As September approaches, we can’t help but think if all the fun ways we might update our living spaces in the fall. New curtains perhaps? A bright wall of paint in the kitchen? Plants that take care of themselves and actually flower? If you’re not quite ready to take on a professional interior designer, even in the form of an online one via Tastemaker, here are 10 of our favorite mobile tools for giving your home the makeover it deserves.
Don’t tell the fam, but Friendsgiving may have topped Thanksgiving as your favorite holiday. There’s no feeling like you have to one-up your cousin, you can have that extra glass of affordable fall wine without judgment, and you get to eat food that you *actually* like (sorry, stuffing). Easy Friendsgiving recipes are easy to come by, so when you’re assigned the appetizer, there’s no excuse not to rock it. Get the table set and throw your apron on, because these easy and elegant appetizers will be the talk of your squad until Friendsgiving 2025.
Brit + Co
The combo of smooth fruit, salty prosciutto, and fresh herbs (plus the crunch of your favorite cracker) is literally mouth-watering.
Brit + Co
This isn't your average cheese-board. The DIY cornucopia is easier than it looks and it's both delicious and Instagrammable.
Ron Lach / PEXELS.
Brie is a great app because it goes so well with so many other things: veggies, meat, fruit, crackers. You name it, this melty cheese will pair perfectly.
Half Baked Harvest
Store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe a cinch, and there's nothing better than when it's wrapped around melted gruyere with honey, rosemary, and garlic and baked.
Feed Me Phoebe
Does anything sound more autumnal than butternut squash dip? Negative. Make it cheesy with Gruyère and add a salty crunch with pistachios.
Creme de la Crumb
Salad is a necessity for your Friendsgiving meal, and this one makes a great first course. Good luck trying to keep everyone from filling up before dinner.
Reluctant Entertainer
If you have other dishes to prepare, no-cook appetizers are a great way to keep your guests satisfied without having to make more room in the oven. These ripe apricots are stuffed with honey-sweetened ricotta and topped with basil and tangy balsamic.
Fit Foodie Finds
Brussels sprouts are definitely a love-it-or-hate-it veggie. Pro tip: If you wrap it in bacon, people will be a lot more likely to love them.
The Mediterranean Dish
When you’re planning out your perfect Friendsgiving menu, remember that you can’t go wrong with warmed Brie. Serve with your favorite multigrain crackers and watch it disappear before your eyes.
Happy Kitchen Rocks
In just 15 minutes you could be serving your friends this luxurious hors d’oeuvre. Switch things up and stuff with your choice of blue cheese, goat cheese or ricotta.
Macheesmo
Cipollini onions make the perfect miniature alternative to a big ol’ blooming onion. This way, everyone can have as many as they want without having to share.
Snixy Kiitchen
Give your traditional deviled eggs a fall twist by adding butternut squash to your filling. Top with crispy bacon to balance the sweetness and add a smokey quality.
Chef in Training
This is *not* your grandma’s cheese ball. Cranberry and orange give it a seasonal flavor and sweetness that’ll rival the meal’s desserts.
Reluctant Entertainer
Did you think ladyfingers were only for tiramisu? Think again! Switch from your usual baguette crostini and top the cookies with apples and goat cheese.
The Pioneer Woman
Fruit, olives and Gouda — oh my! Building the perfect cheese board is an art you can master. Hint: Layering different textures and heights is key.
Parsnips and Pastries
Don’t underestimate the power of a honeyed crostini. When that warm grape pops in your mouth… pure bliss.
Real Simple Good
If you can boil potatoes, you can make these cups. They require only six ingredients, and your squad is sure to fall in love with them. Winning!
NeightborFood
You *finally* have a reason to use that puff pastry in the freezer. Between the flaky crust and creamy Parmesan-ricotta topping, this may just be your new favorite starter.
Traditionally, samosas are made with sheet phyllo dough and folded into triangles. Opt for that if you have more time, or try a quick version using pre-made phyllo cups. (via Gimme Some Oven)
Nutmeg Nanny
These bite-size treats are as easy as sautéing the filling ingredients together and popping the filled cups in the oven to melt the cheese. They’re quick, foolproof and, most importantly, delicious.
As Easy As Apple Pie
Okay, you’re most likely going to have pumpkin pie for dessert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have pumpkin in your appetizer too. This hummus is ultra savory, so even if you don’t like pie, you’ll LOVE this.
Mom on Timeout
Using frozen meatballs and a slow cooker saves you a ton of time come party day. Don’t be afraid of them turning out bland, though. Apples, apple cider and maple syrup make that impossible.
The View from Great Island
You can’t go wrong with a classic flavor combination like spinach and artichoke. Stuff in a hollowed loaf of Italian bread and slice to serve.
Follow us on Pinterest for more easy Friendsgiving appetizer recipe ideas.
This post has been updated.
Emily in Paris season 4 was the buzziest season yet, and for good reason. Emily's in Rome, Camille was never pregnant, and Gabriel's hair went from très hot to tragique. In addition to the viral response to Gabriel's new hair, season 4 left me pretty sad because after four years of waiting for Emily and Gabriel to get together, they almost immediately break up — and actor Lucas Bravo is just as confused as we are.
Carole Bethuel/Netflix
“The ‘sexy chef’ was very much part of me in Season 1 and we grew apart season after season because of the choices he makes and because of the direction they make him take,” Lucas Bravo told IndieWire while promoting Mélanie Laurent’s Freedom. “As they made him kind of unaware of his surroundings, of the dynamic, always victimizing and always being completely lost in translation and oblivious to anything that is happening around him and being manipulated by everyone, it kind of became not fun for me to shoot or to see a character I love so much and brought me so much, being slowly turned into guacamole. I really grew apart from him.”
Honestly it makes me really sad that a character we all love so much is becoming unrecognizable. But at the same time, it makes me feel a little bit better, because we're not the only ones who feel like Gabriel has changed. And while Lucas has done what he can to bring those early-series aspects of Gabriel back, he says "there is only so much I can do in the limits of a script.”
Netflix
“I tried for seasons to bring nuances but we don’t have much liberty on set," he continues. “It makes me question if I want to be part of Season 5…because my contract ends at Season 4. I really want to see if Gabriel gets back to his fun, cheeky, playful, alive self. Because three seasons playing melancholic, sad, depressed, and lost is not fun anymore. It’s a comedy, everybody is having fun around me, everybody is jumping around, and I’m just slowly sinking into god knows what.”
Say what now?! If Lucas Bravo leaves Emily in Paris, I truly don't know what I'd do. Gabriel is my favorite character on the show! (Or at least, early Gabriel was.) Seeing him move from 30, flirty, and thriving to someone who's consistently in the middle of an existential crisis doesn't make sense within the world of the show. And even though Lucas thinks the show has a "lack of risk," he still loves everyone involved.
“I love the show. It started everything for me. I love the show and the people in it," he says. "With saying that, I feel like I am not being nice or grateful, but when you love something you want it to be…you want the best version of it. I’m not going to lie, I’ve been frustrated with the direction by character is taking. But we’ll see where it goes. The show is not over.”
Just like the show's iconic costumes are all about expression and fun, here's hoping Emily in Paris is able to bring some life back into our favorite chef. Because if not, it sounds like we could be nearing the end of the show's most popular would-they-won't-they relationship. Fix this Netflix, I beg you!
What do you think of Lucas Bravo's dilemma? Do you miss season 1 Gabriel? Let us know in the comments and check out the latest Emily in Paris season 5 news.
Friendsgiving season is coming folks! And if you have one on the books, but have no idea what to cook, we have you covered. From deliciously cheesy veggies to a healthy take on everyone's favorite spuds, we're rounding-up easy recipes to make that won't weigh heavy on your pocketbook. Take a look through to see the yummy ensembles you should be whipping up!
Brit + Co
Because everyone needs a carb to soup all those juicy drippings on your plate. This 'The Final Table' winning recipe does the job.
Brit + Co
Not crazy about veggies? These greens will change your mind. Topped with cheese, chives, and a nice crisp topping, they're extra yummy (and keto-friendly!)
Brit + Co
Sure this one is a bit non-traditional, but your vegetarian friends will love it. Plus they make the perfect topping to nearly any dish (who needs croutons when you have these anyways?!).
Brit + Co
Puts some greens on your plate with this holy-grail recipe. Trust us: It's sooo easy!
Brit + Co
Dust off the ole' Instant Pot will this delectable fall polenta. Filled with butternut squash and lots of parmesan you (and your besties!) will quickly fall in *love*.
Brit + Co
Just when you thought you knew how to roast sweet potatoes, this recipe came along. And boy are we taking notes!
Brit + Co
Be the friend that brings the booze. This autumn-themed mulled wine drink will warm everyone's spirits.
Brit + Co
If you're designated salad duty, take a twist on it by packing it full-on quinia, pomegranate, and a tangy dressing. Yum!
Brit + Co
When the temperatures drop, your friends will be extra thankful for this soul-warming, cheesy pasta.
Brit + Co
No time? No worries! This freezer-friendly pasta bake complete with pillowy gnocchi, creamy mushrooms and spinach is super easy to create ahead of time, without taking away from any day-of deliciousness.
Brit + Co
Upgrade your biscuits with "addicting" flavors of cheddar, chives, and jalapeños. Pro tip: Double the batch to ensure you have more than one for everyone!
Brit + Co
Your hostess will thank you extra for showing up with an app to tide guests over until the main meal is served. Packed with yummy baked potato fixings, it's got an extra "kick" to make it comparable to store bought options. Plus it's keto-friendly... you can't go wrong with that!
Brit + Co
Keep the keto ideas coming, am I right?! Make this popular Pinterest vegetable dish loaded with garlic and extra cheese. Yes please!
Brit + Co
Pack a 'lil extra protein into your mashed spuds (with the bonus of making them extra creamy!). Who knew yogurt would soon become your go-to secret ingredient?
Brit + Co
And let's not forget about the sweets! Make a batch of this pumpkin spice-flavored treat as a great take-home option for overstuffed guests! (Just be sure to save some extra for yourself!)
Follow us on Pinterest for more tasty Thanksgiving recipes!
This post has been updated.
