14 Pastel Cakes for Early Spring Soirées

Spring will be here before you know it. You know what that means? Pretty pastels are coming back in for the season! Since we’re color-lovers here at Brit HQ, we decided to round up a whole bunch of pastel cakes to inspire your spring baking.

Need to tune up your tiered cake baking skills? Then check out our 35-minute Cake Baking 101 E-Class. You’ll bake up a delicious three-layer vanilla buttercream cake with a step-by-step tutorial.

Plus, you’ll brush up on the basics of cake baking equipment, ingredients, and methods for baking a cake from scratch. Not to mention, you’ll whip up a batch of homemade buttercream and learn how to fill and frost your three-layer cake with tips to execute a smooth, professional finish. Now isn’t that the icing on the cake? ;)

BUY THE CLASS – $19

Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s make a pretty pastel cake that will take the cake at your next spring celebration.

1. Birthday Party Ice Cream Cake: How delightful does this ice cream cake look? That’s a lot of fun in just one cake. (via Sweetapolita)

2. Colorful Cake: So. Much. Color! We are in LOVE with this rainbow cake. (via Indulgy)

3. Pastel Swirl Cake: You can easily make this super pretty ombre swirl cake. Plus, it comes with a video tutorial! (via Sweetapolita)

4. Birthday Cheesecake: Who knew cheesecake could look so lovely? Plus, it has a fun birthday surprise inside. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

5. Cherry-Vanilla Layer Cake: Make this yummy cherry cake and top it off with a robin’s egg blue vanilla frosting. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

6. Heart-Shaped Mini Cakes: Show someone how much you love them with these adorable heart mini cakes. (via Babble)

7. Easy + Colorful Cake: Brighten up a traditional cake by piping the top with multi-colored rosettes. (Mirror Mirror)

8. Mini Brownie Cakes: This adorable brownie cake is small in size and BIG on flavor. Just add frosting and sprinkles. (via Betty Crocker)

9. Frozen Princess Cake: Did your little one love the movie Frozen? Then make her this cute princess cake with meringue kisses on top. (via Coco Cake Land)

10. Pastel Confetti Cake: This pretty pastel cake is a labor of love, but it sure does take the cake when it comes to spring desserts. (Brit + Co)

11. Ombre Rose Cake: Give this pretty-in-pink cake a whirl with ombre rose embellishments. It’s easier than you think! Promise. (via BS’ In The Kitchen)

12. Birthday Party Cake: Add a pop of color to a simple vanilla cake baked in a bundt pan by drizzling colored frosting all over. (via lisa leonard blog)

13. Cake Decoration Lettering: Add a pastel message to your cake by using colored gum or fondant. (via Maiko Nagao)

14. Strawberry Roll Cake: A perfect cake for a spring get-together. This treat is easy to make and scrumptious to boot. (via tablespoon)

All of these are a piece of cake, right? ;) Now that you’ve got the basics down and a pinboard full of inspiration, make sure to grab our Cake Baking 101 Kit from the Brit + Co. Shop. It’s a complement kit to the Cake Baking 101 E-Class and has everything you need to get started on your cake baking adventures.

Already a cake-baking machine? Show us your pretty cake creations on Instagram. Make sure to use #britstagram so we can check them out!

Ashley Basnight of @smashingdiy is a designer (you might recognize her from HGTV’s Battle of the Beach series), carpenter, and engineer who isn’t afraid of bold colors and patterns. She DIYs the most gorgeous spaces, mixing patterns and luxe materials to creating warm and inviting spaces. Now she's collab’d with Chasing Paper to create a six-style wallpaper collection that is modern, colorful, and totally unique.

Chasing Paper

Everlast - Black

“I want this collection to showcase the ability to bring bold personality into a space and still make it feel like home,” Ashley says. “This collection was created with eye-catching patterns and daring colors to push the envelope and inspire others to make the extraordinary, ordinary.” The collection comes in traditional, peel-and-stick, vinyl and faux grasscloth options, starting at $45/panel. Check it out!

Chasing Paper

Everlast - Green

The Everlast series is a tribal-inspired print with a modern vibe, making it perfect for accent walls. Find it in black, green, and purple!

Chasing Paper

Endless End - Green

The Endless collection is a series of simple wavy lines that can be used in pretty much any room.

Chasing Paper

Endless End - Brown

This brown color is perfect for "autumn" homes that embrace nature-inspired colors like oranges, reds, and greens.

Chasing Paper

Endless Ends - Blue

The blue options looks great in a kid's bedroom or playroom!

Chasing Paper

Endless Ends - Tan

There's a neutral option too that would look elegant in an office or dining room.

Chasing Paper

Line Essence - Pink

This geometric print combines stunning vivid colors that make an impact in any room.

Chasing Paper

Line Essence - Aqua

This aqua option is soothing for quieter spaces...

Chasing Paper

Line Essence - Red

...while this bold red paper is a maximalist's dream.

Chasing Paper

Line Essence - Blue

The blue offers a totally different look with a rich, earthy vibe.

Chasing Paper

Medallion - Purple

This 70’s-inspired print showcases a geometric design and bold colors in aqua, blue, and purple (shown above).

Chasing Paper

Medallion - Blue

The blue colorway is a perfect pop of pattern for small spaces like a kitchen or laundry room.

Chasing Paper

Medallion - Aqua

Aqua lovers will find happiness on a wall with this variety.

Chasing Paper

Rhythm Glide - Multi

This maze-like design is an example of Ashley’s love for combining patterns, shapes and color together to create harmony. It's daring but also the perfect start to beautiful decor. Start with this multi-colored print as your palette for the rest of the room and home.

Chasing Paper

Rhythm Glide - Pink

Each style in the collection has a bit of a modern-retro vibe. This pink one is super fun!

Chasing Paper

Rhythm Glide - Blue

The blue colorway in the same style looks dramatically different.

Chasing Paper

Rhythm Glide - Neutral

This neutral is anything but boring. Paired with browns and blacks it brings a room together in perfect harmony.

Chasing Paper

Tropicka - Magenta

The best for last: This tropical-inspired print features symmetrical florals and greenery for a bold botanical accent wall.

Chasing Paper

Tropicka - Magenta

The green variety would look amazing in a tropical-inspired powder room. There's a gorgeous blue too.

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

Images via Chasing Paper

Kitchen renovations are no joke – they're a major investment, so you’ll want to think twice before committing to fleeting trends — especially for big-ticket items like cabinets, countertops, and appliances. I’ll admit it: I’m still without a backsplash five years later because I can’t commit! While it’s perfectly fine to follow your heart if you love a particular look, kitchens can quickly feel outdated when you lean too heavily on short-lived fads. To help you create a timeless, stylish space, we’ve rounded up outdated kitchen trends to avoid — and easy ways to modernize if your kitchen is stuck in the past.

Scroll to see if you have these outdated kitchen trends in your house right now!

Mark McCammon

1. All-White Kitchens

The all-white kitchen craze has officially run its course, often feeling cold and sterile — like say a doctor’s office. Today’s kitchens are all about warmth and character, with palettes in soft neutrals, earthy greens, or bold, moody shades like oxblood and midnight blue. Choose a color that speaks to you for a timeless, inviting space you'll love for years to come.

Pixabay

2. Granite Countertops

This early 2000s trend has been overdone and feels so dated now. Marble, sleek quartz, even butcher block are more classic choices.

Curtis Adams

3. Ornate Cabinetry

The color and detail of this traditional kitchen feels drab and dated. Instead, look for flat-panel or Shaker-style cabinets with clean, minimal lines.

Terry Magallanes

4. Farmhouse Decor

This kitchen is a lesson is don'ts. The grey vinyl flooring (especially hideous!), farmhouse stools, and white cabinetry hail from a decades-old trend that needs to disappear in 2025.

Home Depot

5. Glass Mosaic Tiles

Glass mosaics, popular in the 2000s and 2010s, tend to lean toward a transitional aesthetic, which is the opposite of an organic, minimalist, or vintage-inspired design kitchen are craving now. The grout lines are bit difficult to clean too between all the tiny tiles. Zellige tile or a slab of marble are a more sophisticated look for today's kitchens.

Level 23 Media

6. Black & White

The stark contrast between black and white can come across as harsh and overly dramatic, a look that peaked in the 2010s. The farmhouse sign doesn't help warm it up either. Soften the look with earthy, natural tones.

Curtis Adams

7. Subway Tile

Subway tile is classic, so there’s no need to rip it out if it still brings you joy. However, the white subway tile paired with dark grout has overstayed its welcome. This overdone trend became so ubiquitous that it lost its charm and individuality, leaving kitchens looking more cookie-cutter than full of character.

Amazon

8. Industrial Lighting

This nod to the past needs to, sorry, stay in the past. Look for organic, natural forms and lighting that reflects your kitchen's unique aesthetic.

Shutterstock

9. Tuscan Style

This rustic kitchen feels dated with its heavy, ornate features like dark wood cabinetry and trim. Go for clean, brighter spaces.

Shutterstock

10. Tile Countertops

Natural stone, marble, and wood are trending for 2025. Grout-filled countertops like this one are not. Time to go!

Max Vakhtbovycn

11. Moroccan Mosaic Tile

Kitchens are becoming elegant places to cook, eat, and gather. This busy design can look cheap. The white mid-century Eames-style chairs, sorry to say, are also out.

Andrea Davis

12. Barn Doors

Using barn doors between the kitchen and other spaces is a look that is officially out. They proved to be not that functional and the look is now dated and too kitschy. Buh bye!

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

I’m calling it now – blueberry milk nailsare out, and cereal milk nails are in. The Nails.INC x Froot Loops collab has landed at the perfect time, ready to adorn your nails with the vibrant colors of the nostalgic cereal (forever standing out from the too-light blue nail trend).

Why I’m *totally* sold on the new 7-piece collection? When the polishes dry, they smell exactly like Froot Loops. If that’s not setting your flip phone lip gloss-loving, Claire’s-shopping, body glitter-fanatic inner child’s heart aglow right now, I don’t know what to tell you.

About The Froot Loops Nail Polishes from Nails.INC

The shades included in the collaborative drop embrace all things neon, recalling the color-covered days of my youth. It makes me want to pour out a bowl of cerealand dig in!

Each one is formulated for long-wear, so your electric mani lasts you all week. For those accustomed to painting with a wide brush for quick and easy application, these bottles have it all.

Whether you’re sporting the coral-y pink to a picnic in the park, or layering on the head-turning green for a chaotic (yet fun) night out, the Nails.INC x Froot Loops collection is the absolute best way to end your summer.

#FollowYourNose ($8)

This neon pink undoubtedly channels all of the Barbie hype this season.

Feeling Fruity ($8)

This yellow shade might not be your normal go-to, but the fruity scent will draw you into its supercharged summer energy!

Toucan Sam Approved ($8)

This vibrant turquoise blue hue pairs well with a fruity drink.

Toucan Play At That Game ($8)

A neon orange that plays at coral pink is *def* getting added to my cart.

Ce-real Talk ($8)

Green is just that girl, and this brightened-up pick is sure to catch some attention.

Scented Nail Polish Duo ($15)

This pink-and-green duo does it all – multicolor mani, anyone?

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Header photo by Caleb Minear / PEXELS + Image via Nails.INC

Jessica Simpson and her husband Eric Johnson have decided to go their separate ways. After 10 years of marriage, Jessica revealed on January 13 that they've been "navigating" a "painful situation" that arose in their relationship, three months after sources told TMZ the singer reached out to a divorce attorney. But despite the shift in their relationship status, there's one thing Jessica and Eric are focusing on.

Here's what Jessica Simpson had to say about her split from Eric Johnson.

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson are "focusing" on their kids amid their split.

Jessica Simpson explained her decision to split from husband, former NFL tight end Eric Johnson, with whom she shares three children: 12-year-old Maxwell Drew, 11-year-old Ace Knute, and 5-year-old Birdie Mae.

"Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage," Jessica told People. "Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family."

The popstar celebrated her kids' return to school in September with a super sweet Instagram post. "Maxwell, Ace and Birdie y’all make your Mom beam with smiles and grace !" she says. "Keep on showin’ up for yourselves with each step of the way through this new school year! I’m so very proud of y’all for individually shining your light so that in return others feel the glow."

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson met in 2010 through a mutual friend, and ended up getting engaged six months after they started dating. They were married in July of 2014, where Maxwell and Ace were the flower girl and ring bearer.

The "I Wanna Love You Forever" singer celebrated their 10th anniversary with an Instagram post in May 2020, saying, "I fell head over slippers in love with this perfect man 10 YEARS ago today! By chance he knocked on my dreamy cottage door (sigh), I let him in and never let him leave. He is mine, I am his…forever."

And the couple's decision to announce their separation comes after Jessica posted about "putting up with everything I did not deserve" and about how "life is short."

"SMILE while you still have teeth," she jokes.

We're sending Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson lots of love. Check out Brit + Co's Weekend Newsletter for more celebrity updates.

Valentine's Day is almost here, and whether you're single or happily taken, you can always have an amazing time celebrating the season with your best girlfriends. We're channeling our inner Leslie Knope this Galentine's Day with 50 ideas for spending it with your squad. From gathering your girlfriends for a Galentine's Day party or embarking on an epic road trip, now is the time to plan your February weekend with the best of your friends, near and far.

Scroll on for 50 Galentine's Day ideas to celebrate with your girls!

The Best Galentine's Day Ideas For 2025

Brit + Co

Add Some Pink With These Taylor Swift Fuzzy Dice

Pink is always a good idea when it comes to Valentine's Day decor, so for any of your Galentine's Day parties this year, DIY these Taylor Swift fuzzy dice inspired by "Cruel Summer"! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Make DIY Galentine's Day Candy Boxes

Send your best friends home with adorable candy boxes that may or may not be used as trinket trays later on. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A Bachelor Marathon

Calling all Bachelor fans! Catch up on new episodes from your favorite season by hosting a marathon viewing party. Not a Bachelor fan? Try one of these Netflix originals that are perfect for Galentine's Day. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

DIY Galentine's Day Fort

Camp out with your BFFs in this homemade fort that's just as much fun to make as it is to relax in! It's the perfect Galentine's Day idea at home. (via Brit + Co)

A Beautiful Mess

Host A Nail Pampering Galentine's Day Party

Pamper yourself and your BFFs with a nail design party! Put out bottles of their favorite polishes and create a fun playlist of your favorite love songs. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Host A Galentine's Day Bake-off

BFFs stand together even when they're single or happily taken. Host a delicious bake-off with your gals to see who can get the most creative in the kitchen! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Make Conversation Heart Care Packages

For friends who live near and far, make these sweet care packages filled with their favorite things. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Host a Galentine's Day Party Game Night

Play Gin Rummy with your favorite gin cocktail, dominoes, charades, whatever floats your game-loving boat! Don't forget the candy charcuterie! (via Brit + Co)

Taylor Simpson

Plan A Girl's Getaway

Here are the happiest cities in the world. Grab your girls and escape winter for an amazing Galentine's Day weekend you'll never forget. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Take a Class Together

Film photography is cool again. One reason to get creative with your gals with a day of fun learning and doing. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Host a Brunch

Our epic Galentine's brunch menu has everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine's card writing stations. Thisgem-inspired brunch is a fun idea, too! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A DIY Party With Planters

Get a jump on spring decor with an easy DIY planter party! With a few basic steps, you and your girls can create living wall decor to decorate your space for February and even all the way through the summer months. (via Brit + Co)

Shutterstock

Host a Cookie Party

Check out our list of 30 Valentine's Day cookie recipes and start a holiday cookie tradition, G-Day style! (via Brit + Co)

Element5 Digital

Go On A Road Trip With Your Gals

You don't have to spend your Galentine's Day party inside. If you're not near the beach, you can take a day trip instead. Some ideas include visiting a ski resort, going for a hike, or exploring that small town you've been meaning to hit. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A Puppy-Love Play Date

Galentine's Day isn't just for humans. Invite your BFFs and their furry friends over for a puppy-love playdate. If you want to keep things a bit more relaxed, host a movie night and ask your friends to bring their dog beds, too.

Aww Sam

Host A Mean Girls Movie Night

Prepare for a cozy night in with your ladies by catching up on one of the most classic flicks (or the newmusical update!). Set the tone for the night with a DIY burn book vase that doubles as a hilarious take-home treat. (via Aww Sam)

Sasha • Stories

Have A Beach Day Picnic

If you live on the coast, host your Galentine's Day gathering at the beach. Make sure you bring your favorite beach bag, a pair of sunglasses, and perhaps some bubbly!

Kelsey Chance

Have A Wine Tasting

You and your girls love your wine, so use the day as an excuse to host your very own rosé tasting party.

Brit + Co

Hit The Slopes

An adventurous way to get outdoors and spend time with your ladies is to take advantage of the snow. Go skiing or snowboarding, or build a snow(wo)man. Then enjoy après ski cocktails!

Brit + Co

Have A Pool Party

If you live in a warmer climate (or have a heated pool), throw a fun G-Day pool party complete with all of the essentials like vino, floaties, and sunhats.

Brit + Co

Host A Parks & Rec Marathon

The best way to celebrate Galentine's Day is by honoring the creator, Leslie Knope, with a Parks and Rec marathon viewing party. Ask your ladies to supply the booze, and you can serve up the snacks and the show — or any of our other favorite feel-good TV shows.

Brit + Co

Host An Outdoor Dinner + Movie

Your ladies deserve a get-together that's sure to give each gal the much-needed fun she deserves. Host a movie and dinner for your ladies, outdoors if the weather permits. Step up your party with favors, swag bags, and a night of unlimited drinks.

Shutterstock

Have A Karaoke Party

What better way to start off your Galentine's Day shindig than by belting out a few tunes with your favorite ladies? Yep, we didn't think we'd have to tell you twice.

Brit + Co

Go on A Hike

Keep up with your health goals with an active day outdoors. It's a great way to bond with your girlfriends and with nature.

No Revisions

Book A Spa Day

What better way to show self love than to book a much-deserved spa day with gal pals. You'll feel refreshed and recharged.

Brit + Co

Zoom With Surprise Takeout

Bestie live in another state? Plan an evening Zoom call and send each other dinner delivery for a fun gab session and thoughtful Galentine's Day gift. Oh, what a night!

More Galentine's Day Party Ideas

A pom pom and lantern wall is literally the perfect way to add some texture to any Galentine's Day party! Plus, you can reuse them for upcoming bachelorette parties and baby showers.

Take a simple white table cloth (bonus points if it's paper) and paint "XOXO" across it for a personalized, romantic addition to your table.

Never underestimate the power of gold letter balloons. They're our favorite!

In lieu of flowers, fill some of your favorite vases with all kinds of red and pink candies.

If a pure candy charcuterie board is overwhelming, opt for a mix — supplement chocolate, marshmallows, and strawberries with meat and cheese for a board that's both lunch and dessert.

Mix up your Galentine's Day party mimosa bar by providing different juices and different garnishes that your guests can choose from.

Letter boards are a super easy and super fun way to add spunk to your party. Plus, they don't take up a lot of room, so that's a win-win for us!

Grapefruit juice is the perfect addition to your Galentine's Day party's pink cocktails — or to sparkling water for a low-key mocktail.

Candlesticks, jars, cake trays, oh my! The more dishes, the better as far as we're concerned.

It's easier than ever to find super cute, super sassy napkins. It's a small touch that goes a long way!

Mini bottles of champagne aren't just good for your Galentine's Day party — have everyone write a goal on their bottle, and wait to pop it until that goal is achieved!

Find heart-shaped plates to add extra romance to your tablescape.

Galentine's Day Party Favor Ideas

Miniature potted plants are as cute as can be, and when they're wrapped in pink napkins? To die for.

Cupid would totally approve of these red candy kabobs.

If you have a collection of white bags for your Galentine's Day party favors, go crazy with the designs! Draw hearts, arrows, or write a little note to each of your friends.

Nothing says "I love you" like knowing your friend's favorites — which means you'll knock beauty product gift bags out of the park.

Red lollipops get a fruity upgrade when you wrap their sticks in green tape. Voilà!! The cherry on top of all your Galentine's Day festivities.

Wall envelopes are the perfect place to stash all your candy — or a super artsy Galentine's Day note.

Less is more with a Galentine's Day party favor that lets your BFF know how much she means to you.

A little bit of thoughtful wrapping makes a colorful bouquet even more beautiful than it already is!

Add tiny bows to all your champagne bottles for a true coquette party theme.

Use a pair of scalloped scissors to turn regular gift bags into something even more eye-catching!

Galentine's Day party favors don't *just* have to be candy and cards — celebrate your friends' hobbies with thoughtful gifts, too!

We'll literally never say no to chocolate, especially when it includes flower petals!

Looking for more reasons to get together with your girls this Galentine's Day? Follow us on Pinterest for even more ideas!

This article has been updated from a previous post with additional reporting by Sarah Koller and Theresa Gonzalez.