 pothos plants) once every two weeks, and they will. not. die. Right now, Trader Joe’s is selling pothos for cheap – but not just any pothos. They currently come along with a stunning hanging pot that you’ll instantly want to put up in your home.

Scroll on to discover more about this unique Trader Joe’s plant find!

@traderjoesobsessed

That’s right – Trader Joe’s shelves now include disco ball hanging planters. I repeat: disco ball hanging planters! The sphere-shaped pot is covered in reflective disco tiles that’ll certainly make your living room feel like a dance club. The best part is that pothos plants naturally look amazing when they’re grown hanging, so you can watch this baby flourish all year long.

@traderjoesobsessed

TJ’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed recently spotted the disco ball hanging planters at their local Trader Joe’s and shared the new find with their Instagram followers. Tons of them chimed in about their excitement for the product in the comments!

“I need this now😍,” one person commented.

“The way I gasped when I saw this 😍🪩,” another said.

“I bought one today and totally love it👍,” someone else commented.

“I suddenly need to buy more plants,” one more person wrote.

Several shoppers in the comment section noted that they were able to track down the disco ball hanging planters pretty easily, while others reported that they haven’t seen them in their stores quite yet. This is your sign to keep an eye out on your next TJ’s trip!

Reddit

@traderjoesobsessed reports that the disco ball hanging planters go for $12.99 in stores. Their affordable price makes them such a great gift for yourself or a loved one, plus the sparkles on the disco ball are perfect for livening up your space for a New Year’s refresh.

Run to TJ’s soon – I know I will!

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