Whether you call it St. Patrick’s Day or St. Paddy’s, there’s one thing we know for sure about March 17th: It’s a great day for a party! Here are 13 (lucky) ideas, including Lucky Charms Krispie Treats and a clover crown, for the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Party.
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:
Anthropologie
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
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
Martini, anyone?! These stunning, shine-lined glasses have the perfect touch of elegance.
Anthropologie
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
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
'Tis the season for more and more sweet treats, but you could even serve dinner or apps on these unique dessert plates.
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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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Halloween may be the most popular October holiday, but we’re excited about one more fall event that gives us the perfect excuse to gorge on beer, brats, and soft pretzels. That’s right, people: We’re talkin’ Oktoberfest. If you’ve never thrown an Oktoberfest party, we’ve got everything you’ll need and more, from decor ideas to German-inspired menu items. So put on your best lederhosen, crack open a cold one, and get to party planning.
Waiting on Martha
Oktoberfest is all about the beer (duh). So instead of carving out a jack-o-lantern, hollow out a pumpkin, fill it up with ice and get to cooling those seasonal ales you love so much.
Brit + Co
We love sipping on our pumpkin ale straight, but to switch things up, try this beertail made with pumpkin ale, sparkling cider, and lots of cinnamon.
Amazon
No, you are never, ever, EVER too old for a das boot. Invest in this set of four for your upcoming shindig because, well, it isn’t an Oktoberfest party without a big ol’ beer-filled boot floating around!
Amazon
These sleek glasses are the perfect beer vessel for your German-themed get-together, and they’re also just awesome bar staples. Any excuse to grow the home bar, right?
Amazon
Clink the night away with these festive (and hefty!) beer mugs.
The Flair Exchange
No Oktoberfest party is complete without the standard harlequin garland. DIY this puppy and string it up right before your guests arrive.
A little dress-up never hurt anybody! Complete your Oktoberfest look with this feminine and effortless braided crown. (via Camille Styles)
Etsy
For all moms out there, dress yourlittle one for the occasion. There’s no reason they have to miss out on the party just because of… well… obvious reasons.
A Beautiful Mess
Roast up the pumpkin seeds from your beer cooler for a light and salty beer snack.
Taryn Williford
Right when your guests walk in, hand them one of these adorable pretzel necklaces. Who doesn’t love a good wearable snack?
Fashion Edible
If beer is the Batman of Oktoberfest, then homemade soft pretzels are certainly the Robin. Serve these puppies up warm with some tangy yellow mustard for the perfect party snack.
Dine & Dish
Not into full-size pretzels? No problem! These pretzel bites are the bomb.com.
The Flair Exchange
If you go the pretzel-bite route, be sure to craft up some adorable p-bite holders, like these minibuckets lined with Oktoberfest colors.
Amazon
And you best not be serving up all of these pretzels without a little mustard.
Pillsbury
A food bar is always a good idea, especially if you’re expecting lots of guests. Create a pretzel sampling bar, complete with various mustards and cheesy dips, to really get the Oktoberfest-ivities started.
Deliciously Yum
For those of you planning on having a DIY sandwich station, bake up these yummy pretzel rolls to stick with the theme.
Host the Toast
Pull-apart breads are everything, especially when there’s beer cheese dip involved.
Brit + Co
Grilled brats topped with homemade sauerkraut? There’s absolutely nothing better.
Love and Lemons
Serve this lovely grilled potato salad alongside those brats for the perfect Oktoberfest meal.
Gimme Some Oven
Fully commit to the beer theme and whip up this scrumptious pumpkin beer bread made with pumpkin puree.
Tablespoon
These are so ridiculously amazing, we can’t. even. stand it. Those fondant beer mugs are filled with chocolate cake and with Bailey’s Irish Cream chocolate ganache…!!!
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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.
Christmas cookie decorating is holiday tradition for us here at B+C, so we were so stoked to find this recipe for paleo cookies that adds a healthy twist to this classic holiday dessert. These sweet treats will shine among the rest of your Christmastime tablescape, and they are super easy to make. Plus, they'll pair well with just about any Christmas dessert. Just combine your paleo-friendly ingredients to prep the dough, let it sit overnight, then bake for ten minutes! The best part about this recipe is of course, all of the fun holiday-time shapes you can cut. Consider this recipe your go-to for healthy cookies, though, since you can make them year-round in any shape you like. Let's get to decorating!
Brit + Co
For the cookies:
For the frosting:
Brit + Co
Is your mouth watering yet? Check out our newsletter for more delicious holiday recipe ideas!
Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.
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
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
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.
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
These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)
Very Eatalian
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
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
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
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
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
In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)
Saveur
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
These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)
Fancy Peasant
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.
