If chestnuts roasting on an open fire and steamy cups of hot chocolate are your idea of the perfect Christmas, kick off your holiday week right with a seriously relaxed dinner on Christmas Eve or Christmas (or both, for the ultimate lazy girls out there). Pull on your warmest flannel pajamas and your furriest slippers, mix yourself a festive cocktail and prepare to chill out in your kitchen. You won’t want to go anywhere once you check out these 20 ideas for a cozy holiday meal.
Brown Butter Pesto Spinach Soufflé Lasagna
Dig into this extra cheesy white lasagna with layers of creamy brown butter cheese Béchamel sauce. You'll want to go for seconds! (via Half Baked Harvest)
Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Prepare your elastic waistband for this comforting Chicken Pot Pie Casserole. (via The Real Food Dieticians)
Beef Short Ribs With Vegetables
This Short Rib dinner is the coziest meal for winter days and feels perfect for Christmas dinner. (via Brit + Co)
Shepherds Pie With Lamb
Filled with veggies, meat, healthy fats, and whole grains, this one-pan meal is hearty and satisfying. (via Clean Cuisine)
Baked Gnocchi With Bacon, Tomato and Mozzarella
This is another recipe that comes together in a flash, perfect for getting to bed before Santa arrives. It’s creamy, cheesy and super hearty. (via Simply Delicious)
Roasted Sweet Potato Risotto
Hearty winter veggies meet warm and cheesy risotto. Scoop this up into big bowls and serve with a generous glass of vino. (via How Sweet It Is)
Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham
Prepare a traditional honey glazed ham for Christmas dinner with your choice of healthy side dishes, and have plenty of leftovers for the week! (via Vikalinka)
Garlic Butter Chicken
Serve over your favorite mashed potatoes or rice for a quick and easy Christmas meal. (via Averie Cooks)
Easy Cheese Enchiladas
Add a little spice to your Christmas dinner with this 30-minute recipe. (via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog)
Maple Glazed Salmon
Dress up your salmon in this sweet, tangy maple glaze that's perfect for Christmas dinner and beyond. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)
One Pot Turkey Pasta
Go easy on the dishes Christmas Day with this One Pot Turkey Pasta recipe, a crowd pleaser for sure! (via Feel Good Foodie)
Eggnog Sweet Potato Casserole
Topped with a crunchy pecan topping, this sweet eggnog-creamy casserole takes you from Christmas drink to dessert in one! (via Barley & Sage)
Chicken Piccata
Add your favorite comfort side to this panko-crusted piccata with buttery, lemon-caper sauce for a totally scrumptious Christmas meal. (via Culinary Hill)
Shakshuka
Breakfast for dinner never looked better, and it definitely helps with the whole PJ vibe. These eggs cook in a bath of tomato sauce, so they’re super low maintenance. Serve with plenty of crusty bread. (via The Cooking Jar)
Flatbread with Goat Cheese And Carmelized Onions
This easy flatbread is delicious on its own, or you can round it out with a fresh green salad. (via Garnish With Lemon)
Smoky Three-Cheese Fondue With Toasted Garlic Butter Croissants
Nothing beats sitting around the fire… unless you’re sitting around the fire with ooey gooey cheese. The toasted garlic butter croissants add a special treat too. Just make this already. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Spicy Thai Curry Noodle Soup
This soup is instant gratification in a bowl. It only takes 15 minutes to whip up the deeply flavored broth, so you can spend more time sipping eggnog by the tree. (via Heather Christo)
Baked Chile Rellenos With Homemade Turkey Chorizo and Poblano Cream Sauce
Mexican fare is the perfect strategy for a cozy night in. This version keeps things light with turkey chorizo. (via Cooking for Keeps)
Cranberry, Brie and Prosciutto Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese gets an upgrade with seasonal cranberry jam, melty brie and prosciutto. (via Baker by Nature)
Ultimate Nachos
Believe it or not, there’s an art to the construction of a great nachos plate. This recipe takes you through all the vital components. (via Epicurious)
Do you have a game plan for Christmas dinner? Follow us on Pinterest for more unique food ideas and tag us in your Christmas recipes on Instagram @BritandCo!
Brand-new gift sets, foodie gifts, beauty gifts, and the likes are sure to bring joy this year, but if you're planning to give something with a personal twist, handmade gifts are *the* way to go. The possibilities are truly endless when you employ your creativity and craft items that your gift recipients have maybe seen (or received) before – hats, cards, coasters, picture holders, and more await.
Check out these entirely homemade gifts that will spark your next holiday idea! Some components of these handmade gifts can even be thrifted, saving you some cash along the way.
Photo by Anete Lusina / PEXELS
1. Start simple and make them a personalized card.
Nothing communicates your love, time, and effort behind a gift more than personalized cards. Even if you can’t DIY the gift itself, having a handmade card (with a thoughtful message inside) as a prelude to the unwrapping ritual will touch everyone’s heart. Make sure to craft yours on some hardy cardstock so they feel *extra* special. Peep some of these stellar holiday card ideas for inspiration!
@miascozycorner i inadvertently seem to have to fallen into a purple theme?? #christmascrafts#diychristmasdecor#diychristmasornaments#claycreations#tiktokdiy#christmas♬ original sound - mia 🍒
2. Sculpt some cutie gift toppers.
Handmade gift wrapping elements will also step up your holiday game. These darling little gift toppers that @miascozycorner made out of polymer clay are sure to inspire your own designs! Decorate the shapes you make with paint pens and coat them in Liquitex for durability, then attach them to your gift box or bag using some cute ribbon or yarn.
Photo by Riley Williams
3. Use air-dry clay to make picture holders.
Clay is your BFF for making handmade gifts. This idea from @rileyrosestudio lets your giftee display pictures, memories, cards, or even recipe cards in the form of their favorite food! Go for a trendier take by sculpting an olive or tomato out of air-dry clay, or opt to craft something as intricate as a burger or pizza slice – no matter what shape it is, they’re sure to love it. Riley usesgesso to prime her air-dry clay pieces, then an acrylic sealant to make sure those lovely designs stay put.
4. Make an orange garland for them.
A dried orange garland takes an entire day (and sometimes more) to make, so your recipient should definitely feel special knowing you put hours of love into this handmade gift. Though they look intricate, you only need to follow a few steps (and have few materials: orange slices, twine, and a thick yarn needle) to achieve the cozy garland. Luckily, there are tons of citrus garland tutorials on social media to assist in your creation. B+C Creative Assistant, Meredith, tied cutie little pink ribbon bows on her homemade garland.
Photo by Krissy Derrick
5. Craft a candle holder using clay.
You could use a pottery kitlike these convenient ones to make anything, really, but this wavy candelabra from @modeletto.store will make one of the most unique handmade gifts! Don’t forget to *also* gift somecandlesticks alongside it.
Photo by Mariam Antadze / PEXELS
6. Make coasters out of air-dry clay and gift them alongside thrifted glassware.
To make some handmade coasters, roll out some air-dry clay, let it dry, and coat it with gesso before you get to painting! The canvas is yours with this gift idea, but here are a few concepts to get the creative juices flowing: smiley faces, rainbows, spirals, initials, and fruits or vegetables. Ensure that your hard work stays in place with a sealant that’ll repel moisture. Some thrifted glassware pieces to give alongside your handmade coasters would be the absolute cherry on top!
7. Create a collage out of old magazines.
Magazines are really not hard to come by, and if you're looking for a sustainable gift, you can find some especially unique ones at re-sell bookstores or thrift stores to make your own collage. Some of the best ones to start with are Vogue and National Geographic. There are a lot of different techniques and themes you could run with, so we recommend doing some visual research on Pinterest beforehand to nail down your collage's concept. Maybe it's full of imagery that reminds you of your relationship, or a jumble of words that form a sweet poem – it's really up to you! Just have glue, an X-Acto knife, and a cutting board on-hand for the process. Complete this artsy handmade gift by signing your work and framing the collage in a nifty frame.
Photo by Meredith Holser
8. Thread a handmade necklace using thrifted or secondhand beads.
Got a necklace you don’t love? Deconstruct that baby using small wire cutters or scissors so that you can use the leftover beads and charms to make something entirely new! If you don’t have them on-hand already, you will need some beading cord, bead clamps, jump rings, clasps, and pliers.
9. DIY your very own body care line.
Making your own body scrubs or balt salts is *a lot* easier than you’d think. Some recipes only call for ingredients you’d find in your kitchen! Make a range of self-care products at home, then package them up in thrifted jars with ribbon and a handmade tag to really impress.
Photo by Ron Lach / PEXELS
10. Repurpose cans and tins by pouring candles into them.
Fish tin candles are in, but you can really use any vessel to pour your own candles in. All you need is some candle wax, wicks, and a scent of your choice to create something super unique! Try your first handmade candle with an empty, clean tinned fish tin, then get adventurous with soda cans or crushed tomato cans to bring out that Tomato Girl energy for your gift recipient.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS
11. Make a batch of jam.
If foodie gifts are their thing, then there’s no better item to give than, well, food! We have an amazingly tasty fig jamrecipe, but you can take the reins on what fruity flavor you’ll whip up. This is a convenient handmade gift, too, because the result won’t go bad or spoil before the big day.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS
12. Make a batch of spice mix.
In the same vein of shelf-stable foodie-snacky gifts, spice mixes are always a good idea, and really easy to make at home. Mix together some cajun seasoning, all-purpose seasoning, ranch, or everything bagel seasoning in no time before packing it up in small thrifted jars to gift!Photo by Roman Odinstov / PEXELS
13. Make a batch of chili oil.
Chili oil is very buzzy at the moment, but instead of dropping a bag on a single jar, make your own at home to yield a few! Our recipe uses neutral oil, star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, Sichuan peppercorns, salt, chili flakes, garlic and soy sauce.It only takes a moment to make, but you’ll want the mixture to sit for a week or so, that way the nuanced flavors can all sink in. You could even gift a few recipe cards (like these delectable feta fried eggs) alongside a jar, since chili oil is exceptionally yummy on a ton of dishes.
Photo by Anete Lusina / PEXELS
14. Knit or crochet a hat, scarf, or another garment you know they’d like.
Having knitting and/or crochet skills is invaluable when it comes to gifting season. You can easily find patterns online for creating beanies, blankets, scarves, leg warmers, balaclavas, mittens, and more, so your giftee can stay stylishly warm beyond the holidays in a bespoke garment that *you* made!
Photo by Damir / PEXELS
15. Make magnets out of air-dry clay for their fridge.
Again, air-dry clay rules the world of handmade gifts. For a smaller project, make some fridge decorations by painting on air-dry clay shapes. You can make hearts, stars, foods, faces, animals, and more! To make your designs magnetized, super glue some small magnet tabs on the back of them.
Photo by 小龙 魏 / PEXELS
16. Paint a glass bottle with your own design to gift a plant cutting.
You can easily thrift a glass vessel (or use one you already have), paint a unique design on it using glass paint, then fill it with a little bit of water to gift a small plant cutting! This way, you’re giving them a stylish home decor piece along with a heirloom piece of nature that they’ll admire every day as it grows.
17. DIY an ornament (or a few) for them.
Tree ornaments are 100% on-theme for the holidays, so if you feel a little lost on what to gift, try DIY-ing some ornaments of varying styles! We have some DIYs for punnyones and minimalistones, but there are also a ton of other tutorials on social media that can guide you in the direction you want to take.
Photo by Mati Mango / PEXELS
18. Burn a CD full of tracks they’d like.
It may seem a little old-school now, but the gift idea of burning a CD will appeal to every gift recipient that’s old enough to remember portable CD players. They can play it in their car or through their at-home speaker system to jam out. Just grab a pack of blank CDs that come with covers, and let the nostalgic process take you away.
In addition to making your own playlist to gift, you should definitely consider designing an album cover and tracklist for that personalized touch – platforms like Canva are a great option for doing this. The music-lover in your life will surely appreciate the time you took to craft each and every detail of the CD – and maybe they’ll even discover some new tunes along the way!
19. Bake them a big batch of cookies.
You just can’t go wrong with sweets during the holidays! Whatever form they come in – vegan, gluten-free, paleo – cookies are sure to satisfy your giftee. We have a ton of recipes you could check out (I highly recommend the Taylor Swift chai cookies), but if you already have a method to your madness, whip up whatever dessert recipe you have in mind. Just make sure they’re fairly fresh when you hand them over.
If you don’t have a neat cookie tin on-hand, run to your nearest thrift store. It’s guaranteed that you’ll find a cute one to house your cookies!
20. Decorate a plant pot with pops of color.
If your gift recipient has a green thumb, it’s not a bad idea to gift them a few plant-related things. Luckily, handmade gifts have a stake in this – just grab a terracotta pot (you can easily thrift one or find one for cheap at the dollar store) and some chalk pens, then decorate the exterior however you like.
To get some ideas flowing, you could include illustrated motifs of your relationship with this person, write their name out in bubble letters, or just doodle random designs. Matching their interior design aesthetic is definitely recommended.
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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 photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS.
This post has been updated.
2023 has been a rough year for celeb couples, to say the least. The past seven months have been a lot of things, but a period of romance certainly wasn’t one of them. Here are all of the celeb relationships that ended and (truly) broke our hearts this year.
Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny (December)
Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Shortly after Cardi B announced her separation from Offset, news of Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny's breakup began making rounds. Entertainment Tonight reports the former couple's romance lasted closed to 10 months after they were first rumored to be dating in February. A source told the news outlet, "They both knew going into this that it likely wouldn't be a forever type of relationship....they're still young and have a lot more to experience individually before settling down."
Unlike some celebrity breakups, Kendall and Bad Bunny didn't end things on bad terms. They're moving forward amicably and will likely focus on their individual endeavors.
Carbi B and Offset (December)
Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images
"When it rains, it pours" is the best way to sum up this year's celebrity breakups. Although Cardi B & Offset aren't strangers to cheating scandals, it seems they're calling it quits for good. E! News reported that the "Bongos" rapper acknowledged being single on Instagram Live and can be heard saying, "I've been single for a minute now." This comes on the heels of Offset being accused of being intimate with rapper Blueface's former girlfriend Chrisean Rock.
An insider told PEOPLE, "They've broken up and gotten back together...way more than the public has seen.” This may be true, but time will only tell if the couple will actually work things out. As of now, it seems Cardi B is officially over being married to Offset.
Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson (October)
Photo By Amy Sussman/Staff/Getty Images Entertainment
Shortly after three years of marriage, Turner-Smith filed for divorce from Jackson. TMZreports the couple has been separated since September 13th and she's citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their marriage's dissolution.
Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez (September)
After two years of marriage, the Positions singer and luxury real estate agent have separated following longtime speculation. While rumors of a divorce swirled for a while, TMZ officially reported that both parties filed for divorce in September.
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Jackman (September)
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
These two have been together for over two decades — since 1996 — and are calling it quits. In a statement to People, they stated that they're focusing on "individual growth" at this time.
Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner (September)
Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Vanity Fair
While we never thought we'd see this day, Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner officially cut ties this year. The JoBro filed for divorce according to TMZ, citing complaints about her parenting and party lifestyle. But our allegiance lies with the Queen of the North — her silence says everything, while Joe just keeps digging a social hole for himself.
Britney Spears and Sam Asghari (August)
Vivien Killilea/Stringer/Getty Images Entertainment
Britney Spears and her husband, Sam Asghari, reportedly separated in mid-August. The news came after some loosely-rooted cheating allegations pointed at Spears, alongside claims of verbal fights that have turned physical. Though not yet official, their union seems to be headed toward a legal split, as Asghari moved out of their home. As an anonymous source told TMZ, "it's only a matter of time before Sam files for divorce."
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied (August)
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
After 11 years of marriage, actress Natalie Portman split from her husband following revelations of his affair with 25-year-old climate activist Camille Étienne. “After news of his affair came out, they’ve been trying to work on their marriage but are currently on the outs,” an insider exclusively told Us Weekly, though it seems that their marriage will not last.
Sophia Bush and Grant Hughes (August)
Leigh Vogel/Getty Images
Sophia and Grant filed for divorce after 13 months of marriage in August. The actress has also erased the last name “Hughes” from her Instagram bio.
Kaitlyn Bristowe and Jason Tartick (August)
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for iHeartMedia
Sorry, Bachelorette fans. This is one couple that won't be making it to the altar. "We are beyond thankful for the memories made together, and for your support of us and the boys throughout the years," they said in a joint statement via social media. "Moving forward we will always have that level of support for each other. We don’t know what the future holds so please try to hold space for us in your hearts."
Hunter Schafer and Dominic Fike (July)
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
The Euphoria couple, who took their relationship public in February 2022, confirmed their split just a year later.
Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello (July)
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
We're seriously crying in the club over this one. 😢 After seven years of marriage, the most attractive couple in Hollywood called filed for divorce after growing apart. “We have made the difficult decision to divorce. As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect of our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives," the couple told Page Six in a statement.
Billie Eilish and Jesse Rutherford (May)
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
The Grammy award winning singer and The Neighbourhood frontman ended their relationship less than one year after sparking romance rumors.
"We can confirm Billie and Jesse did split amicably and remain good friends," Eilish's rep told Us in May. "All cheating rumors are false. Both are currently single."
Jeremy Allen White and Addison Timlin (May)
Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images
This pair of high school sweethearts have only been married for three years, but they've been together forever. The former couple share two children together — Ezer Billie White and Dolores Wild White. Page Six reported that Timlin filed for divorce on Thursday, noting that neither responded to comment on the separation.
Brandon Jones and Serene Russell (May)
ABC/Stewart Cook
The season 8 Bachelor in Paradise couple (who were seemingly meant to be) called it quits after less than one year together.
“After many months, today we have ultimately decided to end our engagement,” they wrote in a joint Instagram statement on May 8. “We have tried to work privately on our relationship which has been incredibly challenging in the public eye...We are deeply hurting and can only ask that there be no hate. The best path for us at this time is to try and move forward and heal from this as individuals,” they concluded the statement alongside photos and videos of happy moments from their relationship."
Cher and Alexander ‘AE’ Edwards (May)
Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
The Mamma Mia! musical matriarch and the music executive split — a pairing which boasted a 40 year age gap — amicably split after six months of dating and lots of engagement rumors.
“AE and Cher were never engaged and that ring he got her was just a gift,” a source told Us Weekly at the time. “However, they had gotten very close and his son would even go over to Cher’s house in Malibu to play. Their relationship was real and they split a few weeks ago. There’s no bad blood between them and they’re on good terms.”
Kim Zolciak-Biermann and Kroy Biermann (May)
Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway
The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum filed for divorce from the retired athlete after 11 years of marriage and rumored bankruptcy. Reportedly, the Biermanns' home was seized by the bank due to insufficient payments, fueling the rumor mill even further. The relationship has been extremely dysfunctional since then, with Kim calling 911 just yesterday over an alleged kidnapping.
Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn (April)
We are *sobbing* over the end of our girl T. Swift’s six year relationship. Though the couple hasn’t gone public with the news, social media is buzzing with sources and evidence of the pair’s split.
Gigi Paris and Glen Powell (April)
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
The Top Gun: Maverick star and the model split in April after three years of dating and raging cheating allegations. We can't help but think that Sydney Sweeney may have something to do with this...
Diddy and Yung Miami (April)
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
The City Girls member told The Cut in April that the twosome “had our own situation” for a period of time, but are no longer romantically involved.
“We’re still friends! We’re still good friends! But we’re single. That’s not my man,” the rapper said. “We were f*cking with each other hard. We were together every day at one point. He supported me, I supported him. I’ll let the internet call it whatever they want to call it.”
Halsey and Alev Aydin (April)
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
The Walls Could Talk singer filed for full custody of their son Ender after ending her relationship with Aydin earlier this year.
Peter Weber and Kelley Flanagan (April)
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
The Bachelor Nation couple called it quits months after rekindling their romance in late 2022.
Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval (March)
Photo by Nicole Weingart/Bravo
You know we HAD to include this messy breakup. Madix broke up with her Vanderpump Rulesco-stars after nearly a decade together, following the reveal of an explosive affair between Sandoval and fellow co-star Raquel Leviss. Oh and BTW – we’re totally #TeamAriana.
Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth (March)
Image via Jason Merritt/Getty Images
The actress and media mogul has called it quits with her now ex-hubby of 12 years. Though the split seems amicable, as per their joint social media posts, we’re still in mourning.
Sophia Culpo and Braxton Berrios (March)
Leon Bennett/Getty Images
The TLC star confirmed her split from the NFL player after two years together. "I have a new apartment that I'm moving into," Olivia said in a TikTok video. "I just have to go back to New Jersey and get all of my stuff, which I've been kind of avoiding just because moving out of a long-term relationship where you guys, like, lived together—that's really hard."
Leonardo DiCaprio and Gigi Hadid (February)
Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
The rumored couple officially confirmed their relationship status on February 20–and that status is no longer together. The Oscar winner (who's notorious for dating young women) and the supermodel called it quits after several months of seeing each other.
"They both have incredibly busy careers and lives, and although they tried to make time for each other, it really wasn’t enough to make things work," an insider told Us Weekly. "Gigi has no hard feelings towards Leo and she thinks he’s an incredible guy. Their timing just couldn’t align, and they’ve decided to go their separate ways."
Avril Lavigne and Mod Sun (February)
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
“Avril and Mod Sun have been on and off for the past two months, but are no longer together as a couple,” an insider shared with Daily Mail.
Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott (January)
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
The notoriously on-again, off-again couple are off once again. The scorned rapper and Lip Kit pioneer share two children, daughter Stormi and a son Aire, and remain strong coparents.
We’ve been heartbroken one too many times, so we’re requesting every celeb power couple to stay in love while our hearts heal.
Stay updated on all the latest celeb new with Brit + Co.
Header images by Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images
This post has been updated.
The holidays are officially here and winter breaks and vacations are starting ASAP. These easy sewing projects will make perfect holiday gifts *and* are fun ways to pass the time while you're deep into holiday nesting. Whether you're in the mood to make something simple like a pillow or want to try your hand at upcycling a dress you no longer wear, we've got you covered. These are simple sewing projects that both beginners and novices alike can stitch up, no problem. So dust off that sewing machine and get ready to whip up some sewing-project magic with these 70+ easy DIY projects.
Holiday Tags
Add a personal touch to gifts and table settings with the darling monogrammed tag. (via Joann)
Super Easy Grid Blanket
Pick out the colors you love and make this super easy blanket for beginners! (via PurlSoho)
Sweater Beanie
Reversible Tote
This tote is the ideal size for a grab-and-go bag. It is big enough to hold all your essentials, yet small enough for a quick trip to the store. Try this Rainbow Stripe to get the look in our main photo! (via Haberdashery Fun)
Leather iPad Case
Dress up your iPad in a super svelte, super DIY-able leather case. (via Almost Makes Perfect)
Holiday Bottle Gift Bag
Bring a bottle of wine or bubbles gift-wrapped in a reusable bag made by YOU! (via Singer)
Fabric Keychains
The best DIY gift is something that everyone will actually use. These keychains are easy enough you can whip up a whole batch in just an hour. (via My So Called Crafty Life)
Lunch Bag
These cute lunch bags make great gift bags too! Maybe toss in some holiday cookies? (via Purl Soho)
Book Clutch
A book lover on your list? Head to the thrift store for some old hardbacks and make these adorable zipper clutches. (via See Kate Sew)
Kid Travel Pillow
Make your little ones holiday travel a wee more comfortable with this easy travel pillow pattern. (via Joanns)
Dinner Napkins
These cloth napkins are eco-friendly *and* make great gifts in the fabric of your choice. (via Sunday Sews)
Black Faux Leather Clutch
This black faux leather clutch costs less than $5 to make and can be sewn in under an hour. Talk about the perfect afternoon sewing project! (via The Felted Fox)
Flannel Scarves
Seat Cushions Sewing Project for Beginners
Fringe Purse
Cozy Mittens
Wallet Organizer
Leather Tablet
Quilted Box Pouch
Turn Jeans Into A Skirt
Turn those old jeans you don't love anymore into a cute skirt with this easy DIY. (via Singer)
Ruffled Hem
Simple Leather Tote
Headwrap Bands
Outdoor Pillows
Here are three options to decorate your outdoor space with big, colorful pillows. You actually probably have most of the items you need sitting around your house right now. (via A Beautiful Mess)
Business Card Wallet
Canvas Totes
Play around with the measurements to get the exact size you need. These bags would work great as a library tote, pool/beach bag, shopping bag or anything else you could possible use a giant tote for. (via The Sweeter Side of Mommyhood)
Swing Dress
Drawstring Travel Bag
Leather Passport Holder
This project comes together really quickly and would be an awesome bon voyage gift for someone who's finally embarking on summer travels. (via Lovely Indeed)
Yoga Bag Sewing Idea
You'll be the most stylish girl at the gym with this colorful yoga mat bag. (via Brit + Co)
Geometric Pillows
Gold Clutch
Fabric Heart Coasters
A great hostess gift any time of the year, these coasters will show your coffee table some love. (via Thirty Handmade Days)
Earbud Pouch
There is nothing more annoying than having to untangle your earbuds from a huge knot. Keep them tidy and knot free with this cute little pouch. (via Dog Under My Desk)
Feather Dishtowel
Woven Rag Rug
Tiny Zipper Pouch
Lace Shorts
Skinny Jeans
Leather Fringe Bag
Metallic Gem
Leather Dipped Pillows
Bow Back Sweatshirt
Polar Bear Tablet Case
Easy Circle Skirt
Simple Tulle Skirt
Channel Carrie Bradshaw and wear this flirty skirt to all your holiday events. (via Cotton and Curls)
Baby Headbands
Faux Fur Winter Hat
We can't wait to see all of the DIY magic you come up with. Whether you're looking to update your closet or your decor, these easy sewing projects are a great place to start!
Main Photo by Mikhail Nilov
Follow us on Pinterest for more DIY inspiration, join our newsletter, or check out our online sewing class!
This article has been updated from a previous post.
There are some movies that never really leave you, that are so transformative they touch your soul no matter what stage of life you're in. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is without a doubt one of those films, thanks to both its complexity and its impeccable use of "Unwritten" by Natasha Beddingfeld. It completely transformed the way I look at my female friendships — and myself. The original 2005 film was followed up by a sequel in 2008, and we have been thinking about a third installment ever since, *especially* since the cast stays so close. On December 15, Alexis Bledel, Blake Lively, and Amber Tamblyn all came out to celebrate America Ferrera's work in Barbie, and it made me emotional.
Image via Blake Lively/Instagram
"The Sisterhood came through all in pink to celebrate my performance in Barbie last night," America Ferrera posted on Instagram. "I love these women with all my heart."
The Barbie screening in NYC (hosted by SAG-AFTRA) was followed by a Q&A — and, according to Blake Lively's post, some quality time!
"Some weeks are for the man in your life. Some weeks are for the women," Blake says. "I’ve known [America Ferrera] for 20 years. Since I was 16. I’ve watched her live, grow, soar, fall, make, break, push, fight, win, create, forge, disrupt, way make, lead, lead, lead. That speech she gives as Gloria felt as close to real as anything I’ve ever seen on screen. Because that’s who she is...It’s one of my life’s honors to witness her show so many women not only what’s possible, but HOW it’s done. I love you sister. Always. Pants = Love. Love your sisters. Love yourself."
"I’m so proud of our girl in such a profoundly deep way, and the path she’s blazing for herself, and women everywhere," Amber Tamblyn says in her post. "What a joy to come together in this way, in each other’s arms— the arms we’ve held, and linked with, and cradled as friends for 20 years— in honor of a woman who continues to take my breath away with everything she does, and is. When I tell you some things are forever, this right here is it."
I literally cannot get enough of this quartet, and I want to see them in everything, forever. Here's everything we know about The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 3!
Will there be a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 3?
Image via Warner Bros. Entertainment
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 3 hasn't been confirmed, but it's an idea the cast would love to make happen! "I really hope so, I would love it! It would be the best thing," Alexis told Jimmy Fallon in 2018. "We just pitched a third movie, I hope it comes together, it would be so great."
"I think [Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 3] could really happen," Blake said in a 2018 interview with ET. "I think that people who love the movie want to see it. So, I mean, fans have gotten bigger movies made. Deadpool is all thanks to the fans. So I'm saying we'll do it."
“We love each other, and we love this series, and we are so proud of the work that we did together that it would be wonderful to come back at do another one,” America told PEOPLEin 2019.
Who's starring in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 3?
Image via Warner Bros. Entertainment
If Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 3 did happen, it would definitely feature America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel. These four women are the heartbeat of the story, and it wouldn't be able to happen without them! We'd also love to see returning cast members like Leonardo Nam as Brian, Lucy Hale as Effie, Michael Rady as Kostas, and Jesse Williams as Leo.
How many Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants are there?
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series by Ann Brashares has five books in total: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Second Summer of the Sisterhood, Girls in Pants, Forever in Blue, and Sisterhood Everlasting. Each story brings Bridget, Lena, Carmen, and Tibby back together for transformation, connection, and a summer that changes the course of their lives.
Who does Lena end up with in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants?
Image via Warner Bros. Entertainment
Lena ends up with Kostas in both the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies and books, but the way in which she ends up with him changes in the adaptation. In the films, Lena and Kostas get together after they reunite in Greece (and the other girls help convince Lena to forgive him for a past hurt). In the book series, Lena finds him at his farm in Pennsylvania.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 3 isn't the only threequel we're hoping for — Princess Diaries 3 is also reportedly in the works! Are there any other sequels or spinoffs you want to see in 2024? Let us know in the comments.
Lead image viaBlake Lively/Instagram
We'll never get enough of New Year's Eve outfits that consist of sequins, glitter, and metallics, but we've noticed how easy it is to show up to a NYE party in outfits that exclusively feature those sparkly details. This year, break away from the usual mirrorball look for colors, textures, and silhouettes that will set you apart from the crowd. From velvet to tulle (and some sequins and glitter, too, because we couldn't resist), these unexpected lookswill look amazing with your New Year's cocktails and set your 2024 up for success.
Dresses For Your New Year's Eve Outfit
Rumored Imperial Midi Dress
This midi dress flaunts a deep navy blue that just screams luxury. For a more upscale New Year's Eve outfit, this piece is a total one-and-done.
A New Day Faux Leather Bodycon Dress
Shopping for the unexpected? Say no more – this faux leather dress will suit you up perfectly.
Urban Outfitters Charlotte Mini Dress
This fruity frock exhibits the colors of Christmas, but we think it's a much sweeter choice for New Year's Eve. 😉
Trina Turk Moonrise Dress
NYE parties always remind us of The Great Gatsby, so dressing in this golden number before the ball drops will definitely amp up the energy.
Ava & Viv Pleated Satin Midi A-Line Dress
You want to stand out from the crowd – this metallic dress is at your service!
Hutch Jazzy Dress
Jewel tones like this greenish-blue color make perfect building blocks for a New Year's Eve outfit. We adore the contrasting materials from floral pattern on this style!
Torrid Midi Glitter Knit Surplice Slit Tie Dress
All you had to say was "glitter." Consider us sold on this NYE-ready ensemble.
Rdalamal Denim Embellished Shirt Dress
A shirt dress, shiny tights, and cute, comfy heels make for the ultimate New Year's Eve outfit formula. This shirt dress has that extra oomph from some tiny silver embellishments.
Urban Outfitters Chloe Satin Slip Dress
This slip has enough visual appeal that you could wear it alone. The color! The sheen! The lace! It's just all toocute. If you need more coverage, pair it with a light cardigan or trendy bolero.
Free People Deia Midi
Velvet was made for winter outfits, and this bright cherry red dares to stand out in the best way possible.
By Anthropologie Long-Sleeve A-Line Sweater Mini Dress
We love sweater dresses because they're so lazy girl-coded. And we are lazy girls! This mini-length pink style would go great with some tights (of any color, really) and knee-high boots.
Tops For Your New Year's Eve Outfit
NIA Dominic Top
Off-the-shoulder silhouettes are always gonna feel flirty, so if that's the vibe you're rockin' with this New Year's Eve, opt for a fun top like this one from NIA! We can see this piece working super well with a basic mini skirt and black boots.
Out From Under Luna Sheer Lace Mock Neck Top
For a trendier New Year's Eve outfit, sheer materials are all the rage. We adore how wintery this blue color is, and once you match it with a maxi denim skirt and platform shoes, heads will be turning.
Madewell Sequin Square-Neck Cami
Of course, sequins cannot be forgotten when it comes to New Year's Eve. This cami will essentially make you look like a human disco ball – AKA the life of the party!
Lisa Says Gah Dana Long Sleeve Tee
If your New Year's celebration is anything like ours, there will be plenty of New Year's Eve cocktails floating around – martinis included. Honor the spirit in this comfy long sleeve that'll keep you going all night!
Free People Star Shine Tank
It's New Year's Eve. There's bound to be stars, glitter, and pizzazz afoot, so match the vibe with this darling starry sweater tank! It would look iconic with pants and sneakers if you're leaning more casual for the festivities. Dress it up easily with tights and a mini skirt!
Kimchi Blue Ivy Lace-Inset Cami
Make a play on one of this year's biggest trends and tie your top up with these adorable bows!
Free People Vee Tank
This loosely-knit mesh tank reminds us of the sequin bags of the 2000s, and we're so here for it! This piece allows you to show some skin, if you tend to dress lightly for parties.
By Anthropologie Long-Sleeve Textured Buttondown Top
This top is incredibly cozy, but it still has a ton of elegant details to make it dressy – the ruffles, collar, and button-up front are just gorgeous.
Future Collective Long Sleeve Sweetheart Corset Top
This corset top brings some nice structure to your New Year's Eve outfit. The squared neckline gives femininity and elegance, plus it'll photograph so beautifully for all the Instagram pics you'll be snappin'.
Bottoms For Your New Year's Eve Outfit
Gap Metallic Vegan Leather Mini Skirt
This silvery skirt is made from vegan leather, and it's super pliable, moving with your bod throughout every party era.
Reformation Edda Silk Skirt
Like vegan leather and sequins, silk should be considered as a top fabric for New Year's Eve looks. This skirt boasts a delicate sheen that can be easily styled with a matching or contrasting top. Wear it with some Mary Janes to bring forth a cutie coquette vibe.
Wild Fable High-Rise Straight Leg Faux Leather Cargo Pants
If pants are more your vibe this year, go dramatic with this high-waisted pair. The merlot-like color will be a totally unexpected style stunt!
Gap High Rise Pleated Wide-Leg Trousers
These comfortable trousers are still dressed-up enough to wear to work parties or more high-end get-togethers. When all other New Year's Eve outfit ideas fail, matching sets really save the day. Once the holiday is over, you'll have two cute separates to style for the rest of the year!
NIA Amanda Skort
The folded-over waistband on this skort is a total vibe, and infuses more of a casual look into your New Year's Eve outfit. We're head-over-heels for pairing it with white knee-high socks and ballet flats.
BDG Bella Baggy Patch Metallic Wash Pocket Jean
The metallic detailing on these loose jeans is giving acid wash, but way cooler. The reflective look will pair so seamlessly with the celebratory energy of NYE.
Urban Outfitters Joan Corduroy Belted Mini Skirt
Corduroy is another material that just seems made for winter. This green corduroy skirt pokes at the utility aesthetic in the most stylish way! Style it with tights, a cropped turtleneck, and combat boots for your function.
Free People Slim Pull-On Velvet Flare Pants
The flare on these pants feels uber-festive, and the shiny seaming will only add to the NYE vibe.
Pilcro Surplice Kilt
Pleated everything, please! This unique mini skirt stands out with contrasting stitching and stylishly tight pleats.
Accessories For Your New Year's Eve Outfit
Madewell The Mini Bag
Tiny bags only add to that party confidence, and this one can surprisingly fit a lot.
Matsuura Co. Bailey's Bubble Headband
Elegant gatherings call for pearls! This thick headband is sure to draw eyes.
Lexi Mod Femme Chain Belt
This chain belt is like jewelry for your waist. We love the delicate look of this silver one, and it's gonna work great with dresses and skirts alike.
Uncommon James Girl Boss Earrings
These hoops are not your regular hoops. The square shape creates such a unique look for your New Year's Eve outfit.
Lisa Says Gah Carrie Bow Sandal
It's all about bows, baby! These low-heeled sandals come in silver or red to accompany your NYE 'fit.
A New Day Mini Flap Satchel Handbag
This metallic handbag will look stunning alongside a more subdued look, like a black pantsuit or maxi dress.
Urban Outfitters Star Fishnet Tights
We are obsessed with these tights! The stars! The lace! They're the perfect pair to wear under mini skirts.
A New Day Velvet Ribbon Bow Hair Barrette
Adorn your locks with none other than this velvet bow to really get the holiday vibes goin'.
By Anthropologie Lindy Woven Velvet Clutch
This snug and soft clutch will make the cutest companion as you continue to party-hardy!
Free People Queen Of Hearts Bow
This frilly hair bowwill never fail to add a feminine air to your seasonal looks.
Tag us with your New Year's outfits on Instagram and check out our email newsletter for the latest holiday content!
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Images via brands.
This post has been updated.