How to Hack the Most Colorful Birthday Candles Ever

The secret? Colored pencils! For real.

In case you missed it (how did you though?), we just celebrated the release of our very first book, Homemakers. This domestic handbook for the digital generation takes you through a redefinition of the word “home maker” room by room, from the dining room to the kitchen to the bedroom and all the way to the back porch. The back porch chapter of our book is where some of our favorite makers have stopped by to share their own awesome projects for living more beautifully and creatively.

Ashley Rose

Zandra Zuraw and Karen June Grant of Little Yellow Couch. Now we’re on to another inspiring (home)maker: Victoria Hudgins, creator of A Subtle Revelry. In Homemakers, Victoria shares her outrageously clever hack for turning colored pencils into birthday candles. It’s as simple as: choose your colors, stick ’em in the cake and light that sh*t up! You’ll have to buy our book for the full how-to ;)

In the meantime, read on to learn what inspires Victoria, how she got started and what’s on her studio playlist.

What inspires you? Why do you love to design, create and make?

In our new food series Foodie Fundamentals, we walk you through the basics on kitchen essentials like how to fry an egg and roast veggies in a snap.

Never sure how long to roast your veggies? Tend to toss everything together and then get frustrated when your broccoli and asparagus are all mushy and your potatoes are barely cooked? Same. Helpful gals that we are, we created a printable guide to make all of your roasted veggie dreams come true.

Inspired by a chart from our book Homemakers, this guide to roasting veggies is not only handy but also happens to be printable. With our printable templates, you can create wall art and a tea towel. Follow the easy steps below to see how to turn this guide into two perfect pieces of kitchen decor.

Veggie Roasting Guide

  • veggie roasting guide printable: 11 x 17-inch or 8 1/2 x 11-inch
  • frame
  • tea towel
  • iron-on photo transfer paper

Equipment:

  • iron

Directions:

1. For the wall art option, print out our 11 x 17-inch printable on high-quality paper. To add color, we layered a piece of patterned yellow fabric underneath our printed guide and framed it right up.

2. For the tea towel option, print out our 8 1/2 x 11-inch printable on iron-on transfer paper. Use an iron to iron it onto a white linen kitchen towel.

Find more easy recipes by following Brit + Co on Pinterest.

(Photos and illustrations via Brit + Co)

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.

When making the transition from dorm decor to an adult abode, you ought to have a grown-up aesthetic to go with it. But figuring out what you need when you’ve been living off of ramen and solo cups can be quite the struggle. Rather than guess your way to sophisticated style, let our decor finds be your guiding light. From bookshelves to bar carts, these home style solutions are everything you need to take adulthood by storm.

1. A Well-Stocked Bar Cart: You’re not a college drinker anymore. No, no. Now you’re a sophisticated adult(!), and there’s nothing like a beautiful bar cart to show just how good at being a grown up you’ve become. (via Gingersnaps)

2. Organized Bookshelves: A carefully curated bookshelf is an understated decor essential that can round out a room gorgeously. Plus, everyone will know how well-read and knowledgeable you are, without you having to say a word. (via The Fashion Eaters)

3. Candles: Candles are an easy accessory you can mix, match and change up on a whim. And in addition to looking and smelling nice, they’re awesome vibe-makers for a night in. Pick up this Paddywax Small Concrete Candle ($14) to really take your decor to the next level.

4. A Carafe: Otherwise known as a fancy pitcher, a carafe looks great in all its practical utility. Impress your friends with your grown-up hosting skills by busting out one of these at your next dinner party. (via Tasty Yummies)

5. Champagne Glasses: Every celebration is better with Champagne. So step up your celebration game with a matching set of Champagne glasses and toast to adulthood! You earned it. (via Brit + Co)

6. Coasters: The last thing you want to do is mess up your furniture with all that celebrating. Protect your tables in style with a nice set of matching coasters. (via Brit + Co)

7. A Beautifully Styled Coffee Table: The coffee table is the centerpiece of most living rooms, so you want yours to shine. Style it with books and fresh flowers to create a sophisticated yet homey vibe.

8. Stylish Curtains: If you’ve been staring at the blinds that came with your apartment, it’s time for a change. This gorgeous set of Anthropologie Keila Curtains ($68+) will lighten up your space while punctuating your aesthetic.

9. Dining Area: You don’t need to give up meals in front of Netflix, but you can still pretend you do. A separate dining area, even if your space is small, will give your place a more layered, well-rounded look. (via Becki Owens)

10. A Statement Chair: If you plan on having anyone over at any point for any reason, extra seating is a must. The Urban Outfitters Andy Shaggy Chair ($498) is just what you need to leave your cramped dorm days behind you. Now your guests’ can luxuriate on some comfortable seats.

11. Fresh Flowers: Fresh flowers are among the easiest and best decor accents out there. Just make sure you have a proper vase to display your bouquet the way it deserves. (via 100 Layer Cake-let)

12. YA Curated Gallery Wall: Put your favorite prints, posters and photos in frames for a polished appearance with a ton of design possibilities. A gallery wall is a wonderful way to spice up a blank space. (via Brika)

13. Headboard: Few pleasures rival curling up after a long day in a beautiful bed. Take your mattress off the floor and cop a stylish headboard like the grown up that you are. (via Lindsay Marcella)

14. Jewelry Storage: Ever wanted to pull your hair out after trying to detangle a ball of necklaces? Put those troubles behind you for good with an equally stylish and practical jewelry organizer. Pick up this Urban Outfitters Sawyer Marble Jewelry Stand ($39) to start that organized life.

15. Area Rug: Now that you’re older, you know how to keep things nice… right? That means it’s time to invest in an area rug. Take off your shoes and step onto the next chapter of your life. (via Domino)

16. DIY Storage Jars: Putting essential food items in canisters is a small chore that makes a big difference. The more designated places you have to put things, the less chaos you’ll have in your space (and your brain). (via The Lovely Drawer)

17. Light Fixtures: Get rid of the decades-old light fixture that came with your apartment and replace it with a dazzling fixture or modern chandelier. The transformative powers a nice pendant light brings are very, very real. (via Apartment Therapy)

18. Statement Mirrors: Copping a nice wall mirror or two will make any room look larger while adding depth to your design. The Urban Outfitters Avery Circle Mirror ($19+) is a simple and easy way to dress up a wall that could use a little more lovin’.

19. DIY Modern Planter Upgrades: It’s time, friends. It’s time to breathe new life into your space with indoor plants. You won’t kill them this time because you’re an adult now,remember? You got this. (via In Honor of Design)

20. A Nice Set of Sheets: Quality linen sheets are one of life’s little luxuries. Don’t deprive yourself of it by hanging onto the cheap stuff you used in college. Check out the Linen Tales USA Ashes of Roses Linen Bed Set ($225) and get ready for the best (and prettiest) sleep of your life.

21. A Non-IKEA Couch: Futon, be gone! An investment in a quality comfortable couch is an investment in your future. Case in point? This Urban Outfitters Spencer Microfiber Sofa ($1,098).

22. A Legit Shower Curtain: If you’re still workin’ with an old plastic curtain, change it up. This Intelligent Design Nadia Shower Curtain ($66) will help you get fresh in style.

23. A Real Soap Dispenser: A soap dispenser is an effortless, economical decor touch that can improve the look of your bathroom exponentially. In other words, go get you one. This Urban Outfitters Lily Soap Dispenser ($24) is a good place to start.

24. Statement Art: A nice piece of statement art is the gift that keeps on giving. Leave the generic prints and posters behind with your college self and indulge in something a little more fancy, like this Kimberley Dhollander Dreamy Houses Print ($19-$399).

25. DIY Rope Basket: Adequate storage is the unsung hero of a sophisticated abode. Storage baskets come in a wide range of clever designs and make cleaning up and decluttering a cinch. (via iheartorganizing)

26. Storage Boxes: Storage baskets are great for blankets and throws, and storage boxes are great for everything else. Clean up chaos in any corner with a pretty Kate Spade Storage Box Set ($54).

27. Matching Plate Set: As you get older, more and more blow-out bashes become sit-down dinner parties. And a dinner party without matching dishes is like a frat party without solo cups. This Macy’s Le Creuset ($330, 16-piece set) set is serious #entertaining goals.

28. Quality Throw Blankets: A nice throw blanket offers cozy comfort at the same time as it provides aesthetic warmth. And with so many different textures, styles and colors to choose from, there’s a perfect one — like this Urban Outfitters Faux Lamb Throw Blanket ($179) — waiting to call your place home, no matter your style sensibility.

29. Throw Pillows: If you’re going to invest in a quality couch and a quality blanket, you need to have quality throws to go with ’em. It’s the rule. (via The Everygirl)

30. Pretty Towels: Drying your hair with an old beach towel? Have a hodge-podge of different towels of unknown origin? Pitch ’em and put a nice clean set of matching towels in their place. It’s the mature thing to do. Check out the Anthropologie Drye Hunee Towel ($78) to get started.

Looking for more ways to step up your adult game? Follow us on Pinterest!

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!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our best 2024 gift guides, shopping advice, and all things holiday!

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.