Cosy Evening Home Alone? This Single-Serving Mac and Cheese Recipe Is Just What You Need!

Apr 07, 2017

These days, it seems impossible to find the time to unwind; there’s always another email to send, another friend to reconnect with, or another new social network to catch up on (what do you mean I don’t need to be on every single one?!). So when I finally get to spend an evening home alone, I like to make the most of it. A glass of wine (or three…?), a long bath, and a good book — not forgetting a cosy meal for one! This single serving mac and cheese recipe is just the thing. With one pan and a few simple ingredients, you get a bowl of cheesy comfort food. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself.

Ingredients:

3 1/2 ounces dried pasta
1 Tablespoon cream cheese
2-3 Tablespoons milk
2/3 cup grated cheese (I used cheddar and mozzarella)
salt
black pepper
optional: a pinch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, etc.

Instructions:

1. Boil the pasta until cooked al dente (around 10-12 minutes), then drain.

2. Over a low heat, add the cream cheese and a dash of milk to the pasta. Mix well until the cream cheese has melted into the warm pasta. Now add the grated cheese — I used mostly mature cheddar, plus a tiny bit of mozzarella for gooeyness. Mix well until the cheese has melted.

3. Season generously with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Boil the pasta until cooked al dente (around 10-12 minutes), then drain.

Over a low heat, add the cream cheese and a dash of milk to the pasta. Mix well until the cream cheese has melted into the warm pasta. Now add the grated cheese — I used mostly mature cheddar, plus a tiny bit of mozzarella for gooeyness. Mix well until the cheese has melted.

If you like, you can also add some other flavors at this point, like a pinch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or some dried herbs.

Season generously with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

All that’s left to do is to pour yourself a glass of wine, grab a good book, and settle down for the night! You won’t even have many dishes to wash, as this single serving mac and cheese only needs one pan — so there’s nothing else to distract you from your Netflix list or your favorite face mask.

What’s your favorite way to pamper yourself when you’re home alone? Share your ideas on Twitter @BritandCo, and follow us on Pinterest for more comfort food inspiration!

20 Satisfying Ways To Eat Spaghetti Squash

If you’re looking to incorporate more veggies in your diet post-holidays, go for the spaghetti… squash, that is. It may look like any ordinary squash from the outside, but once roasted, a simple scrape of a fork reveals beautiful little pasta-like strands. Low in calories and carbs but not in flavor, spaghetti squash is a great alternative to actual pasta. Still stumped on how to use it? Here are 20 ways to cook with this uber versatile squash.

Half Baked Harvest

Roasted Garlic Lasagna Boats

This great make-ahead meal looks pretty darn cute when it’s finished. You’re guests will leave satisfied and impressed that you were able to whip up such a fancy meal. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with us. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Lexi's Clean Kitchen

Pad Thai

Now you can eat as much pad thai as you want and not feel bad about it. You won’t even notice the difference. Go on, try it and see for yourself. (via Lexi’s Clean Kitchen)

Brit + Co

“Pasta” and Sauce

Pick a sauce and dig in. Heck, you can even eat all three and no one would blame you. (via Brit + Co)

Julia's Album

Quinoa and Parmesan Fritters

Fry up full-sized fritters and serve alongside a garden salad for a full meal, or make smaller patties for totally poppable bite-sized appetizers. (via Julia’s Album)

Pineapple and Coconut

Skinny Baked Shrimp Scampi

Made with only two tablespoons of butter, this dish is both healthy and delish. It’s also easy to throw together during the week, but still decadent enough for a weekend dinner party served alongside a good bottle of white wine. (via Pineapple and Coconut)

A Family Feast

Gremolata

This bright and beautiful gremolata is chocked full of lemon zest, garlic and chopped herbs. Toss it with a few fresh tomatoes and you’re good to go. (via A Family Feast)

BS' in the Kitchen

Spinach, Tomato and Goat Cheese

When cut in half lengthwise, this squash makes two perfectly cute (and edible) bowls. Use it to your advantage and stuff that baby with spinach, tomatoes and creamy goat cheese. Top it all off with roasted seeds for extra crunch. (via BS’ in the Kitchen)

Love and Lemons

Roasted With Chickpeas and Kale

Slow-roasted spaghetti squash strands are tossed with olive oil, rosemary, garlic and lemon before colliding with sauteed kale and chickpeas for a meal packed with flavor and protein. (via Love and Lemons)

Tasty Kitchen

Asparagus Quiche

Use the squash in a totally unexpected way, like the crust for this asparagus quiche. It might just be better than the real thing. (via Tasty Kitchen)

iFoodreal

Avocado and Egg Boats

Baked egg and avocado take this already delicious squash to a whole other level. It might look fancy, but if you can crack an egg you can definitely handle this one. (via iFoodreal)

Pinch of Yum

Garlic and Herbs

Take a step back and go with simply classic flavors like toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley. The point isn’t to cover up the taste of the squash, but to make it shine. (via Pinch of Yum)

Making Thyme for Health

Burrito Bowls

Okay, so it might not be Chipotle, but if you’re going to eat squash you might as well stuff it with beans and smother it in melty Mexican cheeses. (via Making Thyme for Health)

Taste and Tell

Spinach and Artichoke Alfredo

In the mood for something warm and comforting but still want to fit into your skinny jeans tomorrow? You’ll be able to have seconds with this easy-peasy recipe. (via Taste and Tell)

Vegetarian Times

Curried and Stuffed

If tofu isn’t your thing, substitute it out for boneless chicken breast. Either way you won’t be disappointed. (via Vegetarian Times)

Feel Good Foodie

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna is one of my favorite Italian meals ever! Think of the flavor of lasagna in a low-carb, gluten-free, diet-friendly disposable hot bowl of cheesy goodness! There’s not much more to think about. If you haven’t tried spaghetti squash in place of spaghetti yet, this is a great way to start! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Sweet Treats and More

Buffalo Chicken

The saying must be true. You can really put Frank’s Red Hot Sauce on everything. (via Sweet Treats and More)

Lexi's Glean Kitchen

Pasta Primavera

Make this pasta with shrimp, chicken or both if you’re feeling extra crazy. Just make sure there’s more than enough to go around. You’ll thank us later. (via Lexi’s Clean Kitchen)

The Pioneer Woman

Maple Syrup and Shallots

If there’s someone we trust when it comes to comfort food, it’s The Pioneer Woman. And if she says it’s good, then that’s the end of it. (via The Pioneer Woman)

Feasting at Home

Enchilada Stuffed

Guess what? Cutting this squash in half widthwise makes for a deeper bowl with room for MORE filling. This versatile recipe can be made vegan, vegetarian, or with chicken (or ground beef) for all you meat lovers. Be sure to make room in your weekly dinner rotations for this bad boy. (via Feasting at Home)

A Sweet Life

Twice Baked

This one takes a bit of time… but good things come to those who wait, right? It’s safe to say that this squash is twice as delicious. (via A Sweet Life)

Follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration and winter dinner ideas, join our newsletter, and check out our B+C cooking classes!

This post has been updated.

Header image via Half Baked Harvest

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Your Weekly Horoscope Is In — These 3 Signs Will Have LOTS Of Financial Luck

Now that we're fully into Scorpio season, it's time to really dig in deep — especially when it comes to this week's horoscope. Scorpio loves to delve deep, explore hidden truths, and face necessary changes with honesty. However, embracing change in life requires courage and is seldom easy. Often, we endure considerable discomfort before reaching the point of saying, “No more!” or “I’m ready!”

Wanna know more about what that means for your week ahead? Read your horoscope for your sun and rising zodiac signs below!

Weekly Astrology Forecast For November 3-10

jasmin chew

This week, we can draw strength and inspiration from the planetary movements. As mentioned last week, intense energies are in play, and global events may be volatile, possibly even violent. The U.S. elections are this week, adding to the tension. It’s wise to exercise caution and avoid confrontations where possible. Stay grounded and focused on making a positive impact.

In your personal life, channel this intense energy into actions that improve your life and those around you. Mars, the planet of action, opposes Pluto, the planet of transformation. This opposition will repeat on January 3 and April 26 in 2025. The coming five months may be challenging, but they also offer an opportunity for a paradigm shift toward living in alignment with your true self. The key to navigating this period successfully is to stay grounded, centered, and resolute. If feelings of weakness, indecision, or doubt arise, take a step back, recenter yourself, and restore your balance. Activities such as meditation, walks, nutritious meals, dancing, creating art, or listening to music can all be helpful.

Taylor Thompson

On November 3, Venus, the planet of love, opposes Jupiter, the planet of abundance and joy. This beautiful opposition encourages us to nurture what we love. There may be a heightened desire to socialize and indulge in life’s pleasures. If you've managed your finances well, this can be a chance to celebrate. However, if finances are tight, avoid extravagance and instead find joy in life’s simpler pleasures. Spend time connecting with your playful side by dancing, playing games, or taking a walk in nature. Spend quality time with children or animals. Whatever you do, just find a way to more fully embrace your life right now.

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Also on November 3, Mars enters Leo, where it will remain until June 17. This transit includes a retrograde period from December 6 to April 19, when Mars will dip back into Cancer from January 7 to April 29. With Mars in Leo, we’re encouraged to be bold leaders in our lives, a theme that aligns with the Mars-Pluto opposition. Embracing change and stepping into authenticity takes courage. Professionally, it's time to take charge and lead — even if your “team” is just yourself! When making decisions, tap into your heart for guidance.

If you practice yoga or meditate, focus on keeping your heart chakra open and clear, as it connects our higher and lower selves. During the retrograde months when Mars is in Cancer, practice kindness and address family matters with compassion, offering an opportunity for healing any ancestral wounds.

Yury Oliveira

If you need motivation, a harmonious trine between the Sun and Saturn early in the week encourages discipline and responsibility. Saturn’s influence reminds us that navigating the Mars-Pluto opposition requires self-control and effort. This alignment can also help fine-tune your approach to routines and hard work.

Toward the end of the week, Venus squares Neptune. While this transit can bring confusion or illusion, it also calls for increased compassion and understanding of others' perspectives. Let go of control and expectations, be flexible, and embrace creative expression, whether through art, journaling, or simply staying grounded.

Read Your Weekly Horoscope For Your Sun & Rising Signs

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Your horizons are expanding, with opportunities to travel or learning something new. Don't have time for a big getaway?Shorter day trips may bring fresh experiences outside of your day-to-day reality. No matter how long your visit, be sure to document your journey, whether through journaling or photography. An added bonus could be to spend some time with your siblings or reconnect with your family this week, too! The whole point is to just connect with your community and the world around you.

Brit + Co

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Are you feeling financially secure? Now is a great time to consult a financial planner and develop a solid plan that brings peace of mind. You wanna seek ways to create stability in case of unforeseen changes — nothing's worse than getting caught off guard by a surprise vet bill or other unexpected expenses. Like a bamboo forest, if you create a solid base, you'll be able to sway with the wind to remain flexible. You may even find valuable lessons in how your elders managed their own security, so don't be afraid to ask trusted loved ones for advice. Emulate their experiences, or go the opposite direction to create your own stability.

Brit + Co

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

This week, discipline at work will pay off. Even if you're feeling frustrated or burnt out, staying on schedule and focusing on details will yield substantial rewards and recognition from your superiors. Don’t get distracted by anything outside the task at hand...no matter how tempting the TikTok doomscrolling gets. Just approach your work with a joyful attitude — hard work is more rewarding when paired with genuine delight.

Brit + Co

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Are you prioritizing self-care? This week is perfect for recharging at home and embracing healthy habits. Tap into your creativity. Practice discipline by eating well and exercising more regularly (and yes, your Hot Girl Walk counts). Find your perfect skincare routine before it gets too cold. As winter approaches, building these habits now will benefit you in the coming months — especially when the nights get longer and motivation gets increasingly harder to find. And if you're looking for some accountability buddies, share your knowledge about a healthy lifestyle with your loved ones.

Brit + Co

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

With Mars in your sign, courage will come more easily this week. It's a fantastic time to take on leadership roles and bring joy to those around you whenever you can. The lighthearted attitude you have now will inspire others, so shine on! If new ideas arise, share them with confidence, overcoming any shyness you might feel because your thoughts matter and can make a major impact! Stay grounded, though — effective leaders inspire others without letting ego interfere and you don't wanna isolate anyone.

Brit + Co

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Did you successfully achieve work-life balance last week? Continue those efforts, as distractions may persist — and you really don't wanna fall back into old habits and end up struggling with burnout. Outside of the office, relationships might require extra attention, but don't sacrifice your equanimity to others. You can show love and respect to other people without forgetting about yourself in the process. So, prioritize routines that sustain you — especially as winter approaches — because balance remains essential to building resilience and strength.

Brit + Co

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

This week offers chances for you to travel and expand your horizons, Libra! It's important to keep an open mind and practice compassion toward others. Your willingness to understand and support people — especially your friends — will be met with kindness in return. And if they're being a little...annoying? Just remember how truly magnanimous you can be! The energy you put out will be reflected right back to you in the end. Stay positive!

Brit + Co

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

It’s time for deep personal insight and vulnerability in your relationships this week — as gritty as that may sound. Really though, embrace this opportunity for personal growth and release any power struggles you've got floating around right now. Instead, find contentment in everyday events, like the way the leaves fall in autumn, or how good your morning coffee is. Greet the intensity with these small joys and a resolve to achieve your goals. Oh, and your financial matters may finally find resolution — it's an excellent time to work toward stability and security.

Brit + Co

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Expressing love and devotion feels especially fulfilling for you this week, so soak in all those sweet vibes. You might feel overly generous and go overboard in your display of affection with your friends or S.O...just be mindful not to overindulge. Joyful connections with loved ones don’t need to be extravagant — small acts of kindness and creativity can be just as meaningful. So take your bestie out to lunch! Grab that book your partner's been meaning to buy for themselves! Remind the people you care about that you see them in all the small ways, too.

Brit + Co

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

This week really emphasizes health and routine for you, Capricorn. Even though mundane needs like this aren't always exciting, try channeling your energy into creating positive habits. Make and freeze meals to help ease you through the week. Get up a little earlier to listen to your favorite podcast on the treadmill. Grab a good book instead of your phone first thing in the morning. These minor changes can have a major impact for you! Also, acts of service and connecting with your spirituality will be rewarding during this more intense, Scorpio-driven period. Dig in and share your wisdom with others.

Brit + Co

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Your career is a source of security, so continue working toward financial stability during this time. Take responsibility for your own comfort and confidence, leaning on all the effort you've already put in. And don't worry about marching to the beat of anyone else's drum while you're at it — apply your originality to build a solid future that works for YOU. Use your creativity to establish balance, focus on your priorities, and resist external distractions. You've got this!

Brit + Co

Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

Are you thinking of refreshing your home? You have plenty of energy for home improvement projects, but make sure to plan well and communicate clearly with anyone you’ve hired — or asked — to help you. Whether going big or sticking to a modest update, prioritize organization to avoid stress and debt. You can create the home you want — you just need to make sure you know what you want, so you can go after it accordingly! This is gonna make your space feel more like a haven and less like a burden.

Looking for a more thorough reading? Reach out to Tina at SevenSistersAstrology.com!

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The 6 Best (And Worst) High-Protein Pastas

If you’re a pasta lover, it’s a great time to be alive. The pasta aisle is filled with alternatives to traditional semolina and whole-wheat varieties, from red lentil penne to edamame spaghetti. In addition to being gluten-free, these pastas are also surprisingly high in protein, making your quick pasta dinner of spaghetti and marinara or vegan mac and cheese a bit more filling (and well-balanced).

Aside from homemade pasta, these bean and legume pastas are pretty much the greatest thing ever. They cook quickly and eliminate the need to prep a separate protein to go with your meal, meaning they’re perfect for 15-minute dinner recipes.

Some are easier to cook than others (and, frankly, a couple of them don’t taste great), so we’re sharing cooking tips for the most popular types of bean pastas, along with simple ideas for dinners that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s Red Lentil Sedanini

Why We Like It: This is, hands-down, the best legume pasta out there. The Trader Joe’s version has quickly become a best-seller, and for good reason. There’s no bean-y flavor, it cooks to a perfect al dente texture, and it pairs well with both creamy and tomato sauces. Red lentil pasta stays firm even after being refrigerated, so you’ll have no more mushy leftovers! Plus, it boasts 13 grams of protein per serving.

Cooking Tip: Use this one for your baked pasta dishes, like baked ziti. On busy nights, simply toss with jarred sauce and Parmesan cheese. (If you have a few extra minutes, sauté fresh garlic in a bit of olive oil, along with oregano, fennel seeds, and crushed red pepper to make your store-bought sauce feel fancier.)

Pair It With: Your favorite pasta sauce. The short pasta can handle chunky sauces, and it soaks up thin and creamy sauces too. There’s no sauce that red lentil pasta can’t handle!

Whole Foods

Modern Table Lentil Elbows

Why We Like It: Like the red lentil pasta above, these lentil elbows have a neutral flavor and cook up without much guesswork on the timing. (We’ve tried a few brands.) They’re also the perfect swap in your favorite mac and cheese recipe. Each serving contains a whopping 20 grams of protein.

Cooking Tip: Use a thick or darker sauce to fool picky eaters and mask the slight green color. (Try pesto!)

Pair It With: Toss hot pasta with two cloves of minced garlic, plus plenty of olive oil or butter, and Parmesan for a quick weeknight dinner. Garnish with black pepper and crushed red pepper.

Amazon

Banza Chickpea Shells

Why We Like It:Chickpea pasta is one of the best protein pastas. This pasta looks and tastes surprisingly like the real deal, with a bit more texture (like a whole-wheat pasta). It cooks quickly and doesn’t fall apart if you forget to set a timer and let it go a couple of extra minutes. (It’s worth buying in bulk!) Also, did you see the 20 grams of protein per serving?

Cooking Tip: Garbanzo bean pasta is tasty chilled too, so use it in your favorite pasta salad recipes. Make a quick lunch by mixing chickpea shells with hummus, chopped olives, and roasted red peppers. Serve over arugula.

Pair It With: Toss hot pasta with tahini (thinned with water and lemon juice), then salt to taste. Serve with steamed broccoli.

Whole Foods

Explore Cuisine Green Lentil Lasagne

Why We Like It: You don’t need to parboil these noodles, and they cook up perfectly. They’re a dream come true with 11 grams of protein per serving. (While you can find plenty of no-cook wheat lasagna noodles, the protein content in this variety keeps your Sunday supper from putting you into a carb coma.)

Cooking Tip: Keep a box of these awesome noodles on hand for all your lasagna cravings. Get creative by turning other favorite pasta dishes into layered feasts. Try roasted butternut squash rings with ricotta, gorgonzola, dried cranberries, and sage, then top with a simple tomato or Alfredo sauce (seasoned with rosemary and black pepper).

Pair It With: Your grandmother’s lasagna recipe. No one will know you’ve swapped the noodles!

Amazon

Explore Cuisine Edamame Spaghetti

Why We Like It: This pasta cooks quickly and is a tasty alternative to rice when stir-fry is on the menu.

Cooking Tip: Set a timer, and don’t walk away. Any thin, long legume pasta like this one needs to be stirred often and not overcooked. If you overcook it, you’ll end up with a congealed blob.

Pair It With: Asian-inspired sauces like sesame ginger or traditional noodle dishes like Korean japchae.

Amazon

Trader Joe’s Black Bean Rotini

Why We Like It: Unfortunately, we don’t, even with its 14 grams of protein per serving. Every brand we’ve tried needs far longer than the recommended cook time to reach al dente, and we experienced some, um, bean-y side effects every time we ate this one. Since black beans take longer to cook from dried than the other legumes listed here, we suspect that’s why black bean rotini was a fail. Black bean spaghetti did fare slightly better, but it’s still not worth the price.

Cooking Tip: Skip this one, or stock up on the Beano.

Want more meal-planning help? Follow us on Pinterest.

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.

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Yay! Margot Robbie Welcomes First Baby With Husband Tom Ackerley

Margot Robbie has a son! The Barbieactress and her husband Tom Ackerley welcomed their first baby in early November after a very busy year (after all, she announced she'd star opposite Ryan Gosling again in an Ocean's Eleven prequeland boarded a Sims & Monopoly adaptation as producer).

The Sirens producer proved she has impeccable pregnancy style at Wimbledon and a red carpet, and I just know she's going to have amazing mom style too. Here's everything you need to know about this new family of three.

How many kids does Margot Robbie have?

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Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley have one child, a son! A source confirmed to People that the couple had welcomed their baby boy on November 2.

People also confirmed Margot Robbie is expecting a baby in July, the same day images of the actress showing off her growing baby bump went viral on X (formerly Twitter). In the images, Margot's standing with Tom on a dock, wearing black trousers, a black blazer, and a white tee rolled up to rest above her stomach. Leave it to Margot Robbie to make chic pregnancy wear look effortless!

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Margot Robbie later attended the L.A. premiere of My Old Ass — produced by Robbie and starring Aubrey Plaza — on September 9, 2024. The ever-elegant star rocked a muted, off-the-shoulder bodycon dress (hello, fall style inspo!) and some adorable strappy heels! Her simple hair, makeup, and jewelry allowed her most major accessory to shine here — her bump! This is the first time we've really seen Robbie since her Wimbledon appearance, and it's no surprise that her look absolutely did not disappoint.

Who is Margot Robbie's husband Tom Ackerley?

Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Margot Robbie married Tom Ackerley in 2016 after they met on the set of Suite Française in 2013. Tom is an actor (he appeared as an extra on the first three Harry Potter movies), and a film producer. The two also co-founded their production company LuckyChap Entertainment in 2014 and have worked on movies like I, Tonya,Promising Young Woman,Maid, and Saltburn.

What have Tom Ackerley and Margot Robbie said about their relationship?

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley love spending time together, and Tom told The Sunday Times they spend "24 hours a day together."

"It’s seamless," he continues. "We don’t have a toggle on, toggle off. It’s all become one thing.”

“Being married is actually the most fun ever, life got way more fun somehow," Margot told Porter in 2018. "I have a responsibility being someone’s wife, I want to be better."

Margot has also been vocal about how frustrating it is to constantly be asked about children, telling Radio Times in 2019 that, "I'm so angry that there's this social contract," she says. "You're married, now have a baby. Don't presume. I'll do what I'm going to do."

What is Margot Robbie's baby name?

Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for FIJI Water

Margot and Tom haven't officially shared their baby's name yet, but we're all ears should they choose to do so.

How old is Margot Robbie?

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Margot Robbie just celebrated her 34th birthday on July 2. Tom Ackerley turned 34 on June 13, so there's only a one-month age gap between this celeb couple.

We're sending all the best wishes to Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley! Check out Hilary Duff Officially Gave Birth To Baby #4! for more adorable baby news.

This post has been updated.

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12 Holiday Decorations That Will Make Your Neighbors Totally Judge You

Don't get me wrong, tacky holiday decorations can be a lot of fun, from ugly sweater parties to Griswold-style outdoor lights. I love strolling the neighborhood for the most OTT holiday houses and thinking creatively what I'll wear to my friend Marie's annual corny Christmas party. I'm here for all the intentional tacky decor.... just not in my home. Tacky can also mean plastic and wasteful and just well hard to look at if you're going for any sort of non-tacky decor aesthetic. If you want to invest in more natural holiday decor this year (fresh pine wreaths, linen tree skirts, beeswax candles), steer clear of these tacky holiday decorations!

Super-Sized Yard Decor

Wayfair

Fionnula Bumble Lighted Display

As much as my kiddo loves these over-the-top inflatables and animated light-up figures, I have to say no to the super-sized lawn ornaments, like Santa riding a motorcycle, enormous snowmen, or this Bumble Lighted Display from the movie classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." They can be pricey and take up a ton of storage, but for those who love them the more the merrier!

Christmas Light Explosions

Shutterstock

Covering every square inch of your house, trees, and yard with twinkling, multicolored lights or flashing LEDs can look chaotic and well crazy. It's an art form to get it right, but when done well it can bring holiday cheer to the block. When done wrong, well, it's sort of a waste of time and money.

Tinsel Snot

Amazon

Amazon Christmas Icicle Tinsel

Is tinsel making a comeback? Please say it isn't so. It not only looks tacky IMHO, but it makes it harder to recycle your natural tree. (Our Girl Scout chapter picks up our trees the day after Christmas for recycling - but not if there's tinsel on it!). Anyway, if you have nostalgia feels for tinsel, go for it sparingly and avoid this drippy snot look. We want to see that pretty tree!

Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Tipsy Elves

Tipsy Elves Women's Ugly Christmas Sweater

Ugly Christmas sweaters are intentionally tacky, but what's with all the stores capitalizing on them? I liked it back when you could get creative and DIY your holiday sweater, but now you can find racks full of garish colors, clashing patterns, and glittery appliqués. Maybe we can rein it in this year?

Overly Trad Decor

Wayfair

Faux Lighted Wreath

The angels, the harps, the bells, the Merry Christmas sign, oh my! Overly trad Christmas decor can make a home feel dated. Sure, if you have some childhood favorites, toss them into the mix of modern-day neutral holiday decor, like natural linens, fresh garland, and naturally scented candles.

Metallic Garland

Amazon

Amazon Metallic Garland

Can we just skip the metallic garland this year? It's wasteful, it's hard to wrap and unwrap around your tree (so much so you just want to toss it in the trash after), and it just makes your tree look like a blast from the past.

According to Stanford University's Waste Reduction, Recycling, Composting and Solid Waste Program, household waste increases by more than 25 percent during the holidays with additional waste like packaging, wrapping paper, and one-use decorations contributing an additional 1 million tons of landfill trash each week from Thanksgiving to New Year's. Better alternatives? Satin ribbons, dried orange slices, cranberry garlands, and felt garlands that you won't throw away. Even the classic construction paper chain link would be an upgrade!

Corny Theme Pillows

Amazon

Christmas Theme Pillows

I'm on the fence about the Buffalo plaid too, but it's a classic pattern (we just see it everywhere now). The pillows on the other hand are a little much, no?

Chair Covers

Amazon

Christmas Chair Covers

Why do we need these? Maybe just tie a velvet ribbon with mistletoe or add Scandi-style sheepskin to your chairs and call it a holiday.

Christmas Character Themes

Amazon

Grinch's Christmas Tree Decorations

The Grinch's green isn't quite Christmas green, putting it even higher on the tacky spectrum. Anything with characters says tacky to me and sort of distorts the meaning of the holidays.

Bathroom Decorations

Amazon

Christmas Theme Bathroom Decorations

If you want to make your guests giggle, this tacky set will do the trick.

Porch Banners

Amazon

Christmas Porch Banners

Loud and proud!

Kitschy Tea Towels

Amazon

Amazon Christmas Towels

The jokes just don't quite hit the way they should. Also, the traditional red and green are killing me! But of course, there's a time and place for tacky Christmas decorations and bringing a little joy to the season. Happy holidays!

Find holiday decor on our Pinterestand check out our email newsletter for more holiday inspiration!

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

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