12 Essentials for Throwing a Fin-Tastic Shark Week Premiere Party

Whether your shark fascination has been put on hold for a whole year or you’ve just been brainstorming Shark Week premiere party ideas, you’re probably chomping at the bit (#sorrynotsorry) to get your shark on. If you’ve been known to set the Jaws theme song as a ringtone (no judgment) this time of year, make sure your summer party is just as ferocious with a fin-tastic shark theme your guests will love. We dove in head first and came up with 12 cant-live-without party ideas for your Shark Week watch party. Grab that shark coozy DIY from last year and dive in at your own risk…

1. DIY Shark Stir Sticks: Make those cocktails feel a little more dangerous with a shark stirrer. Drill a hole halfway through a bunch of plastic shark toys, insert a wooden dowel and you’ll have a fierce bunch of stir sticks for your party. (via Let’s Mingle)

2. DIY Marshmallow Pops: An edible marker and blue colored chocolate melts can transform plain marshmallows into a dessert that doubles as decor. This one’s especially good if your guests are bringing their kiddos. Or they’re just kids at heart. (via The Decorated Cookie)

3. Shark Photo Op: Everyone loves a place to snap a good Instagram-worthy pic. This one is on point. (via It’s the Life)

4. Pool Cooler: Get creative with the drink display and ditch your usual cooler for a kiddie pool. Your guests will be able to see exactly what’s left instead of feeling around in those shark-infested waters… er — ice. (via The High Heeled Hostess)

5. Shark Fin Cake Pops: Bake up a batch of cake pops and add a fondant fin for an easy and fun dessert everyone will love. Be sure to make a double batch — these will go faster than you can say “Get outta the water.” (via Kara’s Party Ideas)

6. DIY Shark Party Hats: Skip the store-bought party hats and break out your school supplies to make these instead. All you need is construction paper, scissors and tape. (via Mod Cloth)

7. Printable Food Labels: Something as simple as printing out these cute food labels can make a big impact without costing any money. And how cute are those fish-shaped sandwiches? (via Pretty Providence)

8. Shark Watermelon: This shark fruit bowl is surprisingly easier to make than you’d think. Don’t be afraid to help yourself… he won’t bite. (via She Knows)

9. Hello My Sweet Silverware Sleeves ($4): Available for instant download and print, these silverware sleeves also double as a bottle wrap. Set out a few Sharpies and have guests write their name on them so no one loses their drink.

10. Fun Shark Facts: Shark Week is fairly educational by its own nature, but don’t let that stop you from taking matters into your own hands. Scatter a few interesting shark factoids around the room to get your guests talking. (via All for the Boys)

11. Seaweed Streamers: Transport your friends to an under-the-sea oasis, complete with twisted green ‘seaweed’ streamers. This DIY doubles as a photo booth backdrop, so get that hashtag ready. (via Love the Day)

12. Thank You Cards: Keep the shark theme going strong even after the party is over with fun thank you cards. We especially love the “bite me” sticker. (via Kara’s Party Ideas)

Are you planning a summer shark-themed party? Follow us on Pinterest for even more watch party DIY inspo.

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

Mushrooms act as a wholesome, earthy base for easy, one-bite Christmas appetizers. Once the stems are twisted off, the ‘shrooms can be filed with a host of flavorful toppings like bacon, cheese, and aromatic veggies, then roasted or slow-cooked until bubbly and tender. Start prepping your turkey, because we have irresistible stuffed mushroom recipes below.

Slow-Cooked, Stuffed Mushrooms

Brit + Co

Feast your eyes on a stuffed mushroom that’s filled with spinach-artichoke dip. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

Brit + Co

If you don't have a ton of time to bake your mushrooms, this is literally the perfect appetizer. It can be served cold, but between the onions, olives, cheese, and tomatoes, there are so many amazing flavors your guests won't even care. (via Brit + Co)

5-Ingredient-Stuffed Mushrooms

A Spicy Perspective

The star ingredient in these Asian-inspired bites is plum sauce, which offsets the savoriness of pork sausage, sesame oil, and mushrooms. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Jalapeño-Cream-Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

Peas and Crayons

Looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried jalapeño poppers? These baked bites, which still taste indulgent, fit the bill. (via Peas and Crayons)

Chorizo-Stuffed Mushrooms

The Real Food Dietitians

These vibrant, slightly spicy ‘shrooms make a flavorful appetizer for a Mexican-inspired meal. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms With Hollandaise

Foodie Crush

These three-cheese hollandaise-drizzled mushrooms are the new brunch attraction in town. (via Foodie Crush)

Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms With Garlic and Gouda

Peas and Crayons

Make a platter of these, and your seafood-lovin’ friends won’t know what hit them. (via Peas and Crayons)

French-Onion-Soup-Stuffed Mushrooms

The Veg Life

These mushrooms pack all of the flavors of French onion soup, including the signature cheesy crust, into one convenient bite. (via The Veg Life)

Goat-Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms Wrapped in Bacon

Port and Fin

These cheesy mushrooms are wrapped in a crispy bacon hug. (via Port and Fin)

Spanakopita-Stuffed Mushrooms

Wholesome Yum

Flaky, feta-rich spanakopita is a staple at cocktail parties. Enjoy a low-carb version by replacing the pastry with mushrooms. (via Wholesome Yum)

Easy Pizza Portobello Stuffed Mushrooms

The Girl on Bloor

These stuffed mushrooms are basically just mini pizzas, and what could be better than that? Nothing. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Vegetarian, Italian-Stuffed Mushrooms

Bowl of Delicious

You don’t need meat to give stuffed mushrooms a robust flavor. These get plenty of pizzazz from shallots, garlic, parmesan, and herbs. (via Bowl of Delicious)

Bacon-and-Blue-Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms With Creamy Hot Sauce

The Food Charlatan

These saucy bites will be a welcome addition to any spread, be it a game-day party or movie night. (via The Food Charlatan)

Vegan, Pesto-Stuffed Mushrooms

Hummusapien

This guilt-free appetizer gives you a healthy dose of greens from spinach and basil. (via Hummusapien)

Shrimp-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Little Spice Jar

You’ll be transported to a little restaurant by the sea when you take a bite of these mushrooms. The breadcrumbs on top add a crunch that complements the tender shrimp. (via Little Spice Jar)

Italian, Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms

The Chunky Chef

These breakfast-friendly ‘shrooms would make a deliciously unexpected side to sweeter pancakes or French toast. (via The Chunky Chef)

Buffalo-Chicken-Stuffed Mushrooms

My Life Cookbook

Whether or not you’re keto, you’ll find many things to enjoy about these low-carb, high-fat mushrooms like cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chicken, and a touch of hot sauce. (via My Life Cookbook)

Goat-Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

Food Fanatic

In this case, stuffed mushrooms are really just an excuse to eat ample bites of gooey goat cheese, and we’re all for it. (via Food Fanatic)

Pizza-Stuffed Mushrooms

Plain Chicken

If you ask us, you can have pizza without crust but never without cheese. Enjoy all the flavors of a meat lover’s pie in these easy, stuffed mushrooms. (via Plain Chicken)

Curry-Potato-Stuffed Mushrooms

The Pretty Bee

Indian flavors, including garam masala and coconut milk, fill these white button mushrooms. (via The Pretty Bee)

Follow us on Pinterest for more stuffed mushroom recipes *and* more amazing ideas!

This post has been updated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hosting for the holidays just got a whole lot more magical with Anthropologie’s goodies. From elegant tableware that'll totally "wow" your guests to whimsical decor that sets the perfect festive mood, Anthropologie is the premier destination for polished party essentials. Whether you're planning a chic dinner party or getting lit with your cousins, these are the best finishing touches for a spirited gathering. Get ready to impress your guests with our picks!

Our favorite holiday hosting necessities from Anthropologie:

Let's dive into some of the best holiday hosting pieces from Anthropologie, from tableware to decor!

    Anthropologie

    Holiday in the City Stoneware Dessert Plate

    These adorable dessert plates are available in several different designs, all of which depict a different city pictured in holiday snow. Your Christmas sweet treats will look stunning served on these!

    Anthropologie

    Bow Icon Juice Glasses

    Anthro's viral Icon Juice Glasses are super cute for a variety of occasions, but these bows feel especially holiday-esque. Snag a set for your next gathering's cocktail lineup!

    Anthropologie

    Waterfall Coupe Glasses

    Martini, anyone?! These stunning, shine-lined glasses have the perfect touch of elegance.

    Anthropologie

    Benedita Bow Ceramic Stoneware Serve Bowl

    This serving bowl is perfect for salads, pasta salads, soups, and more. Bring it to a holiday potluck, and everyone will be asking where you got it.

    Anthropologie

    Morgan Shot Glasses

    Now it's really gonna be a party with these colorful shot glasses. Practical in the moment and quite cute when not in use, your bar cart is begging for this set!

    Anthropologie

    Festive Bistro Tile Dessert Plate

    'Tis the season for more and more sweet treats, but you could even serve dinner or apps on these unique dessert plates.

    Subscribe to our newsletter for more holiday decor, hosting tips, and recipe ideas for the season!

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

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

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

    Pixabay

    Venice, Italy

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

    Oleksandr P

    Bali, Indonesia

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

    Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

    Machu Picchu, Peru

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

    Darren Lawrence

    Tulum, Mexico

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

    Jimmy Teoh

    Santorini, Greece

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

    Chait Goli

    Cinque Terre, Italy

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

    Rudy Kirchner

    Reykjavík, Iceland

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

    youseflns

    Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

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

    Pixabay

    Kyoto, Japan

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

    Prabin Sunar

    Mount Everest, Nepal

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

    Mateusz Popek

    Dubrovnik, Croatia

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

    Helena I

    Lisbon, Portugal

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

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

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

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

    The Noshery

    Mantecaditos con Guayaba

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

    Broma Bakery

    Meringues

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

    Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

    Alfajores

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

    Fancy Peasant

    Melomakarona

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

    Very Eatalian

    Baci di Dama

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

    Cooking Classy

    Linzer Cookies

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

    Olivia’s Cuisine

    Basler Brunsli

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

    Cilantro Parsley

    Buñuelos

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

    Chef Lindsey Farr

    Apricot Kolachys

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

    Life, Love and Sugar

    Cutout Sugar Cookies

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

    Saveur

    Polvorones

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

    A Healthy Life for Me

    Pignoli

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

    Fancy Peasant

    Kourabiedes

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

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

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

    Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.