Shailene Woodley Looks Like a Whole New Woman With Long Black Hair

Jane Chapman is back with a vengeance! As behind-the-scenes pics from season 2 of Big Little Lies begin to flood our Instagram feeds (See: Zoë Kravitz’s new selfie as Bonnie), Shailene Woodley is turning to the dark side once more, embracing her character’s brunette ‘do — with a twist.

The actress, who has been rather bronde as of late, sporting sun-kissed light brown locks, showed off what appeared to be a new dye job last week on Instagram, along with the note, “JANE’S BACK.”

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JANES BACK. #letsdothis #BLL2

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Now, as seen in new pics obtained by W, Woodley, 26, has taken things one step further, stepping out for Bruna Papandrea’s Made Up Stories event with an even darker ‘do — think jet black!

And that’s not all: She also appeared to have gotten a subtle haircut, with her newly glossy tresses hitting just below her shoulder where they once hit near her mid-back and a fresh set of fringe to boot.

The activist first sported a dark chestnut hue on the red carpet back in 2016 ahead of season 1. With such a striking change in her coif between seasons, buzz has already begun to circulate that her character is about to undergo something serious — but we’ll have to wait ’til it airs in 2019, when it airs, to find out. Womp, womp!

What do you think of Shaileine’s new looks? Share with us over @BritandCo.

(Photos via Emma McIntyre + Phillip Faraone/Getty)

From Kamala Harris-inspired bobs to silky Lindsay Lohan-esque tresses, the season of the silk press (or straighter hairstyles) is officially here! It's been fun watching watching TikTok videos of women going to the salon to get their hair straightened, but it made me ask myself if people truly know how to maintain this style at home. It's one thing to watch a licensed hairstylist work their magic, but the upkeep may not be as straightforward for some people!

Luckily, celebrity hairstylists, Takisha Sturdivant-Drew and Natalie Lamorena, are here to answer all my burning questions. Sturdivant-Drew has over 20 years of experience working in the film and commercial industry, styling clients such as Kerry Washington, Lucy Liu, and Ashley Graham. She also worked on TV series like Suits and the Oscar-nominated film Ray. Lamorena owns Polished Pub Hair & Nail Bar— not to mention she invented the viral "Headicure" service for clients who love the idea of getting a manicure while receiving the best blowout of their lives. And with all that experience, the two of them have plenty to say about silk presses.

TL;DR

  • You should rely on professionals for the majority of your silk presses, but you can maintain them at home with "the right tools and products."
  • Different hair types require different temperatures and products — be sure to research and check with your hair dresser to make sure your treating your hair the right way.
  • Don't get a silk press if you've recently straightened your hair.
  • Heat protectant is key for any silk press or hair straightening.
  • Naturally curly or textured hair should limit silk presses to once or twice a month; other hair types should keep it to no more than once a week.
  • Be sure to wrap your hair correctly and use a bonnet to maintain your style.

How do you know when to straighten your hair at home or go to the salon?

Sephora

Desperate times call for desperate measures when you're due for a hair appointment and can't book one. I'm sure all of us have turned into an armchair hairstylist by giving ourselves a trim, quick haircut, or dye job. You've probably even watched a few tutorials about how to give yourself a homemade silk press or blowout. I know I've recently purchased a few things to help me maintain my hair at home, but should we be straightening our hair at home?

Lamorena says, "While it’s possible to straighten hair at home, I’d recommend going to a professional for the best results. Stylists know how to work with different hair types, adjust heat settings accordingly, and use high-quality products that protect your hair." If we decide to forego a stylist's expertise, she says we can "accidentally cause damage with uneven heat or over-processing."

Sturdivant-Drew agrees that it's best to see a stylist "for the first few silk presses," but it's not impossible to safely straighten your own hair. "If you have the right tools and products, along with research, you can achieve this hairstyle at home," she says.

How should different hair types approach a silk press?

Sephora

Just like everyone doesn't have the same skin complexion or undertones, hair types can differ too. This means someone with a fine hair isn't always going to have the same routine as someone with thicker strands — which is why all silk presses aren't the same. "There's definitely no one-size-fits-all approach. The technique used depends on the client’s hair type and texture," Lamorena confirms. This isn't to scare you, however!

Sturdivant-Drew says, "The process of getting a silk press is pretty standard — prepping the hair with shampoo, conditioner, and heat protectant, followed by straightening with a blow dryer and flat iron, and finishing with a lightweight oil or serum."

She and Lamorena do agree that some hair textures require a little more than others though. Lamorena says you could only need "a simple blowout and flat iron" while someone may need "more intensive treatments like keratin or a Brazilian blowout for longer-lasting results." If your hair is very curly or textured — and you're ultimately not seeing the results you want — she says chemically straightening your hair is another option. However, Sturdivant-Drew reminds me, "Stylists usually adjust heat settings based on their client's hair health and texture."

Either way, we always recommend you check with your stylist before making any permanent or lasting decisions!

What should you avoid doing before getting a silk press?

Mike Jones

Getting a silk press doesn't always involve chemicals, but there are still things you need to avoid before your appointment. Unlike the steps you may follow at home, Lamorena wants you to "avoid loading your hair with a bunch of heavy products " because this can "make the straightening process less effective and lead to more heat being used" than you need. Also, she doesn't want you to wash your hair because "natural oils protect your hair from the heat."

It probably goes without saying, but you also shouldn't book a silk press appointment if you've already straightened your hair. "...that can make it harder for the stylist to work with and could increase the risk of damage," says Lamorena. Besides that, Sturdivant-Drew advises against "using color or relaxers should be avoided before getting a silk press" because "this could lead to a lot of breakage."

What increases a risk of heat damage with this style?

Amazon

As gorgeous as silk presses are, it's possible to use "too much heat," according to Lamorena. She says, "People tend to crank up the heat on their flat irons and blow dryers, but that can seriously damage the hair cuticle, especially if your hair is fine or already fragile." Something I've learned over time is that a licensed and experienced hair stylist has better knowledge of what's really going on with our hair. They're able to have a clearer view of your scalp, roots, split ends, and more.

The other thing that contribute to damage is not protecting your hair. Lamorena implores that heat protectant products are "are crucial for minimizing damage." Even if you use the right products, you could be straightening your hair way too often. It's normal to want to have straighter hairstyles for a little while, but you should keep in mind that you don't want to overdo it.

"Not prepping or using a heat protectant on your hair will cause a lot of damage. Silk presses require a lot of heat, so it's best to use good heat protectant," adds Sturdivant-Drew. She personally prefers to use Smooth Moisture's Thermal Hair Strengthener because "their system is built for silk presses specifically." She loves that it truly upholds against heat and "adds a nice shine to the hair" once you apply it.

When would it be recommended that a client avoid getting a silk press?

Kaboompics.com

Here comes the not so fun part. As much as you don't want to hear this, your hair may not be able to handle getting a silk press right now. "If your hair is already damaged, it's best to hold off on straightening. Hair that's brittle, dry, or over-processed can be further damaged by heat styling," says Lamorena. What you can do in the meantime is help strengthen your hair by giving yourself "deep conditioning treatments," according to Lamorena.

This is completely up to you and your stylish, but Lamorena suggests staying away from having your hair straightened "during really humid months...if you're prone to frizz" because "the style may not last as long."

Is there a limit to how often clients should receive a silk press?

Tomaz Barcellos

I'm not an expert, but even I know too much of something can become a bad thing. In the case of using excess heat, I can imagine the implications of that over time. Lamorena says, "There's definitely a limit. You don't want to be straightening your hair too often," and shares her rule of thumb for textures:

  • Naturally Curly or Textured Hair — Limit silk presses to once or twice a month to avoid weakening the hair or losing your curl pattern.
  • Other Hair Types — Keep it to no more than once a week.

All hair types are capable of experiencing "long-term damage," but giving "your hair a break between sessions helps maintain its health," Lamorena says.

Sturdivant-Drew stresses, "Taking a break between silk presses is important in allowing your hair to recover and maintain the health of your hair. I recommend limiting your silk presses to every 6-8 weeks."

How can clients maintain this style at home during the fall?

Sephora

Even though cooler temperatures means you won't have to fight against possible frizz, you still have to take care of your silk press. "Maintaining a straight style during the fall can be tricky with cooler weather, wind, and dryness in the air, but it’s doable," says Lamorena. She suggests that you use:

  • Use a flat iron with adjustable heat settings to avoid unnecessary damage. Tools like the Dyson Corrale or GHD Platinum+ are solid options
  • A wide-tooth comb is great for detangling without pulling or breaking the hair

"Keeping up with a regular routine and using the right tools and products can really help your style last, even through the challenges that fall weather brings," she says.

No matter what your hair type is, Sturdivant-Drew suggests "wrapping your hair correctly and using a bonnet" as they're "key to maintaining" a silk press. Similar to what Lamorena said earlier, Sturdivant-Drew believes "humidity is your worst enemy...so try to avoid humid environments as best as possible!"

Shop Other Expert Silk Press Recommendations

Amazon

Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer

"Always apply a heat protectant before using any hot tools. Some favorites include Oribe Royal Blowout and Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer," she says.

Amazon

Moroccanoil Treatment

"For taming frizz, try an anti-frizz serum like Moroccanoil Treatment," suggests Lamorena. or John Frieda Frizz Ease.

Amazon

John Frieda Frizz Ease

Another option you can use to beat the frizz is John Frieda's Frizz Ease. It's another one of Lamorena's recommendations that will "help seal in moisture and keep your style sleek even in windy fall weather."

Amazon

Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime

Lamorena says, "A good leave-in conditioner is key to keeping hair smooth and hydrated; Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime works wonders."

Amazon

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day

"To extend your style without washing, use dry shampoo. This is a great option to absorb oil without having to restyle with heat," she says.

Our Silk Press Recommendations

Amazon

Giovanni Frizz Be Gone Serum

This anti-frizz serum will not only keep humidity from messing up your silk press, but it'll help improve your hair's elasticity over time and will even add an extra boost of shine to it.

Amazon

Wavytalk Professional Hair Dryer with Diffuser

If you decide to straighten your hair at home, you need a good blow dryer that'll work with your texture. Wavytalk has an inexpensive option that comes with a comb attachment, diffuser, and nozzle to help you dry your hair no matter what style you're wearing. It also has the right amount of heat settings that'll lessen the chance you cause any damage.

Amazon

CHI 44 Iron Guard Heat Protectant

Not only do I personally love this heat protectant, so does our Affiliate Writer Meredith Holser! It's been our go-to product whenever we straighten our hair because it truly does a great job of protecting our hair from heat and has a slightly fragrant smell we can't get enough of. In my experience, a little goes a long way so you'll get plenty of uses out of it.

Follow our Amazon storefront to see which hair products we'll always keep in our bathrooms.

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

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

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.

I leave the house without makeup almost every day, so I don't know why it was so surprising to see Drew Barrymore (49) and Food Network's Valerie Bertinelli (64) appear on The Drew Barrymore Show sans makeup alongside Pamela Anderson (57), who's gone makeup-free since 2022!

“Isn’t it freeing? Doesn’t it feel free? I feel free," Pamela says. "I mean, it’s taken a while, too; I’ve had my little, you know, journey with it, but we all are our own worst critics.”

  • Pamela Anderson has been going makeup-free since 2022.
  • On a Drew Barrymore Show appearance, she inspired Drew and Valerie Bertinelli to go makeup-free.
  • The moment has inspired millions of viewers, with one user calling out, "We are beautiful in all forms."

Anderson, who you've probably seen with a full beat in the 90s, first went makeup free at Paris Fashion Week in 2022: "[I] decided I was just going to a fashion show. I didn’t need to compete with anybody. Like, why am I wasting three hours in a makeup chair when I have these beautiful Vivenne Westwood clothes on? And I didn’t realize anyone would even notice."

Well, the definitely world noticed and simply couldn't stop talking about it. Scarlett Johansson praised Anderson's "powerful" choice, while Jamie Lee Curtis went so far as to call it a "rebellion."“I think it’s a self-acceptance time of my life; just peeling back the layers–it’s almost like a fresh slate,” Anderson told Vogue in December of 2023. “I thought I was retired, but it hasn’t ended up that way. This is a whole new chapter.”

Why does Pamela Anderson not wear makeup?

Anderson told Drew Barrymore that baring her natural skin was a way to remember who she was, considering her roles and magazine appearances felt like characters; she wanted to remember who she really is. “It just hit me a couple of years ago, and I was like, you know, just shaking my head, going, ‘Who am I?’" she says. "You know, and that’s when I went home into my garden and started planting things and getting into nature and going back to the trees that knew me since birth. I bought my grandmother’s property and renovated it, and I just started taking it all back. And then started peeking out without makeup. And then I started realizing, ‘Oh, I feel great as me.'"

Does Drew Barrymore have extensions in her hair?

Steven Ferdman/Getty Images

Her honesty then inspired Drew Barrymore to take out her own extensions and get real about how perimenopause has affected her hair! "Another awesome symptom of perimenopause is you start to lose your hair," she said, throwing her extensions on the ground. "You can have a full face of makeup, feel like the makeup is beautiful, but if you're having a bad hair day, it's like, 'Nah, not gonna happen," Valerie said, while Drew agreed, "And if you are having a great hair day, you feel a lot more confident about wearing less makeup because you feel so good in your presentation that everything else sort of falls into place."

Steven Ferdman/Getty Images

The moment was not only received super well by the internet, but it made us all emotional, too! "I’m in tears," one user commented on the TikTok. "Women deserve to be able to live authentically. We are beautiful in all forms."

"Gaahh it feels good too, to watch famous women on tv AND THEY LOOK LIKE NORMAL WOMEN!" another agrees. "I ditched makeup for quarantine and will never go back to daily wear."

This isn't the first time we've see our favorite A-listers without makeup — Lady Gaga performed at the 2023 Oscars with ripped jeans and bare skin — and we're sure it won't be the last.

Check out When to Pat and When to Rub in Skincare Products to show your skin some TLC!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

It's the most wonderful time of year for presents, festive recipes, and *all* the Christmas party ideas. Now is the time to start your holiday decor pinboards, stockpile entertaining essentials, and dream up your party menu. Instead of throwing the same old gathering you've been hosting for ages, mix things up with a holiday shindig that's totally epic this year. Check out these 35 DIYs, decor ideas, and creative themes that'll have your guests RSVPing Yes!

Candy Cane Lane Backdrop

Etsy

Host a Candy Cane Lane party with this sweet and colorful backdrop. (via Etsy)

Dried Orange Garland

Shutterstock

String dried oranges with twine for garlands, attach them to gifts, or use them as natural ornaments on your tree.

Festive Charcuterie Board

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Serve up the most festive charcuterie board with gingerbread, pomegranate, chocolate, rosemary, and candy canes!

Christmas Tree Arch

DBackdrop

Create a Christmas Tree Arch for your photo backdrop with real or artificial garland.

Bow Paper Cups

My Mind's Eye

Buy or DIY these adorable cups for your holiday party. (via My Mind's Eye)

Velvet Tree Bows

Dress up your tree for a very demure, very mindful holiday party. (via Etsy)

Disco Ball Wreath

Bring a little dance floor vibe to your holiday door with this disco wreath. (via Brit + Co)

Honeycomb Backdrop

If you’re looking for a colorful, swoon-worthy backdrop for your dessert table, you can’t go wrong with a wall covered in honeycomb shapes. How pretty are those jewel tones with pops of gold? (via Sugar & Cloth)

DIY ’90s Throwback Tree Ornaments

Instead of Santa or reindeer, turn your tree into an homage to everything awesome about the ’90s, including Koosh balls (‘member those?). (via Aww Sam)

Wreath Witherspoon

This tribute to our fave legal blonde is now our new favorite holiday decoration. Invite some friends over, and make one together! (via Brit + Co)

DIY Snow Globe Cake

The best way to do snow globes? DIY edible versions, duh. Take your cake to the next level with a little fondant and some cheerful cake toppers. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Edible Chocolate Trees

Foil-wrapped chocolates will make these pretty trees the main attraction. Line them up along the mantel or use them as an inexpensive table centerpiece at your holiday dinner. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Punny Tree Ornaments

DIY queens will love the idea of putting their own spin on ornaments. Stock up on plain glass balls at the dollar store and let your friends have a blast coming up with holiday puns. They can then take their handiwork home at the end of the night as a fun party favor. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Candy Cane Treat Box

Peace, love, and peppermint! These candy cane gift boxes are a breeze to put together. Fill ’em with chocolate truffles dunked in pink chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Disco Ball Tree

A disco ball tree beats vacuuming up pine needles any day. It’s bold, it’s glam, and it’s actually pretty easy to put together. (via Studio DIY)

Glass Ball Terrariums

Amazon

Fill these glass ball ornaments with pine stems, snow, gift bows, even sprinkles for your festive decor!

DIY Advent Calendar

Marble backdrop with tiny packages full of goodies? Now you’re well on your way to counting down to Santa’s arrival in style. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Hot Cocoa Bar

Don’t forget the hot chocolate! You need all the fixings, though: marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, and even a little caramel drizzle. (via PMQ for two)

DIY Giant Ornament Balloons

Let these beauties bounce across the floor, bunch them together for a photo shoot, or hang them on your porch. (via Studio DIY)

DIY Blendo Ornaments

Decorate your tree with gold stars, red ribbon, and soft sage leaves for an extra pop of texture. Then follow this DIY to recreate the soft pastel ombre ornaments. So pretty. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

DIY Flamingo Snow Globe Ornaments

Channel warm holiday vibes with this crafty ornament. (via Club Crafted)

Christmas Bar Cart

It doesn’t get much more festive than a bar cart full of presents and gold barware. Layered garlands and mini bottle brush trees create punchy decor accents for any holiday get-together.(via Sugar & Cloth)

Metallic Eggnog Cups

Give that punch bowl set you found at the thrift store a new lease on life with metallic paints. (via Design Improvised)

Pink Gingerbread Car

Don’t pass up a chance to put a fresh spin on this party staple. Just add gumdrops, candy wheels, and sugar dust! (via Studio DIY)

Christmas Tree Cactus

No need for a tree when you have this festive cactus tree! (via Sugar & Cloth)

DIY Christmas Light Balloon Garlands

String these on the tree, hang them across the mantel, or use them as a photo booth prop. These light bulb garlands can do it all. The best part is that you can totally customize the colors! (via Studio DIY)

DIY Printable Holiday Gift Wrap

Round up a group of friends for a spur-of-the-moment holiday wrap party. Make sure to get plenty of tape at the store, then warm up your printer and go crazy with this tropical-themed gift wrap. (via Studio DIY)

DIY Bubbly Balloon Backdrop

Simple, colorful, and DIY — all of our favorite things! This easy balloon backdrop will transform any blank wall — and the tree! — into a breathtaking party scene. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

Signature Drink

Deck out your bar cart for the holidays with some swag and swap out your wine glasses for something gilded to show off your signature Christmas cocktail. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Confetti Cannon

Shutterstock

It’s not a party until the confetti shows up. Pop the bubbly, then pop these DIY confetti cannons to kick off your bash in style. (via Brit + Co)

THEME IDEAS

Holiday Card Party

If you’re going with good old-fashioned snail mail this season, nothing beats a handwritten holiday card. Throw a party dedicated to hand-lettered addresses and actual stamp-licking. Check out the Brit + Co x Moonpig Holiday Collection too! (via Brit + Co)

White Elephant Gift Exchange

Skip the grand festivities in favor of a cozy night in with the people you love. Order in pizza, break out the Trader Joe's wine, and get ready to share some hilariously weird and wacky gifts. (via Brit + Co)

Cute Holiday Sweater Party, Hold The Ugly

ASTR the Label

Give everyone a reason to wear their cute holiday sweaters without needing to shop for something they'll never wear again. (via Brit + Co)

Gift Wrap Gathering

Photo by Marko Klaric

Grab your besties for a night of warm cocoa, gift wrapping, and holiday festivities at your house. Stock up on pretty wrapping paper and cool DIY gift toppers for a fun gift wrapping extravaganza.

Tree Decorating Party, BYOO

Turn your tree lighting into the main event. Invite your pals over for coffee and cocktails, then get your decorating on by DIYing a few baubles. You can even ask everyone to bring one DIY ornament with a prize for the most creative! (via Brit + Co)

Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our email newsletter for more Christmas 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.