18 DIY Placemats for the Perfect Dinner Table

Alright, so you’ve got your tablecloth, your table runner and your napkins. What you’re missing are you placemats. Placemats, like tablecloths, pull together a dinner table, but without all that fabric to worry about. In fact, some of the be aren’t fabric at all. Check out these 18 DIY placemats for dapper dining.

1. Chain Trimmed Placemats: Stewing over your old straw placemats? Spruce them up with a chic chain border. (via Creme de la Craft)

2. Gold Confetti Placemats: Maybe you’ve got a set of plain fabric mats that are a little on the bland side. Add some flair with some gold paint. (via A Bubbly Life)

3. E.A.T. Placemat: Sometimes, a stencil is the only proper way to give placemats a facelift. (via The Proper Pinwheel)

4. Jute Rope Placemats: These Pottery Barn inspired mats are rugged, natural and perfect for any dining room. (via City Farmhouse)

5. Shibori Dyed Placemats: This project is like summer camp come to your house. Because what could be better than dyeing placemats? (via Lovely Indeed)

6. Name Placemats: Here is a placemat that will double as a place card. It’s a win win. (via Kate’s Creative Space)

7. Pom Pom Placemat: No party is complete without some colorful pom poms, am I right? (via Sugar and Cloth)

8. Felt Honeycomb Placemat: The best part about making a pretty felt placemat? They can double as hot pads. (via Leelah Loves)

9. Woven Paper Placemat: Ready to get your weave on? Try your hand at it with these colorful paper placemats. (via The House That Lars Built)

10. Painted Cork Placemats: If it weren’t for rose gold, we wouldn’t have these lovely placemats and that would be tragic. (via Sarah Hearts)

11. Watercolor Placemats: You’ve had your go with shibori. Now it’s time to try painting with dye for a watercolor effect. (via Style Me Pretty)

12. Place Setting Placemat: Trying to teach your kids how to set the table? These pretty placemats ought to help. (via A Beautiful Mess)

13. Quote Placemats: If you’ve already got pretty patterned placemats, good for you. Layer a colorful printed quote on top that guests can take home after dinner. (via Oh Joy!)

14. Dip Dyed Bamboo Placemats: Put these on your table and your friends will be asking you how much they cost you. (via The Homesteady)

15. Wooden Stenciled Placemats: We just love this placemat because as soon as you paint a Christmas tree any other color than green, it becomes chic and… well, art. (via A Subtle Revelry)

16. Thanksgiving Placemat: All you need for these simple placemats are a white pen and kraft paper. It’s that easy. (via Oh My Deer)

17. Dip Dye Placemats: Okay okay, we just love our dip dye projects. (via Design Love Fest)

18. Washi Tape Placemats: It’s colorful. It’s easy. It’s washi tape. (via Brit + Co)

Do you have a placemat project to share? We’d love to hear all about it below!

If you've done it once, you've done it a million times. You come home late from work, throw some salt and pepper on a chicken breast and pop it in the oven. BORING! You could plan ahead and make slow cooker chicken in the morning, but what are the chances you're going to remember that? It's time for you step up your game and in a big way. If you want to love your dinner so much you crave leftovers the next day, keep reading for 21 baked chicken breast recipes that are a welcome change from the drab poultry you're used to.

Honey Mustard Chicken

All you need is 35 minutes and one sheet pan for this versatile and delicious dish. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Sriracha Chicken Breast

Mix Sriracha with honey and soy sauce to create a sweet and spicy coating you’ll want to slather all over your chicken. (via The Cookie Writer)

Baked Spinach Provolone Chicken Breasts

When your chicken dish provides you with protein and a serving of veggies, you’re winning dinner. Throw some brown rice on to go with it and your whole effortless meal is ready in under 30 minutes. (via Tastefulventure)

Smothered Baked Chicken With Creamed Spinach, Bacon and Mushrooms

We had you at smothered, didn’t we? Some days just call for an indulging AF dinner with all the cheese and bacon. For those nights, you need this dish. (via Julia’s Album)

Ranch Cheddar Chicken

This homemade version of Shake ‘N Bake is just as easy as popping open a box, but *way* tastier. Just prepare for the kid-friendly dish to be requested on repeat. (via Everyday Dishes)

Honey Horseradish Chicken

The sweet honey combines so well with the spicy horseradish in this recipe! Best part is, it only takes 30 minutes to make. (via Averie Cooks)

Baked Paprika-Parmesan Chicken

That crust is so crispy you can almost hear the crunch from your laptop. It’s hard to believe that there are no breadcrumbs and no deep-frying is necessary. (via Sugar Apron)

Cheesy Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts

That whole grain mustard in your fridge has saved your butt on more than one occasion. When combined with sharp white cheddar and Parmesan, it creates a luxurious, tangy sauce that your chicken breast will sop up. (via Foodiecrush)

One Dish Chicken Bake

You can’t go wrong when you nestle your chicken between a bed of tomatoes and a blanket of mozzarella. Serve on top of pasta for a simple and easy Italian-inspired dinner. (via Diethood)

Baked Chicken Fajita Roll-Ups

If you’re going low-carb, you don’t have to give up fajita night. These roll-ups have all of the flavors you *love* but sans tortilla. Try them with a side of cauliflower rice. (via Eat Yourself Skinny)

Cilantro-Lime Chicken

Nothing perks up chicken quite like the combination of cilantro-lime. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes while you unwind, and it’ll be ready to pop in the oven when you’re ready to eat. (via Rasa Malaysia)

Creamy Baked Asiago Chicken

You won’t believe how juicy and flavorful this chicken turns out. TBH, it’s all thanks to that creamy layer of Asiago-garlic mayo that’s baked on top. (via The Recipe Critic)

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Why coat your chicken with flour when Parmesan and breadcrumbs are an option? Before you dredge them in the eggs, season it liberally with fresh garlic to impart even more flavor. (via Taste and See)

Caprese Stuffed Chicken Foil Packs

Tomatoes, mozzarella and basil are a classic trio that livens up any dish. As if this recipe couldn’t be any easier, the cleanup is virtually eliminated as well. (via The Wholesome Dish)

Super Moist Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

A steady application of BBQ sauce while cooking is the secret to these perfectly sticky breasts. (via Heather Likes Food)

Basil Pesto Chicken

This basil pesto chicken is bursting with flavor and so simple to make. You can marinate it ahead of time for the perfect easy weeknight dinner. (via Real Food Dietitians)

Tuscan Chicken with Saffron Cream Rice

This recipe tastes like something you'd get straight from a gourmet restaurant. Seriously, it's that good. (via Vikalinka)

Easy Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken

Once you make this healthy baked chicken, you’ll never be without fresh lemons again. Smash a few sweet potatoes and steam a bag of frozen broccoli to round out a nutritious dinner. (via Creme de la Crumb)

Baked Cajun Chicken Breasts Recipe

Get ready for your taste buds to be lit on fire. Heads up, you’ll want to make extra so you can have an epic cajun chicken sandwich for lunch the next day. (via Gal on a Mission)

Baked Balsamic Chicken

Balsamic vinegar is for so much more than dressing your salad. Reduce it with honey, sugar and salt to get a ridiculous glaze that would taste good on a shoe. Thankfully, chicken is even tastier. (via Creme de la Crumb)

Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Cream cheese, bacon and chicken, oh my! This basic recipe is great for building upon with your favorite flavors. For a healthy twist, try giving spinach and artichokes a whirl. (via Homemade Hooplah)


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This article has been updated from a previous post.

The dreaded time has come for me to retire the duffel bags collecting dust in my closet. They’ve been by my side since my early college days and accompanied me during multiple trips to New York City at the beginning of my relationship. Now? Uh, they’re hanging on by a thread hence their haphazard storage location. Don't even get me started on my tote bags 🫠.

As much as it pains me to think about parting ways with them, I know it’s time for me to give myself a major travel upgrade. It’s not like we have to sacrifice style over function anymore so I’m giving myself permission to embrace new things. Interested in seeing which duffel bags I've been eyeing? Keep scrolling to see the 9 picks that are my shopping radar!

Shop Stylish Duffel Bags Here!

CALPAK Travel Stevyn Rolling Duffel (Cheetah)

My S.O. has family in Virginia and NYC so it's inevitable that we'll be traveling with a busy toddler this year. While searching for duffel bags, I came across this rolling design by CALPAK. The cheetah print caught my eye first, but the wheels and separate shoe compartment feature pulled me in. Someone clearly understood that some of us aren't that great at packing our shoes and clothes in one big space.

BÉIS The Commuter Duffel (Beige)

I'm not doing much commuting these days (thank goodness), but this still seems like one of the best weekender duffel bags I've come across. I love bags that have multiple exterior pockets and this design by BÉIS isn't short on that. It's also super roomy inside which means I can pack at least 2-3 outfits, bras, underwear, and even my compact water bottle without wondering if I've overpacked.

Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag (Magnifique Floral)

I'm not above cute floral weekender duffel bags at all. I'm actually drawn to them now that I'm a little older so I guess this means my grandma was on to something with her love for floral things. Anyway, the exterior pockets on this bag are zippered so that'll keep your miscellaneous essentials safe and secure. I already know you'll probably pack extra red lipstickor face wash to get around TSA's strict rules because I will too!

Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Extra-Large Weekender Bag

This bag is speaking to the part of me that's ultra-feminine. I love my earth tone colors like hunter green and taupe, but pink will always cradle my heart with its stylish appeal. This weekender bag may not have all the spacious features as the other duffel bags I've mentioned, but sometimes I'm willing to break the rules by choosing style over function.

Lulu's Oversized Beige Weekender Bag

Not everyone wants a patterned or colorful bag so I've been eyeing this weekender duffle bag for the moments I don't want to draw to much attention to myself in the airport. It only has interior storage options which makes it perfect for those quick "Please spend the night" moments 👀.

CALPAK Stevyn Duffel Bag with Shoe Compartment (Daisy)

This design is so nice, I had to add it twice except this one doesn't have wheels! I like to think of this as the sister or friend who doesn't have kids of CALPAK's rolling duffel bag. The handle straps make it easy to carry your essentials inside and you still get the cool shoe compartment feature!

Minted Botanical Cascade Fillmore Duffel Bag

I didn't know Minted sold duffel bags so I was ecstatic when I found this cute design that somehow reminds me of growing up in Florida. Truthfully, this bag was inspired by the famous San Francisco landmark so that also checks out. It has side-panel pockets that keep your smaller accessories in place and it has a interior pocket that can safely house your wallet.

Also, there's no need to check this bag in because it can fit securely in the overhead space.

Under Armour Favorite Duffel Bag

If your next adventure involves a camping trip where you'll be doing a ton of hiking, you need a sturdy duffel bag. Under Armour's designed this one to comfortably secure your belongings and allow you to transport them without feeling weighed down.

If you just want to take this to the gym, we won't judge you. In this day and age, having options isn't always a bad thing!

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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 CALPAK

The Passover Seder is steeped in tradition, but that doesn't mean your meal has to be completely conventional. Here are 20 modern takes on classic Passover dishes, like Manischewitz-spiked cocktails and matzo-based chocolate bars. (Don't let the word "modern" scare you; there's still plenty of smoked fish, matzo ball soup, and kugel in the mix.)

When is Passover this year in 2024?

Passover begins the evening of April 22, 2024, and lasts through the evening of Apr 30, 2024.

What is the traditional meal for Passover?

The traditional meal for Passover includes a mix of symbolic foods. Meat, eggs, fruit and vegetables, herbs, and saltwater all have a place on the Seder plate, though more modern passover meals make some variations on the ingredients included.

What are the 6 foods of Passover?

A lamb’s bone (Zeroah), roasted egg (Beitzah), fruit and nut paste (Haroset), bitter herbs like horseradish (Mar’or), green vegetables (Karpas), and a small bowl of salt water are the 6 main foods of Passover.

What food is forbidden on Passover?

Some traditions celebrate the jewish holiday with restrictions on leavened bread (chometz). Breads made from wheat, oat, spelt, rye or barley are not eaten on Passover.

The Best Foods To Make For Your Passover Meals

Smoked Salmon Platter

Now that everyone has a drink, get the party started with a show-stopping salmon platter, complete with cukes, tomatoes, red onion, and tons of shmear. Replace the bagels with matzo to hold all those toppings. (via How Sweet Eats)

Matzo Ball Soup

This Passover classic is traditionally made with chicken. Welcome your vegetarian friends to the table with a meat-free version. (via Foodal)

Salmon Instant Pot Dinner

If you're hosting a small Passover Seder, use your Instant Pot to create a full meal of steamed fish, potatoes, and veg. (via Brit + Co.)

Roasted Beef Tenderloin With French Onion Au Jus

Feeling fancier than brisket? This thyme-crusted tenderloin is simpler than it looks but is definitely main-course worthy. Just be sure to omit the butter or replace it with a dairy-free substitute. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Matzo Schnitzel

With matzo meal and potato starch, crispy breaded chicken free of leavened ingredients can be yours for your Passover crowd to enjoy. (via Jamie Geller)

Instant-Pot Pot Roast

Embrace the modern-day craze for the Instant Pot (and the Whole30 diet) with this nourishing pot roast, which incorporates more veggies than the traditional version. (via Life Made Sweeter)

Kofta Kebabs

These kebabs have just six ingredients but are intensely flavorful from cozy cinnamon and aromatic basil. Swap out Passover Panko or matzo meal for the breadcrumbs. These have a tahini dressing, which can be left out depending on if your family consumes kitniyot during Passover or not. (via Jamie Geller)

Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes

Celebrate the classic fried artichokes of the Roman Jewish Ghetto with this lighter version, which steams in 10 minutes in the Instant Pot. (via Cotter Crunch)

Beet and Carrot Fritters

Switch up the Passover table's very beige (yet delicious) color scheme with these bright and healthy beet fritters. (via Leite's Culinaria)

Creamy Vegan Risotto With Asparagus and Quinoa

Quinoa is technically a seed, not a grain, so many people give it the seal of approval on Passover. Use it to concoct this risotto, which gets its creamy texture from a purée of roasted cauliflower, beans, and almond milk. However, if you are avoiding beans, just sub in more cauliflower. (via Well Plated by Erin)

Matzo Farfel Stuffing

Dates add an unexpected sweetness to this comforting tray of matzo pieces, mushrooms, and aromatic veggies. (via Jamie Geller)

Roasted Eggplant Salad

Juicy pomegranate seeds can make any dish look festive, as proven by this bed of seasoned roasted eggplant and pine nuts. Dress it in lemon juice, sea salt, and olive oil if you are not consuming kitniyot like tahini sauce. (via Foraged Dish)

Make These Delicious Desserts And Sweets For Passover

Vanilla Noodle Kugel

Use Passover-friendly (usually matzo-based) egg noodles and wafer cookies for this kugel, which balances the sweet notes of vanilla and sugar with the tangier flavor of sour cream. (via Tori Avey)

Flourless Chocolate Fudge Cake

Butter, chocolate, eggs, and sugar make a shockingly fudgy cake — no flour necessary. You can always sub in vegan butter if you plan on eating the meal less than two hours after consuming meat. (via Baker by Nature)

Waffle-Iron Latkes 5 Ways

Modernize the traditional latke by cooking it in a waffle iron and adorning it with updated toppings, like crème fraîche and apple butter or Greek yogurt and pomegranate. (via Brit + Co.)

Dessert-Wine Poached Pears

A holiday without flour is an opportunity to get creative with fruit. These pears are poached in simple syrup, honey, and dessert wine until warm and tender. Serve them with non-dairy vanilla ice cream for a glorious temperature contrast. (via Drizzle and Dip)

Passover Apple Cake

Matzo cake meal is the secret ingredient in this nutty, apple-rich, and raisin-studded cake. (via Leite's Culinaria)

5-Ingredient Magic Matzo Chocolate Bars

Have the kids in the family make these crunchy-chewy chocolate bars. The recipe is a simple matter of layering, sprinkling, and drizzling, so it can't go too awry. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Passover Chocolate Chip Cookies

As long as you have matzo meal, you don't have to give up chocolate chip cookies during Passover. (via Tori Avey)

Classic Red Sangria

You could pass around standard glasses of Manischewitz, or you could use the red wine to make a fruity sangria. Since Manischewitz is already so sweet, you don't need to add any sugar to the mix. (via Kitchen Treaty)

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This post has been updated.

Header image via How Sweet Eats

When it comes to trending sneakers the past couple of years, chances are you're thinking of one of two popular Adidas sneakers — the Sambas or the Gazelles. Both shoes are having an extreme resurgence as of late being worn by the likes of Bella Hadid, Harry Styles, and so many more! These three striped shoes can often get confused for each other with their extremely similar look, so we have one question: what is the difference between them? And why were such similar shoes made both by Adidas? Let's talk about it.

How long have the Sambas been around?

Photo via Adidas

The history of the Adidas Sambas can be traced back to 1950's according to their website. On their blog they say, "Contrary to popular belief, the Samba was not initially created for the World Cup or directly inspired by the Brazilian dance form. Instead, it emerged from a football game in 1950s Germany, where its exceptional performance on icy pitches earned it the nickname 'Samba.'" These iterations of the sneaker came with different features to allow for better function, movement, and mobility for the football players (pictured above in the 1972 re-edition).

How long have Gazelles been around?

Photo via Adidas

Whether for street style or street training, Gazelles have been used by so many over the years. While many people think they date back to the 1970's as a training shoe, their history goes back even further to the 1960's. The Adidas websitestates, "However, the Gazelle's history goes back even further. Its predecessor, the "Olympiade" model from the early 1960s, laid the foundation for the Gazelle's success. The oldest known Gazelle, a red 1965 prototype, showcased the shoe's early design elements and set the stage for what was to come."

Not unlike the Sambas, the Gazelles also went through many re-editions before evolving into the beloved streetwear staple that we know of it today. It also went through many international releases in the '80's like France (advertisement pictured above), Japan, and other various countries.

How do you compare Sambas vs Gazelles?

Photo via Adidas

Upon first glance, the shoes really do look quite a lot alike. They both have the same Adidas low-top vibe that we all know and love. Plus, they also share the similarity with the classic Adidas three stripes on the side with zig-zags on all sides of the stripes. But that's about where the buck stops, similarity-wise.

Now, what are the differences? Well you can immediately tell the difference just based on the sole alone. While the Sambas have a rubber gum sole while the Gazelles feature a rubber basic sole. Then, in regards to the rest of the shoe, you can see differences in the tongue — Sambas almost always have a white tongue, not matching the shoe color. The bottoms of the shoes are also different, with a more basic design on the Gazelles and a more complex design on the Sambas.

Unfortunately, we can't tell you how to pick between the two when shopping for new shoes. Our advice? Buy one pair in every very cool color. 😘

Who's collaborated with Adidas for these shoes?

Photo via Gucci

Many people have done collaborations for Gazelles and Sambas alike. We absolutely loved the Harry Styles/Gucci collab (shown above in the metallic gold). Another fan-favorite at the moment is the Wales Bonner collab, featuring cheetah print sambas that shook the world to its core, quickly becoming THE It-Girl shoe for spring 2024. Every cool, fashionable, scandi-style-loving fashionista is wearing them — so much so that I had to snag a pair for myself!

What are the best tips on how to snag the styles while they last?

Photo via Adidas

  1. Always sign up for notifications for which style and shoe you want to be notified when it's back in stock and to receive notifications so you get notified as SOON as new collars are released.
  2. Sign up for emails and check with smaller retailers like Nordstrom, Net-a-porter, and stores that carry Adidas! Chances are they'll have sizes and styles in stock that are sold out on the Adidas website.

Shop Adidas Sambas And Gazelles Here!

Adidas Gazelles in Green

This mint green is absolutely perfect for the upcoming summer months and will go with so many different outfit combinations. We love the idea of this paired with a cute sundress and sandals! These will definitely become your go-to sneaker of the year!

Adidas Pink and Green Gazelle

Talking about it-girl sneakers, these are THE sneaker of the season! I've seen these on every it-girl influencer on my Instagram lately. These are sure to keep you on trend and in-style for the spring and summer. Plus, with the platform they'll give you a little extra height too!

Adidas Gazelles in Pink

These pinky-nude sneakers are a great way to do the trend in a more attainable way that can go with any outfit. The beige pink color is subtle and understated but still matching the cool-girl vibe we're trying to achieve this season. Adding these to cart immediately!

Yellow Adidas Sambas

These might be my favorite recent pair of Sambas that I've seen. They're so bright in color while still remaining wearable, which is the perfect combo we're going for this summer. We love how well they'd style with anything from a sundress to a cute pair of denim shorts!

Adidas Samba Black and White

These will have every fashionista on the street complimenting you on your cool sneakers! We adore these black and white shows with their touch of beige and think that these would for sure become your favorite shoe in your closet. These are a classic that will never go out of style!

Adidas Samba in Collegiate Green

Flip the script for summer and take forest green for a ride! This is such a fun shoe and I love the idea of taking normally fall colors into spring and summer for a unique twist. We've seen this happening with burgundy trending right now, and I just know forest green is next. Grab these before they sell out!

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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 Adidas.

Transitioning your home from winter to spring doesn't have to take a huge effort or budget. A few throw pillows here, a flower vase there can make your home look fresher, more inviting while reviving how you feel about your space. Whether you want to hop on the vintage decor trend or bring in fresh Danish pastels, we have some spring decor swaps that will help sprinkle a dose of happy into your home. First, plan your budget and look around your space. What pieces don’t give your home that spring joy you crave? Stow them away for the season and they’ll be like new again in the fall! Now enjoy the things that truly refresh your space.

Shop Spring Home Decor Here!

ban.do Stacked Citrus Vase

These sweet citrus designs are the perfect pop of color for your spring table or home office!

Folkulture Throw Pillow Covers

The scalloped design on these 18x18 cotton covers are a playful way to dress up your sofa or bed.

Studio McGee x Threshold Natural Wicker Table Lamp

Give your indoors an outdoor vibe with these charming woven table lamps.

Etsy Wavy Wall Shelf

Brighten your walls with brightly colored pastels. These shelves are great for holding books, picture frames, plants and more.

H&M Floral Throw

Spring is still a transitional season with chilly mornings and nights. Swap your winter throws for this fun floral pattern.

Scalloped Multi Border Decor Braided Jute Collection

Pop this jute rug in your bathroom, on your porch, in your kitchen -- anywhere you need a little statement piece.

Poster Store Botanical Gallery Wall

Customize a gallery wall that suits your style -- this site creates one for you or pick and choose your faves.

Lyla Monogram Trinket Dish

Even a new trinket dish on your dresser can bring a little joy to your morning. This monogrammed one makes a great gift for spring birthdays!

H&M Pleated Paper Table Lamp

This pretty-in-pink table lamp is a great way to bring in soft, spring color into your home -- get two for symmetrical bedside tables or go solo on a desk or console table.

Wicker Planter Storage Baskets

These cute and affordable planters are a fun way to freshen up your entry or kitchen -- add plants, cloth napkins, magazines, even mail.

Jungalow x Opal Cotton Sheet Set

We love designer Justina Blakeney's style and here she gives us a colorful canvas on which to layer all our bedding.

Elin Ceramic Knobs

Add new knobs to end tables for an easy spring refresh.

Anthropologie Fruit Candle Holder

These whimsical candle holders cheer up your decor and are perfect for all your spring entertaining.

Chasing Paper x Jenni Yolo Peel-And-Stick Wallpaper

Peel-and-stick wallpaper makes it easier to upgrade your walls with stunning prints. Try it in a bathroom or kitchen or create an accent wall in your bedroom for this vintage-inspired look by DIYer Jenni Yolo.

Anthropologie Gingham Curtains

We never met a check we didn't like. Gingham is a classic spring look that always feels happy and carefree!

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

Header image via Etsy