8 Unexpected Party Themes for Your 30th Birthday

Ariel Garneau
Aug 01, 2018

How many parties have you been to recently with the same nice-yet-predictable theme? At this point, there’s nothing original about a ’90s party, even if does mean you get to wear your awesome collection of polka dot leggings. You could host a simple throwback birthday shindig or go just go with a colorful palette, but if it’s for your 30th it needs to be LEGIT. Instead of doing the same old, same old, go with one of these fresh and exciting new themes for your 30th birthday celebration.

1. Retro Roller Disco: Gather the squad for some roller derby action and bust out the jams and disco balls. Bonus points for jumpsuits, big hair, and way too much eyeshadow. (via Inspired by This)

2. Sorority House: Maybe you never joined one, maybe you were your chapter president — doesn’t matter. Everyone must wear matching twin-sets and pose for elaborate photos with Greek letters. If you’re smart about it, you’ll get a fratty group to join in later. (via My Paper Shop)

3. Disney Princesses: It would be cruel to just pick one. Instead, transform the event space into a castle and plan for cartoon royalty to make an appearance. Couples should show up as dynamic duos, with song and dance numbers highly encouraged. (via Brit + Co)

4. Galentine’s Day Waffle Brunch: Sure, it may not be February 13th, but what better excuse to celebrate the women (and waffles!) in your life than your birthday. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

5. Lilly Pulitzer: Finally, an opportunity to use every single color of tableware you have. Pink cutlery? Do it. Funky florals? You better be using those. Oh, and don’t forget the bold and punchy citrus. Slowly but surely, you’ll be able to pull together a playful party full of pattern-heavy shift dresses.(via Krystal Zaskey Photography / Every Last Detail)

6. Retro Dinner: Milkshakes, juke box classics, and a whole lot of poodle skirts. How else would you describe a malt shop in the ’50s? For fashion inspiration, your guests should refer to The Valley of the Dolls.(via Hostess With the Mostess)

7. Coachella: Tickets are legit expensive, and getting time off work to go is tricky. BUT, you can recreate the Indio Desert in your backyard, complete with rich textiles, a wicked playlist, and a whole lot of tassel fringe. (via Kara’s Party Ideas)

8. ’90s Sleepover Party: Okay, so there IS a way to do throwback in an original way. Between the pajamas and old school movie and TV picks, your Saved By The Bell-inspired get-together will be all the rage. (via Aww Sam)

Follow us on Pinterest for more party themes and other entertaining inspiration.

24 Brunch Party Ideas To Keep The Fun Going All Morning Long

Brunch is a decadent ritual. Late mornings full of sticky syrup and bottomless mimosas (!) are all fun and games until you receive the dreaded bill from your local spot. It's not that the food's not good, it's just expensive. We're here to *happily* report that you can save some dough and take the brunch party inside by hosting your own at home! Here are the best recipes and brunch party ideas to enlist for your next brunch time shenanigans!

What do you serve at a brunch party?

Any dish you can break up into smaller servings or finger foods are good for serving at a brunch party. Think mini pancakes, sausage links, breakfast sandwiches, and more.

What activities do you do at brunch?

Playing games, serving food, drinking mimosas, and visiting with friends and family are all activities that you can do at brunch.

How do you throw a casual and fun brunch party?

Keep things low-key for throwing a fun and casual brunch party – first, send out some simple invites to your inner circle and set a realistic budget for the party. You don’t have to necessarily go for a theme or full-fledged party. As long as brunch foods are involved, your guests will feel welcome.

What are some easy brunch party ideas for hosting at home?

You could organize a pancake bar, a coffee station, or a decorate-your-own donut set-up for an at-home brunch party.

Brunch Party Recipe Ideas

Here are some of our favorite recipes for when you wanna be the brunch hostess with the mostess!

Ultimate Spring Brunch Board

Let your brunch party guests have at it. This sharable brunch board hits all the marks – with sweet and savory bites included. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Easy Vegan Strawberry Tart

These single-serving tarts make feeding a crowd unbelievably easy, especially since they're made with only 10 ingredients. (via The Edgy Veg)

Breakfast Fruit Salad

Luckily, there's not much to making fruit salad. Just toss your favorite fruits in a massive bowl with a ladle, and consider your brunch party side dish done! (via Live Eat Learn)

French Toast Casserole

This *iconic* french toast casserole is made in one pan, plus there's an option for the lazy hosts to let the dish sit overnight before baking. So, if your A.M. routine feels like a Manic Monday every day, all you need to do is pop the prepped casserole in the oven, and voila! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Stuffed Waffle Breakfast Sandwich

This breakfast sandwich truly delivers the best of both worlds. Each stack is comprised of savory bacon, egg, and cheese, plus sweet waffles and syrup for that *ultimate* flavor balance. For a brunch party, simply prep all of the ingredients, then let your guests build their own sammie! (via Rachel Mansfield)

Breakfast Potatoes

Dressing up some diced potatoes with bell peppers, onion, and jalapeño spruces up a familiar brunch recipe that'll please pretty much everyone at the table. Bonus points for making big batches for your brunch party! (via This Wife Cooks)

Lemon Sugar Rolls with Vanilla Cream Cheese Icing

You know (and love) cinnamon rolls – now get ready for something even sweeter and tangier: lemon rolls! This ooey-gooey recipe is ideal for a brunch party because it brings some good 'ol share-worthy pull-apart goodness to the table. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Shakshuka

Hear us out: you could host a dippable brunch party. Sounds tasty, right? First up on your menu should be this shakshuka recipe, a prime dish to dip some toast into for those hard-hitting morning munchies. Next up, dippable biscotti cookies! (via Brit + Co.)

Funfetti Biscotti

Coffee + pastries is the *best* breakfast combo on the weekends, so why not opt for a coffee brewing bar paired with a bake like these colorful biscottis? Your weekend warrior pals will totally dig it! (via Barley & Sage)

Ricotta Biscuits

These luscious biscuits recall Southern home cooking in every good way possible. Each bite is equal parts cushy and crunchy, the perfect contender for a hearty gravy bath at brunch. (via Cozy Cravings)

Sheet Pan Pancakes

This sheet pan recipe is a *total* time saver when it comes to a brunch party! It beats pouring out individual pancakes and waiting for each one to cook by miles. Just don't forget the syrup! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Japanese Fruit Sandwich (Sando)

Japanese sandos are prime picking for brunch because they carry a light, airy, and fruity flavor that just makes mornings better. No matter the type of fruit you use, you can always count on this dish to taste balanced and refreshing. Plus, it's painfully easy to make. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Sausage Hash Brown Casserole

If you're up to feed a large group, casseroles are the #1 move. This brunch-forward recipe idea compiles cheese, sausage, hash browns, and more to form a creative (and communal) dish. (via Culinary Hill)

Millionaire's Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

This brunch party recipe did not come to play. It mixes sticky sweet icing in with caramelized bacon that makes every decadent mouthful feel truly fit for a millionaire. Take care to make extra dozens for your party's company! (via Brit + Co.)

Easy Breakfast Yogurt Bake

We have to admit, we've never thought of baking yogurt, but now we see the light with this recipe. The dish brings a beneficial amount of protein to any brunch function, plus it can easily be cut up into individual portions for serving the whole table. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Citrus Fruit Cups

These fruit cups are genius for brunch party spreads. It's as simple as staging as many cups as you need for the party the night before, storing them in the fridge, and serving! (via Amanda Wilens)

Berry Bulgur Breakfast Bake

Bulgur is extremely similar to oatmeal or grits, making it a supremely healthy pick for a brunch party! Cook a large amount for your guests to eat on over time – this recipe calls for blueberries and strawberries, but you can add whatever you're feelin' in the moment. (via Live Eat Learn)

Healthy Breakfast Egg Muffins

Starbucks' egg bites? Never heard of 'em. This recipe toes the line of being a copycat, except *totally* better than what you can get your hands on in the drive-thru. The cups are prepped in a muffin tin, so you can create countless numbers of the savory breakfast bite. (via Salt & Lavender)

Healthy Breakfast Cookies

Cookies for breakfast have to be the best thing since sliced bread, TBH. What's even more desirable about this recipe is that it's health-focused, so you don't lose track of your goals at breakfast. Make some for your brunch party guests to take home once the festivities are done! (via The Endless Meal)

Ultimate Breakfast Tacos

Because only a crazy person would say 'no' to breakfast tacos. For your brunch get-together, you can prep the additions separately, then have your attendees build their own tacos! (via Cozy Cravings)

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Header image via The Girl On Bloor

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This "Wednesday" Season 2 Set Picture Confirms Who's Returning — And Who Isn't

We might have been in our Barbie era last year, but we're already looking forward to season 2 of Wednesday in all its lacy, gothic glory. The first season offered the perfect balance of spooky horror, friendships, and romance, and it looks like the next installment will give us even MORE classic Tim Burton details we love. Keep reading to see what lead actress Jenna Ortega has to say about Wednesday season 2!

Who's in the Wednesday season 2 cast?

Image via Helen Sloan/Netflix

Netflix just posted this brand new photo from set and it confirms the Wednesday season 2 cast list! We now know for sure that we'll see Georgie Farmer, Victor Dorobantu, Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nayo, Joy Sunday, Owen Painter, Emma Myers, Billie Piper, Jenna Ortega, Evie Templeton, Luis Guzmán, Isaac Ordonez, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alfred Gough, Noah Taylor, Miles Millar, Tim Burton, Steve Buscemi, Moosa Mostafa, and Hunter Doohan in season 2 of Wednesday. Deadline confirmed that season 1 regulars Percy Hynes White, Jamie McShane and Naomi J Ogawa will not be returning.

We know that Jenna Ortega will return as Wednesday, but during her Actors on Actors chat with Elle Fanning, Fanning REALLY wants to know if Weems (the principal of Wednesday's Nevermore Academy, played by Game of Thrones' Gwendoline Christie) will return, Ortega doesn't hesitate to voice how much she loved working with the actress: "I would die to work with Gwendolyn Christie for the rest of my life."

"Wednesday's relationship with Weems is one of my favorite because they're very, very different women and they're constantly against each other but simultaneously they both want to watch each other's successes," she continues. "And Gwendolyn being as talented as she is, she's just really, really a pleasure to work with, so I'm doing everything in my power to throw out the most insane plots that would possibly bring this woman back from the dead." Never say never!

Is season 2 Wednesday going to be scary?

Wednesday. Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in episode 104 of Wednesday. Image via Netflix.

"We’re definitely expanding on the supernatural world," Jenna Ortega tells Vanity Fair. "Our show had all sorts of werewolves and vampires and da-ta-da. And I think we expand on that a little bit."

"In the first season we had episodes that really stood out visually, like the dance episode was a really big one for people, and that setting was very particular and it felt like Prom Night, a little bit, or Carrie," she continues. "Every episode [of season two] that I’ve read so far is like that. It just stands out on its own as a very memorable scene or bit or setting, which I think is what I’m most excited for."

What is Wednesday season 2 about?

Wednesday. (L to R) Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams, Emma Myers as Enid Sinclair in episode 102 of Wednesday. Image via Netflix.

"We've had a lot of conversations and I think we've decided things that we definitely want to enhance or dive a little bit deeper in," Ortega says during her Actors on Actors interview with Elle Fanning.

In addition to leading the cast, Ortega is serving as producer this time around. She's mentioned how collaborative and welcoming series director Tim Burton has been throughout the whole process, and how excited she is to voice her own ideas. "I think we want to lean into the horror aspect of the show a little bit more because it is so lighthearted," she continues. "A show like this, you know, with vampires and werewolves and superpowers, [you don't] want to take yourself too seriously. So I think that we're ditching any romantic love interest for Wednesday which is really great, and then also we have such incredible female leads in the show."

On January 15, Jenna Ortega revealed she's got her hands on the first few scripts for Wednesday season 2. “We’re definitely leaning into a little bit more horror,” Ortega tells E! News. "There’s really, really good one-liners and I think everything’s bigger. It’s a lot more action-packed. Each episode will probably feel a little bit more like a movie, which is nice.”

When is the season 2 Wednesday release date?

Wednesday. (L to R) Naomi j Ogawa as Yoko Tanaka, Oliver Watson as Kent, Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams, Hunter Doohan as Tyler Galpin, Georgie Farmer as Ajax Petropolus, Joy Sunday as Bianca Barclay in episode 108 of Wednesday. Image via Vlad Cioplea/Netflix.

You'll be able to stream Wednesday season 2 on Netflix, which is where you can watch season 1 right now! We don't have an official release date but we hope to see the new season in late 2024 or early 2025!

Where is Wednesday season 2 filmed?

Wednesday. Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in episode 106 of Wednesday. Image via Vlad Cioplea/Netflix.

Via Deadline, season 2 of Wednesday has moved from Romania (where they shot season 1) to Ireland. They're reportedly aiming to start filming in April. Considering last season began shooting in September 2021 and premiered in November 2022, we're expecting to see Wednesday season 2 at the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025.

How old is Wednesday Addams?

Wednesday. Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in episode 101 of Wednesday. Image via Netflix.

Wednesday Addams is 15 years old at the beginning of the Netflix series. This version of the character is older than other versions, and in the past, we've seen her at six years old and 13.

Are you excited for season 2 of Wednesday? What do you think about the series adding more horror elements? Let us know in the comments and check out the rest of the New TV Shows coming this year!

Lead image via Netflix

This post has been updated.

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19 Ways to Throw a Winning DIY Oscar Party

Attention movie lovers: it's Oscar season! March 10th kicks off the 96th annual Academy Awards, which is just another reason to get your pals together for a fancy movie-inspired night in. Plan some small bites, make-ahead cocktails and pop in the popcorn for a night filled with glamorous style, inspiring speeches, favorite clips with laughter and tears thrown into the mix. In fact, we've done a little party planning of our own. Feel free to copy us and party it up Oscars style with these brilliant DIYs.

Invites

May we have the envelope, please? Every great party has to start with some glam invitations. (via Twig and Thistle)

Oscar Gold Backdrop

This backdrop takes about 5 minutes to get up but really makes an impact in any room or photo. (via Brit + Co)

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Channel 1940s Olympic swimmer turned movie star Esther Williams with these adorable swim caps. (via Brit + Co)

Ticket Roll Bowl

Yes, that really is just a roll of tickets. This is such an innovative way to make a fun movie-themed bowl. (via Buggie & Jellybean)

Gold Heart Piñata

Getting sick of commercial break after commercial break? Take a breather and take turns hitting this shiny beauty! We recommend filling it with some movie theater-esque treats for the ultimate themed party. (via Studio DIY)

Popcorn Bar

Though this awesome popcorn bar is more fit for an outdoor party, you could easily create your own on a decorated table indoors. While you're at it, check out some tasty popcorn hacks to add to your spread. (via Hostess With the Mostess)

Printable Popcorn Boxes

Printables are definitely a dream come true for any busy DIYer. These bright and colorful boxes would be a perfect addition to your popcorn bar! (via Design Eat Repeat)

Vintage Photo Booth Backdrop

A photo booth that's both vintage and movie-related? Yes, please! (PS: We're huge fans of the popcorn cones she's holding. Those would also be great for the popcorn bar.) (via Kelly Golightly)

Paper Oscar Statuettes

If you're going for a sophisticated viewing party, this elegant statuette will feel at home on your table. (via Twig & Thistle)

Glitter-Dipped Bottles

Glitter is always a welcome addition to any affair. Add some pizzazz to your drinks with these glitter-dipped bottles. Our super adaptable tutorial would work well for wine and Champagne glasses as well. (via Brit + Co)

Gold Star Garland

Are your walls looking bare? Sparkle them up with this festive garland. (via Green Wedding Shoes)

Balloon Awards

If you feel like the Oscar statuette is way overrated, give awards to your guests with these festive balloons instead! (via Studio DIY)

Film Reel Cupcakes

These tasty treats are perfect for those with a hankering for something sweet. (via Make Life Lovely)

Award Show Gift Printable

Make like the real thing and send all your guests home with a swag bag — these printable stickers are the perfect finishing touch. (via Elegance & Enchantment)

Oscars Bingo

Keep everyone focused on the ceremony no matter how long it drags on with these v. entertaining Bingo cards. (via Julie Blanner)

Awards Season Tablescape

For a swanky affair, set a stunning tablescape: Lots of gold and black silk are in order, and maybe some confetti. (via Pizzazzerie)

Oscars Viewing Cocktail

Keep the drink menu simple with a cocktail that you can make in batches. The gold sugar rim really drives the glam home! (via Blissfully Domestic)

Printable Temporary Tattoos

Add these to your gift bags, or stick 'em on your guests as they arrive! (via Squirelly Minds)

DIY Celeb Confetti

Little. Tiny. Celebrity. Faces. (via Sugar and Charm)

Planning your own red-carpet Oscar viewing party? Make sure to 'Gram it and tag us @BritandCo!

(Additional reporting by Ariel Garneau and Theresa Gonzalez)

This article has been updated.

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Elle Fanning & Timothée Chalamet Get Cozy In Leaks From "A Complete Unknown"

Austin Butler as Elvis, Selena Gomez as Linda Rondstat, and now Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan — there will never be enough biopics for me! (The real question is when are we going to get a Taylor Swift movie?). When pictures from the set of the new Bob Dylan movie, A Complete Unknown, hit Twitter, I had to do a double take because Timothée Chalamet looks so much like the musician I couldn't believe my eyes!

Timothée is going to be joined by Met Gala queen Elle Fanning, as well as Top Gun superstar Monica Barbaro. Here's everything you need to know about the movie — and our favorite Bob Dylan songs to listen to while you wait for its release.

Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet In "A Complete Unknown"

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Elle Fanning totally embodies the late '60s vibe in this fall outfit. The bold maroon blazer, the long straight hair, and the striped turtleneck — I love it all! Elle is starring this Bob Dylan movie as Sylvie Russo, a university student and artist Bob falls for in the '60s.

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Thanks to some onset leaks, we also got a glimpse of the movie's version of The Freewheelin'! Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet look incredible as Sylvia Russo and Bob Dylan. I'm a sucker for any kind of recreation, so seeing this new version of the classic record cover is incredible!!

Monica Barbaro Sings Her Heart Out

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We also got a look at Monica Barbaro as singer-songwriter Joan Baez, who was one of the first major artists in the 1960s to record Bob Dylan's music!

The First Pictures From Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan Movie

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Timothée Chalamet has totally transformed into Bob Dylan on the set of A Complete Unknown. And when I saw the pictures of Timothée carrying the guitar my jaw dropped!! He completely engrossed himself in Wonka and Dune 2 and I'm so excited to see him do the same for this Bob Dylan movie.

What is the movie about Bob Dylan called?

Images via H. Thompson/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie is called A Complete Unknown. As of March 2024, the movie is filming around New York City, and James Mangold is serving as director (you might recognize his name from Logan, Girl, Interrupted, and Walk the Line). The movie will reportedly cover the period during the 1960s when Bob Dylan shifted from folk to rock'n'roll, changing the face of pop culture (and culture in general, TBH), forever.

"When that movie finally comes out, people are going to be shocked because you're going to think you're hearing Bob Dylan sing," vocal coach Eric Vetro tells PEOPLE. "[Timothée Chalamet] just has this uncanny ability to not impersonate, but really breathe life into it. He's embodying Bob Dylan and what he was like at that age."

Who else is in A Complete Unknown with Timothée Chalamet?

Images via Amy Sussman/Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute

The A Complete Unknown cast is incredible! Alongside Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, we'll see Top Gun: Maverick's Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, and Nick Offerman as Alan Lomax.

When is the Bob Dylan movie coming out?

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

We don't have an official release date for A Complete Unknown. However, since filming has already commenced, there's a good chance we'll see the movie in the fall of 2025. And since Timothée Chalamet has been seen in turtlenecks, hats, and jackets on set, this sounds like the perfect fall movie to me!

I always need some brand new music to listen to once the weather gets chilly, and I will for sure be listening to anything Timothée records.

What song did Bob Dylan write for a movie?

Image via Christopher Polk/Getty Images for VH1

Bob Dylan wrote "Things Have Changed" for the 2000 movie Wonder Boys, which starred Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, and Katie Holmes. This Bob Dylan song ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Original Songand the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song!

"Knockin' On Heaven's Door," which is arguably the singer's most popular track, was released two months after the 1973 premiere of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid as a part of the film's soundtrack.

What are some other Bob Dylan songs to listen to?

Image via Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

I totally agree that one of the best Bob Dylan songs is "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," but "Blowin' In The Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'" are also great songs to listen to if you're a new Bob Dylan fan. So far, "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is my personal favorite song.

His style is the perfect blend of rock and folk that reminds me of summer picnics and walks in the woods. His sound also reportedly inspired Taylor Swift's Folklore!

What are you most excited to see in Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie A Complete Unknown? Check out our Facebook for more movie news!

Images via Pietro S. D'Aprano/Getty Images for L'Oreal Paris/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

This post has been updated.

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"Sweet Magnolias" Season 4 Is Officially Filming!

Like any good comfort show, Sweet Magnolias feels like a warm hug (even if it's a nice spring day — the show is just that good!). Watching this series feels like drinking the perfect glass of iced tea...plus it'll make you appreciate your female friendships even more than you already do. Somehow, it's been almost a year since we saw Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen, but the good news is that our favorite ladies are back in action because Sweet Magnolias Season 4 is officially filming! Here's everything to know about the new TV show.

Will there be Sweet Magnolias season 4?

Image via Netflix

Yes, we're getting a Sweet Magnolias season 4! The senior season was confirmed in October of 2023 after season 3 dropped in July. I can't wait to see what all our favorite Serenity residents are up to this time around!

When is Sweet Magnolias season 4 coming out?

Image via Netflix

Sweet Magnolias season 4 started filming in February of 2024. Based on the timeline for season 3 (which released a year after it filmed), we could see it in February 2025!

How many episodes are in season 4 of Sweet Magnolias?

Image via Netflix

Considering all three seasons of Sweet Magnolias have ten episodes, it's safe to assume Sweet Magnolias season 4 will have 10 episodes total. But we'll have to see if Netflix drops them all at one time, or if they do a two-part premiere like they're doing with Bridgerton!

Who's in the Sweet Magnolias cast this year?

Image via Netflix

We'll see JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliott, and Heather Headley return as our titular Sweet Magnolias, and I hope we see Logan Allen, Anneliese Judge, Carson Rowland, and Jamie Lynn Spears too!

What is Sweet Magnolias season 4 about?

Image via Netflix

Even though season 3 ended on a high note, showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson promises there will be more drama in the future (which feels true to life — when is there never not drama IRL?).

Sweet Magnolias season 4 will examine "the twists and turns of romance, the complexity of friendship, the surprises that pop up in life," she tells TUDUM, "and how all these things make us more grateful for the people who love us, the people who fight for — and with — us, and the people who can make us laugh, whatever we’re going through.”

“True friendship is a living thing: It has to change and grow as we do," she continues. "And that’s not always easy. But that’s what makes it beautiful.”

Check back here for the latest news on Sweet Magnolias season 4!

Lead image via Netflix

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