One of our favorite perks of adulting is the freedom to indulge in frivolous splurges. Once you have all of your kitchen essentials like plates and dishes and a cheese grater, what’s next? Think big. What if guests request sweet and savory waffles the next time you host brunch? Are you equipped with a waffle maker? And how many times have you burned your mermaid pasta while fighting to uncork a wine bottle? Enough is enough. Invest in these *slightly* unnecessary cooking tools and watch your kitchen skills thrive.
A Fresh paint color can be the dramatic upgrade you need to fall in love with your kitchen again. Four years ago, I painted my kitchen cabinets with Benjamin Moore's Adriatic Sea, and while I still like the color I'm ready to go more earthy in my aesthetic. "The biggest trend we’re seeing for kitchens and kitchen cabinets is homeowners looking to add more color and turn away from all-white kitchens and gray kitchens/kitchen cabinets," says Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams Director of Color Marketing.
Thinking beyond white these days, many designers are finding unique ways to pair color with stone and natural woods. "Lately, I’ve been captivated by the power of contrasting materials and colors to transform this essential room," says Amr Samaha, founder of LA-based Samaha Studio. "In our latest project, we’ve paired the timeless elegance of French white oak cabinets with a striking maroon paint." Here's a peek at Amr's design and several other designer picks for the best kitchen cabinet colors this year.
Samaha Studio
Amr's bold choice of a maroon hue adds warmth and depth, creating a kitchen that is both sophisticated and inviting. Try Farrow & Ball Preference Red No.297, Benjamin Moore Classic Burgundy, or Clare Paint Vintage to get the look. Always test a sample to make sure the color suits your specific lighting situation.
"The maroon hue does more than complement the natural wood — it elevates the entire space, turning it into a focal point that’s as visually stunning as it is functional. By embracing contrast, we’ve crafted a kitchen that not only looks beautiful but also feels like home," he says.
Sherwin Williams
"I love Sherwin Williams Dark Knight," Lauren Reyes says, principal designer + owner LA-based LVR Studios. "We’ve used this for my own kitchen’s cabinetry – it’s not a typical navy blue like we’re used to seeing as it has rich hues of dark blues and greens."
Farrow & Ball
Another favorite is Farrow & Ball’s Joa White, a light and clean taupe. "It's a nice way to achieve a “white” kitchen, but a lot warmer and very sophisticated feeling," Lauren says.
Sherwin Williams
Sue recommends Sherwin Williams'Thunderous SW 6201 for an earthy nature-inspired look. I think this is my pick too! "Dark yet calming, it is ideal for this space since it complements natural elements like wood and metal very well," she says.
Sherwin Williams
Sue is also a fan of the wine-colored trend. She recommends Carnelian SW 7580. "To add some drama and mystery into a kitchen, this deep saturated violet with warm red undertones is a beautiful choice. Although it might seem like a bolder choice, it’s easy to pair with clean neutrals, thanks to its muted tone."
Farrow & Ball
Amanda Leigh at House of Rolison seconds the redder tones for a warm and stimulating color. Her favorite? Benjamin Moore Nicholson Red. "We love coordinating a cabinet color to the vein of the slab we choose. It helps marry the materials we use without being too coordinated," she says.
Amanda's other favorite is also in the greige family, Farrow and Ball's Drop Cloth.
Whearley & Co
If you want to lean more green in your greige, Whearley & Co.'s Cooking Apple Green is a lovely neutral with a bit more tint.
Sherwin Williams
Sue adds to her fave list Sherwin Williams Color of the Year for 2024: Upward SW 6239. "This light and breezy blue that creates a beautiful coastal chic vibe to an all-white kitchen. Homeowners can take this aesthetic one step further by adding wooden accents to the space."
Theresa Butler Interiors, Marc Mauldin
Theresa Butler, principal and founder of Theresa Butler Interiors in Atlanta recently refreshed a 15-year-old kitchen with its original cabinets using Benjamin Moore Advance Paint in Marine Blue (on island) and London Fog (in cabinets).
Theresa Butler Interiors, Marc Mauldin
Theresa also used Benjamin Moore White Dove to refresh this traditional kitchen.
Benjamin Moore
Theresa also recommends Benjamin Moore Stratton Blue (a muted blue-green shown above), a soothing Ocean Air, and Peale Green, an earthy forest green, for kitchen cabinets. Love the idea of forest green too!
Lowe's
Something in the Ocean Air family is the Tranquil Waters Tintable Cabinet Paint from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines.
Have a passion for home decor? Check out our Home page and Pinterest page for more home decor inspiration!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Lead image by Sherwin Williams
This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.
Chris Andre
Materials + Tools:
- 1 roll of tin foil
- 2 packages of crescent rolls
- 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional
Chris Andre
Instructions:
Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.
Chris Andre
Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.Chris Andre
Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.Chris Andre
Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.Chris Andre
Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.Chris Andre
Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.Chris Andre
Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.Chris Andre
Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.Chris Andre
Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.Chris Andre
Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.Chris Andre
Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.Chris Andre
Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.Chris Andre
Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!Chris Andre
A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!
DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried
Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.
This post has been updated.
Other than taking the long weekend to veg out with a hearty BBQ spread and plenty of refreshing cocktails, Labor Day is the perfect excuse to splurge on your home. With so many brands running deals on everything from fancy air purifiers to plush mattresses, the financial burden that comes with investing in those larger-scale purchases is easily alleviated.
One part of my home that’s constantly taking a beating is my kitchen – more specifically, my cookware. It’s in desperate need of an upgrade, which is why I'm shopping for some spiffy new pans and pots this Labor Day. After years of sautéing, baking, bubbling, and boiling, your cookware might be feeling a lil’ beat down, too. Take advantage of these stellar Labor Day cookware sales from brands trusted by cooks of all kinds, from home chefs to the professionals!Our Place – Up To 40% Off Sitewide
Our Place
Always Pan 2.0
This aesthetically satisfying pan tackles 10 jobs in one with a totally toxin-free ceramic nonstick coating. You can save $40 on it during Our Place's Labor Day sale!
Our Place
Perfect Pot
This "family-sized" nonstick pot will be a total lifesaver come soup season. Plus, it's gonna look very pretty on your stovetop. save $35 now!
Our Place
Cookware Set Pro
If you're ready to press 'reset' on your entire kitchen setup, this set comes prepped with a titanium Always Pan, the Perfect Pot, the Mini Perfect Pot, and the Mini Always Pan to cook a variety of dishes. This set is a whole $215 off for Labor Day!
Caraway – Up To 15% Off + Exclusive Bundles
Caraway
4-Piece Cookware Set
Another fantastic cookware set, this Caraway bundle is fully rid of toxic coatings and forever chemicals to ensure your cooking and health is high-quality. This 4-piece consists of a fry pan, sauce pan, sauté pan, a Dutch oven, and a handy lid holder for super convenient storage. Save $150 during Caraway's Labor Day sale!
Caraway
Dutch Oven
This 6.5-quart pot will be able handle all the soups and stews you're about to chef up this winter. It's very durable throughout, boasting a non-toxic ceramic-coated interior. This blue pick also adds a playful pop of color to your stovetop!
Caraway
11-Piece Bakeware Set
This fully-fledged bakeware set is ready to go with a whopping 11 pieces of equipment, but zero harmful chemicals. Save $150 on it during the Labor Day sale!
Xtrema Cookware – 20% Off Sitewide
Xtrema Cookware
Signature Series Set
Made of non-toxic ceramic, this set ensures safety at every point of the cooking process. It comes with a 9-inch signature skillet, three long-handled saucepans with lids, and two 100% organic cotton handle potholders! Plus, it's 25% off right now.
Xtrema Cookware
Saute Pan with Lid
For a quick upgrade, opt for a sauté pan. It's likely the most-trafficked cookware piece in your cabinets, so it can wear and tear a lot faster than your other tools. This sleek black pan comes in an 8-inch or 10-inch diameter to suit your personal needs. Save 20% off now!
Xtrema Cookware
Round Dutch Oven
You can do a multitude of things in a Dutch oven, including baking bread and roasting meats. We love a multitasker, and this one's 20% off!
Great Jones – 25% Off With Code 'POPCORN'
Great Jones
King Sear Cast-Iron Skillet
Great Jones brings the fun to cookware with tons of bright colors! This royal blue cast-iron skillet will be the talk of your next dinner party (and every meal after that) for its ability to look good and cook good.
Great Jones
The Fry Family Nonstick Pan Duo
This pan duo is maybe one of the most stylish upgrades you can get for your kitchen. They're made without PTFE and PFOA chemicals, which means cooking with them is healthy for you and the planet. The duo is $30 off right now!
Great Jones
Holy Sheet Duo
My sheet pans really need replacing from all the sheet pan dinners and cookies I make, and I am heavily eyeing this colorful set from Great Jones. These pans are durable and easy to clean, thanks to the nonstick ceramic coating they're crafted with. Keep one for savory stuff, and the other for sweets. They're currently $5 off with the Labor Day sale.
American Kitchen – 20% Off Sitewide With Code 'LABORDAY'
American Kitchen
Nonstick Casserole Pan
This deep pan boasts two layers of professional-grade stainless steel wrapped around a layer of super durable aluminum, all which help your food heat up evenly and stay hot. The best part is the handles on the sides and lid stay cool while you chef it up! Take 20% off with code 'LABORDAY'.
American Kitchen
Cranberry Color Cast Wok
Woks are an excellent piece of cookware to have in your kitchen if you enjoy making stir fries and fried rice. Woks heat up their contents super quickly and evenly, producing the best heated-through results. As opposed to a cast-iron construction, this wok is made from thick cast aluminum with a nonstick exterior coating and interior nonstick coating. Take 20% off with code 'LABORDAY'.
American Kitchen
5-Piece Starter Cookware Set
This set is the perfect gift for someone who just moved into their first apartment or home, if you're not shopping it for yourself. It comes complete with a 2-quart stainless steel lidded saucepan, a 10-inch stainless steel sauté lidded pan, and an 8-inch nonstick skillet so you can cook a multitude of meals. Take 20% off with code 'LABORDAY'.
Made In – Up To 25% Off Best-Sellers
Made In
6-Piece Tailgate Kit
Get on the grill with ease using this convenient 6-piece set! It comes with Made In's pre-seasoned Carbon Steel Griddle, a two-sided maple wood Butcher Block, a chef knife, grill press, their 1/4 Sheet Pan, and a 1/2 Sheet Pan. With their Labor Day sale, you save $131!
Made In
10-Piece Stainless Set
Your kitchen will never look more seamless than with this stainless clad cookware set scattered around. Each piece is compatible with gas, electric, and induction cooktops. You'll save a whole $235 when you snag this set during the Labor Day sale!
Made In
3-Piece Back To School Kit
This basic cookware set is perfect for college kids since it comes with everything you need to start out on a great home-cooked meal. The Non Stick Frying Pan, Chef Knife, and 1/2 Sheet Pan trio is unbeatable, and you can snag it for $204 (was $273) with the sale.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.
If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.
Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!
When's the best time to do holiday shopping?
Kaboompics / PEXELS
The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.
Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS
Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.
Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.
Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.
Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!
Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS
If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.
The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.
Where should I shop for gifts?
Ron Lach / PEXELS
You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.
In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.
Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS
Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.
Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.
Kaboompics / PEXELS
Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.
At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.
We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:
What are the best kinds of gifts to give?
Kaboompics / PEXELS
The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.
“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”
Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS
Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!
“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”
When is Black Friday?
Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS
Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.
When is Cyber Monday?
Kindel Media / PEXELS
Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!
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The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!
What is Red Cup Day?
Starbucks
Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.
Starbucks
Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:
- Peppermint Mocha
- Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
- Caramel Brûlée Latte
- Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
- Chestnut Praline Latte
- Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
- Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai
What do the red cups look like for 2024?
Starbucks
Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.
Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?
Starbucks
Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.
When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?
Starbucks
Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!
Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.
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This post has been updated.