9 Ways Going for a Walk Can Help You Beat Maker’s Block

Sometimes the best way to beat maker’s block is to leave your desk, close the computer and go for a walk. For this Creative Walkabout, I spent the afternoon with our Intro to Acrylic Painting teacher Courtney Pilgrim of My Friend Court and took her to my favorite spots for finding unusual color palettes, beautiful objects and… really fancy toast.

Before Courtney hopped on a plane to jet from Atlanta to SF, I asked her what types of places she likes to go for inspiration. When she has a spare 30 minutes, where can you find her?

Fuel Up

Any good adventure starts with fuel. In our case, this fuel took the shape of a hot cup of espresso and a totally-worth-it piece of $4 toast at San Francisco’s hipster breakfast sweetheart, The Mill.

Four Barrel Coffee

Josey Baker Bread. Though I’ve been to this spot a handful of times, this was the first time I took time to notice the colorful squares on the wall, panels of color leading down the hallway and the collection of coffee and bread-centric objects for purchase.

What’s obvious here is the time, care and intention that goes into each cup of coffee or slice of toast served. At times it may seem borderline preposterous, but when looking through the lens of a maker, it’s easy to understand why each sip and bite is so darn good — you can taste the care that went into it.

Flip Through a Bunch of Books

Considering the nature of books is to share information, it is fairly obvious that books are a great source of inspiration. A well-curated coffee table book collection is like the perfect salon wall — nothing matches perfectly but it all seems to magically go together. The table located front and center of The Perish Trust is curated to a T, with vintage novellas, contemporary design books and obscure tomes to boot.

And that typewriter? SWOON. Alongside books, you can find all sorts of odd and unexpected treasures on that front table, and throughout the store.

The shop feels more like a curated experience, closer to a crowded art gallery and antique store than a modern-day boutique. There’s something very curious about the objects that find their way to this spot, and we’re guessing the carefully selected combination of items is no accident.

Appreciate the Art of Others

Next up, it’s time to appreciate artists and makers that are just like you. Or perhaps ones that you aspire to be like. Located on Divisadero Street cozied right between The Perish Trust, NOPA and Bi-Rite is Rare Device, a beautifully curated shop filled with whimsical, modern and handmade goods.

This spot also happens to be home to an extremely colorful mural… that we just had to take about 50 photos in front of. Aside from making for a stellar backdrop, the great thing about walls like this is that they force you to think about large scale art and how it interacts with the world around it.

4. Get Back to Nature, Even in the City: Whether you’ve got a huge expanse like Central Park or a little parklet in the middle of a boulevard, there’s nothing like breathing in freshly cut grass, towering eucalyptus trees or straight up manure to help reset your creativity. We hit up Alamo Square Park to ogle at the Full House house and to go for a little wander through the woods. You’ll notice that the grass is not green at all — it’s all part of a “brown is the new green” campaign to get San Francisco parks to use less water. We’re into it!

Truth be told, this park is where my husband David and I shot our engagement photos. And wouldn’t you know it, Courtney and I seem to have accidentally shot our own set of engagement photos during this part of the walk ;)

Find a Gallery/Shop/Cafe You’d Like to See Your Work In

Where do you see your work? Strictly art gallery? Or jewelry store? Or perhaps a small little zone in a coffee shop? Wherever it is you picture, find a place similar to that in your neighborhood. Take a look at the types of items they sell/curate, and figure out what your in might be. In Hayes Valley, the gift shop Lavish has a ton of amazing stationery and textiles, including an entire wall dedicated to Rifle Paper Co. Flowers and pink patterns for days!

6. A Midday Refreshment is a Must: Whether you go for a cocktail, mocktail or second cup of coffee, it’s important to take a moment and just chill. Seriously. Sometimes the business of walking around to get inspired can get so distracting that you forget to absorb everything you’re seeing. If you’re with a friend, take a minute to chat about what you’ve seen or even to chat about nothing at all.

7. Take a Dance Break: For real. Dancing in the street gets your adrenaline pumping and will help you take yourself less seriously. Don’t get us wrong, there’s a time to be serious. But sometimes you just need to act like a total fool and dance your face off in public.

Warby Parker’s San Francisco outpost

Lab Partners created this piece, and we love how perfectly it captures the neighborhood it’s nestled in.

8. Try on Silly Hats (and Pose with Hat-Wearing Mannequins): Never underestimate the power of silly hats, silly faces and silly mannequins.

Reward Yourself with the Most Colorful Cookies Ever

And finally, close out your day with extremely colorful French cookies. Macarons, of course! Chantal Guillon on Hayes Street is where it’s at, and I highly recommend the Salted Caramel Macaron. It has edible gold paint on it! Yum.

Obsessed with geometric patterns and bright colors as much as we are? Then this week’s featured maker should need no introduction. Meet Joy Cho, the brilliant gal behind the Oh Joy Blog, a treasure trove of creative inspiration.

Not only is this impressive woman a creative force, but she’s a blogger, designer, author and mother. Well as of today, we’re happy to add curator to that list — we’ve got a brand new collection in the Brit + Co shop curated by Joy Cho herself. And guess what? Her latest book, Oh Joy!, is also in stock. How awesome is that? You can shop the collection right here.

I spent a morning in Los Angeles with Joy at her favorite breakfast spot, Republique. We chatted about how she got her start, what her typical day looks like and what inspires her. Read on to learn more about Joy’s story — we’re sure it’s one that will inspire you to find more creative moments on the daily.

Have you always been drawn to creative pursuits?

As a kid, I always leaned towards creative things. I was never into playing with dolls or dressing up like a princess — I was more interested in things that let me create something from start to finish. I didn’t realize back then that it had to do with creativity.

Did you know that this love of making things would turn into a business?

In a way, yes. When I was a kid I had about a dozen different businesses before I even graduated high school, including a calligraphy business and a banana bread business! My parents moved here in the mid ‘70s from Thailand and started a Thai restaurant, so I’ve always been surrounded by self-starters and entrepreneurs. (photo credit: Casey Brodley)

Okay so let’s fast forward a bit — what did you study in college? And what were your first couple of jobs after graduating?

I didn’t know that I wanted to be an “artist” but I did know that I didn’t want to go down a doctor or lawyer path. I went to Syracuse and studied graphic design, because in my mind it had a practical side but was still artistic. After graduating, I went to New York for graduate school and ended up getting a job at an ad agency for a couple years. The agency gig was a great start for me, but I quickly became tired of designing for businesses. I wanted to design things that help normal people add delight to their daily lives. That’s when I started to get super interested in patterns, though I hadn’t officially studied them in school. This led me to getting a job with Cynthia Rowley as a designer for her small line at Target. I designed two years worth of collections for her line.

Wow, so that’s really come full circle with Target!

Creating an Oh Joy line at Target was definitely a dream project, especially after working on Cynthia’s line. Getting to see my products in store has been incredible. Unlike a blog post, actual products don’t disappear. They’re in people’s homes and part of their lives, and that feels really good.

What inspires you? Why do you love to design, create and make?

I’m inspired by people and the desire to make people happier with something I can ideate, design, create, and put out into the world for others to enjoy.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share with other makers?

Just do your thing. It can be so easy to get caught up in what others are doing or compare yourself to who’s doing things bigger or better. But I find when I focus on challenging myself and trying new things, then I feel satisfied with my work and I don’t worry about comparisons as much.

How do you get into the creative flow? How does it feel?

I surround myself with stuff. Whether it’s materials, colors, fabrics, food, objects. When I see a lot, my brain starts churning, my heart starts racing, and ideas begin to surface. Those initial ideas aren’t always the final idea, but they usually snowball into something magical.

Looking for more Joy in your life? Be sure to follow Joy on Instagram (Warning: Heart-melting videos of the cutest kids ever await you), buy her book (photo credit: Casey Brodley), and check out her curated collection in the Brit + Co shop!

Party on! Game nights are the best nights, at least in our opinions. Seriously, what's more fun than sitting around the table playing a game, drinking a cocktail or two and laughing with friends?! We'd totally take that over a night sweating (and very awkwardly dancing) at the club.

We know you've made it through that Cards Against Humanity deck too many times to count, so refresh your adult game night stash with some of the best new party games around.

Game of Phones

Uncommon Goods

This techy card game prompts you and your friends to compete in smartphone-based tasks. With assignments ranging from “Find your best #selfie” to “Create an emoji masterpiece,” you’re guaranteed belly laughs and conversation starters galore. Just like with Cards Against Humanity, each round has a judge that picks the winner, so get your phone stacked with game changers now.

hella awk-ward Card Game

Shopify

If you want to spark real conversations with your guests, this is the game for you. By the end of this game, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of new pals. Play by drawing a card and answering the prompt to get to know friends and strangers alike on a deeper level.

What Do You Meme?

Amazon

This is the perfect game for anyone who has spent way too much time on the internet. Match funny captions with well-known internet memes (a rotating judge picks the best one) to create an afternoon or evening of hilarity.

Exploding Kittens Party Card Game

Amazon

This card game is like Russian Roulette “for people who are into kittens and explosions and laser beams and sometimes goats.” Count us in.

My Ex [A Deck of Conversation Starters]

Amazon

Gather your closest BFFs and spend the night with some good ol’ trash talking (therapeutically, of course). You’ll definitely find out who had the craziest ex. Gather friends that are down for the drama and start by pulling a card. Some of the topics you’ll fill-in-the-blank include: 1. The biggest red flag. 2. What is your ex up to now? 3. The worst rebound.

WHAT DO YOU MEME? for The Girls

Shopify

Grab your girlfriends and stir the pot with this hilarious card game. To play, whoever has the most Instagram followers goes first and rolls the die. “Whichever side of the die lands face-up, take the top card from the corresponding color deck. Read it aloud to the group & perform whatever action is on the card,” the instructions read. “Some cards involve just that player, some require the whole group. The player to their left then rolls the die & the game continues like this. Every winning card gets you a point. 1 Card = 1 Point. The player with the most cards at the end wins!”

Say Anything

Walmart

If you’re looking to reeeally get to know your friends, this is the game for you and your group (um, and maybe an invite to the new person you’ve been dating is in order). By reading questions and providing answers, you’ll quickly and creatively get inside the mind of all your party guests fast.

BAD CHOICES - The Have You Ever? Game + After Dark Edition Set

Amazon

You’ll really get to know the other party guests with this game. This might not be one to play with your new coworkers or mother-in-law!

To play, each player will draw six cards. “When it's your turn, choose one of your six question cards, then ask it to the player you think is most likely to answer YES. If they say YES, you get to discard your card. If they say NO you have to keep the card and try to use it again later,” the instructions read. With Skip Cards, Draw +1, Draw +2, and ALL PLAY cards, there's a surprising amount of strategy. The player who discards all of their cards first becomes the winner.

The Game of Things

Amazon

This provocative game will leave your jaw on the floor from the hilarious, creative and outrageous things your friends say. Simply by drawing topic cards like “Things a chimp thinks about when he sees you at the zoo,” responses are sure to be out of this world. After everyone writes down a response, and the best part starts — you all guess who said what. Let the finger pointing begin.

What’s Yours Like?

Walmart

Tell it like it is and you’ll excel at this one. Players have to guess words based off of creative word clues after asking the question, “What’s yours like?” Seriously, we wanna know.

If You Know You Know IYKYK - The Question Card Game

Amazon

Who knows each other best? This card game will (literally) put everyone’s cards on the table.

Getting started and playing this card game is super simple. A rotating judge asks the group a question about themselves from each of the three levels (indicated on the chosen card). Then, everyone chooses their answer. If you guess the judge's answer correctly, you get a point. The player with the most points wins.

That’s What She Said

Amazon

Are you basically Michael Scott from The Office? Any sucker for jokes and innuendos will love this saucy game.

Bananagrams

Shopify

This one is fun to do with the kids or you can spice it up with an adults-only game. Like speed scrabble, the game comes in a convenient banana-shaped pouch making it great to play on the go.

Never Have I Ever

Amazon

You and your friends can put your trust to the test by sharing your deepest, most embarrassing secrets in this revealing game.

Secret Confessions Game- Adult Version

Amazon

Get ready to laugh the night away with this far too funny game. Each group member will take turns reading the cards’ prompts. With each prompt, every player will answer “yes” or “no.”

The Voting Game

Amazon

In this game, instead of voting for the funniest answer, you vote for the player each card seems to describe. Talk about finding out who your real friends are.

Drawing Without Dignity

Amazon

It’s part Cards Against Humanity, part Pictionary. If you have friends who are particularly good artists (or even if they’re not), this game will bring you hours of fun.

Catan Strategy Board Game

Target

Like a medieval monopoly, full of knights, peasants, robbers and everything prehistoric. This game is focused around building settlements and protecting your land.

Relative Insanity

Walmart

Created by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, this game is based around familial interactions gone wrong with a Cards Against Humanity style of playing.

Influencers in the Wild

Amazon

If you follow the popular Instagram account, then you can probably guess the basics of this board game. Go places, gain followers and get famous to win this pop culture game.

We hope you've enjoyed this round-up of our favorite adult card games, and even if Cards Against Humanity is now somehow worth $500 Million your memories from these nights will always be priceless!

Keep you party going with Brit + Co.

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.

Can’t decide whether or not to post that [insert creative project here] you just finished working on? Maybe you’re working on a drawing, a weaving, a music video? You want to post it to share with your peeps but have that classic creative-person insecurity — will my friends/family like it? Will anyone else like it? Okay, maybe I won’t post it. Well, as you’ve probably guessed from the title, we’ve got an artist’s story that just might give you the confidence to post all your creative work. Because you never know — it just might lead to a total career change!

Meet Jenna Rainey, the completely lovely gal behind our Intro to Watercolor Online Class and our featured maker this week! A few weeks ago I spent an afternoon with Jenna, wandering the streets of the Mission in search of coffee, pastries and cocktails. Along the way, I learned a heck of a lot about this brilliant artist.

Before I let her tell her own story, let’s get to this Insta-fame. A couple years ago, Jenna was minding her own business (and technically, the business of others), working as a financial planner. Though she’d grown up surrounded by artists and creating her own work for her whole life, she hadn’t really considered a career as a professional maker. Then she decided to start posting some of her creative explorations, specifically watercolor and calligraphy, on Instagram. Lo and behold: an Insta-star was born. Her friends started liking, commenting and sharing — and then commissioning. All sorts of folks found her on Instagram and inquired about custom work, rates and more. She described the whole thing as so surreal, it almost felt silly. Is this really happening? The answer was obviously yes, and pretty soon she was able to quit her nine-to-five and turn her passion into a career.

Now, let’s hear more about Jenna in her own words.

What inspires you? Why do you love to design, create and make?

I’m most inspired by people. I think the way we interact, our stories and personalities are so fascinating. I’m also very inspired by the arts in general. A particular song can send me into a wave of creativity that I won’t be able to stop for a few hours. I might not produce the best work during that time, but that feeling alone is all worth it. I love being able to feel free to create for myself as well as interacting with a client’s particular taste and vision on a project.

What inspired your company, Mon Voir?

Mon Voir began out of a passion for painting that began when I was a little girl. Growing up in a family of artists greatly influenced my own story and technique as a self-taught painter, calligrapher and designer and has helped to develop a truly unique approach and style. We specialize in fine art and calligraphy for beautiful, bespoke wedding and event stationery. Along with stationery and print materials, we also offer fine art and calligraphy expertise for branding, logo design, tattoos and any other pieces you can dream up!

What’s one piece of advice you’d share with other makers?

Don’t waste your time feeling incompetent. Art is more about the experience and journey than it is impressing others. Once it becomes more about impressing other people, you completely loose who you are as an individual and a creative.

Tell us how technology has changed and supported what you do.

Instagram and social media in general have given me so many jobs and opportunities. While I was working at the financial planning office, I began exploring creating for more than just myself, eventually getting bold enough and posting work on social media. Things kinda snowballed after that, and I was able to quit that job and do Mon Voir full time because of all the jobs I was getting directly from posts!

What’s on your studio playlist?

Ha! No music, or Claire de Lune on repeat. It sounds depressing, but actually music is a huge part of my life (I sing and play piano), but I just get so distracted by it if I’m working.

How do you get into the creative flow? How does it feel?

In order to get into the creative flow, I either need complete silence or a particular song on repeat… usually without words. I’m so easily sidetracked that if I’m listening to music that’s just one notch too loud, or the lyrics stand out to me too much, I won’t be able to create. I also need great natural light to feel comfortable. Once I’m there, it feels like I’m dancing in a ballet. It’s soothing, therapeutic and my mind is able to turn off.

What do you love about teaching people to make? And inspiring people who don’t think they are traditionally creative?

The most rewarding part is when people realize that being creative IS for everyone. People get really hung up on talent and if they don’t have any of it within the artistic creative realm then, well, they’re not creative. But that just isn’t true. Talent is produced from hard work and dedication, whereas I believe creativity is something we are all born with and just need to tap into at the right time. So, each class presents a challenge to help someone see that with the right materials and training they can tap into that, and I enjoy that challenge the most I think.

What is the story of how you got to where you are today?

My mom and both of my grandmothers are all painters. I’ve grown up observing them and their technique for art along with having the freedom to create with no hinderance. I went to school for psychology, where I learned the importance of listening, learning and bringing out what’s best in a person. This has translated in so many ways to how I run my business as well as teaching workshops. I feel art is something that everyone should enjoy and not be afraid to try.

Before I became a full-time artist, I worked in restaurants for seven years, and my most recent job prior to Mon Voir was working for a financial planner for about four months. Both of these jobs taught me how to work hard and manage stressful environments. I feel that my experience as a waitress has far outweighed any experience I would’ve had at an art school. You learn how to put people’s needs first, deal with unruly/angry customers and work long hours under pressure.

What other makers inspire you?

Well, Luli Sanchez is my favorite watercolor artist, ever. I could never be so bold to paint with such dark, moody colors. I’m also inspired by The 2 Bandits (jewelry designer) and Ariele Alasko (wood worker). Van Gogh has always been my favorite painter.

What is the weirdest, most unusual or worst job you’ve ever had?

I would have to say working at a tiny sports bar in downtown Chicago, IL, where I’m pretty positive the owner was affiliated with something shady. Let’s just say, I had to call the police on a regular basis, my manager got in fist fights with a customer (regularly) and not many people who worked there showed up sober.

What other things do you love to make?

music and food :)

Scroll on to see a few more snaps from our wander around the Mission. Warning: Things got weird… in the best way ever ;)

Intro to Watercolor Online Class

Everyday Watercolor: Learn to Paint Watercolor in 30 Days, to really put your new creative skills to good use!

Happy making!

The holidays are here! Well, kind of. Thanksgiving isn’t until November 28 but as far as I’m concerned, November 1 is the day the festivities can begin. I’m pulling out my holiday candles, Christmas PJ’s, and even my How the Grinch Stole Christmas vinyl to make the dreary seasonal blues a little more cheerful. And a huge part of getting into the spirit is stacking up the perfect holiday movie marathon. Thankfully Netflix already has a bunch of holiday titles coming out over the next few weeks. Here are the best (new!!) holiday movies and specials coming to Netflix starting November 1.

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition — On Netflix Now Until December 10

Adam Rose/Netflix

Nothing says the holidays like tons of delicious meals, and Chef David Chang is cooking some amazing food for his celebrity friends — and he's doing it all live. (Because, a lot of TV cooking uses swaps and stylists to make it look better than it actually is). I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition is hosted by David Chang.

Meet Me Next Christmas — On Netflix November 6

Sophie Giraud/Netflix

Christmas in New York City is truly a magical experience, and Layla's looking for her own fairytale romance this holiday season. And believe it or not, the ticket to finding her one true love is getting into the Pentatonix Christmas Eve Concert.

Meet Me Next Christmas streams November 6 and stars Christina Milian, Devale Ellis, Kofi Siriboe, Tymika Tafari, Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, Matt Sallee, Kalen Allen, Nikki Duval, and Wesley French.

Hot Frosty — On Netflix November 13

Petr Maur/Netflix

Nobody puts me in the holiday spirit like seeing Lacey Chabert onscreen, and this year, she's playing Kathy, a widow who happens to bring a handsome snowman to life. (I don't remember this in the "Frosty the Snowman" lyrics!). He helps Kathy reconnect with her emotions as they begin to fall for each other — and as he begins to melt.

Hot Frosty will stream on Netflix beginning November 13 and stars Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Craig Robinson, Joe Lo Truglio, Katy Mixon, Lauren Holly, and Chrishell Stause.

Netflix Stories: A Virgin River Christmas — On Netflix November 19

Petr Maur/Netflix

It's almost time for Virgin River season 6, which means we're getting closer to the ultimate cozy TV show. I mean, just look at those twinkly lights and pine trees in this preview image! It gives me the same exact feeling as drinking a mug of hot cocoa. This year, we're getting closer to Mel and Jack’s wedding, and confronting some serious secrets and drama along the way. This might not count as a Netflix holiday movie but I couldn't NOT include it!!!

Virgin River season 6 hits Netflix November 19 and stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, John Allen Nelson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Mark Ghanimé, Kai Bradbury, Kandyse McClure, Jessica Rothe, and Callum Kerr.

The Merry Gentlemen — On Netflix November 20

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

Remember that One Tree Hill episode where the Ravens take part in the "Boy Toy" charity auction? Complete with a shirtless fashion show? Consider this the Netflix holiday movie response. When former dancer Ashley learns her parents' performing venue is in danger, she puts together the ultimate Christmas-themed show to raise money. Shirts not included.

The Merry Gentlemen hits Netflix November 20 and stars Britt Robertson, Chad Michael Murray, Marla Sokoloff, Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, Maxwell Caulfield, Hector David Jr., Colt Prattes, and Marc Anthony Samuel

Spellbound — On Netflix November 22

Skydance Animation/Netflix

Okay, this fantasy movie might not technically be a Christmas movie, but it has everything I need in my Netflix holiday movies: family, hope, and love. After her parents are turned into monsters, princess Ellian must go on the ultimate quest to put everything right.

Spellbound hits Netflix November 22 and stars Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess, Javier Bardem, and Nicole Kidman.

Our Little Secret — On Netflix November 27

Bob Mahoney/Netflix

If EXmas taught us anything, it's that spending the holidays with your ex is anything but calm. And in Lindsay Lohan's new movie, she finds herself at the same Christmas celebration as her ex when they realize their new SO's are siblings. No, that's not awkward at all.

Our Little Secret hits Netflix November 27 stars Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell, Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, and Brian Unger.

Is It Cake? Holidays — On Netflix November 28

Netflix

The only thing more enjoyable than eating delicious food is watching master bakers create beautiful food. This holiday special features edible ice skates, nutcrackers, and reindeer that will change the way you look at baking forever. Watch it in one sitting and it definitely counts as a holiday movie ;).

Is It Cake? Holidays hits Netflix November 28 and stars Jonny Manganello, Andrew Fuller, April Julian, Elizabeth Rowe, Miko Kaw Hok Uy, Danya Smith, Henderson Gonzalez, Grace Pak, and Jujhar Mann, with judges Rachel Bloom, Hannah Berner, Tiffany Haddish, Devon Walker, James Austin Johnson, Chris Witaske, Sasheer Zamata, Terry Crews, Punkie Johnson, and Randall Park.

The Snow Sister — On Netflix November 29

Netflix

Julian's turning 11 on Christmas Eve, and even though it's usually the best day ever, this year is overshadowed by the death of his older sister. A newfound friendship with Hedwig helps him heal, but he can't help but feel like Hedwig's house — and the old man that's always around — are hiding secrets.

The Snow Sister hits Netflix November 29 and stars Mudit Gupta, Celina Meyer Hovland, Ole Steinkjer Øyen, Jan Sælid, Samsaya, Gunnar Eiriksson, and Advika.

Which Netflix holiday movie are you excited to watch? Let us know in the comments!

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.