As Seen on the Today Show: DIY Party Ideas for the Super Bowl

Brit Morin
Feb 01, 2013

As you may have seen on TV this morning, I popped over to the Today Show again this week for a fun segment on a whole bunch of decor, food, and party ideas for the Super Bowl!

Here are a few in-depth tutorials on some of the projects featured on the show this morning. Let us know in the comments below if there are any other projects from the show you’d like to see fleshed out on the site.

Field Centerpiece

Grab a bunch of wheatgrass and some football player action figures, and set up your own mini football field. If you want to take it up a notch, you can purchase a hollow chocolate football from Phillips Chocolate (they will ship in time for the game!) to set in the middle. Your guests will be in chocolate heaven once that thing is cracked open!

2. Penalty Flag Napkins: How cute are these?! Just like the penalty flags that are going to hit the field this Sunday, they can be used for both cleaning your fingers and throwing at the TV when you see a foul from the other team.

Take a ping pong ball, wrap a yellow or orange napkin around it, tie, and you’re done. If you’re 21+, feel free to repurpose the ping pong balls for a game of beer pong during halftime ;)

3. Gold Pom Pom Bunting: How can you cheer on your team without pom poms? No, we’re not talking about craft pom poms. These are made out of shiny tissue paper and are SO easy to create.

For these little darlings, accordion fold metallic tissue paper. Tie around in 4 places, Cut halfway between each tied-off point, giving you four pom pom pieces. Fluff, and hang! Not feeling these? Here’s another one of our pom pom tutorials that would work just as well.

4. Football Treat Cones: Trying to use as few dishes as possible? Treat cones to the rescue! These are super simple to make and let your guests enjoy their snacks in realistic portions. Fill with chips, popcorn, candy, or anything else your heart desires.

To make, just use brown construction or craft paper. Place a piece of double-stick tape on one end and roll it into a cone shape. Use paint to create laces and you’re set.

5. Chalkboard Cheese Board: Serving a gourmet selection of artisanal cheeses this weekend? Make sure to write down what’s what (and maybe plan out some 4th quarter plays while you’re at it! so that your guests know exactly what they are eating.

Use painter’s tape to tape off the edges, paint two layers of chalkboard paint, and you’re good to go.

Football Silverware Caddies

You’re probably already planning on using canned food for your apps and snacks, so why not turn those cans into serving containers as well? Just like the treat cones above, all this one takes is some brown paper, tape or glue, and white paint. We’re also obsessed with the metallic plastic silverware we used! It looks totally real but is disposable. You can snag some of your own at Party City.

Don’t you love these sweet little caddies? Just remember, laces out! :)

7. Jersey Cozies: Gotta support your favorite player! Why go for a regular cozy when you can make a jersey cozy?

To make, fold a piece of foam in half, cut out a t-shirt shape, and use glue to secure the sides. Then just add your favorite players’ numbers and stick ’em over your bottles for guests to grab.

8. Football Cascarones (Confetti Eggs): And last, cascarones! Also known as confetti eggs, these are fun, colorful, and can easily become the most festive footballs you’ve ever seen. Crack ’em on top of each others heads every time a touchdown is scored. Just beware of the clean-up — you’ll most definitely need a vacuum if you’re cracking them indoors.

To make these, empty your eggs, wash out., and fill with confetti. Use a bit of napkin or tissue paper and some glue to seal the top. Then, use a brown marker over the egg shell and smudge to get a more leathery look. Finally, use white paint to add your laces! For a more in-depth tutorial on the art of cascarones, head here.

We’ll be updating this post with today’s video of all ideas from the Today Show as soon as we have it. Until then, stay tuned for a few more edible tips and tricks for Super Bowl Sunday before the big game.

As Seen on the TODAY Show: 7 Easy Peasy Easter DIYs to Make With Your Family

‘Round these parts, Easter DIYs are our bread and butter. Yesterday, I shared some of my favorite un-egg-spected (and easy!) Easter DIYs with my friends over at the TODAY Show. Scroll on for the DL on all the DIYs that were featured in the segment. Now, hop to it!

PSA: All puns in this article were 100% intended.

Sharpie Tie-Dye Easter Eggs

That’s right. We’re using Sharpies to tie dye. It’s one of my all-time favorite hacks, and you probably can find almost all of the materials for these (besides the egg!) in your junk drawer.

Materials + Tools: (makes 1 egg)

Instructions:

  1. Cover your hard-boiled egg in Sharpie marker. Don’t be afraid to use tons of colors!
  2. Pour nail polish remover into a small container, dip a Q-tip into the container, and dab it onto your egg. The solution will blend the colors.
  3. Set aside and allow them to fully dry. You’re done!

Check out the full Sharpie Tie-Dye Egg tutorial!

Baker’s Twine Easter Eggs

Wanna skip the mess? Try this baker’s twine DIY instead. Bonus: Using wooden eggs means you can keep these year after year.

Materials + Tools:

Instructions:

  1. Spray the bottom of your egg with spray adhesive.
  2. Starting at the base, wrap the twine around the egg.
  3. Once you reach the middle, coat the top of the egg with spray adhesive.
  4. Keep wrapping until you reach the top of the egg, then secure the end of the twine with a drop of school glue. Cut the excess twine. Voilà!

Find the full tutorial over at So Much Better With Age. (Photo via So Much Better With Age)

Temporary Tattoo Easter Eggs

Turns out, it’s just as easy to put temporary tattoos on eggs as it is on your skin! Ink up your eggs with this easy breezy DIY hack.

Materials + Tools

Instructions:

  1. Remove the clear plastic sheet from the temporary tattoo, then carefully press the exposed tattoo to your egg.
  2. Slowly cover the tattoo sheet with a wet paper towel, then hold firmly in place for 30-60 seconds.
  3. Carefully remove the paper towel and tattoo sheet — the tattoo should be fully transferred to the egg. Let dry.

Check out the full Tattoo’d Egg tutorial for more info!

Cacti Easter Eggs

Not that I’m playing favorites, but this might be my favorite Easter DIY yet. I totally got back to my Texas roots with this charming cactus egg.

Materials + Tools (makes 1 egg):

Instructions:

  1. To create your dye, mix together boiling water, green food coloring, and vinegar in a heat-safe cup or bowl.
  2. Drop your egg into the dye with a spoon. The longer you leave the egg in, the darker the color will be.
  3. Remove egg from the dye and let it dry completely.
  4. With your fine-tip pen, draw on cacti needles and flourishes.
  5. Glue pink tissue paper to the egg’s top to create cactus flowers. Let the glue dry completely.
  6. Add a handful of plant pebbles to the terracotta pot, then top with your cactus egg. Ta-da!

The full tutorial can be found over at Delia Creates. (Photo via Delia Creates)

Glow-in-the-Dark Easter Egg

How sweet are these little light-up critters? Up-level your Easter egg hunt with these darling glow-in-the-dark bugs.

Materials + Tools (makes 1 egg):

Instructions:

  1. Turn on the LED tea light and place in your plastic egg.
  2. Create legs and antennae from pipe cleaners, then glue them to your egg with a hot glue gun.
  3. Add sticker or googly eyes. You’re done!

Peek at the full tutorial over at Apartment Therapy. (Photo via Apartment Therapy)

Paper Plate Bunny Baskets

Made with paper plates, this bunny basket is easy as pie. Grab your pom-poms and get gluing!

Materials + Tools (makes 1 basket):

  • 2 white paper plates
  • scissors
  • 2 googly eyes
  • 1 light pink + 2 white pom-poms
  • hot glue + glue gun
  • 1 piece of light pink construction paper
  • hole punch
  • 24-inch pink ribbon
  • Easter candy to fill (Psst: Make sure it’s thin enough to fit in the basket pocket!)

Instructions:

  1. To create the back, cut one paper plate in half. Set aside for now.
  2. Onto the front side! Start by hot gluing googly eyes onto the back of a whole paper plate.
  3. Next, glue the 3 pom-poms to create the nose.
  4. For the cheeks, cut and glue small circles of pink construction paper.
  5. Cut bunny ears out of your leftover half-plate, then glue pink paper to the insides.
  6. Glue each ear to the back of your front plate, then let dry.
  7. Glue front and back plates to one another along the rims, then let dry.
  8. To make a handle, use a hole punch to make a hole on either side of the bunny basket, then thread through your ribbon. Keep ribbon in place by making a knot at each end.
  9. Fill with candy. That’s it!

Inspired by The Best Ideas for Kids. (Photo via The Best Ideas for Kids)

Upcycled Fruit Carton Easter Baskets

Skip the wicker and make your Easter baskets with upcycled fruit cartons. Add some trusty pipe cleaners, pom-poms, and crinkle paper, and you’ve got a winner.

Materials + Tools (makes 1 basket):

Instructions:

  1. To make the basket handle, poke the end of a pipe cleaner through the outer side of the carton, then bend inward. Arch the long end of the pipe cleaner over the top of the basket, then poke through the outside of the opposite side. Bend the remaining piece of pipe cleaner inward. If your pipe cleaner comes loose, you can secure it in place using floral wire.  
  2. Hot glue mini pom-poms around the top of the carton.
  3. Fill the carton with crinkle paper and Easter treats, such as dyed eggs and marshmallow bunnies. Voilà!

Full tutorial can be found at DIY Real. (Photo via DIY Real)

And there you have it, enough fun projects to keep you and the kiddos “hoppy” all Easter weekend long.

Need some more eggy inspo? Follow us on Pinterest for more Easter DIY action!

easter decoreaster eggstoday showeaster

Not Close With Your Family? Here's How To Have a Joyous And Connected Holiday Season

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

relationship advicewellnessfriendshiprelationshipsholidays

Zach Bryan & Brianna Chickenfry's Break Up Is COMPLICATED — Here's What To Know

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

Looking to stay up-to-date on all your fave celebs? Follow us on Facebook for more!

celebritiescelebrity newscelebrity breakupscelebrity couples

83 Budget-Friendly Finds Under $30 That'll Have You Gifting Ready This Season

Discover 83 Amazon products under $30 that are nothing short of pure gold. From stylish fashion finds to the latest beauty trends, these steals offer exceptional value without compromising on quality. We always ask, what's better than the perfect gift? Well, it's the gift that also doesn't break the bank! We're confident you'll find something in here to at least appease a few loved ones this holiday season.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.