5 Ways to Watermelon a Party

Anita Yung
May 17, 2016
watermelon party

Few things are sweeter than a crisp bite of watermelon and some good ol' sunshine, so dust off those BBQs and pump those summer playlists because swimsuit weather is on its way back (from what felt like a long trip far, far away). With Memorial Day around the corner, not only do we have you covered with weekend essentials and an inexpensive way to upgrade your Memorial Day 'fit, but we've also come up with five easy and affordable ways (plus a few snazzy tricks and tips) to add a little watermelon to your Welcome Summer soiree.

Watermelon Stamped Tablecloth

Line your table with this fun and simple watermelon stamped drop cloth. You can find these inexpensive drop cloths in the painting aisle at your local hardware store.

Materials:
— paintbrush

— acrylic paint

— drop cloths

— styrofoam circle

We found this circular styrofoam at our local craft store, which provided the perfect two-inch-diameter circle for our mini watermelon stamp. Use your paintbrush to paint an even layer of pink or red onto your stamp and press the painted side down onto the drop cloth. Use your clean paintbrush and outline your circle with a shade of green for the watermelon rind.

Paint small black watermelon seeds with your paintbrush, and repeat these steps until your drop cloth has a smattering of cute mini watermelons!

Minty Watermelon Coconut Sorbet

This is the perfect marriage between a watermelon slushie and creamy coconut milk. Let's not forget the mint, which adds a refreshing yet subtle kick.

Ingredients:

  • 1 mini watermelon
  • 1/2 can coconut milk
  • 2-3 pitted dates
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped mint leaves
  • juice 1 lime

Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to scoop your watermelon into the blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a small pot and heat for five minutes to get the sugars to slightly caramelize. Pour back in the blender and add half of a can of coconut milk. Next, add 2-3 pitted dates (the number can vary depending on desired sweetness). Blend until smooth.

Squeeze juice of one lime and add about two tablespoons of chopped-up mint leaves. Add a splash of vanilla extract and blend once more. Give it a taste, and add more dates or mint if needed. Pour sorbet mixture into a cake pan, cover with Saran wrap and place in the freezer for 3-4 hours.

Watercolor Watermelon Cone Sleeves

Though this is kind of a throwback to our childhood painting days, it can be a fun activity for your guests to make as well! Set up a painting station at the table and give each guest a watermelon printable to watercolor for their sorbet cone.

Materials:

  • watermelon printable
  • paintbrush
  • watercolor paints
  • scissors
  • ice cream cones
  • tape
  • water

Print out a few pages of our free watermelon cone printable on white paper. Dip your paintbrush into water then your watercolor palette, and paint within the lines. Cut out each watermelon shape, wrap around the ice cream cone and tape down the line.

Watermelon al Fresco

It doesn’t get easier than this recipe. Plus this drink looks good, tastes good, smells good and feels good. An all-around winner.

Ingredients (makes one glass):
  • 3 cups cubed watermelon
  • 1 can sparkling water
  • 1-2 limes
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • mint leaves for garnish

Blend your watermelon cubes, one can of sparkling water, 1/4 cup of sugar and the juice of a lime in a blender until smooth.

Pour into a glass, add a lime wheel, mint for garnish, some ice and a fun straw. Super easy!

Fresh Basil, Watermelon and Heirloom Tomato Salad

This is another simple recipe for the books, and it’s a great appetizer!

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 watermelon
  • basil leaves
  • juice 2 limes
  • feta cheese
  • heirloom tomatoes
  • a few pinches of sea salt
  • 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar

This salad is almost too easy. Slice your heirloom tomatoes and cube your watermelon. Place them on a serving platter. Tear or chop some basil leaves, then sprinkle the basil and some feta cheese on top. Next, douse with juice from two limes.

Top the salad with a generous sprinkle of sea salt and pour two tablespoons each of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Toss the salad and it's ready to serve!

Beautiful and delicious!

TIPS AND TRICKS:

— Cut out some geometric shapes on colored paper and tape them to a wall to create a fun backdrop.

— Lay some faux or real leaves on the table to create a tropical vibe.

— Add some stir sticks for more pops of color!

— Use the hollowed out watermelon halves as bowls, and fill them with candy for your guests to enjoy.

Show us your watermelon party by tagging us on Instagram + using the hashtag #iamcreative!

DIY Production and Styling: Anita Yung

Photography: Chris Andre

This DIY Flower Backdrop Wall Is *Perfect* for Spring Parties

You can never have too many flowers. Crowns, cakes, even a wardrobe staple — it doesn’t matter; we love ’em all. This DIY bloom backdrop is no exception to that. Below, find all the steps you need to turn your fave florals into a stunning statement piece. (We’re thinking backdrop for a Prosecco bar or a standalone photo wall!) Scroll below to get the details.

What You'll Need:

  • metal hooks
  • clear fishing line
  • flowers

Instructions:

  1. Screw the hook into your ceiling.
  2. Hang fishing line over the hook. Tie a knot against the hook to secure it.
  3. Tie a knot around the back of each flower head and stem, allowing them to hang a couple of inches apart
  4. Voila! Display your flower wall against a white wall, or a wall in a color that contrasts with the flowers to make them pop.

If you make this DIY flower wall, show us! Just tag us @BritandCo, and while you're at it, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter!

This article has been updated.

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15 Stunning Zillow Houses For Sale That Only Chuck And Blair Could Afford

I love looking at Zillow listings as much as the best of us, but absolutely nobody loves daydreaming about all the outrageously beautiful (and costly) houses for sale more than my mother-in-law. She finds the most gorgeous gems across the country, saving them all for when she inevitably wins the lottery (if anyone would, it's her TBH) and can take her pick of the housing litter. Instead of gatekeeping these jaw-dropping homes, I had her send them my way so I can share them with you! So without further ado, here are 15 of most insanely stunning — and insanely expensive — Zillow houses for sale right now.

Beach Houses

Image via Zillow

East Hampton Beach Cottage

Cost: $44,500,000

The Hamptons are known for their clean, chic shingle architectural style, and this "cottage" is no exception to that. And while I absolutely adore the inside of this home, it's the grounds that really get me at the end of the day. Think about all the beautiful backyard dinner parties you could throw!

Image via Zillow

Destin Beach House Destination

Cost: $4,100,000​

Who needs a time share in Destin when you could own all this?! This airy, beautiful house takes coastal home style to the next level. I love the sandy, earthy tones paired with the light blues and open space. And for less than 10% of the Bridgehampton beauty above, this is basically a steal, right? 😉​

Image via Zillow

Marvelous Marco Island Getaway

Cost: $5,450,000

I vacation on Marco every year with my in-laws, but I can PROMISE you our one-bedroom timeshare (that I love) isn't anywhere near this stunning super home. Swipe through photos to see how gorgeously staged this multi-million dollar home is — I promise it won't disappoint!

Image via Zillow

Laguna Beach Beauty

Cost: $21,500,000

Obviously Laguna Beach is known for so much more than the hit MTV show, but I can't untangle the two. So in my mind, this is the home Lauren Conrad's parents worked on in Season 1 Episode 1 — a $20+ million dollar stunner that I would later stare at on Zillow. It's not true, but wouldn't it be fun?

Image via Zillow

California Dream House

Cost: $55,000,000

Not only is this a dream house because of how it looks, but also because I could only afford this in my literal wildest dreams. Unless someone decides to discover me on the New York streets for the funny, talented gal my parents think I am, this is strictly a mood board manifestation moment. (But, what if?!)

Image via Zillow

At Home In The Hamptons

Cost: $79,995,000

Oh, how I could wax poetic about this $80 million Bridgehampton beauty. Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Ya know...the one I would love to have in this very house? Just lounging, living luxuriously? That imaginary inheritance I daydream about could reaaaaaally come in handy right about now.

Image via Zillow

Fantastic Florida Beach Cottage

Cost: $9,950,000

In case you can't tell, none of these homes are "cottages" outside of their aesthetic. While this six bedroom, four bathroom may look humbler than the rest, the cost should indicate what we're working with here. Each room is so perfectly curated, and to have all this right in the heart of Naples is absolutely everything. I could see myself sitting by that fire for SURE.

Condos & Townhouses

Image via Zillow

Gorgeous Georgetown Condo

Cost: $5,495,000

DC is more than just Capitol Hill, and this Georgetown Condo proves it! The natural light, the natural wood accents, and the big, airy rooms make this home a welcomed reprieve in on of the busier U.S. cities. And while you're getting a lot in a small package (three bedrooms for $5+ million...😭), you're really paying for the neighborhood. Georgetown really is full of beautiful townhouses, great restaurants and bars, and overall good vibes.

Image via Zillow

Upper East Side Excellence

Cost: $65,000,000

Hello, Upper East Siders...Zillow Girl here! All jokes aside, this $65 million townhouse is giving all the old money luxe that Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf would settle into quite nicely. The molding, the wraparound staircases, and the sheer size alone are something else, but the biggest surprise here? TEN BATHROOMS. TEN!!!!!!

Image via Zillow

Totally Airy Brooklyn Townhouse

Cost: $6,950,000

Good new, girls! This totally killer townhouse had a $300,000 price cut last month, bringing it to...just under $7 million! While I try to fix my eye twitch after writing that, scroll through to see the gorgeousness that is this literal mid-century modern four-story home. It's like a little (big) oasis in the middle of the big city!

Image via Zillow

Beautiful Turn-Of-The-Century Brooklyn Townhouse

Cost: $6,995,000

I've said it once and I'll say it again: Carroll Gardens in my dream neighborhood. It's got all the Brooklyn charm with its brilliant brownstones, lively dining scene, and tree-lined streets. Plus, it's so incredibly close to Prospect Park for all your summer strolls with the kids or the dogs or yourself or whomever! And while I could go on and on about the location, the townhouse itself is kitschy with it's mix of classic and modern details.

Mountain And Lake Houses

Image via Zillow

Charming Wyoming Ranch House

Cost: $8,199,000

It feels a little silly to call a nearly $10 million home "charming," but here we are. This modern ranch-style mountain house looks unassuming from the outside. And the four-bedroom inside is really nice, too, don't get me wrong. But what really makes this worth it, if I had to guess? The freaking VIEW. Can you imagine sipping your coffee and staring off into that horizon every morning? Yes, please. I would like one of these.

Image via Zillow

Cozy North Carolina Castle

​Cost: $7,500,000

Ah yes, nothing cozier than a literal castle-sized house in Appalachia. In all seriousness, the dark wood accents give you that almost cabin-esque feel that the mountain range so obviously calls for. With 10 bedrooms, this is the perfect retreat for your family get-togethers! You can enjoy each other's company across the estate, or you could...find a little hiding spot and nobody would know the wiser. 😉​

Image via Zillow

Sante Fe Getaway

Cost: $3,375,000

The most affordable of the bunch, this single-story Sante Fe residence is a dream-come-true! You've got lake views, trails, and even a golf course if that's your thing! My personal favorite part of this lovely little home, however, is the wine cellar. Can you imagine being like, "Yeah, just go grab a bottle from the wine cellar"?! Like I said, dream-come-freaking-true!

Image via Zillow

Lovely Michigan Lake House

Cost: $3,649,000

The windows alone are enough to make this house the dreamiest escape, let alone the private and super exclusive access to Lake Michigan. This home may only have three bedrooms and four bathrooms, but each room feels intentional, spacious, and utterly luxurious. I'd definitely dip my toes in that water!

Looking for more home inspo? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter, and be sure to check out our storefront!

Header image via Zillow

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This Concrete Candle Holder DIY Was Made for Your Patio

You've been dreaming of the perfect way to up your patio game this spring. Well, we found it with these DIY candles in concrete candle holders. These gems are your ticket to making your space feel festive and LIT for all of your outdoor entertainingahead. Scroll through to see how you can create 'em in time for your next dinner party.

You'll need:

  • concrete mix
  • water
  • mold for candle holder (like a plastic cup)
  • placeholder (smaller plastic cup) & rocks to weigh it down
  • candles
  • x-acto knife
  • mixing bowl
  • painter's tape
  • paintbrush
  • paint or spray paint
Instructions: Choose your mold (like soap bottles, water bottles, or even yogurt containers) then select a placeholder that's slightly smaller in diameter than your candle mold.
Mix the concrete in a separate bowl (see packaging for how much water to add) and fill the mold with it.
Put the placeholder in the mold. (Pro tip: Spray the exterior of your placeholder with PAM cooking spray to make removing it easier). Add weights, like rocks, to make sure it stays in place.
Tap lightly until the concrete is settled and even and let it sit for approximately four hours. You’ll want to wait until the concrete feels firm enough to hold on its own without the placeholder.
Remove the placeholder from the concrete mold. Clean up the sides if necessary. Allow to dry for 24 more hours.
Once dry, cut from the bottom and peel away the mold.
Place the candle inside the concrete holder.
Optional: To add more flair, spruce it up with some paint. Use painters' tape to cover your candle and the area of the concrete you’d like to keep natural. Hand-paint or add spray paint for a fun pattern.
Let the paint dry and get ready to enjoy the stylish pop of ambiance they provide.

Are you planning on making DIY candles this spring? Let us know at @BritandCo!

(Photos via Brittany Griffin / Brit + Co)

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Shonda Rhimes Is Still Sad This “Princess Diaries 2” Scene Got Cut

Sequels that are just as good, if not better, than the original movie are one in a million, but if you ask me, Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement definitely tops the list. Anne Hathaway brings a whole new spunk and adultified sass to the freshly 21-year-old Mia Thermopolis, and Julie Andrews shines as Queen Clarisse! (Both on the karaoke stage and off ;)). Not to mention the movie also gave us the blueprint for contemporary enemies to lovers: Nicholas and Mia!

While Bridgerton producer Shonda Rhimes wasn't involved with the first movie, she was the writer for the second — and TBH, that's definitely a reason it's so good!

Image via Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

"I thought [Princess Diaries 2] would be a really fun thing to do and it turned out to be great," she tells Variety. "I always think it's funny now because I'm working with Julie Andrews now on Bridgerton, but I also spent time writing her as a queen in that movie, and so it was kind of great to get to work with her both times. It's also sort of come full circle in a weird way."

Shonda Rhimes goes on to explain one cut scene she remembers really fondly — and how Andrews' expert performance made it even more heartbreaking to cut. "That was pretty much one of my favorite scenes," she says. "It was this moment where Julie Andrews [has] had her heart broken, and some staff comes in and they start to ask her a question and she screams, 'Do I never get a moment to myself?!' and it was such an amazing moment the way she played it, and the elegance with which she did it. It's really about the pain of being a queen."

"She did it so well," Rhimes continues. "But in general, honestly, she's the nicest person you will ever meet and she was so nice to me, I was nervous to meet her, I was shaking, [but she's] so lovely."

After Julie Andrews sent the sweetest graduation gift to a fan, I'm not surprised to hear how incredible she is. I still have my fingers crossed that we'll see Julie Andrews in The Princess Diaries 3 — and that Shonda Rhimes will return as screenwriter.

What's your favorite scene from the Princess Diaries movies? The mattress surfing scene in Princess Diaries 2 is definitely one of the best movie moments of all time. If you're feeling nostalgic, check out 6 Nostalgic Movies That Feel Like Summer Vacation!

Lead image via Walt Disney Pictures/Buena Vista

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The 5 Most Comfortable Walking Sandals For Summer, Ranked

‘Tis the season to finally ditch our boots for something on the lighter side: sandals! Sandals season is the best season because it means putting the final touches on our outfits isn’t a total pain (ahem, looking at you, shoelaces and straps).

Warmer weather undoubtedly means more outside time, but we don’t necessarily want to be trodding around in heavy, sweaty walking shoes. That’s where walking sandals come in!

Sandalsneed to be comfy if we’re gonna be walking around in them. Our criteria for the perfect pair of walking sandals includes being able to withstand hours (and miles) of wear without any rubbing, sliding, or blistering. Of course, they need to be cute, too. Style is very hard to sacrifice when it comes to walking sandals, so we definitely prefer ours to be compatible with a variety of different outfits – from casual to more dressed-up.

The B+C team has tried and tested so many types of walking sandals over the years, and these 5 pairs came out on top for their ability to check the boxes for comfort, practicality, and style! Scroll on for thorough reviews of our go-to walking sandals.

Teva Women's Midform Universal Sandals

Comfort: 5/5

For B+C Head of Content, Ali, the Tevas Midform walking sandals are peak comfort. They boast a super soft foam footbed that has heel cupping and elevation around the arches for additional support.

“I’ve worn my Tevas to the ground,” she says. “The inch height boost is appreciated as someone who’s 5-feet 2-inches and they’re incredibly sturdy and cushiony.”

Practicality: 5/5

Ali can walk miles on miles in these easy walking sandals.

“They’ve become my quintessential everyday casual shoe for running L.A. errands like walking my dog, heading to the farmer’s market, and grabbing coffee.”

Although they’re super dependable, Ali feels like the several years of “constant use” from her Teva Midform walking sandals have lost some of their arch support.

Style: 5/5

The Teva Midform sandals are pretty no-frills, but they’re still stylish for today’s age. The 1 ¼-inch height falls somewhere in between flats and platforms, making a fairly casual statement. The thick, adjustable velcro straps that wrap around the toes and low ankle are secure and match with pretty much anything.

They also come in a variety of colorways to suit your own personal style, though the all-black pick is likely the most versatile of them all.

One of the best parts about these walking sandals is their approachable pricing. This black pair is just $65.

Chacos Z Sandals

Comfort: 4/5

The classic Chacos Z Sandals – once you actually break them in – are extremely comfortable, since the footbed tends to meld against the shape of your foot.

To B+C Creative Assistant, Meredith (that’s me!), the break-in period is crucial for Chacos, but it’s not a real pain. Once she wore hers just two times, they softened up and fit smoothly.

Practicality: 4/5

Meredith thinks these Chaco walking sandals are practical for a number of reasons: they work on dry land and in the water, they’re durable to stand up to off-road terrain, and they don’t slip a single bit.

“They work so well as water shoes,” Meredith says. “I’ll wear them on long lake days and I don’t ever have to take them off, even when I’m out of the water.”

The Chacos Z Sandals flaunt a thick, durable rubber sole with their signature ChacoGrip™ layer on the bottom that has a “good amount” of tread, according to Meredith.

The adjustable straps that swarm the big toe, top of the foot, and ankle are amazing at keeping her feet in place with every step.

“I definitely recommend getting your Chacos fitted by an expert and/or tinkering around with the perfect fit yourself,” she says. “It can be hard to find it, but once you have it, you won’t have to worry about adjusting the straps again.”

Although they can withstand weathering pretty well, they’re not all that great for all-day wear. Meredith has gauged over time (she’s had her Chacos for 6 years) that they’re “walkable for a day, but I wouldn’t hike in them.”

Style: 4/5

The Chacos Z sandals are ideal for someone who has more of a granola girl style. They flaunt more technical details (like the chunky sole and noticeable tread), so they’re obviously not as fashion-forward as the Doc Martens or Tevas of the world.

Still, these walking sandals come in a ton of different colors, plus you don’t have to snag the Z-style. Chacos sells a variety of shoe silhouettes with the same comfort levels!

Chaco sandals can be an investment (ranging from $75-$110), but they last a long time. Meredith hasn’t noticed any huge signs of wear over the six years she’s worn them!

OluKai ‘Aka Sandals

Comfort: 5/5

These walking sandals from OluKai changed everything Meredith thought she knew about flip flops. And well, they’re not even quite flip flops, either. They’re like flip flops, but elevated, really.

The ‘Aka silhouette boasts a carefully-crafted footbed that feels as durable as the Chacos sandals, which says a lot for such a lightweight shoe. On top of that, they have a very soft footbed that Meredith is obsessed with since it provides more support than your average slip-on sandal.

Practicality: 4/5

“For a pool day, these are absolutely practical,” Meredith says.

These walking sandals are crafted from a water-resistant material that doesn’t soak up water, but rather, repels it.

This aspect makes them an easy go-to for summer days spent outside.

As far as the actual walking, there’s not rubbing or chafing to be found. The easygoing straps keep the feet in place but don’t feel utterly tight or uncomfortable.

Style: 5/5

The style of these walking sandals is minimal, but adorable. They flaunt some super thin straps (still durable) that knot at the top. Plus, they are shoppable in a handful of other vibrant colors for only $70.

Birkenstock Arizona Sandals

Comfort: 3/5

Ahh, Birks. They’re so classic! Like Chacos, Meredith really had to break in her pair of Birkenstock Arizona sandals for literal weeks before they started to feel just right.

“The cork footbed is supposed to adapt to your step over time, though it takes a while,” according to Meredith.

On the other hand, the wide buckled straps are quite welcoming and have never rubbed her feet the wrong way. They cover a good amount of the foot, so you’re not left with skin sticking out or being pinched weirdly.

Practicality: 3/5

These walking sandals aren’t quite made to go the distance, according to Meredith.

“I'd rather have these on for a quick errand, rather than wandering around for hours at the farmer’s market,” she says. “Maybe I just haven’t broken them in enough yet, though.”

Their flat sole doesn’t have much tread, making it a challenge to navigate any surface that’s not an inside floor or pavement.

Style: 4/5

These Birkenstock walking sandals are the ultimate casual, cool girl shoe. They match with shorts, skirts, pants, and everything in between. They’ve come to have such a classic, unmistakable look, so the brand recognition also boosts their chicness.

These sandals come in a handful of different colors for $110.

Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals

Comfort: 3/5

Meredith has been rocking with these Doc Marten sandals since last summer, and she ranks their comfort a total of 3 out of 5. The straps are the main factor that takes away from their overall comfort, since they often rub and give her blisters in very specific places.

Each of the three straps is adjustable, and though she’s toyed with different levels of tightness, they just don’t fit Meredith’s feet right.

The cushy footbed gains a few points back for these walking sandals. Meredith does appreciate the platformed shape for short periods of wear, like getting groceries or stopping by the craft store.

Practicality: 2/5

Since their comfort level is close to intolerable for long periods of wear, Meredith can’t really endorse these walking sandals’ practicality.

“They’re super cute, but I just can’t have them on all day,” she says. “I wish they fit me better than they do.”

Style: 5/5

While the comfort and practicality categories are severely lacking, the cuteness factor of the Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals is undeniable.

As a Doc Marten boot enthusiast, Meredith was drawn to them for their easy-to-pair color palette and signature Doc Marten details, like the black leather and yellow stitching.

The Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals go for $100.

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