Mastering the Holidays Archives

3 Steps to a Grand St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

The saying “Everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day” is really just an excuse for everyone to party like an Irishman on March 17! Whether you’re hosting a party or have been invited to one, here’s a helpful three-step guide to decorations, refreshments, and great — and green — gift ideas.

Step 1: Setting and décor

Mug o’Blooms

Green Carnation Boutonnieres

Personalized Table Runner

For whatever reason, and for so many reasons, beer is a major part of St. Patrick’s Day. Ireland consistently ranks in the top 10 of per capita beer consumption. So why not have a little fun and honor this hoppy beverage with a beer mug-inspired floral arrangement? The Beer Mug o’Blooms will make your St. Patrick’s Day celebration go down smooth.

I like having a few special décor items that I keep from year to year for seasonal holidays and celebrations, and this shamrock green personalized table runner fits the bill perfectly. It is compact, so it doesn’t take up much storage space when not in use, and if green is already part of your home décor, you can use it year-round. It also makes for a great hostess gift.

Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as early as the 17^th century. Keep the tradition alive by having green carnation boutonnieres available for your guests to pin on themselves as they arrive. Simply order some green carnations, cut the stems short — about 1 to 2 inches — and have straight pins available for pinning. Display them in a fun novelty container, such as the above vintage tin or an upcycled gift basket. You can add ribbon to some and leave some plain.

If green carnations aren’t available, you can dye or spray paint white ones green, or leave them white and add a green ribbon. As long as you order fresh flowers for St. Patrick’s Day in advance, though, you shouldn’t have any issues with availability.

Step 2: Food

st.-patrick's-day-gifts: shamrock cookies

St. Patrick’s Good Luck Pot

Smoked Salmon Potato Bites

British Scones, Cream, and Conserves

Corned beef and cabbage is traditionally served at St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in America. However, this isn’t a traditional Irish meal. Salmon is one of the most common fish in Ireland and a staple ingredient of the Irish kitchen, and the potato has long been synonymous with the Emerald Isle. So, take these two truly Irish food staples and create a dish that seems much fancier than it really is — smoked salmon potato bites.

st patricks day celebrations Smoked salmon recipe image x

Print Pin

Smoked Salmon Potato Bites

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Ingredients:

Mini potatoes, washed (do not peel)
Smoked salmon, sliced into thin strips
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Fresh or dried dill, chopped
Sour cream

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400° F.
Coat the potatoes with olive oil, and salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet.
Place the sheet on the bottom rack and bake until done, about 25 minutes.
To make the dill dip, add chopped fresh or dry dill to sour cream to taste.
Remove potatoes from oven and pinch each one to open.
Top each potato with salmon strips.
Serve with sour cream dill dip (or put a dollop on each potato).

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Irish

Another traditional Irish food is the scone. The Irish version is a close relative of the English one. I love mine slathered with butter, cream, and jam, and you can create your own with cream and strawberry preserves. Order yours today and then invite your friends over for a quick breakfast before the parade. Top o’ the morning to ya!

Everyone wants to find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. However, finding a leprechaun to help you locate this treasure can be challenging. I have an easier way: Order a St. Patrick’s Day Good Luck Pot. When you bite into one of these delicious buttercream frosted shamrock cookies, you will think you’ve struck gold!

Step 3: Drinks

st. patrick's day celebration: personalized coasters

Old Irish Pub Personalized Coaster

Irish Eyes Cocktail

Personalized Slim Can Cooler

Of course, a St. Patrick’s Day party has to have beer. Don’t quote me on this, but it might be a law, at least in the lower 48. But if you want to add an Irish whiskey cocktail to the menu, Irish Eyes, pictured above in Waterford goblets, is an easy one to concoct. And it’s pretty, too!

st patricks day celebrations irish eyes recipe x

Print Pin

Irish Eyes Cocktail

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings 1 cocktail

Ingredients:

1 ounce Irish whiskey
¼ ounce green crème de menthe liqueur
2 ounces cream
Fresh mint for garnish

Instructions:

Pour whiskey, crème de menthe, and cream into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, pour into a glass, and top with a sprig of fresh mint.

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Irish

Personalized themed bar accessories, from koozies to coasters, are a great way to set your party apart. They also make great gifts to send to your favorite lads and lasses both near and far.

Sláinte!

6 Tips to Hosting the Best Mardi Gras Party Yet

One of the great things about Mardi Gras is that you don’t have to live in New Orleans to enjoy it. People everywhere throw parties in honor of the events of the popular Carnival celebration.

Before we tell you how best to channel the spirit of this festive occasion, a little about the holiday itself. Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” begins on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day, and ends the day before Ash Wednesday, a.k.a. Shrove Tuesday. Some places, such as Mobile, Alabama — site of the first Mardi Gras held in the U.S., in 1703 — kick off the festivities as early as November. Most celebrations, however — including the biggest one of them all, in New Orleans — occur in the two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday, which this year is Feb. 13.

As you might imagine, bringing the fun of Mardi Gras home can be tricky. Incorporating the traditions of music, parades, partiers decked out in wigs and wild outfits, dancing, and general revelry into a more intimate setting is not easy — but it can be done.

If you’re considering throwing your own Fat Tuesday celebration, read on for six food and décor tips. And don’t forget the beads!

1. Prep a festive menu

To stay on theme, prep foods that fit the occasion, suggests Gina Tepper, an on-air lifestyle entertainment expert. She recommends some authentic New Orleans appetizers and main courses to serve your guests.

appetizer assortment — World-Inspired Appetizer Assortment

mardi gras party Wine Pairing Collection — Wine Pairing Collection

Appetizers: Gourmet snacks with a wood cutting board for easy serving, assorted cheeses, mushrooms stuffed with Cajun-seasoned crabmeat

Main Course: Red beans and rice with smoked sausage, chicken and andouille sausage jambalaya, shrimp étouffée

2. Don’t forget themed beverages

A Mardi Gras party is no time to serve a dull drink. Instead, Tepper suggests tapping into New Orleans culture with such options as:

Mimosas with the glass rimmed with Cajun seasonings
Cajun bloody marys garnished with a jumbo shrimp
Café au lait, a popular New Orleans hot beverage, consisting of coffee and hot milk

3. Serve king cake for dessert

This sweet, circular brioche cake has been the centerpiece of the Catholic celebration of Epiphany since the Middle Ages and is a traditional dessert served during Mardi Gras. An authentic king cake will always be decorated with purple, green, and gold icing — the traditional colors of Mardi Gras — and baked with a tiny plastic baby inside to symbolize Jesus’ arrival.

“One fun activity is that whoever gets the tiny toy baby in their slice is responsible for bringing the cake the following year,” Tepper says.

4. Ramp up the décor

Mardi Gras is a high-energy holiday, so your space should reflect the fun spirit of the day. Tepper suggests getting crafty and DIYing these four décor options, many of which can be found in local dollar stores.

Create fun and festive Mardi Gras masks or embellish inexpensive masks with feathers, buttons, beads, and rhinestones. Use these as decorations or party favors. Teppers also recommends glittery gold chenille sticks (pipe cleaners). “They can easily be formed into a three-loop flower and attached to the center top of the mask over the feathers.”
Decorate with flowers in classic Mardi Gras colors, which include purple, green, and gold. Embellish the containers with beads.
Make a detailed centerpiece of a Mardi Gras float using inexpensive materials and reused items, such as cardboard, a box, buttons/beads, felt, artificial flowers, and acrylic paint. “Cut out a pattern for the Mardi Gras float theme on white foam core or cardboard. Paint the design with different colors and accents with craft foam, beads, buttons, ribbon, glitter, or whatever you have on hand,” Tepper says. “Glue the cardboard design onto a box. Embellish the box with flowers, felt, and strips of tissue paper to make the float come alive.”
Paint a “Bourbon Street” sign using cardboard, a tissue box, cardstock, and a printout of a Bourbon Street sign.
Scatter Mardi Gras-themed bottles filled with colorful feathers around your party space. You can easily create these using reused bottles and craft paint or accent beads.

Picture of Lovely Lavender Medley — Lovely Lavender Medley

Photo of purple Cala lily — Elegant Calla Lilly

Photo of Lavender Garden Bouquet — Lavender Garden Bouquet

5. Remember the bunting

Bunting can transform your space without costing a lot, says D. Channing Muller, an event planner and principal at DCM Communications in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

“Hang purple, green, and gold flag bunting from the ceiling around your event space or along the railing of a patio, deck, or staging area, and you’ll be golden,” she says. “This is a go-to décor item for New Orleans homes at Mardi Gras and instantly creates a festive atmosphere in any party space.”

6. Set your table with runners

To honor the Mardi Gras color scheme, layer striped purple, green, and gold table runners on all the buffet tables where you’re serving food and beverages, Muller says. “These are relatively inexpensive and, as long as you stay on the color scheme with the same shade of purple, green, and gold throughout your décor, your party will look like it’s hosted by a native New Orleanian.”

A Valentine's Day ad for the Celebration's Passport membership program

New Year’s Eve Party Ideas That Will Make for an Unforgettable Celebration

Whether you’re still exhausted from the holiday season or want to forego venturing out to a crowded bar or restaurant on a cold night, staying in for New Year’s Eve can still be an eventful experience — with the right planning. Do it the right way, and you’re in for a cozy, festive, low-fuss evening.

Here are some New Year’s Eve party ideas to help you plan a fun and jubilant celebration this Dec. 31.

Party planning

Plan your New Year’s event like you would a normal party, making sure to communicate the customary details. Send out custom snail mail or virtual invites letting guests know where the party is, what they can bring, and what they should wear. If you look forward to dressing up, call for a black tie. If you want to go in full-on comfort mode, make it a jammies night. Perhaps create a theme, such as black and white or Roaring Twenties.

new year's eve party ideas with new year's revelers

Entertainment

Include fun party activities like games, movie marathons, dance-offs, and karaoke. Revisit your past New Year’s Eve celebrations and replicate the best moments. Serve a memorable cocktail for the stroke of midnight, wearing a whimsical New Year’s Eve-themed accessory while singing “Auld Lang Syne.” Make sure to share the entertainment lineup with your party companions ahead of time to build the anticipation.

Create new traditions

Find inspiration from what is trending in social events. Champagne (or sparkling wine…know the difference!) is always welcomed on New Year’s Eve and adds something unexpected to the drink list. Hang up a custom photo backdrop and hand out personalized party favors so your guests will go home with something to remember the evening by.

Delicious food always works

Since New Year’s Eve falls at the end of an active social month, the idea of cooking an extravagant meal is not high on most people’s list. So, order in instead. And, even better, have it delivered right to your home so you have more time to plan the enjoyable details. Select from a range of delicacies, such as lobster pot pie, triple cheese quiche with caramelized onions, and beef and Italian sausage lasagna. Or go lighter with a fruit basket or assortment of meats and cheeses. Chocolate strawberries look Instagram-ready with personalized flutes. Cookie platters, chocolate towers, and fruit bouquets are equally stunning and will arrive at your house with the click of a button (or two).

new years eve party ideas with champagne

Create an environment

Nothing makes a home feel more like a party venue than holiday decorations. Arrange flower-shaped LED lights on a mantle, table, or available shelf space. Illuminate a collection of candles in every room. Release a bundle of black and gold mylar balloons so they drip from the ceiling. And, of course, splurge on a stunning flower arrangement, which always signals an elegant affair.

Take it outdoors

Set up your outdoor space with lights, candles, and a patio heater to create a warm and cozy outdoor oasis. Once midnight approaches, wrap up in warm blankets and move to your outdoor party space, which is perfect for popping open a bottle of champagne, noisemakers, and setting off fireworks.

How to Host an Ugly Sweater Party

December brings a crush of invitations to swanky or stuffy holiday parties with Champagne and carols. Sure, the free drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres are nice, and maybe you’ll win a prize in the annual raffle, but for the most part, these affairs are dull.

The solution to your holiday party doldrums? An ugly sweater party!

As tried and true a tradition as the stiff corporate holiday gathering, the ugly sweater party embraces the joy of good old-fashioned (or bad-fashioned) fun with friends and family. “An ugly sweater party is intended to be casual and playful, so the focus should be on having a good time,” says Amy Zediana Dearth, CSEP (that’s Certified Special Events Professional for the uninitiated), president of Consider It Done Special Events in Boston.

Use this guide to get you set on the right track for hosting an ugly sweater party to remember this year.

Invite them in style

ugly sweater party with woman sending invitations

Set yourself up for a fun night before your guests arrive. “Creative invitations are a way to set the tone of the event at the very first possible moment,” Dearth says. “While some people may simply send an electronic invitation, getting a touch creative can really make a difference.”

Of course, she notes, the size of your guest list will determine how creative you can get. If you’re having a smaller gathering, consider dressing up in your finest ugly sweater and personally delivering an invitation to each guest.

For a larger get-together, you can send personalized ugly sweater invitations in the mail. “Making that moment memorable will entice your guests to want to attend,” Dearth says.

Food with a theme

No party — cute sweaters or otherwise — is complete without the right snack spread. The key to a party menu that appeals to everyone is to mix and match sweet, savory, and spicy options. And when you’re throwing an ugly sweater party, keep the theme in mind when serving traditional party foods.

Dearth suggests incorporating aspects of an ugly sweater into the party menu. “For example, if you’d like to offer beef skewers as an appetizer, instead of bamboo sticks, perhaps you can use knitting needles,” she says. “If you are building a buffet, fill empty vases with holiday ornaments and balls of yarn.”

ugly sweater party with reindeer-shaped burgers

For something savory, lay out an elegant charcuterie board so guests can help themselves to sausages, briny pickles, and tasty spreads. Decorate the table around the board with tinsel, holly, and mistletoe to stay on theme.

To add some spice to your party, offer a selection of relishes with crackers or crudité for dunking. Or, for a snack that satisfies nearly every taste bud, you can’t go wrong with a giant tin of popcorn. Opt for one with traditional flavors, such as butter, caramel, cheese, and white cheddar, or go the seasonal route, with varieties such as Snowflake Sugar Cookie or Holiday Cookie Dough. Some tins even come in a festive plaid motif that is reminiscent of an ugly sweater design (unless you still think plaid sweaters are in style).

And, of course, because it’s the holidays, you have to end the night with something sweet. A holiday cookie basket provides your hideously dressed guests with an assortment of festively frosted, sugared, and sprinkled baked treats. Plus, the basket makes for a decorative presentation that’s perfect for the occasion.

Plan some high-energy, exciting forms of entertainment. Because an ugly sweater party is meant to be silly, focus on games that are silly!

Amy Zediana Dearth

President, Consider It Done Special Events

Drink up

Great drinks are just as important as tasty food at your ugly sweater party. To keep everyone happy, offer a selection of both adult beverages and alcohol-free options.

Cozy holiday parties call for warm-me-up sips, such as mulled wine (which will also make your house smell wonderful) and pear martinis. If you’re feeling especially festive, pop open a bottle or two of sparkling wine to set the mood.

And don’t leave your bottles of wine out in the cold! Keep the theme going right through to the drink table by dressing them up in an adorable ugly sweater and matching hat. They’re just the right size for your favorite 750-milliliter bottle, regardless of whether you prefer red or white.

Capture the moment

Since your party is all about showcasing the wildest looking sweaters all night long, Dearth recommends having cameras at the ready for the inevitable photo ops.

ugly sweater party with people posing in front of red background

She also suggests setting up a backdrop, or several, around the party for guests to pose in front of. “Because the sweaters are the focus, try for a more neutral backdrop,” she advises. Set out a few instant cameras so guests can take their pics home as a party favor.

For additional decorations, Dearth says to always return to the theme. Turn your living room into a cozy ugly sweater itself with decorative touches, such as colorful yarn, festive and kitschy holiday accents, pom-poms, and glitter.

Keep ’em laughing

ugly sweater party with people having fun

The biggest mistake hosts make when throwing any kind of party, Dearth says, is forgetting about the fun. To avoid that pitfall, you need to fully embrace the lighthearted nature of an ugly sweater party. “Plan some high-energy, exciting forms of entertainment,” Dearth recommends. “Because an ugly sweater party is meant to be silly, focus on games that are silly!”

Break out old school board games, such as Twister and Sorry. If your party is adults only, arrange an interactive drinking game that incorporates charades or picture drawing. Or, get Bad Christmas Movie Bingo, which combines watching a holiday movie (any one of your choosing will do…the worse, the better) and, well, playing Bingo, of course.

At the end of the night, close things out with a group vote for the ugliest sweater. The winner can take home bragging rights and a festive prize — like, say, a set of Star Wars ugly sweater stemless drinking glasses.

When Is Hanukkah?

Get your menorahs and dreidels ready: Hanukkah is approaching.

Actually, maybe it’s not. There’s a chance that when you read this, Hanukkah has already passed. Or that you’re in the middle of the holiday. Or it’s still several weeks away.

The dates on which the Festival of Lights fall actually vary widely from year to year. (We’ll explain more about that later.) For now, let’s learn about this wondrous Jewish holiday and the many traditions associated with it.

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah (also sometimes spelled “Chanukah”) is an eight-day religious holiday observed by people of the Jewish faith. Each year around December, Jews celebrate the Festival of Lights, which commemorates their ancestors’ victory over their tyrannical rulers more than 2,000 years ago.

The history of Hanukkah

The events that inspired the holiday we know as Hanukkah occurred in the second century B.C., when the ruler of Judea (what’s now known as Israel), Antiochus IV Epiphanes, outlawed Judaism and forced Jews to worship Greek gods. In 168 B.C, Antiochus and his army led a massacre on Jerusalem. Thousands of people died, and the city’s holy Second Temple was desecrated with a statue of Zeus and the sacrificing of pigs within its sacred walls.

A large revolt led by a Jewish priest named Mattathias and his five sons helped the Jewish people reclaim their freedom. The insurrectionists cleansed the Second Temple and rebuilt the altar. They placed a menorah on the altar, and even though they had enough oil to last only one night, the candles stayed lit for eight. This miracle inspired the tradition of Hanukkah and the lighting of the menorah during the eight-day celebration.

Hanukkah traditions

Some popular Hanukkah customs include lighting the menorah, playing the dreidel game, preparing traditional foods like potato latkes and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), and singing time-honored Hanukkah songs. (This article goes into greater detail about these traditions.)

The menorah

During Hanukkah, Jews light menorahs for eight days to commemorate each night the original lamp burned. A menorah holds nine candles, one for each night and one in the center (called the “shamash”), which is used to light the others. (If you want to be technical about it, the term “menorah” refers to the seven-pronged candleholder that was found in the ancient holy temple in Jerusalem; “hanukkiah” is the proper term for what most people call a menorah.) Each evening, families gather at nightfall to rekindle menorah flames, rededicate themselves to their faith, and share in the festive meals. They also sing blessings as they light the candles.

The dreidel

The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with a different Hebrew letter inscribed on each side. The letters — Nun, Gimmel, Hay, and Shin — stand for the phrase “Nes gadol haya sham,” which translates to “A Great Miracle Happened There.” (In Israel, dreidels have the letter Peh instead of Shin, which changes the translation to “A Great Miracle Happened Here.”)

During the dreidel game, each player receives a given number of coins or candy pieces. (Gelt, or chocolate “coins” wrapped in gold foil, is traditionally used as currency.) Before spinning, each player puts a fixed amount into the “kupah,” or kitty. Each player in turn spins the dreidel, which will fall on one of the four letters. Depending on the letter, one of the following will happen:

Nun = Take nothing

Gimmel = Take all

Hay = Take half

Shin = Add one

The game continues until players have run out of “funds” and one is declared the winner.

Latkes

The most popular theme throughout the preparing of Hanukkah dishes is the use of oil — a tribute to the oil that kept the menorah burning in the ancient temple — and the most popular dish to make are latkes. Latkes are potato pancakes made from grated potatoes mixed with eggs, onions, and flour, and fried in vegetable oil. The texture is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. These delightful treats of the season are served hot and often dipped in applesauce or sour cream.

Sufganiyot

These jelly-filled donuts come from the Greek word sufan, which means “fried” or “spongey.” The concept of the donut dates back to the 15th century, but it wasn’t until the 16th century that Polish Jews started adding jelly to the donuts that they ate on Hanukkah. The popularity of this food really took off, though, in the 1920s, when the Israeli labor foundation made a strong push to make jelly donuts the Hanukkah treat of choice within the country. Sufganiyot go by many other names, including Berliners in Germany, bismarcks in parts of the U.S. and Canada, and ponchiks in Poland.

Singing songs

Music is an important part of Hanukkah. In addition to the blessings Jews say each night, they sing songs over the course of the eight-day-long celebration. Some of the most popular ones are “Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah,” “I Have a Little Dreidel” (aka “The Dreidel Song” aka “Dreidel Dreidel Dreidel”), “Ma’oz Tzur (Rock of Ages),” and “Sevivon Sov Sov Sov.” A more recent addition to the canon is Adam Sandler’s uproarious “Hanukkah Song,” and all its many versions.

When is Hanukkah?

According to the Hebrew calendar, the holiday always begins on the 25th day of Kislev, which can occur any time between November and December. If you’re not going by the Hebrew calendar (which most of us aren’t), it can be tough to know when Hanukkah falls.

That’s because the Hebrew calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning it is based on both the sun and moon. The Gregorian calendar — the one most of us use — is a solar calendar. A lunar year is shorter than a solar year, usually about 354 days, and since these two calendars don’t line up, a holiday that falls on the same date every year on one calendar, such as Hanukkah, will fall on a different day each year on the other.

To show how much the dates of Hanukkah can differ from year to year, in 2022 the holiday started on Dec. 18 and ended Dec. 26. In 2023, the first day of Hanukkah is Dec. 7. and the last is Jan. 15. The Festival Lights will run from Dec. 25 to Jan. 2 of 2024. Eight crazy nights, indeed!

Year	Hanukkah begins	Hanukkah ends
2023	December 7	December 15
2024	December 25	January 2
2025	December 14	December 22
2026	December 4	December 12

Hanukkah gifts

The most popular Hanukkah flowers to send are white lilies, white roses and carnations, and blue delphinium. Deliver eight days of smiles with items from our Hanukkah collection, which includes everything from flowers and plants to cookies and menorahs.

Happy Hanukkah Bouquet — Wonderful Wishes Bouquet

when is hanukkah Personalized Apron — Spirit of Hanukkah Personalized Apron

Halloween Decor Ideas & Crafts for the Entire Home

It’s time to get scary festive! In case you haven’t noticed from the assault of fall displays and deluge of gourds on porch steps, Halloween is upon us. Here are wicked Halloween decor ideas that are sure to make a monster impression. From lining your hallways with ghostly mirrors to wrapping the stairway in holiday-themed garland, lift spirits this season by decorating the entire home for a Halloween that’s destined to be remembered.

Outdoor decor

Halloween decor ideas with personalized lawn sign that greets trick-or-treaters

Welcome visitors to your home with mood-setting outdoor decorations. Line the walkway with fall mums on each side, and wrap them with spooky string lights. Place a few mini pumpkins between each mum to complete your grand entryway. To help guests know that they’ve arrived at the right place, pitch seasonal slate signs identifying your family’s name.

At your doorstep, decorate with a personalized jack-o’-lantern and candy basket trick-or-treat style. When they arrive to pick up their tasty treat, they’ll be greeted by a seasonal wreath on your front door that builds anticipation. Once night falls, moody lighting from a spooky-looking lantern reinforces the theme. With such a fall reception, your guests are ready for some All Hallow’s Eve revelry.

Accentuate the indoors with Halloween accents

Misty mirrors craft: Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the spookiest house of all? With a DIY ghostly mirror, it must be you. Using construction paper, cut out letter stencils and them to spell out a spooky message that you paste on a mirror with double-sided tape. Simply mist with matte finish spray, allow to completely dry, and peel off the newspaper. And don’t be a scaredy cat! Glass cleaner will reverse this spell after Halloween.

Chandeliers or lampshades: An easy way to add holiday flavor is by updating lampshades with Halloween bats, skulls, wolves, and ghost ornaments. Layer the look with white spider webbing but beware — creepy crawlers may want to move right in.

Halloween decor for the living room

halloween decor ideas with posies in a pumpkin vase

Pumpkin flower arrangements: A vase is so last season. Nothing screams fall like fresh b looms popping out of a pumpkin. Craftier than just carving and easy to create, start by cutting off the top of your pumpkin and scooping out the insides. Next, line the pumpkin with plastic and insert floral foam that’s been soaked in water. Add the long-stemmed flowers of your choice, and then integrate leaves, berries, artichokes, or anything else you wish.

Festive coffee table: Make the coffee table a fiery focal point of the room. Robust orange, yellow, and red flowers surrounded by mini pumpkins, along with crow figurines and cobwebs, make for a startling and stunning centerpiece for the living room.

Halloween-themed throw pillows: Decorative Halloween throw pillows are another effortless way to make a room festive. Add pillows to the couch or a window seat, and then sit back and enjoy the coziness of the season.

Create a spooky stairway

Step it up accessorizing: Creaky steps are so in this season, as is garland that says the boo for you. Weave your handrail with twine pinned with leaves preserved with Mod Podge or a pumpkin garland. The good news is that autumn finds are versatile enough to leave up throughout the fall.

Halloween decor in the bedrooms

Spooky picture frames craft: Cause a fright with some ghostly DIY picture frames. Make a black and white copy of any photo and brush the image with black paint and water to “age” it. After the paper dries, match up a piece of card stock to the back of the photo. Using an X-Acto knife, cut out the eyes of the subject in the image and add mini red Christmas lights through the back of the eyes. Finally, set it up on your nightstand, or anywhere in your house.

Scary fun pillowcases: Dress up your bed with festive Halloween pillowcases, such as ghoulishly cute ghosts or bat cases. Simply swap out your daily pillowcases for these fun fall options, which can moonlight as trick-or-treat bags on the big night.

halloween decor ideas with two children holding personalized spooky pillow cases

Don’t forget the bathrooms!

Spidery soaps craft: Not even the bathroom is safe this spooky season! Upgrade the room with DIY soaps that will make you scream. Start by melting a soap base in a pot until it reaches 140° F. Using a soap mold, place a plastic bug into each mold and pour over the melted soap. Once the bubbles rise on the mold, use a knife to scrape them off. Leave the soap in the molds overnight. Then, remove, rinse, wash, and repeat until Oct 31.

Enough tricks, it’s time for treats

Top it all off by decorating your home with Halloween flowers and gifts to get everyone in the spooky spirit. Shop our Halloween collection to find sweet treats for every boo and ghoul!

halloween decor ideas with witchy pooch — Witchy Pooch

halloween decor ideas with Purrfect Potions Fabulous Feline — Purrfect Potions Fabulous Feline

8 National Sisters’ Day Activities to Do With Your Sister

Your sister is someone you’ve laughed with and cried with. You’ve celebrated each other’s accomplishments and been there to comfort each other in times of need. In short, you two have experienced everything life has to offer — and you’ve done it together.

Someone like that deserves to be celebrated. Fortunately for you, there’s a day dedicated to just that. National Sisters’ Day is Aug. 6!

From drinks to food and decorations to activities, here are eight ideas for you and your sis to try this National Sisters’ Day.

1. Mix up a martini (or have someone do it for you)

national sisters' day with key lime martinis

Kickstart your National Sisters’ Day celebration with a refreshing beverage, such as this key lime martini. It’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet, and a breeze to make.

The key ingredient is Tuaca, a brand of Italian brandy with notes of vanilla and citrus. Another key: having a friend or loved one mix this drink up for you while you and your sister hit the “relax” button.

2. Serve up some soul food

national sisters' day with chicken and waffles

national sisters' day with taco jell-o shots

Here’s an easy-to-make treat that’s also satisfying. Just warm up some waffles (Wolferman’s no longer sells the mini kind featured in the original post, but the full-size version will do just as well; you can either make larger versions of these or cut them into smaller pieces to create appetizer-size portions), plop a piece of fried chicken on top, drizzle your choice of syrup over each one, and serve them up.

If you and your sister like your food spicy, opt for buffalo chicken tenders and garnish with blue cheese crumbles. They’re the perfect way to add a little heat to your National Sisters Day brunch.

Another way? Waffle Jell-O® shots! Sure, you can reach for a brunch classic like a mimosa or Bellini, but come on, look at these cute little things! As Robert Palmer sang, they’re simply irresistible.

3. Throw a taco party to remember

national sisters' day with taco table setting

Tacos aren’t just for Tuesday or Cinco de Mayo, and they also don’t have to be made with the traditional filling of ground beef. There are chicken tacos, steak tacos, even vegetarian tacos.

Regardless of what you put in your taco shell or tortilla, make sure you have festive decor that fits the theme. We’re talking salsa jar vases, pepper vases, taco bouquets, and taco centerpieces. You know, the works.

And we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the ingenious taco Jell-O® shots. These things are undeniably adorable, and they will really get the party started. And you don’t need to lick salt or suck a lemon to enjoy them.

4. Stay cool with a drink (or two)

Photo of rosé sangria mojito cocktail in a glass with a chocolate bar

photo of waxed roses with two glasses of frosé

Maybe you and your sister are looking for a drink that is a bit classier than a Jell-O® shot. If that’s the case, check out these recipes for a rosé sangria mojito cocktail and strawberry frosé. The latter is particularly easy to make; all you need is a bottle of rosé and some frozen strawberries. The rosé sangria mojito has a few more ingredients, and is less sweet than the frosé but just as refreshing.

They both go great with kettle corn and chocolate — both of which just happen to come in the Girls Night In Rosé Gift Basket.

5. Decorate with chalk lettering and fabric garlands

national sisters' day with hand lettering

national sisters' day with fabric garlands

Don’t let the “Galentine’s Day” title throw you — these crafts can be done for any number of occasions, not least of which is National Sisters Day. You can complete these activities in anticipation of your sister’s arrival, or do them together with her as a bonding experience.

Hand lettering, including chalk lettering and bounce lettering, takes a lot of trial and error — especially if you’ve never done it before — so you’ll want to be prepared. Either purchase a how-to book, download a tutorial, or enroll in a class online to help guide you. Then, set out your materials and follow along with the instructions.

For the garlands, use fabric scraps that you have lying around, or buy pre-cut strips from a local fabric/craft store. You will also need ribbon, yarn, or twine to attach the fabric strips to. Make sure to personalize your garlands to match the occasion. Whatever you and sister like should be reflected in the design!

6. Make flower jewelry

national sisters' day with flower earrings

national sisters' day with flower crowns

Any activity that combines flowers and jewelry is sure to be a hit with sisters. And, boy, do we ever have a library of tutorials to satisfy the flower jewelry DIYer.

Flower earrings? Check.

Flower crown? Check and check.

Flower necklace? Check, check, check, and check.

But before you go off and start creating your floral bling, you should first learn some important flower jewelry-making techniques, like these. You’ll thank us later (or now, whichever’s easiest for you).

7. Learn to make a ‘sweet’ flower arrangement

national sisters' day with woman arranging flowers

national sisters' day with honeycomb flower arrengement

If you or your sister has ever wanted to learn how to arrange flowers like a pro, Alice’s Table offers online workshops for all kinds of DIY projects hosted by expert instructors. Sign up for its flower fundamentals class, and you will have fresh flowers and a vase delivered to your door — everything you need to make a stunning arrangement (save for a pair of floral clippers or scissors).

The event is hosted by Alice’s Table founder Alice Lewis, who started her business by offering flower-arranging classes. She will guide you through the process of creating this arrangement using farm-fresh flowers, such as roses, football mums, and hypericum berries, as well as educate you on the basics of flower design so you can make other arrangements right at home.

8. Tap into your artsy side

national sisters' day with sisters painting at paint nite — Photo courtesy of *Paint Nite*®

Give your sister the gift of a fun night out (or in), as well as a homemade piece of art, by booking a Paint Nite. You and your sister will receive expert instruction from an experienced artist, plus all the materials you need to create a masterpiece. Events can be held in person or virtually, with the former often taking place at trendy local restaurants or bars.

The Grand History and Traditions of the Fourth of July

Every July 4, the United States of America celebrates its freedom and the defeat of the British. To mark the occasion, friends and family consume grilled meats aplenty, take trips to the beach, and watch fireworks.

But as is the case with many holidays, we don’t always fully know why we celebrate them. Here are some fun facts and stories to help you better understand and appreciate the Fourth of July.

A foreshadowing Founding Father

These grand Fourth of July revelries were foretold by Founding Father John Adams. On July 2, 1776, the future president wrote to his wife Abigail: “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival…It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other, from this Time forward forever more.”

Independence month

photo of fourth of july with the signing of the Declaration of Independence

Though the Declaration of Independence, initially drafted by Thomas Jefferson, was revised and adopted by Congress on July 4, it isn’t wrong to consider the entire month of July to be America’s birthday. It was actually on July 2 that America’s colonial delegates, after learning British ships had arrived at New York’s harbor, agreed to declare independence from Britain. Secession from English rule had been discussed in the halls of Congress for weeks, but the arrival of warships forced a decision, as George Washington’s Continental army suddenly found itself within striking distance of King George III’s navy.

Still, America wasn’t formally born until month’s end. After final approval of the Declaration of Independence, it took over two weeks for the document to be written perfectly on parchment paper, in a process called “engrossing,” only after which delegates could actually put pen to paper. The actual signing of the famous document took place Aug. 2.

Gargantuan amounts of grub and grog

photo of fourth of july with hot dogs and an american flag

Freedom is never free. Every year, according to a 2019 report by WalletHub, our nation’s July 4 grocery bill approaches $7 billion, almost $804 million of which goes toward beef for burgers and steaks. Roughly $370 million is spent on chicken for sandwiches and salads, and, for fans of frankfurters, well over 150 million hot dogs will hit the grill across the nation.

The Fourth of July also happens to be America’s No. 1 beer-drinking holiday, with over $1 billion in brew typically purchased. Wine is another popular drink, with about $570 million sold on the day.

Fireworks by the boatload

Though fireworks were first launched in Liuyang, China, around 200 B.C., for most Americans, the bangs, booms, and flashes of sky mortars and colored fountains will always be associated with the Fourth of July. From major corporate buyers and sports teams down to individual citizens, America collectively spends more than $1 billion on fireworks every Fourth of July. Two-thirds of all Americans say attending a fireworks show is their favorite Fourth of July activity, according to recent polls. The runners-up? Eating and going to the beach.

Photo of fourth of july with a fireworks display in Boston

“One of the best ways to celebrate is by watching the Boston Pops’ Fourth of July concert and fireworks display, either in person or on TV,” says Alice Tsang, U.S. historian and director of global partnerships at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts.

If you’re planning a show at home, by all means, enjoy the sights and sounds but do be careful: Nearly 70% of fireworks injuries in our nation, to both organizers and viewers, happen during late June and mid-July.

Fourth of July flowers, arrangements, and gifts

Whether you’re throwing your own party or searching for a patriotic host gift, we have flowers and gifts that add an all-American flair to the festivities!

photo of fourth of july with yankee doodle doggie flowers — Yankee Doodle Doggie

photo of fourth of july with red, white, and blue flowers — Tie A Yellow Ribbon

photo of fourth of july with stars and stripes fruit bouquet — Stars and Stripes Forever

Easter Food and Wine Pairings

“Celebration Inspiration” is all about bringing you top-notch advice and creative ideas to make the most of life’s special moments. In this article, we explore Easter wine and food.

Traditional Easter Sunday entrées are some of my favorite foods to pair with wine. The inherent saltiness of roasts and ham make these meats prime candidates for fruit-forward wines that help refresh the palate. Lamb, on the other hand, is more suited to wines with heavier tannins and stronger secondary characteristics. This opens a wide range of potential pairing options across multiple price points and regions, making the wine selection for Easter a welcome task for sommeliers and casual wine enthusiasts alike.

Below are three of my favorite options from the Harry & David wine selection that pair well with a range of Easter table classics.

For baked honey ham and sides: Harry & David Sauvignon Blanc

When pairing white wine with a honey glazed ham, it is important to choose a varietal with ripe fruit undertones that can stand up to the sweetness of honey. If you don’t, the honey will overpower the wine, making it seem more acidic and drier rather than light and fruity.

Thankfully, this sauvignon blanc is bursting with an array of tropical fruit flavors, making it a fantastic choice to pair with either a honey-glazed ham or baked ham with pineapple. The wine’s fruit profile helps temper a bit of the saltiness while accentuating the sweet taste of honey, and its prominent pineapple flavors make it a natural pairing for any ham and pineapple preparation (even Hawaiian pizza. Yes, we know, but check out No. 10).

A photo of Easter wine with closeup on two people's hands holding a bottle of wine while they walk and a ham dinner.

I also recommend this wine with some of my favorite Easter side dishes. It lifts up the earthy undertones of black truffle and almond green beans while still leaving you with the unmistakable flavor of truffles on your palate. It has a similar uplifting effect with parmesan creamed spinach, as it won’t overpower the subtle flavor of the cheese.

For pork: Talbott Kali Hart Pinot Noir or Harry & David Pinot Noir

Pinot noir and pork have been a natural pairing for a long time. The wine’s structure of bright acidity and medium tannins complement both the lean and fattier cuts of “the other white meat.” In terms of fruit, its light profile of cherry, strawberry, and raspberry notes settle in nicely around the natural sweet and savory flavors of the pork itself.

For Easter, the Talbott Kali Hart is a no-brainer with a five-bone natural pork roast, regardless of which direction you decide to go in terms of seasoning and preparation. The wine has enough body and herbaceous notes to stand up to any herb crust or garlic and mustard rub while also being light enough to pair with preparation of honey, apples, and onions.

For a more dramatic option and an equally indulgent pairing, opt for a stuffed pork crown roast with Harry & David Pinot Noir. This perfectly seasoned and ready-to-cook roast is a stunning centerpiece to any Easter dinner, and its combination of sweet and savory make it a natural choice to pair with this wine, which effortlessly play off these same flavors.

A photo of Easter wine with a stuffed pork dinner on one side and a bottle of Pinot Noir on the other.

I chose this wine instead of the Talbott for the crown roast because Oregon pinot noirs have more prominent herbaceous, earthy, and mushroom notes than their California counterparts (Talbott). For a dish this bold in flavor, it helps to have a wine with the complexity to match.

For rack of lamb: Harry & David Cabernet Sauvignon

A staple on many an Easter spread, a properly frenched rack of lamb crusted in seasoning and placed in the middle of a crowded table certainly signifies a special occasion.

Traditionally, you pair lamb with Bordeaux blends — the history of this pairing is well chronicled. I, however, chose to go in a different direction, with a straight cabernet, as Harry & David’s reserve happens to be a near-perfect pairing for all things lamb.

A photo of Easter wine with a bottle of cabernet sauvignon on one side and a rack of lamb on the other

While this wine would be too heavy for a lightly seared, medium-rare, spring lamb chop (though nobody’s going to stop you from pairing the two), it’s just right for a medium- to medium-well roast. This cut of meat is not quite as tender and, thus, can handle a heavier-bodied wine with more tannin. The lush flavors of cassis and blackberry, backed by a smattering of spiciness and soft notes of vanilla from the oak, are a wonderful complement to the rosemary, thyme, and garlic, while the heavier tannins (the stuff that makes your tongue dry after a sip) help cut through the richness of the meat itself.

This is a pairing to savor slowly. Take small bites and sips, letting the flavors evolve gradually on your palate and develop long after the meat and wine leave your mouth. Don’t be alarmed if your entire table falls silent for a few minutes once everyone digs into this delicious combination; that means it’s working.

As for dessert, wine and chocolate are a natural pairing, especially with all those chocolate bunnies and eggs and other Easter sweets. Be sure to save a glass of the sauvignon blanc to pair with buttercream-frosted Easter cupcakes. They come by the dozen, so maybe save more than one glass.