Wedding Balloon Displays Are Our New Decor Crush

You know we love a fabulous floral showstopper: Flower arches are to die for, and we have heart eyes over the wall of blooms created by Jeff Leatham himself. But to be perfectly honest, we have a new wedding design crush. You guys, balloons are the new wedding florals. (Just check Pinterest!) Dreamy, colorful, sculptural … is there anything balloons can’t do? This roundup of our favorite bold balloons is just what you need to kick-start your planning.

1. Honeycomb & Balloon Arch: For an alter arch, layer in honeycombs in bright colors to create a multi-textured stunner. The only thing that can compete is you! (via Mary Costa Photography / Green Wedding Shoes)

2. Rainbow Balloon Installation: This multicolored amazingness is how you put your mark on the venue the day of your nuptials. It’s the *ultimate* photo backdrop. (via Cynthia Chung Photography)

3. Lots of Garlands: Go big or go home when it comes to love! There’s nothing subtle about these balloons or the giant marquee letters, and we LOVE it. (via Peterson Design & Photography / Green Wedding Shoes)

4. Floral & Balloon Garland: Our two favorite things are even sweeter together. Balloons + blooms 4-ever. (via CBC Life)

5. Suspended Balloon Table Runner: With an unconventional seating arrangement, you can help create intimacy by “lowering” the ceiling in the venue. Adding this large garland achieves this, all while adding some color to a stark rental space. (via Beck Rochi Photography / Ruffled)

6. Glitter Filled Balloons: Fill your display up with these glittery versions for that extra bit of shimmer. We love the interplay of the gold and pink! (via Frank & Frida Photography / Kara’s Party Ideas)

7. Balloon Ceiling: When giant arches or garlands don’t fit the vibe, create a drop ceiling in moody hues. (viaMy Little Company Photography / Lenzo)

8. One Love, One Color: For a more minimalist approach, stay with one shade, and accent with light greenery. The look is simple but hugely impactful. (via Beck Rocchi Photography / Something Turquoise)

How dreamy are these balloon installations? Follow us on Pinterest for more ideas!

Ashley Basnight of @smashingdiy is a designer (you might recognize her from HGTV’s Battle of the Beach series), carpenter, and engineer who isn’t afraid of bold colors and patterns. She DIYs the most gorgeous spaces, mixing patterns and luxe materials to creating warm and inviting spaces. Now she's collab’d with Chasing Paper to create a six-style wallpaper collection that is modern, colorful, and totally unique.

Chasing Paper

Everlast - Black

“I want this collection to showcase the ability to bring bold personality into a space and still make it feel like home,” Ashley says. “This collection was created with eye-catching patterns and daring colors to push the envelope and inspire others to make the extraordinary, ordinary.” The collection comes in traditional, peel-and-stick, vinyl and faux grasscloth options, starting at $45/panel. Check it out!

Chasing Paper

Everlast - Green

The Everlast series is a tribal-inspired print with a modern vibe, making it perfect for accent walls. Find it in black, green, and purple!

Chasing Paper

Endless End - Green

The Endless collection is a series of simple wavy lines that can be used in pretty much any room.

Chasing Paper

Endless End - Brown

This brown color is perfect for "autumn" homes that embrace nature-inspired colors like oranges, reds, and greens.

Chasing Paper

Endless Ends - Blue

The blue options looks great in a kid's bedroom or playroom!

Chasing Paper

Endless Ends - Tan

There's a neutral option too that would look elegant in an office or dining room.

Chasing Paper

Line Essence - Pink

This geometric print combines stunning vivid colors that make an impact in any room.

Chasing Paper

Line Essence - Aqua

This aqua option is soothing for quieter spaces...

Chasing Paper

Line Essence - Red

...while this bold red paper is a maximalist's dream.

Chasing Paper

Line Essence - Blue

The blue offers a totally different look with a rich, earthy vibe.

Chasing Paper

Medallion - Purple

This 70’s-inspired print showcases a geometric design and bold colors in aqua, blue, and purple (shown above).

Chasing Paper

Medallion - Blue

The blue colorway is a perfect pop of pattern for small spaces like a kitchen or laundry room.

Chasing Paper

Medallion - Aqua

Aqua lovers will find happiness on a wall with this variety.

Chasing Paper

Rhythm Glide - Multi

This maze-like design is an example of Ashley’s love for combining patterns, shapes and color together to create harmony. It's daring but also the perfect start to beautiful decor. Start with this multi-colored print as your palette for the rest of the room and home.

Chasing Paper

Rhythm Glide - Pink

Each style in the collection has a bit of a modern-retro vibe. This pink one is super fun!

Chasing Paper

Rhythm Glide - Blue

The blue colorway in the same style looks dramatically different.

Chasing Paper

Rhythm Glide - Neutral

This neutral is anything but boring. Paired with browns and blacks it brings a room together in perfect harmony.

Chasing Paper

Tropicka - Magenta

The best for last: This tropical-inspired print features symmetrical florals and greenery for a bold botanical accent wall.

Chasing Paper

Tropicka - Magenta

The green variety would look amazing in a tropical-inspired powder room. There's a gorgeous blue too.

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

Images via Chasing Paper

If you're anything like me, you treat Christmas like a whole fashion show. Whether it’s a wholesome family dinner or a (not so wholesome) party with hometown friends, I always plan to pull a look or two.

As opposed to years past, I’m looking to shake up my Christmas outfits a bit, playing with multiple patterns, cozy (yet stylish) layers, and, of course, a good pair of boots. Looking for inspo along those lines? We’ve got all the Christmas outfit ideas you need to stun at this year’s festivities.

Check out these 12 Christmas outfit ideas you have our full permission to copy this season!

Kayla Walden

Sparkles are extremely festive this time of year – go all out with a sequined dress to really embrace the Christmas spirit! You can find so many similar options at Anthropologie and Nordstrom. When paired with some cute ballet flats, you'll be feelin' like a little Christmas fairy in no time.

Haley Sprankle

A blazer will never fail to make your Christmas outfits look sophisticated. Layer one on top of a basic cable knit sweater for a classic feel (that'll also keep you super warm)! From there, trousers or tailored jeans will do. Don't forget to accessorize with red Christmas nails and a bold red lip color!

Jasmine Williams

Layers, layers, layers: it's the name of the Christmas outfit game, especially if you live somewhere super cold. But a practical 'fit doesn't have to be boring! Start with a comfy turtleneck and pants (over some leggings for extra warmth), then go crazy by mixing colors and patterns. This plaid + leather combo will be on repeat. Step into your favorite winter boots to bolden up the look!

Ali Ives

Statement jackets are the way to go. This leather one is lined with a furry material that not only holds in your body heat during outdoor excursions, but looks so chic, too. Layer one with some leggings, a black mini dress, and a bright red sweater like this one so you feel cozy all day long! Don't forget the boots, either! 😍

Haley Sprankle

Hair bows are the perfect accessory to rock alongside your Christmas outfits. From sleek sweaters like this one to more formal dresses, they fit the occasion oh-so nicely.

Haley Sprankle

For a *spicier* holiday get-up, don't hesitate to reach for your fave tall boots and little black dress. It's a no-fail combo! With an all-black situation like this one, you won't have to spend extra time worrying about if your outfit is matching perfectly or not. Wear the two pieces with some sheer black tights, or get creative with colored ones, like a bold red or sparkly white.

Kayla Walden

If your personal style leans more preppy, this is the Christmas outfit idea to copy: loafers and a pleated skirt instantly make you look dressed up, but the nice part is you're not sacrificing comfort for style one bit. This outfit formula can span over endless color combos, but we particularly love the burgundy-leaning look with this one.

Meredith Holser

You can never go wrong with a good green or red plaid dress. Bonus points if it's vintage, like this one! You can easily dress it up with tights and a cardigan, with boots or ballet flats to match!

Kayla Walden

Velvet dresses have our hearts (and closets). The material evokes a very vintage-y Christmas vibe that you can style over and over again. We're currently eyeing similar styles to this one from Target and Anthropologie!

Rachael Sprankle

Sequins shine again! If it's Christmas party time, you truly cannot go wrong with an eye-catching ensemble like this one. You'll leave the whole crowd stunned. A sequined dress also makes for some ahh-mazing Instagram pics! 📸

Ali Ives

Bundling up this winter doesn't have to be drab. Throw on a plaid scarf on top of a layered look to embrace all the Christmas vibes!

Kayla Walden

Playing with different materials and non-traditional color combos might just surprise you when it comes to creating the coolest Christmas outfits. For instance, this 'fit combines leather and suede, which contrast each other beautifully. You also might not immediately think of black and brown working well together, but this outfit idea defies all fashion "rules" in that regard.

Haley Sprankle

For a Christmas-y night out (ahem, bar crawl, anyone?), don your cutest holiday sweater with some comfy jeans and boots. We've found some really great options for fun holiday sweaters that are still super stylish!

Haley Sprankle

Get you a good tall black boot, and your Christmas outfit ideas will go far. They work wonderfully with everything from maxi dresses to midi skirts!

Kayla Walden

No matter what you wear this Christmas, there's always room for a playful (and festive!) hair bow.

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

27 Dresses is a fun story until you think about how much Jane (Kathryn Heigl) spent for each and every one of those weddings. There are engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, bridesmaid dresses, shoes, jewelry — I mean the list of costly responsibilities goes on and on and on. Imagine doing that 27 times.

Wedding events aren't just a casual affair anymore either — the financial obligations for wedding guests and bridal parties continue to rise steadily. According to a 2023 study from The Knot, the average cost of a bridesmaid's dress is $130. Business Insider reports that you can expect to spend $1,200 for bachelorette parties on average. Just being a wedding guest alone has an average price tag of $580, according to another study by The Knot. Suddenly, from your dress to the destination bach to the delicate (and likely expensive) stemware you got the couple as a gift, you're potentially spending thousands of dollars on a wedding that's not even your own.

And while you likely love the bride asking you to be in her wedding party very much...is there a way you can politely decline? Especially if you're trapped for cash or trying to save for a major financial goal? HerFirst100k's Tori Dunlap would like to think so! And it doesn't have to be this friendship-altering event either. With Dunlap's tips, you should be well on your way to the happy couple's good graces without paying an arm and a leg to earn it.

Photo by Karolina Kaboompics

When turning down a bridesmaid offer, Dunlap suggest using the "sandwich method" here — AKA saying something complimentary, giving the bad news, and ending on another positive, complimentary note. Seems simple enough, right?

She suggest saying, "I'm so excited for your wedding! Thank you so much for thinking of me! I am so honored. However, at this time I really can't afford the commitment of being a bridesmaid, but I would love to support you in any other way I can."

With this phrasing Dunlap says you're accomplishing three key things:

  1. Setting expectations
  2. Validating the friendship
  3. Maintaining your own financial boundaries
In doing this, you're ensuring that you've done and said everything you can kindly and upfront so that you don't leave the bride on the hook or disappointed. This should keep your relationship in tact — and if it doesn't, that maybe says more about the situation than your polite decline. Regardless, now you don't have to worry about going into debt for someone else's wedding, so you're able to spend mindfully and maintain your personal finance goals.

How would you decline being a bridesmaid? Let us know in the comments, and follow the convo on Facebook!

Header image via Caleb Oquendo

As I type this, I'm sipping on chai tea, wrapped in a blanket covered in hedgehogs holding candy canes, while twinkly lights hang on the wall behind my head. That's right baby, it's Christmastime!! (Well, almost). It might not be Thanksgiving yet, but we're getting in the holiday spirit early, because...well, why not? A few Christmas music, a taste test of Taylor Swift's chai tea cookies, and A Charlie Brown Christmas are all surefire ways to make any cloudy, dark-before-5 pm day merry and bright. After you've watched Snoopy prepare dinner for all his friends in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, press play on the oh so sweet A Charlie Brown Christmas!

Here's everything you need to know about how to stream A Charlie Brown Christmas for the 2024 holiday season.

How To Stream 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

You can stream A Charlie Brown Christmas is streaming on Apple TV+ this year, which is also where you'll find It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. So if you're wondering, 'Is A Charlie Brown Christmas on Netflix?' unfortunately, no, it's not.

But while the $9.99 cost for an Apple TV+ subscription gives you access to literally so many other titles, it's understandable if that's a deal breaker. Good thing there's a 7-day free trial! Apple TV+ is also airing the special for free on two days during the holiday season: December 14 and December 15. Mark your calendar!

Check out Everything Coming To Apple TV+ In 2024for a look into the streamer's newest projects!

What happened in A Charlie Brown Christmas?

CBS/Apple

A Charlie Brown Christmas Plot

In A Charlie Brown Christmas, our titular main character is not feeling merry and bright. Even though the world is cheery (and snowy) around him, he simply can't break out of his funk — especially when he tries to direct his friends in the local Christmas play and they all make fun of him. But thankfully, Linus, and one special little Christmas tree, help save Charlie Brown's Christmas spirit.

The special definitely struck a chord in audiences. According to TODAY, almost half of the entire country tuned into the premiere, and A Charlie Brown Christmas ended up winning an Emmy in 1966 for Outstanding Children's Program.

When did A Charlie Brown Christmas come out?

CBS/Apple

A Charlie Brown Christmas Release Date

A Charlie Brown Christmas first aired on CBS December 9, 1965. Even though Charles M. Schulz's comic strip introduced characters like Charlie Brown, Sally, Linus, and Snoopy in 1950, this was the first time the characters appeared in a TV special.

Can I stream the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas?

Concord Music Group

Yes you can listen to the A Charlie Brown Christmas album (which has sold more than 5 million copies) on streaming platforms!

Why is A Charlie Brown Christmas not airing?

CBS/Apple

After Apple bought the rights to the Charlie Brown specials in 2018, A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown haven't regularly premiered on TV. 2022 marked the last time Apple allowed PBS stations to air A Charlie Brown Christmas once during the holiday season.

Will ABC show A Charlie Brown Christmas?

Check out 60 Unique Christmas Card Ideas That Also Make Great Instagram Captions for more inspiration!

This post has been updated.

Let's be honest...I'll watch just about anything Reese Witherspoon or Will Ferrell are in, but I'm especially ready for You're Cordially Invited! While I was already hooked on this dynamic duo just based on the two of them alone, the trailer just dropped — and it did NOT disappoint. From wrestling alligators to wearing big, fuzzy zebra costumes, there's a lot of really funny stuff to unpack with this upcoming movie. Let's get into it!

Check out the You're Cordially Invited trailer here!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Okay, let's address the elephant — or two-time Superbowl-winning quarter back — in the room first. Hello, Peyton Manning! I swear, this man is everywhere right now, and I'm so here for it! I'd be lying if I said I didn't laugh at his "Paintin' Manning" commercials lately.

Anyway, back to the plot at-hand! When Reese Witherspoon's sister and Will Ferrell's daughter get engaged, the both manage to book the weddings for the same day (June 1)...and at the same venue! Classic conundrum! Instead of rescheduling, the two groups are forced to work it out between the two of them, and things get a little hairy.

Throughout the hilarity — and chaos — that ensues, we see a lot of good stuff. This includes (but is not limited to):

  • Will Ferrell doing his daughter's hair in giant rollers
  • The two wedding parties battling over the sunset ceremony
  • A giant, fluffy zebra knocking a cake over during a conga line
  • Male strippers that are totally giving Magic Mike vibes
  • Will Ferrell wrestling an alligator?!

Needless to say, there's a LOT going on in this movie. If I'm already laughing that much at the trailer, I just know this is gonna good!

Catch You're Cordially Invited on Amazon Prime on January 30, 2025!

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