As Seen on the Today Show: A Summer Party Inspired by Pinterest

Jun 13, 2013

Summer party season is upon us, which means lots of entertaining! I popped on over to the TODAY Show this morning to show that you don’t have to spend hours upon hours in order to wow guests with your amazing hostess skills. All of the projects shown in today’s segment are super easy to create, and were all inspired by Pinterest. That’s right – I used Pinterest to plan and create this entire party scene!

Before I settled on a design theme, I hit up Pinterest to start pinning all my favorite ideas for summer parties – my Pinspiration, if you will ;)

Summer Hostess board

Citrus Summer. Here are 12 DIY ideas for creating your own citrus summer soiree.

Popsicle Invitations

Yes, you can send digital invites, but paper invites will ALWAYS score you more points. To stay on theme, we used fruit popsicle invites that were simply printed and cut into a popsicle shape. Then we glued popsicle sticks on the back to make them look real. (via Design*Sponge)

Paper Fan Garland

Remember making accordion paper fans back in the day? Turns out a whole bunch of them in lots of different colors actually make a pretty stylin’ garland. (via Oh Happy Day)

Chalkboard Table Runner

Chalkboard paint is a HUGE trend on Pinterest, so of course we had to incorporate it in our party. We simply painted it onto oil cloth, then chalked on some cute phrases and labels all around the table. (via Hey Look)

Lemon Pitcher Centerpiece

Now you need a centerpiece. For this one, all you need is a pitcher, vase, flowers, and lemons. Start with a smaller vase inside your pitcher, then just add sliced lemons all the way around to give it a citrus summer appeal. Add your flowers once you’re done. (via B-Movie Star)

Wine Glass Votives

For a bit of soft light around your table, try grabbing a few candles and sticking them on top of upside-down wine glasses. You can even add a pretty flower or succulent inside to make it look even sweeter. (via The Little Round Table)

Citrus Placecards

When it comes to place settings, you don’t have to get too fancy, but it is nice to have so that every person knows where to sit. If you have some extra citrus, grab a toothpick or a leaf and label their names right on the fruit. (via Color Sizzle)

Watermelon Punch

Now I don’t care what you say, there is NO better summer fruit than watermelon. Turns out, watermelons actually make great punch bowls as well. So you can use it as watermelon juice and as a serving dish. (See also: How to Turn a Watermelon into a Punch Dispenser) (via Martha Stewart)

Veggies and Dip

For your apps, stick to foods that are simple and portable. Pinner My Baking Addiction came up with a great idea of serving up veggies and dip in individual shot glasses for visual interest as well as grab-and-go portability. (via My Baking Addiction)

Watermelon Feta Skewers

If you have extra watermelon from your juice, you can couple it with blocks of feta cheese for a delicious crisp app on a stick. Finish it off with a quick drizzle of balsamic for another great snack for your mingling guests. (via Drizzle and Dip)

Salmon in a Bag

This “salmon in a bag” is a signature Pinterest recipe. By blogger The Devil’s Punchbowl, all you have to do is wrap up a piece of salmon with lemon and butter, bake for 25 minutes, and you’ve got yourself a tasty main course! Citrus green beans make for an excellent veggie pairing. (via The Devil’s Punchbowl)

No-Bake Fondue Station

No dinner party would be complete without some dessert — but you don’t need to spend hours baking it. Instead, create a no-bake fondue station where your guests can help themselves. This idea for the topping station was created by pinner Bakers Royale — just grab some kraft paper and start labeling your toppings so that guests know where to dip their chocolatey fruit. (via Baker’s Royale)

Cherry Favors

Finally, every great hostess sends her guests home with a party favor. So in the spirit of easy DIYs and citrus summer, we used brown lunch bags to create mini bags of cherries that guests can take home to enjoy. If you have any spare time, you can even use your home printer to print a cute phrase on them like “Cheers!” (via Martha Stewart)

my boards

TODAY Home board where I’ll be guest pinning all summer long!

18 Colorful Finds Bringing Me Joy On Pinterest Right Now

Pinterest has a way of capturing my dream aesthetic – the way I want to dress, decorate my home, feed my friends and family, and travel. It's not only creatively inspiring, but it's also introduced me to some cool smaller brands I might not otherwise have discovered. Lately, I've been in a Pinterest mood, and rediscovered the site not just as an inspo tool but also as a shopping one. Here are 18 decor items, fashion pieces, and one delightful recipe I'm coveting right now.

Round House

Grazie Mille Plate

Even if I had to forgo any European travel this summer, I can still entertain like I'm on the Amalfi Coast. These classic Italian word plates made in new bone china were designed by Sydney-based artist Daimon Downey and are dishwasher, microwave and food safe, with a small rim to keep sauces from spilling. Bella!

Nordstrom

Misette Jardin Stripe Linen Napkins, Set of 4

Along the theme of outdoor entertaining, these scalloped linen napkins are so sweet and charming and way better than disposable ones. I want them in all the colors!

Modern Munchkin

The Typeset Co. Magnetic Letters, 200 pcs

Fun for kids and adults, I want these 1-inch magnets for my fridge to share silly messages with my daughter.

Winters Moon

Winter's Moon Japanese Storage Box

Storage is not the most exciting thing to have to buy, but it's so essential so you might as well add a splash of color. These boxes, designed in Denmark and made in Japan, are made of a better quality plastic, built to have a long life, is food safe, touch and scratch resistant, and mould and sun resistant.

Coming Soon New York

Swell Wall Catchall

This wave-shaped piece by Anna Dawson is perfect for an entryway and is both functional and a work of art.

Urban Outfitters

UO Mono Portable Lamp

We have a couple portable lamps at home and I love them for reading or bringing outside. This sleek table lamp with a bubblegum-shaped shade rotates to illuminate every angle, and is rechargeable via USB.

Spoonflower

Spoonflower Floral Checkerboard Wallpaper

Love the idea of this removable wallpaper with a retro vibe, designed by Michelle Parascandolo, as an accent wall in my daughter's room too. Instant happy!

Society of Wanderers

Society of Wanderers Striped Sheets

Pinterest is very aware that I am into stripes right now. These 100% French Flax linen sheets become softer over time and require no ironing, win-win!

Etsy

Etsy Scalloped Stripy Matchstick Pot

These scalloped match stick holders would be so cute as wedding favors or gifts or just sprinkled around the home. They've been hand-cast using white marble Jesmonite, creating a luxe sparkly effect.

Half Baked Harvest

Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake Recipe

I'm growing strawberries in my garden for the first time this summer so we'll see if they are up for the task of gracing this adorable cake from Half Baked Harvest come August (my birthday month!).

Studio Opal

Le Bon Shoppe Boyfriend Socks

I've been playing around with calf-length socks recently and I adore this brand, and these colors!

Mille Francoise

Mille Francoise Skirt in Monaco Stripe

I tried on a skirt similar to this and still regret not getting it. I love the Mille brand, such good quality, and this cotton skirt is a perfect summer staple.

Coming Soon New York

Thomas Fuchs Melamine Plates

Back to outdoor parties! These handmade melamine plates are dishwasher safe and make a colorful statement on your indoor or outdoor table.

Trouva

Glass Tealight Lanterns

Another addition to my outdoor space are these modern tea light lanterns – will be buying as soon as I finish this article.;)

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Sandira Waffle Dishcloths, Set of 6

Call me strange, but I have a fetish for fancy dish towels, cloth napkins, and washcloths. They're sort of an affordable luxury, right? These Sandira Waffle dishcloths are made in a waffle-textured fabric and the pom-poms are the cutest!

Magill Clothing

Magill Tres Bien Sweatshirt

I'll be watching plenty of the Olympic Games in Paris this summer so why not represent with this "very good" crewneck sweatshirt in vintage ivory.

Etsy

Etsy 6-Inch House Numbers

House numbers can make such a difference in your curb appeal for a minimal cost. I love these red and Deco-inspired numbers, so unique!

Otto Tiles

Otto Tile Blue Marine Stripes Zellige

These Moroccan handmade zellige tile are perfect for walls, floors, indoors and outdoors. I've been looking to someday tile my stair risers for a creative twist (plus, the white paint constantly gets dirty). These are on my list!

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

Lead image via Pinterest

17 Vegan Starbucks Drinks & Foods Plant-Based Eaters Need To Know About

Eating out as a vegan can be a true challenge, especially if you don’t exactly know that what you’re ordering is 100% vegan. Fast food faves like McDonald’s and Taco Bell are secretly packed with vegan items, and Starbucks is no exception. From oat milk coffees to satisfyingly savory snacks, you’ve actually got plenty of plant-based choices when you pull up at your local Starbucks.

Scroll on to explore every vegan Starbucks drink and food item you can add to your order!

Vegan Starbucks Drinks

Starbucks

1. Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado

This new-to-the-menu espresso drink combines brown sugar syrup and oat milk to balance out the punchy coffee notes.

Starbucks

2. Latte (Iced + Hot)

You can totally enjoy a latte at Starbucks if you're vegan. Their oat, almond, coconut, and soy milks are vegan, plus many of their syrups qualify as vegan, too, if you want to flavor up your drink. According to this Starbucks supervisor, all of Starbucks "clear" syrups are vegan and dairy-free. Starbucks' regular and white mocha sauces and caramel drizzle are also vegan and dairy-free.

Starbucks

3. Americano (Iced + Hot)

Starbucks' Americanos are just water and espresso, so you don't have to worry about any dairy being in there. Optionally, you could ask for a splash of non-dairy milk and pumps of your fave syrup.

Starbucks

4. Brewed Coffee (Iced + Hot)

Same goes for their brewed coffees, including iced coffee. Easily ask your barista to add in some non-dairy milk and a few pumps of syrup if you desire!

Starbucks

5. Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew

This vegan cold brew drink is crafted with non-dairy cold foam that's flavored with salted caramel – and it's delish!

Starbucks

6. Nitro Cold Brew

A plain nitro cold brew from Starbucks is fully vegan and dairy-free. You can choose to add a splash of non-dairy milk, if you wish your sip to be a bit smoother and creamier.

Starbucks

7. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

This one's a classic: shots of espresso get shaken up with ice and brown sugar syrup to create a frothy foam, then the drink is topped off with oat milk to cut the bitterness. It's quite a delectable order, even if you're not eating fully vegan.

Starbucks

8. Starbucks Refreshers

All of Starbucks' fruity Refreshers are vegan. Plus, you can can add lemonade, tea, other flavor inclusions like strawberry and peach to add some extra oomph.

Starbucks

9. Iced Black Tea

Their refreshing iced black tea is certifiably vegan, too.

Starbucks

10. Iced Green Tea

If you prefer green tea, Starbucks' offering is vegan-friendly. If you tend to take your tea a bit sweeter, just order it with however many packets of your preferred sweetener, and your barista will add it in.

Starbucks

11. Lemonade

You truly can't go wrong with a lemonade!

Starbucks

12. Hot Teas

Starbucks' hot teas are totally vegan, too. If you want to make them fancier, ask for an additional splash of your go-to non-dairy milk!

Vegan Starbucks Foods

Starbucks

1. Rolled & Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Now onto the food! First up is Starbucks' oatmeal, which you can fancy up with nuts, berries, and brown sugar. Make sure to order it with water to ensure it stays vegan.

Starbucks

2. Plain Bagel

Surprisingly, Starbucks' bagels are also vegan.

Starbucks

3. Everything Bagel

The plain and everything bagels will work for any vegan eater.

Starbucks

4. Avocado Spread

Plus, you can order your bagel with a side of this delicious avocado spread for a nutritious boost!

Starbucks

5. Spicy Falafel Pocket

This 100% vegan snack pocket is new to the Starbucks menu, but it's already become a fan-favorite amongst vegans and non-vegans alike.

Starbucks

6. Chipotle Almond Dip

You can order the Spicy Falafel Pocket with a side of this fully-vegan Chipotle Almond Dip (AKA Bitchin’ Sauce). Yum.

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I Used Social Media To Find My Perfect Coachella Aesthetic

It's festival season, and we're here for all the boho chic style inspo, new music, and FOMO-inducing moments that go down at the best after parties. After years of watching Coachella moments play out on social media, I finally ventured out to the desert for myself.

My very first Coachella was filled with the stuff of festival season legends. By day, I wore my best festival 'fits (and all the SPF) for the debut of Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso" and Olivia Rodrigo's surprise performance. By night, I went to dreamy parties at desert mansions and came narrowly close to Taylor Swift at Neon Carnival.

But one of my favorite experiences of all didn't require an exclusive invite or high ticket price — Pinterest's Manifestation Station, the social platform's first-ever (and totally free!) pop-up at Coachella. Keep reading for everything you need to know about the Manifestation Station!

What is the Pinterest Manifestation Station?

Image via Pinterest

It's a pop-up that helps you tap into Pinterest's best trends of the season, thanks to professional stylists and makeup artists on site.

Do you need a ticket for Pinterest Manifestation Station?

Image via Pinterest

No, just join the queue when you arrive to create your best festival look ever. No ticket or entry fee required!

When does the Pinterest Manifestation Station open?

Image via Pinterest

You can visit Pinterest's pop-up from 1pm-9pm on festival days at Coachella Weekend 2.

Coachella Beauty & Fashion Trends For 2024

Image via Pinterest

As always, Pinterest Trends is one step ahead of even the most stylish among us. They're bringing the most aesthetic micro trends to real life, no matter how niche. A team of styling and beauty experts is helping festival-goers lean into the looks we've all been pinning, from light and airy coquette and fairycore to dark feminine aesthetics like Lana Del Rey-core. It's safe to say that everyone looked so fab that I had to get in on it all!

A Coquette Fairycore Makeover

Image via Pinterest

I arrived at Coachella in a light floral set (one of my go-to warm weather outfits) and decided on the spot that I wanted to tap further into the fairycore and coquette aesthetic. The Pinterest team didn't skip a beat in helping me achieve my perfect festival look.

Image via Pinterest

We started with a light blue eye shadow to tap into the sugar plum vibes. As a maximalist who loves a little extra sparkle, I naturally opted into the inclusion of micro pearls to frame my eyes.

Image via Pinterest

Like every Pinterest girlie as of late, I'm still stuck on the Y2K and bow trends. There was a huge selection of bows in every size and color to choose from, but I settled on alternating baby pink and periwinkle. We added butterfly clips to my braids and topped off the look with more pearls in my hair.

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Header image via Pinterest

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Jenna Bush Hager's New Book Club Pick Is A Family Drama That "Will Sweep You Off Your Feet"

What is it about family sagas that seem to make book clubs more interesting? Maybe it's because we know interpersonal relationships can be a little dysfunctional. It could be that we still don't know how to communicate with the people we love the most. Even if we love our parents and siblings, reading about other families' fictional twists and turns gives us a rush of adrenaline.

So it's no wonder Jenna Bush Hager's January book club pick feels like something we can read without putting down. It's full of complicated relationship dynamics, love, and reconciling one's identity with their past. You can say it's the perfect read to kick off your 2025 reading goals!

Learn more about Jenna Bush Hager's 2025 book club pick and fall in love with one character's journey of self-discovery.

Amazon

The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight

Penn should be excited about advancing her education at the University of Edinburgh, but she can't stop thinking about the secret her parents have been keeping from her. For some reason, she believes she'll uncover it while she's in Scotland because Lord Lennox — her father's friend — is in the area.

Her hunger for the truth leads her to Lord Lennox's estate where she she starts mingling with his family and even discovers love in this moving novel.

@readwithjenna/Instagram

Jenna Bush Hager's Thoughts About The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus

Jenna Bush Hager thinks readers will love The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus because "it's a rich novel" with themes of "friendship and motherhood" (via Instagram). It's so good, she's sure "it will sweep you off your feet (via Instagram).

We hope you enjoy reading about Penn's journey in The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus and encourage you to check out Reese Witherspoon's January book club pick next!

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7 New Trader Joe’s Items Under $5 You Need To Try In January

Trader Joe’s loves to keep us on our toes when it comes to their new arrivals. We’re constantly monitoring the aisles to discover all the new TJ’s sweet treats and savory snacks they launch – and these 7 new picks for January 2025 are not to be missed! All of these Trader Joe’s products will run you less than $5, which only makes sealing the deal on your grocery bill easier.

From delicious dips to a very enticing new frozen meal, these are the 7 best new Trader Joe’s finds you absolutely need to try in January 2025.

Trader Joe's

1. Teensy Candy Bars

These tiny little candy bar bites ($2.99) resemble Snickers in the best way possible: layers of nougat, caramel, and peanuts are enveloped in a delicious chocolate coating for maximum snackage. We're gonna have to resist eating the whole bag! TJ's even suggests using these bits as decoration for other desserts, like sprinkling some on a scoop of ice cream or baking them into some cookies.

Trader Joe's

2. Olive Tapenade Hummus

Trader Joe's array of dips is simply too good to resist, and this newcomer hummus ($3.49) is no exception! It's a tub of "smooth and nutty" hummus topped with a tapenade comprised of black olives, manzanilla olives, capers, and olive oil to give it a salty effect. It's gonna taste so great as a dip for crackers or as a spread on a Mediterranean pita wrap.

Trader Joe's

3. Organic Concord Grape Jelly

This squeezable grape jelly ($3.49) is nothing short of nostalgic. Trader Joe's says it's "super smooth, joyously juicy, and potently purple," which immediately has us sold on making PB&Js every day now.

Trader Joe's

4. Spicy Chicken Nuggets

Oh, yeah. Bring on the spice with these spicy nuggs ($3.99) that make the perfect easy meal no matter the time of day! Made from all-natural chicken breast and rib meat, breaded with wheat, rice and corn flours, then covered in hot sauce and lightly fried, TJ's has their texture down to a tee. You can easily cook 'em in the air fryer, oven, or microwave before chowing down!

Trader Joe's

5. Crispy Potato & Poblano Pepper Tacos

These halved and fried frozen tacos ($4.99) will totally crush your Taco Bell cravings, since they come together super quickly and contain flavors with mind-blowing authenticity! Each taco is filled with a blend of seasoned mashed potatoes and some "ever-so- slightly spicy" poblano peppers that'll work so well with any dipping sauce, from TJ's salsa to their creamy Jalapeño Sauce.

Trader Joe's

6. Strawberry Mini Hold The Cone!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Trader Joe's is debuting a new flavor ($3.99) of their classic Hold The Cone! frozen dessert: strawberry! These tiny, chocolate-covered cones are lined with even more "rich" chocolate on the inside, then packed with strawberry ice cream, which TJ's says is crafted with plenty of strawberry purée.

Trader Joe's

7. Caesar Salad Dip

Trader Joe's shoppers have said this new Caesar Salad Dip ($3.69) makes a perfect girl dinner addition– which, if you get it, you get it! The tub starts with a "creamy" base that's then loaded up with Caesar-seasoned sour cream, mayo, anchovy paste, Parmesan, and finely shredded Romaine for the crunch. It's best enjoyed with crackers or veggie sticks to dip, but you could also smatter fried chicken or seared steak in it for some ahh-mazing flavor!

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