3 Reasons You Should Learn How to Make Jam (+ 3 Recipes Inside!)

Aubrey Rojas
Mar 30, 2016

Now that spring is in the air and the warm weather has come out to play, it’s time to get focused on your favorite easy spring recipes, including JAM. Our Jam-Making Online Class ($19) is taught by Marisa McClellan of Food in Jars and is the perfect hobby to learn as your favorite fruits start to sprout. Have yet to be persuaded? Scroll on for three reasons why you should take this online class this weekend.

Why You Should Learn How to Make Jam

1. Learn a new money-saving skill. Take just under 30 minutes this weekend, and learn about jam making with our online class. You’ll learn fruit prep, stovetop prep, canning safety, shelf-life and more, which gives you a budge-friendly way to stock your shelves.

2. Start a new hobby you can do year-round. Spring is a perfect excuse to start your jam session. However, jam making can really happen whenever. This hobby will keep your schedule (and tummies) full all year. Once Marisa teaches you the ins and outs of creating these sweet spreads, brunch at your place will never be the same.

3. Give the best gifts. Be the focus of all your springtime and holiday parties with your homemade jam. Marisa will teach you how to create colorful concoctions to give away at any gathering. Plus, who doesn’t love a sweet treat?

So let’s make your grandma proud — take our Jam-Making Online Class today!

Plus, Marisa just launched a new book, Naturally Sweet Food in Jarsand has generously provided our readers with THREE new recipes that she’s selected from it. Which means, once you’ve learned the basic skills of jam making and canning, you can also get into natural butters, syrups and even pickling and brining.

Marisa’s Exclusive Recipes

1. Blueberry Butter: Blueberry butter is great in bar cookies and homemade cereal bars. Plus, it makes an amazing teacher’s gift from the kiddos. You can download the naturally sweet blueberry butter recipe here.

2. Minty Pickle Spears:These sweet and tangy pickles are perfect for a summertime potluck, BBQ or picnic. You can download the naturally sweet minty pickle spears recipe here.

3. Rhubarb Parsley Syrup: This springtime syrup is great for adding color and flavor to a glass of sparkling water or spritzer. Plus, we hear that a drizzle of it to a dish fruit salad does amazing things. You can download the naturally sweet rhubarb parsley syrup recipe here.

Taking the class? Give us a shoutout on Twitter @BritandCo and tell us what you’re excited to learn.

(Photos via Brit + Co and Steve Legato / Naturally Sweet Food in Jars © 2016 by Marisa McClellan, Running Press, a member of the Perseus Book Group.)

Stay Creative With Access To Our Free Online Art Classes!

In March 2020, we opened up our creative library to the world and over 150,000 of you joined to stay creative during the pandemic.

Well, things have changed for sure, but it's still a bit crazy out there. Many of us are still balancing working from home by night with watching our toddlers by day. Some of us can't work and are catching a serious case of cabin fever this winter... and ALL of us want to stay inspired, creative, and take care of ourselves.

So starting February 1, 2023, we're offering 10 free courses for the next 3 months and you can always access all 120+ online classes for just $10/month or test drive them all with a 30-Day Free Trial after you create a free B+C account. Interested in learning some new recipes or baking techniques? Check out 45+ expert-led classes in our B+C Baking and Cooking Bundle.

You've all shared some beautiful and creative things over the past few years, so we wanted to figure out how to make it easier for all of you to keep learning, making and creating. This is just the first phase of some new things coming to B+C Classes, and we're excited to give members exclusive access to even more great creative stuff in the near future.

Stay creative, friends!

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15 Classy Christmas Outfit Ideas That’ll Win You ‘Best Dressed’ At Family Dinner

If you're anything like me, you treat Christmas like a whole fashion show. Whether it’s a wholesome family dinner or a (not so wholesome) party with hometown friends, I always plan to pull a look or two.

As opposed to years past, I’m looking to shake up my Christmas outfits a bit, playing with multiple patterns, cozy (yet stylish) layers, and, of course, a good pair of boots. Looking for inspo along those lines? We’ve got all the Christmas outfit ideas you need to stun at this year’s festivities.

Check out these 12 Christmas outfit ideas you have our full permission to copy this season!

Kayla Walden

Sparkles are extremely festive this time of year – go all out with a sequined dress to really embrace the Christmas spirit! You can find so many similar options at Anthropologie and Nordstrom. When paired with some cute ballet flats, you'll be feelin' like a little Christmas fairy in no time.

Haley Sprankle

A blazer will never fail to make your Christmas outfits look sophisticated. Layer one on top of a basic cable knit sweater for a classic feel (that'll also keep you super warm)! From there, trousers or tailored jeans will do. Don't forget to accessorize with red Christmas nails and a bold red lip color!

Jasmine Williams

Layers, layers, layers: it's the name of the Christmas outfit game, especially if you live somewhere super cold. But a practical 'fit doesn't have to be boring! Start with a comfy turtleneck and pants (over some leggings for extra warmth), then go crazy by mixing colors and patterns. This plaid + leather combo will be on repeat. Step into your favorite winter boots to bolden up the look!

Ali Ives

Statement jackets are the way to go. This leather one is lined with a furry material that not only holds in your body heat during outdoor excursions, but looks so chic, too. Layer one with some leggings, a black mini dress, and a bright red sweater like this one so you feel cozy all day long! Don't forget the boots, either! 😍

Haley Sprankle

Hair bows are the perfect accessory to rock alongside your Christmas outfits. From sleek sweaters like this one to more formal dresses, they fit the occasion oh-so nicely.

Haley Sprankle

For a *spicier* holiday get-up, don't hesitate to reach for your fave tall boots and little black dress. It's a no-fail combo! With an all-black situation like this one, you won't have to spend extra time worrying about if your outfit is matching perfectly or not. Wear the two pieces with some sheer black tights, or get creative with colored ones, like a bold red or sparkly white.

Kayla Walden

If your personal style leans more preppy, this is the Christmas outfit idea to copy: loafers and a pleated skirt instantly make you look dressed up, but the nice part is you're not sacrificing comfort for style one bit. This outfit formula can span over endless color combos, but we particularly love the burgundy-leaning look with this one.

Meredith Holser

You can never go wrong with a good green or red plaid dress. Bonus points if it's vintage, like this one! You can easily dress it up with tights and a cardigan, with boots or ballet flats to match!

Kayla Walden

Velvet dresses have our hearts (and closets). The material evokes a very vintage-y Christmas vibe that you can style over and over again. We're currently eyeing similar styles to this one from Target and Anthropologie!

Rachael Sprankle

Sequins shine again! If it's Christmas party time, you truly cannot go wrong with an eye-catching ensemble like this one. You'll leave the whole crowd stunned. A sequined dress also makes for some ahh-mazing Instagram pics! 📸

Ali Ives

Bundling up this winter doesn't have to be drab. Throw on a plaid scarf on top of a layered look to embrace all the Christmas vibes!

Kayla Walden

Playing with different materials and non-traditional color combos might just surprise you when it comes to creating the coolest Christmas outfits. For instance, this 'fit combines leather and suede, which contrast each other beautifully. You also might not immediately think of black and brown working well together, but this outfit idea defies all fashion "rules" in that regard.

Haley Sprankle

For a Christmas-y night out (ahem, bar crawl, anyone?), don your cutest holiday sweater with some comfy jeans and boots. We've found some really great options for fun holiday sweaters that are still super stylish!

Haley Sprankle

Get you a good tall black boot, and your Christmas outfit ideas will go far. They work wonderfully with everything from maxi dresses to midi skirts!

Kayla Walden

No matter what you wear this Christmas, there's always room for a playful (and festive!) hair bow.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more outfit inspo!

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

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10 Creative Classes to Give Mom for Mother’s Day

Skip the flowers this year and give Mom a gift that (actually) keeps on giving in the form of a creative online class! What has your creative mom always wanted to do but never did because she was taking care of YOU for 18+ years? Chances are there's a class out there that's right on the money (and will get you major “best kid ever" points for thinking of it). Leave all your classic “mom hobby" generalizations at the door and get her something for Mother's Day that goes way beyond her expectations and is actually FUN :)

PS. Now through May 15, take advantage of our two-for-one class deal to treat mom or get 50% off a single class for yourself using code springbogo at checkout.

Intro to Travel Photography Online Class

Now that she can visit you for the first time in a year improve her photo game for summer travel.

Color + Pattern for Interior Design Online Class

Help her get her home styled for happy living with this color + pattern interior design class.

Cake Decorating

You can reap the benefits of having mom take this cake decorating class! #lickthebowl

Jewelry Making + Metalworking Online Class

This class taught and designed by Tiffany Whipps will give her everything she needs to make hammered wire and beaded earrings for herself (and likely all of her friends).

Watercolor Painting Online Class

Jenna Rainey walks you through mixing colors, making different brushstrokes, painting beautifully natural floral designs.

Flower Arranging Online Class

Farmgirl Flowers teaches mom everything she needs to know about selecting, processing and arranging her own unique florals!

Calligraphy 101 Online Class

Lauren Essl of Blue Eye Brown Eye gives mom a way to practice her penmanship and tap into this oh-so-hot-right-now lettering trend.

Leatherworking Online Class

Transport mom back to summer camp in the 70's. In this class, taught by Natalie Davis of Canoe Goods, she'll learn how to add textured designs to leather and construct this handy tray for keys, jewelry and other bits 'n' bobs.

Jewelry-Making Online Class

Mother-daughter duo Nur-E Gulshan and Nur-E Farhana Rahman own the awesome jewelry company Knotty Gal, which gives us serious mother-daughter relationship goals. Take this class together!

Letterpress Online Class

Our friends at Hello!Lucky will teach mom how to print her very own cards for every holiday with a handy-dandy tabletop letterpress machine.


B+C Classes offer creative and business skills taught by the world's best experts. Choose individually from 120+ courses, or subscribe to our All Access Pass for all-you-can-learn at just $10/month.

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How To Watch 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' For Free This Holiday Season

As I type this, I'm sipping on chai tea, wrapped in a blanket covered in hedgehogs holding candy canes, while twinkly lights hang on the wall behind my head. That's right baby, it's Christmastime!! (Well, almost). It might not be Thanksgiving yet, but we're getting in the holiday spirit early, because...well, why not? A few Christmas music, a taste test of Taylor Swift's chai tea cookies, and A Charlie Brown Christmas are all surefire ways to make any cloudy, dark-before-5 pm day merry and bright. After you've watched Snoopy prepare dinner for all his friends in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, press play on the oh so sweet A Charlie Brown Christmas!

Here's everything you need to know about how to stream A Charlie Brown Christmas for the 2024 holiday season.

How To Stream 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

You can stream A Charlie Brown Christmas is streaming on Apple TV+ this year, which is also where you'll find It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. So if you're wondering, 'Is A Charlie Brown Christmas on Netflix?' unfortunately, no, it's not.

But while the $9.99 cost for an Apple TV+ subscription gives you access to literally so many other titles, it's understandable if that's a deal breaker. Good thing there's a 7-day free trial! Apple TV+ is also airing the special for free on two days during the holiday season: December 14 and December 15. Mark your calendar!

Check out Everything Coming To Apple TV+ In 2024for a look into the streamer's newest projects!

What happened in A Charlie Brown Christmas?

CBS/Apple

A Charlie Brown Christmas Plot

In A Charlie Brown Christmas, our titular main character is not feeling merry and bright. Even though the world is cheery (and snowy) around him, he simply can't break out of his funk — especially when he tries to direct his friends in the local Christmas play and they all make fun of him. But thankfully, Linus, and one special little Christmas tree, help save Charlie Brown's Christmas spirit.

The special definitely struck a chord in audiences. According to TODAY, almost half of the entire country tuned into the premiere, and A Charlie Brown Christmas ended up winning an Emmy in 1966 for Outstanding Children's Program.

When did A Charlie Brown Christmas come out?

CBS/Apple

A Charlie Brown Christmas Release Date

A Charlie Brown Christmas first aired on CBS December 9, 1965. Even though Charles M. Schulz's comic strip introduced characters like Charlie Brown, Sally, Linus, and Snoopy in 1950, this was the first time the characters appeared in a TV special.

Can I stream the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas?

Concord Music Group

Yes you can listen to the A Charlie Brown Christmas album (which has sold more than 5 million copies) on streaming platforms!

Why is A Charlie Brown Christmas not airing?

CBS/Apple

After Apple bought the rights to the Charlie Brown specials in 2018, A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown haven't regularly premiered on TV. 2022 marked the last time Apple allowed PBS stations to air A Charlie Brown Christmas once during the holiday season.

Will ABC show A Charlie Brown Christmas?

Check out 60 Unique Christmas Card Ideas That Also Make Great Instagram Captions for more inspiration!

This post has been updated.

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I Almost Peed My Pants Laughing At The 'Your Cordially Invited' Trailer

Let's be honest...I'll watch just about anything Reese Witherspoon or Will Ferrell are in, but I'm especially ready for You're Cordially Invited! While I was already hooked on this dynamic duo just based on the two of them alone, the trailer just dropped — and it did NOT disappoint. From wrestling alligators to wearing big, fuzzy zebra costumes, there's a lot of really funny stuff to unpack with this upcoming movie. Let's get into it!

Check out the You're Cordially Invited trailer here!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Okay, let's address the elephant — or two-time Superbowl-winning quarter back — in the room first. Hello, Peyton Manning! I swear, this man is everywhere right now, and I'm so here for it! I'd be lying if I said I didn't laugh at his "Paintin' Manning" commercials lately.

Anyway, back to the plot at-hand! When Reese Witherspoon's sister and Will Ferrell's daughter get engaged, the both manage to book the weddings for the same day (June 1)...and at the same venue! Classic conundrum! Instead of rescheduling, the two groups are forced to work it out between the two of them, and things get a little hairy.

Throughout the hilarity — and chaos — that ensues, we see a lot of good stuff. This includes (but is not limited to):

  • Will Ferrell doing his daughter's hair in giant rollers
  • The two wedding parties battling over the sunset ceremony
  • A giant, fluffy zebra knocking a cake over during a conga line
  • Male strippers that are totally giving Magic Mike vibes
  • Will Ferrell wrestling an alligator?!

Needless to say, there's a LOT going on in this movie. If I'm already laughing that much at the trailer, I just know this is gonna good!

Catch You're Cordially Invited on Amazon Prime on January 30, 2025!

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