25+ Hottest Valentine’s Day Makeup Look Ideas
Need ideas for your Valentine’s Day makeup look? The day of love is just around the corner. No matter who you’re celebrating with, these makeup ideas are perfect for the occasion. 25+ Valentine’s Day Makeup Look Ideas 1. Burgundy Lips and Winged Eyeliner We love this look for a date night, and the burgundy lip color is perfect for Valentine’s Day. It’s such a subtle look, but it’s gorgeous. Look for a rich, burgundy lip color, like e.l.f.’s Smolder. A simple winged liner, glam lashes, bronzy blush and natural eye makeup will complete this look. Here’s a great tutorial on how to pull off natural eye makeup: 2. Red Hearts Eye Makeup Do you want a cute look for Valentine’s Day that matches the theme? Here’s a cute idea. Use red eyeliner to draw tiny hearts next to your eyes and line your waterline. Match it with a gorgeous red lip color and some falsies, and you’re ready for the big day. 3. Stupid Cupid If you’re feeling creative, this Stupid Cupid look is over the top. The props are what make this look so awesome for Valentine’s Day. The makeup is a little over-the-top, but it goes with the costume. You’ll need to do a cut crease with shimmery light purple eyeshadow. For the crease and shadow along the sides, you’ll need dark purple, burgundy and mauve colors (here’s a great palette to use). To finish the look, apply pink blush and lipstick, and add heart rhinestones. Don’t forget the falsies, too! Not sure how to do a cut crease? Here’s a great tutorial: 4. Shimmery Eyes and Red Lips If you’re going out on Valentine’s Day, here’s a great night-time look. It’s not too over the top, but it’s still glam and romantic enough to make a statement. To recreate this look, start with some contouring. Nina Ubhi has one of the best tutorials on how to do contouring: Next, you’ll need to apply a light gold shimmery eyeshadow (or whatever color complements your skin tone), winged liner, red lip stain and falsies. 5. Pink and Silver Heart Here’s a Valentine’s Day makeup look that will impress everyone. It’s a little more complicated, but worth the time. Grab a dark pink palette and choose a few shades that complement your eyes and complexion. Use a medium shade for your lids, the darkest shade for the crease and the lightest shade for the brow area and the undereye. Stick a heart rhinestone just below the outer curve of your eyebrow and apply your eyeshadow. Then, remove the heart to create that cut-out look you see in the Pin. Do a foxy eyeliner with two colors: jet black and shimmery silver. Add falsies, and you’re ready to go! 6. Heart Freckles How adorable is this Valentine’s Day look? For this look, you’ll need a red eyeshadow palette, a gorgeous red lip color and some falsies. Here’s a simple way to create heart freckles: apply some heart rhinestones to your cheekbones and use red eyeshadow to trace the edges. Remove the rhinestones and fill in the center with a light pink eyeshadow and voila! Use the same colors that you used for your eyes to create a cohesive look. 7. Red Lips and Foxy Eyes Your Valentine’s Day makeup look doesn’t have to be complicated. The right shade of red lipstick is really all you need. A simple foxy eyeliner, a little contouring and lashes will complete the look. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to do a foxy eyeliner: 8. Electric Pink Eyes The bright pink eyeshadow and shimmery highlights make this look so gorgeous. A matte lip color can give all the attention to your eyes and cheekbones. You can add some freckles if you don’t have them naturally, or you can leave this out and you’ll still have a beautiful V-day look. 9. Glossy Pink Lips Pink makeup looks like this are perfect for Valentine’s Day. Do a cat eye with your liner and pick two pink shades that complement your complexion – one light and one that’s dark hot pink. Finish the look with pink lip gloss. 10. Half Cut Crease with Hearts A cute half crease look with pretty hearts and a simple nude lip. You’ll need a vibrant hot pink eyeshadow for this look, along with heart stickers and lashes. MakeupWithAlix shows you how to do this look on YouTube: 11. Gold and Red Shimmer Here’s a V-day look that pops, but it’s super simple to do. The key is to use an ultra-pigmented gold shadow and an ultra-glossy lip color. Use your gold shadow to create freckles or use a temporary tattoo. 12. Black Heart, Red Lips A cute but subtle and simple look for Valentine’s Day. To recreate this look: do a winged liner, apply lashes, apply a light pink eyeshadow and finish with red lips. Use your liner to draw a little black heart under each eye, and you’re ready to face the day. 13. Red Cat Eyeliner Here’s another super simple but pretty look for Valentine’s Day. If you’re really in a rush, it will take you less than 10 minutes to bring this look together. Just do a cat eye with red liner, apply lashes and you can also use your eyeliner to draw a little heart at the corner of each eye. 14. Heart Rhinestones Here’s a Valentine’s Day makeup look that will turn heads. The rhinestones are really what make this look so gorgeous. The eye look is a little complicated, but you could even skip it or do your usual eye makeup if you want. Just use red or pink instead to match the V-day theme. Finish with a simple pink lip, and you have an awesome Valentine’s Day look. 15. Cat Eyes and Red Lips This look is all about the drama. A dramatic cat eye with shimmery eyeshadow and a bold red lip. It’s super simple but so pretty and perfect for Valentine’s Day. 16. Seeing Red This makeup look is really bold but so pretty. The trick is to choose the right shade of red for your skin tone. To recreate this look, just apply your red eyeshadow to your lids, crease, undereye and browbone. Choose a matching red lip color and apply a little bronzer to your cheekbones to complete the look. 17. Queen of Hearts A cute look for the office or a night out. It’s subtle but pretty and still perfect for this holiday. Start with a pink eyeshadow palette. Finish the look with winged eyeliner, lashes and a bold red lip color. Use your lip color to draw a small heart under each eye. 18. Red Heart Freckles Heart freckles are a popular Valentine’s Day makeup look, and this one has bigger hearts than usual. You can use an eyeliner stamp – like this one – to quickly and easily add your heart freckles, or you can draw them yourself. Finish the look with a red lip color and winged liner. 19. Hearts and Stars This dreamy makeup look is easier than you think to pull off. Start with a full winged eyeliner and add red hearts, red stars and silver rhinestones. We recommend using an eyeliner stamp unless you’re really creative. Finish with a peachy blush and light pink lip color. 20. Pink Rose Here’s a really feminine and pretty look for Valentine’s Day. All you need is a pink shimmery eyeshadow color, lashes, a matte pink lip color and a shimmery highlighter. 21. Minimalistic Valentine’s Day Look Sometimes, less is more. For this look, do a cat eye with a light bronze lid color. A bold red lip and false eyelashes will make this look glamorous. Don’t forget to lightly line your waterline. 22. Heart Eyes Makeup This look is so cute, but you’ll need a lot of patience and a little creativity to pull it off. TikToker @sourandnasty will walk you through each step and all of the products she uses. Finish with some lashes and a rich red lip color. 23. Latte Makeup The latte trend was everywhere in 2023, and it can be the perfect look for Valentine’s Day, too. Find a shade of brown that complements your complexion. Use a light semi-transparent shade, and just wipe it across the eye. Finish with a glossy brown lip color and dramatic lashes. 24. Queen of Hearts What a masterful display of makeup artistry. Wow! A lot is going on here. You’ll need quite a few things to get started: hydrogrip primer, luminous matte foundation, wine palette, multiple red eyeshadows, face paint, lashes and a few other goodies. It’s an expensive look, but you’ll be the talk of the night. 25. Heart Tears If you have a red palette, cherry liner and wet liners, you can recreate this super cute look. Wet liner is your secret weapon with the beautiful, cherry/pink look around the eyes. Add a bit of glitter, and you’re halfway there with this look. You just need to add some hearts.
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Easy Valentine’s Day Recipes for a Romantic Dinner
Planning a romantic dinner at home for Valentine’s Day? There’s nothing sweeter than a gift from the heart, and food definitely fits the bill. But if you’re not sure what to prepare, you may feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry – we have 28 easy and delicious Valentine’s Day recipes to make your dinner unforgettable. 28 Easy Valentine’s Day Recipes for a Romantic Dinner Valentine’s Day Food Ideas 1. Mini Heart Pizza Appetizers These mini pizzas are perfect little appetizers, and they’re so easy to make. We recommend buying ready-made pizza dough from your local grocery store to save time. You’ll need a heart-shaped cookie cutter to shape your pizzas (you can do this by hand or just make circular pizzas if you want). Just top with sauce and mozzarella, and pop them in the oven. 2. Strawberry Roses Impress your Valentine with these strawberry roses. All you need are some fresh strawberries and their tops – and maybe some impressive knife skills. 3. Roasted Heart Potatoes Who doesn’t love roasted potatoes? Put a Valentine’s Day twist on this classic recipe by using heart cookie cutters to shape your potatoes. They’re super-simple to make and loaded with flavor. Serve them as an appetizer or side dish. 4. Chocolate Covered Strawberries One of the most traditional Valentine’s Day recipes. Chocolate covered strawberries are easy to make. All you need are fresh strawberries and chocolate melts. Just melt the chocolate, dip the strawberries and let them cool on parchment paper. 5. Cherry Hand Pies These adorable and tasty cherry hand pies use pastry pie crusts and premade cherry pie filling to save time. The hardest part? Shaping the pies. Here’s our tip: use heart cookie cutters to get the perfect shape. 6. Marshmallow Pops These marshmallow pops take no time to make but they look so pretty – and taste great, too. All you need are some marshmallows (look for strawberry and vanilla flavored ones), sprinkles and melting chocolate (chocolate and vanilla). Just melt the chocolate and dip the marshmallows in the chocolate and sprinkles. 7. Mini Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes If you’re spending breakfast together, you can start the day off right with these heart-shaped Danish pastries. You need just a handful of ingredients: puff pastry sheets, chocolate, cocoa, cream cheese, sugar, strawberries and vanilla. This recipe will take a little more time, but it’s so easy and tastes delicious. Don’t forget to grab some heart cookie cutters to shape your pastries. Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipes 8. Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms These stuffed portobellos are perfect for a vegetarian meal or as a tasty side dish. Stuff portobello caps with fresh mozzarella and sweet cherry tomatoes, and then roast them in the oven. Top with a balsamic glaze drizzle and fresh basil. 9. Creamy Salmon Pasta This salmon pasta dish looks fancy, but it’s really easy to make. You’ll need salmon, butter, garlic, heavy cream, linguine pasta, lemon zest, spinach, capers and a little white wine (or chicken broth). This dish comes together in 40 minutes or less, making it perfect for your Valentine’s Day dinner. 10. Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Stuffed chicken breast is always an impressive dish, and this one has some gourmet flavors: brie, dried cranberries, onion, garlic, spinach and fresh spices. If you’re not a fan of brie, you can use a nice Camembert instead. 11. Garlic Butter Steak Bites These garlic steak bites can be served as an appetizer or the main dish. The garlic, oil and butter give these bites so much flavor. Top with freshly chopped parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes. 12. Champagne Chicken We love Valentine’s Day recipes like these because they’re so fancy but still so easy to make. This chicken is ready to serve in just 40 minutes and is cooked in a delicious, creamy champagne sauce. The mushrooms, sundried tomatoes and parmesan cheese add tons of flavor. Serve with some fresh vegetables and a side salad. 13. Beef Bourguignon for Two Another fancy dish that is deceptively easy to make. You can even prepare it the day before to make your dinner as stress-free as possible. While there are quite a few ingredients that go into this dish, it’s really simple to bring together. 14. Brown Butter Scallops with Parmesan Risotto Risotto can be tricky to make, so we recommend using good quality packaged risotto or swapping it for parmesan rice. If you’re feeling confident, make the risotto from scratch! Just be prepared to babysit it. The rest of the dish is a cinch to make. Valentine’s Day Dessert Recipes 15. Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies It doesn’t get much simpler than chocolate chip cookies for dessert. You can use premade cookie dough or follow the recipe to make your own (it’s worth it!). You’ll need heart-shaped cookie cutters and some heart sprinkles. 16. Valentine’s Day Crack This recipe puts a Valentine’s Day spin on the crack dessert recipe (named because of its addictiveness). It’s super easy to make and SO good. You’ll need saltine crackers, white almond bark, red candy melts, pink candy melts, brown sugar, butter and sprinkles. 17. Red Velvet Truffles Your Valentine will love these red velvet truffles, and you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen making them. You’ll need just a few ingredients: red velvet cake mix, cream cheese frosting, white chocolate, red candy melts and sprinkles. The great thing about this recipe is that there’s no baking involved. We recommend making these ahead of time because you do need to freeze the truffles before dipping them in the white chocolate. 18. Puff Pastry Hearts Valentine’s Day recipes like these are so fun to make, and they’re delicious, too. You’ll need larger heart cookie cutters to make these pastries. They’re a little messy but worth it. Use premade puff pastry and pick the freshest strawberries you can get your hands on. 19. Rice Krispy Hearts Rice Krispy treats are one of my favorites from childhood. You’ll need to buy some Rice Krispies, butter – tons of it – white candy melts, pink melts and marshmallows (mini ones work best). And while this recipe is simple, you will need heart shaped cookie cutters to get your treats into the perfect heart shapes. 20. Valentine’s Whoopie Pies Whoopie pies are delicious on their own, but this recipe is over the top. You’ll need a little under an hour for this recipe, so be sure that you have enough time. A lot of the ingredients are likely in your kitchen already, such as vanilla extract and eggs, but you will need some other items: Red gel food coloring Brown sugar Powdered sugar Cream cheese 21. Chocolate Dipped Brown Hearts You’ll need heart molds for this recipe, but they’re worth the investment. Add in your brownie mix or make your own mix if you don’t want to purchase the premade mix. Bake, cover with chocolate and add in heart sprinkles to celebrate your night together. Valentine’s Day Drink Ideas 22. Easy Sherbet Punch Three ingredients is all it takes to make this sherbet punch. You’ll need raspberry sherbet, Sprite and white grape and cherry juice. Add the sherbet into a bowl, pour in the liquids slowly and enjoy. 23. Cupid Floats Floats bring me back. Everyone used to love floats, especially in the summer, where I grew up. You can make this delicious float with cherry soda, vanilla ice cream and some red licorice. It’s a simple, delightful drink for Valentine’s Day. 24. Love Potion You’ll find a lot of Valentine’s Day recipes that are “love” potions, but this one is a must-try. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice, add in the vodka, cranberry juice, grenadine and orange juice. Shake it up and pour it into your glass. Next, cut your strawberries into heart shapes and place them on the rim of your cup. 25. Red Velvet Hot Chocolate Red velvet? Hot chocolate? Sign me up! This creamy drink is sure to fill the room with love. You need just 15 minutes to create this recipe, which doesn’t require any major tools but does need quite a few ingredients: Whole milk Whipped cream White candy melts Chocolate chips Heavy cream Vanilla extract 26. Lovebug Cocktail If you can mix four ingredients together, you can create this delectable drink. You’ll need some vodka, grenadine, lemon lime soda and cranberry juices. You can use these amazing martini glasses if you want to level up your presentation. 27. Cupid’s Potion Cupid would make this drink to help a couple fall in love – I’m sure of it. You’ll mix in strawberry soda, vanilla ice cream, heavy cream, whipped cream, sprinkles and can add in other goodies, such as gummies or white chocolate, if you like. 28. Strawberry and Champagne Margarita Margaritas are delicious, and this pink variety with champagne and strawberry takes just five minutes to make. You’ll need some lime juice, tequila, champagne, crystallized sugar, triple sec and strawberries. Final Thoughts Create a magical evening with these easy Valentine’s Day recipes for a romantic dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your significant other or planning a delightful meal for yourself, these recipes are sure to add a dash of love to your celebration.
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26 Romantic Valentine’s Day Gifts for Boyfriend
The best Valentine’s Day gifts for boyfriend are the ones that come from the heart. But finding a cute, romantic gift isn’t always easy – especially if your boyfriend already has everything he wants or needs. These 26 ideas will melt his heart and make your Valentine’s Day special. 26 Cute Romantic Valentine’s Day Gifts for Boyfriend 1. DIY Pop-Up Photo Box Creating a DIY pop-up photo box is a great way to show off those memories and remember all the great moments you’ve shared so far. For this gift, you need just a few supplies: a jewelry box, cardstock, ribbon and your photos. You may need to work some Photoshop wizardry to resize your photos, but it will be so worth the effort. The DIY Village has a great tutorial on how to make this gift. 2. A Year of Dates in a Box Here’s a gift that keeps on giving. Make up a plan for one fun date night a month and create a fun box full of those ideas. Don’t just list them on paper. Add items that go with the date. For example, if you’re planning a game night, wrap up a snack, a score card and a prize for the winner. The Babes Ruth has some awesome ideas for this gift if you need some inspiration. 3. 5 Senses Gift This classic Valentine’s Day gift never goes out of style. The idea is to give him five gifts – one for each sense: Sight: Sunglasses, an LED lamp or movie tickets Smell: Cologne, his favorite coffee or incense sticks Sound: Concert tickets, earbuds or an audiobook Taste: Edible massage oil, chocolate, or a snack he loves Touch: A soft blanket, silk boxers or a massage Wrap your gifts and present them in a romantic way. 4. A Jar of Love Here’s a really sweet Valentine’s Day gifts for boyfriend. Get four different colored memo note pads (3” x 3”), create four different categories of things related to your relationship, and write down things that relate to each category. For example: Blue would be “remember when,” and you’ll write down memories Pink would be “reasons why I love you,” and you’ll write down those reasons Yellow would be “quotes or lyrics” that remind you of him Teal would be “have to do this!” with fun date or bucket list ideas Fold up each piece of paper and add them all to a mason jar with a label that tells him what each color paper means. 5. Date Night in a Jar Instead of making a box of pre-planned dates, write down date ideas on popsicle sticks, mix them up and put them in a mason jar. Give the jar as a gift to him on Valentine’s Day. Whenever you have your date nights, you can pick an idea from the jar. 6. ‘Open When’ Gifts If you’re far apart on Valentine’s Day, send him a box of “open when” gifts. You can make the “open when” moments whatever you want. Open when you’re feeling down Open when it’s Valentine’s Day Open when you’re in a silly mood Get creative both with your moments and what you put inside each envelope. Involvery has some great ideas on what to put in your envelopes, but make sure your gifts are personal to your boyfriend. 7. A Watch A watch like this one from Amazon is a cute Valentine’s Day gift idea, but you can make it even more special by adding a little message, like “It’s time to tell you I love you.” Be cute and cheesy with your message and present his present in a nice gift box. 8. Custom Song Plaque Night Light Do you guys have a song? Gift him a custom plaque night light with a scannable Spotify code picture. You can even add your own photo to the plaque to make it really personalized. He can listen to your song whenever he wants, and he can use his new plaque as a lamp. 9. A Custom Video Print Places like Infinite Objects have created video prints, which are basically digital photo frames that play a video. Just upload your video, and they’ll print and frame the video and send it to your doorstep. 10. DIY Exploding Box It’s easier than you think to make your own exploding box. Glitter Adventure has a great tutorial on how to make this gift. Along with your favorite photos, you’ll need some craft paper and a few other basic office supplies. 11. What I Love About You A-Z We love sweet Valentine’s Day gifts for boyfriend like this one. It’s simple to make, but super thoughtful and romantic. Go through the alphabet – from A to Z – and write down something you love about him for each letter. Use a hole puncher to punch a hole in the corner of each piece of paper and put them all onto a keychain ring. 12. Naughty Coupons Adults will love these naughty coupons. You can make them out of pieces of paper, or you can buy the coupons online. You’ll then give him the coupons that he can “cash in” for whatever you write on the coupon. 13. Tacklebox of Goodies Are you “hooked on him?” Buy a tacklebox but instead of filling it with hooks, put a bunch of candy in it. You can even find “fish-shaped” candies to add. 14. Remember When Box A priceless gift that costs very little but your time to make. Create a “remember when” box using any old box that you have and fill it with small pieces of paper of the best memories of him that you have. 15. DIY Photo Lamp A Valentine’s Day gifts for boyfriend that will come as a shock is to make a lamp with your photo in it. You can do this easily with a few items from Amazon: wooden jar, remote controlled LED lights and a heart picture frame with you in the middle. 16. Memory Box Your story is just beginning, but why not put it together for him? You’ll need a wooden box and can add pictures you took together, favorite candies, movie tickets and anything else to make him think of your special memories together. 17. Sneakers with a Twist Does he love shoes as much as you do? You can buy him a pair of sneakers or shoes, and then on the box, write something sweet like in the Pin above. The saying “So lucky you walked into my life” will be enough to make him melt the moment he sees it. 18. Balloon, Pop, Surprise! You only need balloons and tiny gifts that you can place in them. Put small candies or other gifts that you can fit in them, blow them up and then ask him to pop them with a tack. It’s a fun, cute way to give a gift this Valentine’s Day. 19. Bag Filled With Favorites It really doesn’t get much easier than this. You’ll need: Brown paper bag Pink paper Black marker Glue You can then fill the bag with all of his favorite goodies, glue the pink paper to the bag and write on it with a marker. 20. I Wish I Could Turn Back Time Just look at this Pin – it’s adorable. You can recreate it or simply buy one online. The real “gift” is the saying and thoughtful words written on the paper in the box: “I wish I could turn back the clock. I’d find you sooner and love you longer.” 21. Nike Gift Basket Does the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts for boyfriend include Nike? Sporty guys love this brand, and you can add in Nike: Flip flops Boxers Socks And, feel free to add sweets or any other item he may like to the basket. 22. Missing Me Handprint If you’re going to be apart for a while, you can create a cute handprint for him to remember you by and smile. You can add cute text like in the Pin, telling him that you’re always there. Now, you’ll just need to add your handprint. You can do this by covering the inside of your hand with a marker and then placing it on a piece of paper. 23. Kisses When I’m Missing Teens will love this one because it’s an ultra-affordable gift that you can make in less than a minute. You’ll need to have a few items: Glass jar Hershey kisses Ribbon Paper Simply fill the jar with the kisses, tie a ribbon on it and put a cute saying on the paper. It’s really that simple. 24. Stud Muffins Is he your stud muffin? Bake him one of these treats or buy them from the store. You can choose any flavor he likes, such as: Blueberry Banana Chocolate 25. Chocolate Covered Strawberries “I love you berry much,” is such a cute phrase. You can make these delectable treats with just a few items: Strawberries Chocolate If you want to make these baseball-inspired treats, just pick white chocolate with red food coloring for the stripes. Simply melt the chocolate, dip the strawberries in and let them cool. 26. Ice Cream Sundae in a Box An ice cream sundae in a box is the perfect gift for someone with a sweet tooth. You can add anything you want to your box, but we recommend: Sprinkles Fudge Cherries Anything else you want But, you will need to give them the ice cream on ice because it will certainly melt otherwise.
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Romantic Valentine’s Day Decorations for Every Space in Your Home
Looking for romantic and fun ways to transform your home for Valentine’s Day? We have 25+ Valentine’s Day decorations ideas for every room of the house, from the kitchen to the bedroom and even outdoors. 25 Romantic Valentine’s Day Decorations for Every Space in Your Home Our mega-list of Valentine’s Day decorations will fill every space in your home with love and joy this year. Valentine’s Day Decor Ideas Need a few basic ideas for Valentine’s Day decor? Here are a few DIY projects to try. 1. Heart Branches Looking for a subtle but thoughtful way to decorate your home for Valentine’s Day? This idea will work in any home. Grab a pretty serving plate and add: A bowl of red fruit (apples are perfect) A decorative pitcher filled with heart branches A little wooden heart YouTuber Jessica Griffin has a fun tutorial for this display: 2. Paper Lanterns and Pink Checkered Bows How gorgeous is this fireplace? Even if you don’t have a fireplace, you can create a pretty Valentine’s Day garland with paper lanterns, paper pompoms and pink checkered bows. We love that she also added bows to other decor around her fireplace and on her mantle. The XOXO art is the icing on the cake. 3. A Basket of Flowers and Hearts This adorable basket of flowers and hearts is perfect for adding a touch of Valentine’s Day to your entryway, living room or wherever you please. Roc Paper Scissors has a fun tutorial on how to create this little hot air balloon. You’ll need just a few basic craft supplies: Poster board or cardstock Baker’s twine A pot for the plant Ribbon Floral foam Bamboo skewers Glue gun Follow her steps to make this cute heart-themed decoration. Valentine’s Day Bathroom Décor Why not get ready for the day with love surrounding you? These bathroom decor ideas will help you start off every day feeling like Cupid is ready to shoot you with his arrow. 4. Red and Pink Heart Decor This bathroom is all decked out for Valentine’s Day, but not in an over-the-top way. You can recreate this same look in your bathroom. Here’s what you’ll need: A heart-themed shower curtain A red bathroom mat set Valentine’s Day themed towels Other cute little red decor items that match your personality 5. Simple Valentine’s Day Bathroom You don’t have to go all-out when decorating your home for Valentine’s Day. It’s the little accents that make all the difference. In this bathroom, all they added was a cute decorative display in the corner and a red striped hand towel. We love the “you + me = love” sign and the hearts in the display basket. 6. Gnomes Valentine’s Day Changing your shower curtain is such a simple way to decorate for Valentine’s Day, and it transforms the entire room. The gnome theme is perfect for this holiday, and you can find so many adorable V-day shower curtains with gnomes online. Valentine’s Day Bedroom Décor Add a little bit of love to your bedroom with these simple, enticing decor ideas. 7. Heart Garland and Pillows Decorating your bedroom for Valentine’s Day can be as simple as changing your pillowcases and headboard decorations. String heart garland across your headboard and switch out your old pillowcases for ones with hearts. Add a few decorative pillows and red berry garland for the top of the headboard. 8. Red, White and Black Decor The red and black decor in this room really pops against the white and silver accents – perfect for Valentine’s Day. It’s so simple to recreate this look in your own home. Start with a red velvety throw blanket at the foot of the bed and add red and black throw pillows. Hang a few rose petal hearts from the mirrors (or walls if you don’t have mirrors) and finish with a bouquet of red flowers. Save the gifts and petals for the big day. 9. A String of Hearts Here’s a fun and simple idea for bedroom decor. Hang a string of heart garland on the wall above your bed and a few paper hearts from the ceiling. Add a heart throw blanket and some pretty pink throw pillows and voila! Valentine’s Day Front Door Décor Step into your home with love. These ideas will make your heart melt the moment you walk in the door. 10. Will You Be My Valentine? We adore the Valentine’s Day decorations in this front door entryway. Everything from the striped rug to the XOXO sign makes this space so fun and welcoming. The LOVE welcome sign and “Will You Be My Valentine?” decorations on the door are perfect. You can easily DIY a lot of this wall art. 11. Heart Door Hangers With door hangers like these, you’ll feel loved and welcome every time you come home. You can make your own door hangers, or you can hang heart wreaths from ribbon to decorate your front door. Either way, the neighbors will be impressed – and you’ll love coming home. 12. Pretty in Pink How adorable is this porch? They even reuse some of their Christmas decorations for this one. Hang heart garland around the door frame, add little heart ornaments to your greenery, hang a Valentine’s Day wreath on the door and finish with a heart-themed doormat. Valentine’s Day Outdoor Decor Outdoor decor allows you to step inside a home filled with love. And these ideas will make it easier for you to create this look. 13. Paper Heart Entry Paper hearts are attached to the string lights on the top left of the door. Add in your heart welcome mat and pots with hearts stemming up from them and you’ll complete this look. 14. Step Inside the Love House Create a beautiful space for your entry with lights around your doors, heart wreaths and flowerpots outside. You can even add in a little heart flag like they did in this Pin. 15. Swinging Love Swing the night away with Valentine’s Day decorations. If you have a porch swing, you just need to add a ton of pillows (this, this and this) work well, a heart blanket, lanterns and a cut throw rug. Valentine’s Day Table Décor Your table offers a wide-open space that you can fill with amazing Valentine’s Day decorations. Let’s take a look at a few ideas. 16. Set the Table of Love If you plan on having guests over, they’ll surely gasp when they see your table placements looking like this. You’ll need to buy quite a few items for this look: Heart-shaped placemats Red plates Red candles Middle flower arrangement 17. Pour Out the Roses A ceramic pitcher is at the core of this idea and is filled with roses. Real roses will add a beautiful fragrance to your space and make a huge difference here. Next, prop up a candy heart container and add a few fake rose petals around the pitcher to add to the look. 18. A Tray of Love Your simple dining room table can be transformed into a tray of love. You can use the neat, giant wooden tray that you see in this photo, but you can also nix that and just place the decorations on your table. For this idea, you’ll need: Rose heads Candles Vases Fake roses While the person who created this design used fake flowers, you can use real ones if you have the budget. Valentine’s Day Kitchen Décor You spend a lot of time in the kitchen – decorate it. Kitchens are the one area of the home that doesn’t get enough love, but these ideas will have you tossing and turning at night in anticipation of how great your kitchen can look. 19. Cabinet Mastery Cabinets take up a ton of kitchen space, yet they’re one of the areas that people neglect when decorating. You can take a page from this person’s book with awesome heart cutouts (like these ones) and add ribbons to hang them. A large, fake rose heart wreath will complete the look. 20. Simple Hearts Everywhere If some of these decor ideas are simply too much for you to handle, don’t worry – there are plenty of other ones. Add hearts galore to your fridge, the back of your chairs and even on your kitchen cabinets. 21. Country-Cozy Kitchen First off, can we all appreciate how quaint this kitchen looks? And with the Valentine’s Day theme, it’s even better. You’ll need a lot of decor items: curtains, towels, soap dispenser and just little accents like the hanging heart ribbons. Valentine’s Day Fireplace Decor Valentine’s Day decorations with fireplaces look so cozy. If you have a fireplace, you’ll love some of the decor ideas in store for you below. 22. Gnome Love “Be Mine” is hanging from the mantle and can be created with some cardboard and lettering. The rest, well. Just look at the adorable gnomes, “Love” car, signs and a picture of the two of you. 23. Red and White Everything Red and white ribbons are used extensively in this room. You’ll find plenty of ribbon options on Amazon: 16 rolls 18 rolls Add in some flower hearts and a floor lantern, and you have most of this look complete. 24. Postcard Perfect with Lanterns, Candles and More How are people this decor-savvy? You’ll need quite a few things to recreate this look: candles, floor lanterns, love sign and fake rose garland. I recommend that you use LED candles for this look because they’re much safer with no risk of fire. 25. Be Mine on the Mantle It’s impossible not to smile when you see this fireplace mantle. You’ll notice the cute picture frames with the “Be Mine” lettering. You can buy a pack of these and add the lettering yourself. And you’ll just need some red and white ribbon, heart pillows and to make a few cutouts with colored paper.
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26 Valentine’s Day Nail Ideas We’re Crushing On
Want to elevate your nail game this Valentine’s Day? We’ve got you covered. This year, it’s all about metallic, glossy, ombre and coquette manis – all of which are perfect for V-day. If you’re struggling to find the perfect look, here are 26 Valentine’s Day nail ideas we’re crushing on. 26 Valentine’s Day Nail Ideas We’re Crushing On 1. Metallic Pink and Painted Hearts How gorgeous is this pink metallic nail polish? We love the painted heart on the ring finger and the pretty light pink color she used for the base. If you haven’t mastered the art of painting hearts, use nail art stickers to recreate this look. 2. Ombre Hearts Ombre nails are on-trend this year. While this look uses pastel pinks, you can choose any shade of pink you like. Use nail art paint to draw the hearts and add the polka dots, or just use nail art stickers to finish this cute look. 3. Matte Red and Pink Hearts These velvety matte red and pink colors are perfect for Valentine’s Day. You’ll need some nail art paint to draw the hearts, but otherwise, this look is super simple to recreate at home or in the salon. 4. Glitter, Hearts and Strawberries Wow – there’s a lot going on here with this look, but we love it. It’s one of our fave Valentine’s Day nail ideas because of all the little details. If you’re not a fan of the strawberry or heart designs, you can skip them. The glittery ring finger will make this look pop. 5. XO & Hearts Are you a minimalist at heart? You’ll love this idea. It’s super simple and still perfect for V-day without being over the top. Choose a matte pink color you like and use nail art paint to draw an “X” “O” and heart – or you can cheat and use fun stickers instead. 6. Metallic Red and White Hearts These nails are so gorgeous. We love the metallic red color, and the little white hearts make this look perfect for Valentine’s Day. Even after Valentine’s Day is over, this look will still be cute. 7. V-Day Kisses If you want something simple and cute for Valentine’s Day, this look is it. Find a pretty light pink color that you love and add lip nail stickers. 8. Rounded French Tip Manicure with Hearts Here’s an elegant look that’s still fun for Valentine’s Day. Get a rounded French manicure with red tips, and for your ring finger, add a string of hearts. Draw a simple line down the middle and add heart stickers or paint the hearts on. 9. A String of Hearts You’ll be the queen of hearts with these nails. Choose a hot red color for your thumb and pinkie nails. Use a simple cream color as the base for your nail art and put your painting skills to the test. Or save yourself the headache, bring this look to the salon! 10. Heart Clouds and Glitter We love the mix of matte and glitter here. Choose a shimmery shade of pink that complements your complexion and a matte pink color that goes with it. You can have your nail artist airbrush the white hearts, or you can use stickers if you’re doing your own nails. 11. Pink and White V-Tips Rounded V-tips are one of the trendiest Valentine’s Day nail ideas. For this look, you’ll need two shades of pink and your favorite white nail polish. For the glittery accent, you can use a nail sticker if you’re doing this look at home. 12. Pink and Red French Manicure This pretty look has a different design for each nail, but it all fits together so well. Use the same pastel pink and red colors for your manicured tips and hearts to create a cohesive design that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. 13. Swirls and Polka Dots These nails look like candy. The red, white and pink swirls and polka dots are fitting for Valentine’s Day, but you can still rock this look after the holiday. If you’re doing this look at home, you can find nail stickers and stencils for the swirl and polka dot designs. The base color is a simple, nude nail color. 14. Pink Hearts and Stars This look is all about the glimmer. The shimmery red base color is gorgeous and fitting for Valentine’s Day. The heart and star designs pull the whole look together, making it perfect for the office, a night out or wherever you’re celebrating this day. You can paint on the heart and stars, but we recommend using stickers to save yourself the headache. 15. Sparkle Heaven Are you upset about the lack of sparkles on the list? Well, here is one for you. The main colors are a very light pink and a deep red, sparkle-based nail polish. Veronni offers a bright, sparkly red nail polish that will work perfectly for this design. You can also add a heart sticker like in the Pin. If you can, freehand the heart. Otherwise, these nail stickers have tons of heart designs to choose from. 16. Pink Nails + Heart Chaos If you’re a fan of Barbie, you’re going to love this nail design. You’ll need pink for your nails and an array of darker shades of pink and red. Normally, I would recommend nail stickers to recreate a look like this, but I’m 99% sure that the person took the DIY approach. A thin brush set and steady hands are required! Start with creating the main two hearts in the middle of the design and work your way closer to the cuticle. 17. Stylish Gel Nail Polish Design You can spend $50 to have this done in a salon, or you can put your own nail design skills to the test. You’ll need gel nail polish, and this 36-piece set is less than $1 per bottle and includes colors for all occasions. Paint on little hearts with a thin brush and your nails will be on point on Valentine’s Day. 18. Lip Excitement Valentine’s Day nail ideas like this one are exciting because they’re easy to recreate using a simple sticker set and some tips. You’ll want to use tips like these and stickers for the lips. And, of course, some red and pink nail polish. 19. Tic Tac Toe Thumb Art If you’re short on time, you’ll love this nail design. Why? It looks so professional, yet you can easily recreate it with some stickers. We couldn’t find an exact match, but this set has something very similar. 20. Cupid Nail Designs Unless you’re a world-renowned artist, you’re going to need to use stickers for these designs. Baby cupids, shooting their arrow and spreading love are hard to recreate. Amazon has cupid stickers, like this one and this one. 21. Tic Tac Toe Love Whew, a lot is going on here, but it’s really all about the stickers, isn’t it? You’ll find the artist uses multiple heart patterns (like this and this), but what really stands out to me is the tic tac toe pattern like this one. If you’re really enthusiastic, you can try painting on the tic-tac-toe board yourself. 22. Pink and Red Shooting Hearts If you have a basic pink and red nail polish, you can recreate this look. The hardest part? Making the “shooting hearts” is going to require a steady hand and some very fine liner brushes. You can find a nice set of brushes between 5mm and 20mm thin for very cheap online. 23. LOVE Nail Art One of the higher-end Valentine’s Day nail ideas is this amazing one from @lizzy_naildesigns. I recommend going to a nail salon, but if you’re tempted to DIY it, you’ll need nail tips, deep red nail polish, pink nail polish and white to write “LOVE.” The “V” adds a special touch, and this sticker will do the trick. 24. Hearts and XOXO Red and white nail polish is all you’ll need for this look, but you will need a touch of black for the XOXOs. Stickers work great for the lips, and the XOXO looks like it was hand-painted. You can use this sticker pack for the lips and XOXO if you don’t want to paint them on yourself. 25. Matte-colored Lip Art Pink and clear coats are a top choice for Valentine’s Day, but this artist added black, too. One key addition to this idea is that instead of hearts, the person added white, black, pink and red lips to their nails. You can use these adhesives or draw them yourself. 26. Pink, Red and Clear Nails with Hearts Simple yet cute, you can easily mimic this style. You’ll need a lot of the basic colors mentioned already: red and pink. The artists used clear gel nail polish, and if you have thin nails, this one on Amazon works really well. All you’ll need to complete this look are nail hearts. You can use this package for matte colors, but if you want something more exotic, you’ll love these sequin hearts.
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15 Inspiring Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas To Make Your Guests Feel Special
Creating a Special Day Imagine the wonderful feeling of walking into your family member’s dining room, and seeing the most beautiful and festive table that commemorates the holiday everyone is being gathered to celebrate. Seeing the attention to detail and knowing how much work they put into making this a special day – it will put into perspective how much this host cares about every single person in attendance. With a special day like Thanksgiving, it is more important than ever to show guests how much they mean to you. This entire list is filled with Thanksgiving table setting ideas that will bring joy and long lasting memories, just like the beautiful and festive dining table mentioned above. 15 Inspiring Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas table-settings Facebook Pinterest 1. Remembered and Special Seeing that a host has already gone the extra length to create and place name cards on the table shows just how much they truly care about the night. Seeing your name beautifully spelled out on a gorgeous leaf name card like this creates a sense of happiness – while also taking away the obstacle of finding a good place to sit at the table. Now your stress of finding a seat can melt away and you can focus on what truly matters: all those you are surrounded by. 2. A Blessed Meal This is a stunning tablescape that boasts matching color elements. This effort tells guests the host went out of their way to make a very aesthetic dining table. What pushes this table past all expectations is the carefully placed cutout signs on each guest’s plate. The extra step is what creates the special moment. In your own home, take a chance and make each plate a different word that you think is synonymous with Thanksgiving, or take the idea from this photo – either way you decide, guests will never forget this fantastic meal! 3. What Are You Grateful For? Breaking the ice, whether it’s family or friends, is a great idea for any dinner party. Sometimes it is easy to stay in your shell, even if you know every person in the room – so let’s change that! Getting the ball rolling will be a no brainer with this fun and easy exercise of going around the table and getting answers for who is grateful for what. The fun or serious memories of this can help Thanksgiving be that much more memorable. Besides, who doesn’t love the color scheme and look of this printable game?! Related: 20 Stylish Thanksgiving Table Runners 4. Bringing the Guests Closer If you’re still looking for a fabulous conversation starter, try this idea! This customized conversation starter will guide the night’s dialogue by bringing up fun memories, sharing unique facts and asking interesting questions you never before would have thought to ask. These printable dinner plate cards will make this Thanksgiving a breeze! The entire table will be fully engaged when they sit down and see this beautiful and fun game in a festive leaf shape! 5. Pre-Food Festivities If your friends and family are the creative type, this is going to be the most amazing addition to your Thanksgiving (you can thank us later). A unique take that probably none of your guests have seen previously with other Thanksgiving table setting ideas – this coloring setup is going to be a great way to waste some time as the turkey cooks and the bread rises. Print out Thanksgiving coloring book pages and have the guests circle around and color the Thanksgiving decals. While this will be a great time among the adults, this is friendly for all ages and will be a great addition to any kids table you may have as well! 6. Going the Extra Mile This idea is an easy way to show those in your life how special they are to you with a simple gesture. This year, let’s tell our family and friends how important they are in our lives with these napkin tag wraps! Rolling up napkins, creating a beautiful tag and finishing it off with twine is the perfect way to sneak in extra touches that make each guest feel important. If you’d like to step it up a notch, try tying some fresh, in season herbs or a small bag of treats to the cutlery as well! 7. Showing Kindness in Small Ways It can be slightly frustrating being in the middle of a great conversation to then look down and try to decipher which wine glass was yours in the sea of glasses. Take away the burden from your guests of having to be vigilant and attentive to their glasses, by placing these wonderfully festive name tags on the base of each wine glass. This is an extremely courteous gesture that elevates the night – while making less dishes for you later on! Now, everyone can focus on conversation and not their glass! 8. The Kid’s Table Memorable Thanksgiving table setting ideas don’t just happen at the adult table, they happen at the kid’s table as well. Setting the bar high to decorate the tots’ table will go down in infamy – but they don’t have to know how simple the task can be! The personalized notes on the straws, as well as the name cards will make each child feel appreciated for this happy holiday. Each child’s plate should have a pencil and game as well, just as the adults do, so they can also share what they are grateful for if their age permits! Related: 20 Mouthwatering Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas To Make This Year 9. The Way to a Guest’s Heart Sometimes, the best way to make people feel special is to have them feel included. The simple act really hits home with guests. That is why this is a great way to elevate your Thanksgiving table by adding a game or two this year. Whether it is Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving, the goal is all the same – to make your guests feel at home and important. Giving those closest to you a happy time is a gift that keeps giving, so bring the table together this year! Try it before dessert if the conversation starts to wind down. Bonus points for laminating and getting a dry erase marker! 10. Heartwarming Moments When a person thinks about what they are grateful for, there can never be hate coming from within them. Remembering wonderful times keeps the moments friendly. Continue these feelings with this table exercise. Whether guests want to share their answers or not – this is an activity that brings peace and happiness to people’s hearts. Guests will leave the night, ready to go home, all with a smile on their face from the kindness this game brought them as well as how special you made the night. 11. Showing Kindness This is a very chic way to let guests understand just how much they mean to you. This customized note and festive pumpkin express how you truly are blessed to have each table member in your life. All year long, the people closest to you are your anchor to happiness and will never let you stray too far from what is best for you. On top of it all, these kind souls are always a phone call away, always there to listen and always be by your side. Make them feel important from the bottom of your heart with these Thanksgiving table setting ideas. 12. An Activity for the Books Bingo! You’ve found the perfect table activity for your Thanksgiving dinner party. Winning this could be better than getting the turkey’s wishbone, because the entire table will be invested on who is going to win. This game also discloses fun details you might have never known about a person you’ve known your whole life! The prize? The first in line at the turkey carving station. 13. A Tag of Kindness Attach these cards to drinking glasses, napkin holders or chair backs to emphasize how much you care about each person that is taking a seat at your table this season. As a host, there can be an overflow of Thanksgiving table setting ideas to choose from, but out of all of the options, these are an effective way to simply show guests the meaning of their presence and how much you care about each table member! 14. A Special Touch Who knew forks and knives could be such a focal point? With this idea, utilizing everything on the table is going to be the key to successfully pulling off one of the best Thanksgiving dinners any of you friends and family have been to. It’s not common to attend a dinner party and see your name waiting for you at the table. This easily warms hearts and heightens the atmosphere. This extra touch will be a picture perfect addition to your beautiful Thanksgiving table setting. 15. Pass the Pumpkin Could this be the newest tradition for your family’s Thanksgiving? As we know, this special holiday calls for bringing family and friends together – will this be your newest addition to the festivities? This entertaining activity of passing a pumpkin down the table for all to write their happiest memories and most grateful moments down is going to be hard one to beat. The best part? The pumpkin will be an heirloom of the night. The table will transform an everyday pumpkin into the most prized possession of the night. Related: 15 Insanely Fun and Healthy Edible Thanksgiving Centerpieces 16. Boho Chic Thanksgiving This boho chic table setting blends earthy tones, textured linens, and natural elements to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Dried florals, soft candlelight, and artisanal tableware will turn your feast into a stylish and unforgettable celebration. The best part? Your table will feel effortlessly elegant, making every guest feel at home. 17. Bursts of Blue This special holiday is all about gathering with loved ones—will these serene blue accents and crisp white pumpkins be your newest tradition? The combination of soft hues, delicate candlelight, and timeless decor creates a setting that feels both cozy and sophisticated. The best part? Your table will become a stunning centerpiece, turning a simple meal into a cherished memory. A Table of Important Guests There are many routes for reminding your loved ones how much you love them this Thanksgiving season. It is a time for reflection and taking time to think about the year that is to come, the year that has nearly gone by, and those who have been by your side in the midst of all of it. Remaining grateful for friends and family is at the heart of this holiday. That is why adding any of these Thanksgiving table setting ideas will make each and every one of your invited guests feel extremely special and loved. These simple additions are easy, but effective in touching each guest’s heart and spreading cheer across friends and family!
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22 Delicious Friendsgiving Food Ideas for Your Party This Year
Friendsgiving Food Ideas We Love The Most What makes for a great Friendsgiving party? Is it the food, location, or unparalleled company? Or is it a combination of all three? While we can’t help with the last two, we certainly can create a killer Friendsgiving food ideas list to help you plan, prep, and make an unforgettable culinary experience for everyone. Get a notepad and a serviette handy (you might drool while going through the list!), and let’s start planning a fantastic Friendsgiving party! Friendsgiving Appetizers 1. Boozy Cherry Log The cherry cheese log can work perfectly as a dessert or appetizer. This delicious cheese roll perfectly combines sweet and a little naughty. The rum helps to balance out the sweetness of the cherries and vanilla extract. The log goes excellent with Carr’s water crackers for appetizers and graham crackers for dessert. 2. Sausage Cranberry Brie Bites Serving Sausage, Cranberry, and Brie bites at your Friendsgiving party will be sure to add some flavourful notes to your party. The pairing of the salty sausage and brie, mixed with the sweetness of the cranberry, creates a wonderfully varied appetizer, sure to satisfy even your most demanding foodie friend. This great little appetizer is quick to make and will be a great addition to your food table. Related: 20 Insanely Stylish Thanksgiving Paper Plates 3. Lasagna Stuffed Mushrooms The lasagna stuffed mushrooms are a fun Italian appetizer that can easily be added to your Friendsgiving party list. It helps to give your Friendsgiving a non-traditional feel, allowing a less strict event that you and your friends can enjoy. The lasagne filling helps keep the mushroom from feeling like a bland appetizer. It also ensures that the mushroom does not taste overpowering for those who want a more subtle taste. 4. Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip Pairing the pumpkin-whipped feta with walnuts, fresh thyme, and honey makes this dip a culinary experience. This dip can be an excellent addition to your crunchy crudité board made of fresh vegetables. It can also be served with crackers or toasted bread. I like making dips with blenders like this Ninja blender from Amazon, which makes this a lot easier, and the texture you get is much smoother and fun to eat. 5. Spicy Tuna and Avocado Cucumber Sushi Bites Sushi is always a favorite, and including the spicy tuna and avocado cucumber sushi bites at your party table will be no different. This recipe is truly versatile and offers different spice combinations. You can even make two or three different variations for your party if you want to, enabling you to serve a very spicey or less so option. This appetizer is really quick and easy to make, all you need is to toss the tuna with a mixture of soy sauce (I like this Kikkoman – great taste), sriracha (this is a good option from Amazon), mirin (get it here), green onions, sesame oil (get this #1 Best Seller) and sesame seeds and place on the cumber slices and avocado and enjoy! Related: 20 Insanely Good Pumpkin Dessert Recipes We Absolutely Love 6. Crudité Board The crudité board is a welcome addition to your Friendsgiving party. As a variation of the popular charcuterie board, the crudité board is made of only raw elements, like fruits, vegetables, and nuts. You can add raw meats like smoked salmon or jerky to make it even more enjoyable. Add a variety of dips to keep it appealing. 7. Grilled Tuscan Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp Just like its name, this appetizer is quite a mouthful. The grilled Tuscan prosciutto-wrapped shrimp is a mouth-watering appetizer that can be made on the grill or pan-fried. It can also be made in an air fryer for a less fatty option. The recipe also gives instructions on making a Calabrian chili aioli sauce. Still, you can use creamy Italian sauce if you prefer a sauce with less bite. Related: 15 Insanely Fun and Healthy Edible Thanksgiving Centerpieces Friendsgiving Mains / Side Dishes 8. Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken This air fryer rotisserie chicken recipe makes for a deliciously crispy chicken with juicy meat. With a prep time of only 5 minutes, this recipe will ensure that your hands are free to start with other dishes while the chicken cooks on its own in the air fryer. Ideally based and expertly spiced, this chicken will be a winner at any party. Related: 17 Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes That Everyone Will Love 9. The Best Stuffing A classic but dependable option is always the stuffing. This stuffing is a fan favorite; made from scratch; it is perfected with the best combination of herbs and vegetables. The chicken broth is perfectly seasoned to add extra goodness to the whole dish. An excellent baking dish for this recipe would be OXO’s baking dish which is also #1 Best Seller on Amazon – It’s made from strong, borosilicate glass that allows you to use it in the oven and it comes with a lid so you can easily store it in the fridge later. It’s definitely one of the most useful baking dishes I bought! 10. Apricot Glazed Bacon Wrapped Cajun Pork Tenderloin This sweet and salty recipe combines all the necessary ingredients to ensure a delightfully varied palette experience. The apricot glazed bacon-wrapped Cajun pork tenderloin is an easy and quick recipe, making it worth a mention on the Friendsgiving food ideas list. 11. Roasted Butternut Squash With Goat Cheese And Pomegranates The roasted butternut squash with goat cheese and pomegranates is a wonderful dish that is varied in flavor and texture. This great dish is not only simple to make, but it is healthy and gluten-free too! 12. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans The garlic parmesan roasted green beans are a sublime side dish. Tender on the inside but crispy on the outside, the roasted green beans make for a satisfyingly textured mouthful with every bite. The dish not only stimulates the taste buds but also creates a visual distraction with the roasted golden green colors. 13. Twice Baked Potato Casserole The twice-baked potato casserole is another traditional dish that can quickly edge onto the Friendsgiving party list due to the sheer, creamy flavor satisfaction it creates. This fantastic dish is decadent and can be addictive, so use the recipe with great care! The twice-baked potato casserole is a variation of the regular twice-baked potatoes, just a lot easier to make. 14. Jalapeño Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits This great recipe will give you amazingly soft fluffy jalapeño cheddar buttermilk biscuits, filled with incredible cheezy flavors with the added bite of the jalapeño peppers. It is always a bit more labor intensive when you need to make your biscuits from scratch, but the taste explosion, when done, will be well worth it. 15. Maple-Herb Roasted Turkey Legs The delectable maple-herb roasted turkey legs recipe is perfect to have some deliciously juicy turkey still. It might not feel like it is genuinely part of the season without some turkey, but it isn’t necessary to make the full one. Prep time is a quick ten minutes; your oven does most of the heavy lifting on this recipe. Get #1 Amazon Best Seller maple syrup for this recipe from here. 16. Brussels Sprout Mushroom Pizza with Crispy Prosciutto and Sage The brussel sprout mushroom pizza is another other than an average dish to be served at your Friendsgiving party. Sure to delight your pizza-loving friends, this pizza has been created with a fall season in mind. The sweet and salty combination will win you some praise for your culinary skills. 17. Stuffed Mini Pumpkins This is definitely a mouthwatering recipe! It just looks so good! These cute pumpkins are stuffed with wild rice and a mix of fall vegetables, pecans, and cranberries. Easy to make and looks amazing, this recipe can perfectly work as a vegetarian dish or with any stuffed meat to add more flavors. Friendsgiving Desserts 18. Amazing Pumpkin Cakes These mini pumpkin cakes are amazing. Delicious, delightful, and filled with favorite fall spices, and cream cheese frosting – they just look amazing. Make sure to save this recipe that your guests will love! 19. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Streusel Muffins Not to be left off the list is the pumpkin cream cheese streusel muffins (we do need some pumpkin, after all!) The muffins are not easy to make, with extra steps to create a perfectly balanced culinary experience. One might want to have it more frequently if it was any easier! In the end, it might not be such bad that they are more complicated to make than standard muffins, as they are seriously addictive. 20. Fall Acorn Oreo Balls The fall acorn oreo balls are an adorable dessert but don’t worry; they don’t contain actual acorns; they are only shaped like them to add some extra festivity to your party. Like most worthwhile things, making these oreo balls will take about two hours. The oreo balls also have to be refrigerated, so ensure that this will not be a dessert you can prepare once your guests have already arrived. 21. Mini Pie Charcuterie Recipe Round-Up The mini pie charcuterie recipe round-up is another fun addition to the Friendsgiving food ideas list. The board can be made up of any mini pies that you and your friends prefer; consider having at least three to four types of mini pies available, giving your friends a choice from a variety of bite-size goodness. 22. Mississippi Mud Cake Last but not least on the list is the Mississippi mud cake. A genuinely decadent cake made with marshmallow and chocolate-y goodness. Not necessarily a dessert specifically made for Thanksgiving, this treat still deserves mention due to its unparalleled deliciousness. Frequently Asked Questions Does a Friendsgiving party have to be traditional? As shown in this list, you do not need to keep things formal and traditional if you don’t want to. A Friendsgiving party is a great place to experiment with new and fun recipes and decor! That being said, you can also keep it traditional and formal if you want to. Do I have to prepare all the food myself? No, just like a typical Thanksgiving, it is perfectly acceptable to ask each guest to bring a dish of their own. It might be easier if the host provides what type of dish each person has to get, ensuring that everyone does not show up with an appetizer and no other food. Final Thoughts A Friendsgiving party is a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving with some friends. Let’s face it, spending time with loved ones is a big part of Thanksgiving. A great way to accomplish that you see all the people you love, not just family, is with a Friendsgiving party. Good food and company are a big part of a great party, and it is therefore vital that your Friendsgiving food ideas are of excellent quality.
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37+ Mouthwatering Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas To Make This Year
Best Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas Dinner may be the star of the show at Thanksgiving, but many of us secretly look forward to the appetizers the most. There’s something about those little bite-sized finger foods that we can’t get enough of. If you’re stumped on what to serve your guests this year, we’ve rounded up 37+ mouthwatering Thanksgiving appetizer ideas that everyone will love. 37+ Mouthwatering Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas to Make This Year 1. Cranberry Brie Bites These cranberry brie bites are delicious and almost too pretty to eat. While they may look complicated, it takes just 20 minutes to make these bites. The ingredients are simple – puff pastry, cranberry sauce, brie and a little fresh thyme for color. 2. Caramelized Onion, Mushroom, Apple & Gruyere Bites These tart bites are sweet and savory. Mushrooms, apples, chives and thyme pair well on top of flaky puff pastries. These take about an hour to cook, but you can make them ahead of time to make your Thanksgiving a little less hectic. And if you want to add a splash of color, try garnishing with chives or pomegranate arils. 3. Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball This recipe puts a spin on the classic cheeseball by shaping it into a festive pumpkin. The ranch-style cheese filling is delicious, and it’s so easy to make. Save the top from your red pepper to make the stem of your cheese pumpkin. Serve with crackers and fresh veggies. 4. Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Mushrooms Looking for spicy Thanksgiving appetizer ideas? These jalapeno popper stuffed mushrooms will knock your guests’ socks off, and they’re so easy to make. Stuff baby Bella mushrooms with bacon, jalapenos and a creamy cheese sauce. This is one appetizer that won’t last long. Tip: If you want to cut down on the spiciness, remove the seeds from the jalapenos. Wear gloves when working with these spicy peppers to protect your fingers and eyes. 5. Pomegranate Goat Cheese Bites Here’s an appetizer that’s easy to put together and delicious. Fill bite-sized phyllo shells with your favorite goat cheese and top with pomegranate arils, honey and fresh thyme sprigs. The red and green colors are feasts for the eyes, and the presentation is sure to impress your guests. If you don’t like goat cheese, try whipped feta or even Gournay cheese. 6. Turkey Veggie Tray Here’s a healthy appetizer that’s both mouthwatering and festive. Create your own turkey out of veggies, with layers of cucumber, carrots, red and yellow peppers, broccoli, snap peas and a bowl of veggie dip. This appetizer will be the talk of the table and encourage your guests to snack on something healthy before the big dinner. Feel free to use any veggies you want for this platter, and don’t forget to add the turkey face (made from the bottom of a red pepper) to bring the whole thing together. Related: 15 Insanely Fun and Healthy Edible Thanksgiving Centerpieces 7. Bloomin’ Onion Bread Want something savory and share-worthy? Try this bloomin’ onion bread. It has everything you could want in an appetizer – springy sourdough bread, melty Monterey jack cheese, savory garlic and butter. Best of all, it’s cut in a way that makes it easy to pull each little piece out. Double or triple the recipe if you want any leftovers for yourself! 8. Smoked Gouda and Apple Crostini with Honey These crostini are a little sweet and a little savory. Small slices of baguette are topped with slices of honey crisp apple, smoked gouda cheese, drizzles of honey and fresh sprigs of thyme. It’s the perfect vegetarian appetizer, but all of your guests are sure to love it. Choose good-quality smoked gouda for this recipe – it’s worth the extra cost. 9. Mushroom Bruschetta with Thyme and Gruyere Cheese You can never go wrong with bruschetta as an appetizer, but this recipe puts a spin on this tomato-based classic. This recipe pairs mushrooms with gruyere cheese, a dash of red pepper, fresh thyme and shallots. Top with some fresh herbs or even sprouts for a pop of green color. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can still use tomatoes, which would pair well with all of the other ingredients in this recipe. 10. “Pumpkin Pie” Cheese and Crackers We love fun Thanksgiving appetizer ideas, and these “pumpkin pie” cheese and crackers definitely fit the bill. These cheese and cracker appetizers are made to look just like adorable slices of pumpkin pie. Triangle-shaped Triscuits are the perfect base for your “pies.” Cut your cheese into triangle-shaped slices and use a rectangular cracker for the “crust.” Cream cheese keeps all of the pieces together and adds some extra flavor to these adorable apps. 11. Avocado Cucumber Shrimp Appetizers Surprise and delight your guests with something different from the usual Thanksgiving foods. Top a crisp slice of cucumber with creamy avocado and Cajun shrimp. These apps are loaded with flavor and just the perfect size for a single bite. And at just 49 calories per slice, your guests don’t have to feel guilty about indulging a little. If you have vegetarian or vegan guests, try making half with vegan shrimp. Related: 20 Best Keto Thanksgiving Recipes 12. Charcuterie Cups Everyone loves a good charcuterie board, but they take up a lot of space on the table. This recipe pares down the board to single-serve cups filled with everything you love, from charcuterie boards. You can add anything you want, but this recipe uses: Almonds Cheese twists Crackers Salami Brie cheese Grapes and blackberries Olives Sprig of mint Presentation is everything with this app, and Family Fresh Meals has a great tutorial on how to put it all together. 13. Pesto Zucchini Rosettes These rosettes look beautiful on a plate, but they’re every bit as delicious as they are beautiful. Gournay cheese, pesto, fresh zucchini, puff pastry and a hint of balsamic make this an indulgent appetizer that everyone will love. While they look complicated, it’s easier than you think to make zucchini rosettes. Just roll up thin slices of green and yellow squash to make a quick and simple rosette. 14. Sweet Potato Casserole Bites We love Thanksgiving appetizer ideas like these because they are easy and delicious. If you love sweet potato casserole (who doesn’t?), then you’ll love these little bites. They only require a few simple ingredients – butter, sweet potatoes, vanilla extract, cane sugar and some pecans. If you really want to kick it up a notch, add mini marshmallows or use spiced butter. 15. Spinach Artichoke Wontons It’s hard to pass up crispy wontons, especially when they’re filled with spinach artichoke dip. Guests will love these apps, and they’re so easy to make. Serve a simple, fresh tomato and parsley salsa on the side, or top the wontons with the tomato mixture. These little wontons are so good that you can’t just have one. 16. Broccoli Cheese Balls If you’re looking for cheesy, savory Thanksgiving appetizer ideas, these broccoli cheese balls are the perfect addition to your table. This recipe calls for Velveeta, but a creamy smoked gouda or aged fine cheddar would also work well. Use a food processor to make the broccoli florets easier to incorporate into the cheesy mix. 17. Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Dijon Sauce When you think of Thanksgiving appetizers, Brussels sprouts are probably the last thing that comes to mind. But when roasted (or air fried) and paired with this mouthwatering Dijon sauce, this app will quickly become everyone’s favorite. They’re surprisingly easy to make and a healthy treat for your guests. 18. Easy Antipasto Skewers If you want a simple Thanksgiving app, then look no further than these antipasto skewers. They’re quick and easy to make in a pinch, but they never disappoint. This recipe adds fresh tortellini to each skewer for a little twist and a nice surprise for your guests. Of course, you can feel free to add whatever antipasto foods you love, but this recipe calls for olives, salami, mozzarella, bell pepper, basil and fresh tortellini bites. 19. Apple Cheddar Pinwheels Apple slices and cheddar cheese are the perfect pair in this pinwheels recipe. Save time by using crescent roll dough sheets. Pair your favorite cheddar cheese with chopped apples and onions for a simple yet delicious appetizer. Top with parsley if you want to add some color to your pinwheels. Stick with sweet apple varieties, like honey crisp or pink lady. Granny smith may be a bit too tart for this combo. Related: 17 Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes That Everyone Will Love 20. Addictive Crab Dip Dips are always a go-to for appetizers, and this crab dip will have everyone coming back for more. Rich and creamy, it’s the perfect pair for thick crostini. It’s easy to make, too. Mix canned crabmeat with mayo, cream cheese, white cheddar, garlic and green onion. This is a dip that you can make a day ahead to save time on Thanksgiving Day. 21. Parmesan Potato Stacks Parmesan Potato Stacks are a visually appealing side dish featuring thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes layered with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs, then baked until crispy on the edges and tender inside. The preparation involves tossing the potato slices in a mixture of melted butter, garlic, and parmesan cheese before stacking them in a greased muffin tin for even cooking. After baking, they are garnished with flaky sea salt and fresh thyme for an elegant finish that complements various main dishes. Perfect Thanksgiving appetizer! 22. Mini Cheese Ball Bites with Little Pretzel Stick Handles These Mini Cheese Ball Bites are an absolute game-changer for Thanksgiving appetizers! I love how easy they are to whip up—just mix cream cheese, cheddar, and a few seasonings, roll them into balls, and coat them with toppings like nuts or bacon. Plus, sticking a pretzel in each one makes them super fun to grab and eat while mingling with family and friends! 23. Caramelized Onion Crostini with Fig Jam and Blue Cheese These Caramelized Onion Crostini are a must-try for Thanksgiving appetizers! I love how the sweet, jammy onions pair perfectly with fig jam and tangy blue cheese on crispy baguette slices—it’s like a flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so I can whip them up quickly and impress my guests without spending all day in the kitchen! 24. Artichoke Tart Soleil These Tarte au Soleil are such a fun and impressive appetizer idea for Thanksgiving! I love how easy they are to make with just puff pastry and pesto—plus, they look like a beautiful sun when baked. Guests can just twist off the “rays” for a tasty bite, making them perfect for mingling and snacking during the holiday festivities! 25. Make-Ahead Bacon Wrapped Green Beans These make-ahead bacon wrapped green beans are a total crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving! I love how I can prep them a day in advance—just wrap the blanched green beans in smoky bacon, secure them with toothpicks, and sprinkle with brown sugar and rosemary. When it’s time to eat, I pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes, and the aroma fills the house, making everyone eager to dig in! 26. Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites These parmesan crusted tortellini bites are an amazing addition to my Thanksgiving appetizer spread! I love how easy they are to make—just toss cooked tortellini in a mix of breadcrumbs and parmesan, then bake until golden and crispy. They’re perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, and my guests always go crazy for them! 27. Korean Baked Cauliflower Bites These Korean baked cauliflower bites are a fantastic, healthier twist on classic appetizers for Thanksgiving! I love how the crispy, golden-brown florets are coated in a sweet and spicy sticky sauce that packs a punch, making them super addictive. They’re not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in some veggies, and I can’t wait to see my guests gobbling them up! 28. Cheesy Mushroom Tarts These mushroom tarts are a delicious and elegant appetizer idea for Thanksgiving! I love how easy they are to make with sautéed mushrooms, shallots, and Gruyere cheese all nestled in flaky puff pastry. They come out golden and crispy, making them perfect for impressing my guests while adding a cozy, gourmet touch to the holiday spread! 29. Cheesy Mini Corn Muffin with Bacon These bacon corn muffins are an awesome idea for a Thanksgiving appetizer that everyone will love! I can’t get enough of how fluffy and savory they are, packed with crispy bacon and sweet corn, making them the perfect bite-sized treat. Plus, they’re super easy to make ahead of time, so I can focus on the main meal while still impressing my guests with something delicious! 30. Caprese Bites Caprese skewers are such a fresh and colorful addition to my Thanksgiving appetizer lineup! I love how easy they are to assemble—just thread cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella balls onto skewers and drizzle with balsamic glaze for that extra flavor kick. They look beautiful on the table and are perfect for guests to grab and enjoy while mingling! 31. Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce These soft pretzel bites are a fun and delicious appetizer idea for Thanksgiving! I love how easy they are to make, and the warm, fluffy pretzel bites paired with creamy vegan cheese sauce are always a hit with my guests. Plus, they add a cozy, festive vibe to the table that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their dietary preferences! 32. Roasted Baby Potatoes with Sour Cream Mini baked potatoes are a fantastic appetizer idea for Thanksgiving that I absolutely love! They’re super easy to make—just roast baby potatoes until they’re crispy, then fill them with creamy sour cream and sprinkle on fresh chives. Not only do they look adorable on the table, but they’re also perfect for guests to grab and enjoy while mingling! 33. Oven Fried Halloumi Bites with Hot Honey Oven fried Halloumi bites with hot honey are an exciting twist for Thanksgiving appetizers that I can’t wait to serve! I love how crispy and golden the panko-breaded halloumi gets, and when drizzled with that sweet and spicy hot honey, it takes the flavor to another level. They’re super fun to eat and perfect for sharing, making them a hit at any gathering! 34. Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Sweet chicken bacon wraps are a total winner for Thanksgiving appetizers! I love how the combination of savory chicken and crispy bacon, coated in brown sugar and spices, creates a sweet and sticky flavor that’s absolutely addictive. Plus, they’re super easy to make ahead of time, so I can just pop them in the oven when it’s time to eat, leaving me free to enjoy the festivities! 35. Baked Feta In Filo With Honey Sesame Seeds Baked feta in filo with honey and sesame seeds is an amazing appetizer I can’t wait to share at Thanksgiving! I first tried it on my last visit to Greece, and it’s so delicious! In Greece, they make everything with this Greek feta cheese that’s incredible when baked. There are even recipes where you can skip the filo and bake the feta with your favorite veggies. But for this recipe, the creamy feta wrapped in crispy phyllo pastry, drizzled with sweet honey, and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds creates an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. It’s super easy to prepare, and serving it warm right out of the oven makes for a stunning centerpiece that will have everyone coming back for more! 36. Bruschetta Bar I love bruschetta! They’re crispy, easy to make, and you can prepare them in any flavors you like. Check out this amazing pin with 9 different topping ideas— which one is your favorite? You can even create a bruschetta bar as a fun appetizer concept! Just organize the bruschetta in the center of the table on a long platter or a 3-tier stand like this one from Amazon – and you are set! Your guests will love it! 37. Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread is an absolute must-have for Thanksgiving appetizers! I love how easy it is to make—just stuff a round loaf of sourdough with gooey brie, tart cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans, then bake it until everything is warm and melty. It’s such a fun dish to share, and watching everyone pull apart the cheesy bites is always a hit at the gathering! 38. Crispy Bacon Crackers Bacon crackers are a super addictive appetizer that I can’t wait to make for Thanksgiving! I love how simple they are—just top buttery crackers with a slice of bacon, a sprinkle of brown sugar, and bake until crispy and caramelized. They’re the perfect combination of sweet and savory, and I know my guests will be reaching for seconds (or thirds)! Final Thoughts These 37+ mouthwatering Thanksgiving appetizers will have your guests raving. Best of all, most of these apps are easy to make, so they won’t make your holiday more stressful than it needs to be.
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Best Tips to Prepare Delicious Costco Thanksgiving Dinner on a Budget
If you’ve ever hosted Thanksgiving, you know just how stressful it can be to cook and entertain guests. Luckily, the planning and shopping will be quick and easy if you’re a Costco member. You can grab everything you need to serve an unforgettable dinner all in one place. Let’s look at some of the best premade Costco Thanksgiving dinner items to save you time and money. Plus, I’ll share some recipes and the items you can get from Costco to make them if you want to cook from scratch. How to Prepare a Delicious Costco Thanksgiving Dinner on a Budget Costco has just about everything you need to cook your own dinner from scratch or to serve a delicious premade meal that everyone will love (and no one will know it is premade!). But before you start planning and shopping, here are a few important things to consider: How many people are you serving? Remember that Costco sells everything in huge quantities. If you’re only preparing a dinner for two and you’re on a very tight budget, it may make more sense to shop at a regular grocery store – unless you love having plenty of leftovers! Are you a member? Only members can shop in-store, but non-members can order online. The catch? You’ll pay a higher price for everything you buy (5% surcharge), so keep this in mind. When do you want to shop? Costco typically starts carrying its fresh turkeys a week before Thanksgiving, but they often sell out fast. Plan your shopping day carefully to ensure you don’t miss out. Now that we have that covered, let’s dive into all the delicious pre-made options you’ll find at Costco. Costco Premade Thanksgiving Dinner If you’re short on time or just don’t have the energy or desire to cook from scratch, Costco has plenty of delicious premade options that everyone will love. Premade Appetizers Keep guests happy and satisfied until the big meal is finished with these tasty appetizers: Vegetable Tray: Includes fresh broccoli, carrots, cauliflower and other tasty vegetables, along with ranch dip. A simple, healthy and tasty appetizer. Olive Platter: Includes three different olive choices (green, red and a mix of marinated olives). Antipasto: A mix of smoked prosciutto, salame calabrese, salame di parma and coppa Italiana. This app pairs perfectly with the olive platter. Caprese Salad: Includes roasted red tomatoes with fresh basil and marinated fresh mozzarella. Fresh Cut Fruit Bowl: A blend of melons, strawberries, pineapple and grapes. Costco Turkey Breast Costco’s oven browned turkey breast is a great option if you’re only feeding a small crowd and want a budget-friendly main dish to serve. This recipe cooks this turkey in an air fryer to give it a slightly crispy texture. If you’re feeding a bigger crowd, you can grab one of Costco’s fresh turkeys. Most clubs will also have some variation of a cooked turkey to save you time. Turkey Alternatives Not a fan of turkey? Try these pre-made or heat-and-serve alternatives at Costco. Rotisserie Chicken: Costco’s famous, seasoned rotisserie chicken is perfect for Thanksgiving for two (maybe three) people. Salmon Milano: Fresh salmon topped with basil pesto butter. Just bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, and you’re ready to dig in. Applewood Smoked Half Ham: Pre-cooked and ready to eat. Thai ham is boneless, easy to carve and packed in its natural juices. Jones Dairy Farm Fully Cooked Ham: If you need to feed a bigger crowd, this fully cooked ham is 14-18 lbs. Premade Sides Costco has tons of options for sides. These ones are easy to heat and serve. Mac and Cheese: A classic side dish for Thanksgiving. Just heat and serve. You may want to add a little extra cheddar cheese if you have some on-hand. Mashed Potatoes: All-natural, restaurant-style mashed potatoes that are ready in less than 10 minutes. Oven Roasted Potatoes: Not a fan of mashed potatoes? These oven-roasted potatoes are a great alternative. They’re made with a blend of baby red and yellow potatoes roasted in 100% avocado oil. Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: A classic addition to any Thanksgiving table. Just heat and serve. Costco sells these as a twin pack, so you get 32 rolls in total. Whole Peeled Beets: A simple and healthy veggie side dish. Bake it with butternut squash, toss it into a salad or just serve it on its own. Mediterranean Veggies: A blend of asparagus, cauliflower, artichokes, bell peppers, carrots and onions – all seasoned to perfection. Some Costco locations also carry cauliflower stuffing and mashed cauliflower if you’re looking for a lighter take on these classic side dishes. About a week before the big day, you’ll also (typically) find trays of premade mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes from the Kirkland Signature brand. You may find other sides, too. Every year, Costco carries new and exciting dishes to try, so be on the lookout on your next visit to your local club. Dessert Costco has a great selection of premade desserts that will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth, including classics like: Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Chocolate Cake Apple Pie If you want something different, you’ll find other great dessert options, like: Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting Lemon Blueberry Loaf Pound Cake Croissants Muffins Related: 25+ Mouthwatering Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas to WOW Your Guests How To Order Costco Thanksgiving Dinner Did you know you can order a full Costco Thanksgiving dinner? That’s right! Just place your order, pick up, heat and serve. It’s that easy. To order your dinner, you can drop into Costco or place your order online. Costco doesn’t typically start accepting orders until a few weeks before Thanksgiving. Every year, their Thanksgiving dinner changes, but it typically includes: Turkey breast Green beans Mashed potatoes Gravy Stuffing Macaroni and cheese Sweet corn Dinner rolls Cranberry relish Apple pie Pumpkin pie Brussels sprouts casserole Last year, their premade dinner was about $200 and served 8 people. The turkey still needs to be cooked, so you’re not really saving much time here, but it’s a convenient way to get everything you need delivered right to your doorstep. In fact, quite a few of these dishes will need to be cooked and not just reheated. Typically, their order-ahead dinners are available to order in the first week or two of November. Premade dinners are convenient and tasty, but they aren’t for everyone. Luckily, Costco has plenty of options for brave home cooks who are making everything from scratch. How To Cook Costco Thanksgiving Dinner from Scratch Want to cook from scratch? Costco will have most of what you need. Use these recipes to prepare an amazing Costco Thanksgiving dinner your guests will love. Slow-Roasted Turkey This slow-roasted turkey is so easy to make, and you can grab most of what you need from Costco. You may even find a disposable roasting tray in-store, which will save you so much clean-up. 14-lb turkey Unsalted Butter Onions Lemons Fresh sage and thyme Creamy Mashed Potatoes You can’t have Thanksgiving dinner without mashed potatoes. This recipe is super simple, and you only need a handful of ingredients. Gourmet Creamer Potatoes Unsalted Butter Whole Milk Classic Stuffing Stuffing is the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish. There are tons of variations of this dish, but let’s keep it classic and simple for our budget-friendly dinner. You can find most of what you need right at Costco. Onions Unsalted Butter Celery Poultry Seasoning Day-Old Bread Chicken Broth Fresh Herbs Bacon Brussels Sprouts A hearty side dish that’s savory, delicious and the perfect complement to any main dish you serve. You’ll need just three ingredients for this recipe: Brussels Sprouts Bacon Salt and pepper Crockpot Garlic Mushrooms A tasty side dish that’s easy to prepare in a slow cooker. You need just a few ingredients that you can find at your local Costco. Crimini Mushrooms (my Costco also has portabella and white mushrooms) Unsalted Butter Garlic No-Salt Seasoning Related: 25+ Best Thanksgiving Side Ideas That Will Steal The Spotlight At Dinner (Simple And Easy!) Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Here’s a delicious side dish that will pair well with turkey, ham or whatever you decide to serve as your main dish. You only need a few ingredients to make this dish, most of which you can find right at Costco. Asparagus Bacon Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Garlic Powder Pepper Charcuterie Board Costco has everything you need to make a killer charcuterie board for your Thanksgiving table. You can get as creative as you want here and add just about anything you love. Here are some ideas: Cello Cheese Cracker Tray Formagio Fresh Marinated Mozzarella Artichoke Hearts Goat Cheese Roasted Pine Nut Hummus Veroni Italian Antipasto Everything Bagel Chips Pitted Kalamata Olives These are some of my favorite recipes to serve on Thanksgiving, and I almost always grab everything from Costco. Not only do we save money, but we save time not having to run to five different grocery stores to get what we need for dinner.
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25+ Mouthwatering Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas to WOW Your Guests
What’s the best part about Thanksgiving dinner? It’s not the turkey – it’s the dessert! To make your holiday dinner unforgettable, I have 25+ mouthwatering Thanksgiving dessert ideas that will impress your guests. 25+ Mouthwatering Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas to WOW Your Guests 1. Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler The ultimate fall dessert. This cobbler has a cake on top and an amazing hot caramel sauce on the bottom. The best part? This dessert is so easy to make. You’ll need some basic baking supplies, pumpkin puree and pecans. Layer in a baking pan, cook for 40 minutes, and you’ll have the perfect Thanksgiving dessert. 2. Turtle Pumpkin Cheesecake You can never go wrong with cheesecake for dessert, and this turtle pumpkin cheesecake is just as gorgeous as it is delicious. The gingersnap crust complements the pumpkin cheesecake perfectly. Top with a chocolatey caramel sauce that is to die for. 3. Pumpkin Creme Brulee This recipe is one of my favorite Thanksgiving dessert ideas. How adorable are these little pumpkins? Each one is filled with a pumpkin puree mix that’s essentially pumpkin pie filling. You will need a kitchen blowtorch to finish this dish. 4. Pumpkin Lush This dish has multiple layers of deliciousness, from the homemade graham cracker crust to the cheesecake layer and pumpkin pie filling. The whole thing is topped with Cool Whip for a truly decadent dessert everyone will love. 5. Otherworldly Pie This pie really is otherworldly and adapted by this talented cook from a recipe in Bon Appetit. The cocoa-rich crust is the perfect complement to the pumpkin filling, which is sweet, a little spicy and a little smokey. If you’re looking for something unique to make this year that will really wow your guests, this pie is it. 6. Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie Put a bourbon twist on the classic sweet potato pie. This recipe uses premade pie crust to save time and is filled with a decadent sweet potato filling. The marshmallow meringue on top is the star of this dish and is the perfect way to top this pie. 7. Pumpkin Rum Cake A delicious pumpkin bundt cake topped with an amazing butter rum sauce. Pecans, pumpkin puree, spices, a good rum and basic baking ingredients are all you need to make this flavorful dessert. Bake in a 12-cup bundt pan. 8. Pumpkin Salted Caramel Layer Cake How fancy does this cake look? It’s surprisingly easy to make this cake. The presentation is all about technique. Three layers give this cake height, but applying the frosting in a haphazard way gives it this rich color. Plus, they’ve added plenty of extra caramel sauce to the top. The delicious frosting is a mix of caramel sauce, cream cheese and powdered sugar. 9. Salted Honey Pie Here’s a unique recipe for Thanksgiving – honey pie. The egg-yolk-based filling is creamy and loaded with honey (1/2 cup!). A dash of sea salt makes this pie’s flavor unforgettable. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, and watch this pie quickly disappear. 10. Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding I adore this bread pudding recipe, which is perfect for Thanksgiving (or any time of year, really). I prefer challah bread for this dish, but you can use any day-old bread that you want. The spiced creamy pumpkin puree adds tons of fall flavor. The praline sauce really makes this dish so luxurious and over the top. 11. Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp I love Thanksgiving dessert ideas like this one because they steer away from the usual fall dishes. The fresh cranberries add a tart sweetness to this crisp. Fall spices, orange zest and pecans complete this dish for a colorful dessert that everyone will enjoy. 12. Pumpkin Crunch Cake This multi-layer cake is absolutely delicious and will look beautiful on your Thanksgiving table. The cake batter adds Greek yogurt for extra creaminess, and the crunch topping pairs walnuts with vanilla wafers, brown sugar and butter. You’ll need four 9-inch cake pans for this dessert, and you’ll alternate layers of cake, crunch topping and frosting. 13. Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Caramel and apples are the perfect pair in this dessert, which features a cinnamon-spiced cake and a delicious buttery caramel topping. Apple, butter and brown sugar bake together to create a caramel flavor. The cake itself is easy to make, so you can impress your guests without having to spend the entire day in the kitchen. 14. Sticky Toffee Apple Cake Apple cake is one of my favorite fall desserts, and it’s a great choice for Thanksgiving dessert. This cinnamon-spiced cake is topped with a rich toffee sauce that is just as decadent as it is delicious. 15. Bourbon Apple Cider Cake No list of Thanksgiving dessert ideas is complete without a bourbon apple cake. This recipe adds apple cider for an extra kick of fall flavor. The icing adds a splash of bourbon for a dessert that packs a punch and will look beautiful on your Thanksgiving table. 16. German Apple Pie Germans make delish apple pies, and you can copy their techniques with this German variation of a classic. You’ll follow a pie crust recipe before making the filling out of lemon juice, tart green apples, sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, cloves, heavy cream and vanilla extract. 17. Pumpkin Coffee Cake Pumpkin streusel is always welcome on the table at my house. Making this cake is simple, with the streusel requiring you to mix flour, brown and granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon and a sprig of pumpkin pie spice. For the cake, I recommend a stand mixer that you’ll use to whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. 18. Maple Glazed Apple Blondies Blondies bring back memories, and these ones are just as tasty as I remember them. Sweet and served in “bars,” not pieces, you’ll make the blondie portion with flour, baking powder, salt, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract and cinnamon. Next, you’ll make an apple filling followed by a maple glaze that you’ll drizzle on top. For the maple glaze, I recommend splurging on a high-quality maple syrup that is much more flavorful than the cheaper brands. 19. Apple Slab Pie Apple pie with a crumb topping is even better with a scoop of ice cream on top, but this recipe is simply for the pie. Cooking Classy shares this recipe, which has you make the pie topping, filling and glaze (or ice cream). You’ll buy a refrigerated pie crust but can also make your own if you like. One thing you might need to buy is a 15” x 10” by 1” jelly roll pan, which is slightly different than a baking sheet. 20. Caramel Apple Sheet Cake Salted caramel is so sweet but perfect at the end of a Thanksgiving meal. You’ll love this mouthwatering recipe that uses a caramel sauce for the top of the sheet cake and tons of apples. Green apples are recommended, but you can choose any tart apple that you prefer. 21. Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake Loaf cakes like this one are perfect for fall. You’ll make an apple bread that tastes much like apple cider donuts. If you haven’t tried these types of donuts before, you need to – they’re divine. You’ll need a lot of ingredients, including a high-quality apple cider, sour cream and others. Prep time is 20 minutes and total cook time is about one hour and fifteen minutes. 22. Maple Vanilla Pear Pie I didn’t think pears would make it on this Thanksgiving dessert ideas list, but they sure did. The recipe calls for Bosc pears, and I’m not 100% sure what other pear types would work with this recipe. You’ll buy a frozen pie crust and make your filling out of pears, cinnamon, flour, vanilla extract, sugar and maple syrup. For the topping, you’ll add flour, cinnamon, butter, sugar and chopped walnuts to add a nice crumble-like texture to the top of the pie. 23. Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Coffee Cake Pumpkin coffee cake needs to become a “thing” because it’s so good. If you’re a fan of pumpkin spice, this recipe will walk you through each step of making a buttery streusel and an icing made with melted butter, powdered sugar, milk and vanilla. It’s fluffy, sweet, and surprisingly, coffee is not added at any time in the recipe, so I made a cup to enjoy it with. 24. Apple Pie Enchiladas I wasn’t 100% sure how I would feel about apple pie enchiladas, but I’m addicted to these little apple pie delights. Prep time is about 20 minutes, and you’ll learn how to make a homemade apple pie filling that is filled with flavor. There is an option for using canned apple pie, but it’s never as good as homemade. If you’re wondering about the tortillas, they’re basic flour tortillas, and you’ll need brown and white sugar, butter, water and cinnamon for the recipe. 25. Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole Fifty minutes is all it takes to make this sweet, crunchy casserole. You’ll need two mixing bowls, a measuring cup, measuring spoons, a baking pan and a stir spoon. As for ingredients, you’ll need: Sweet potatoes Milk Eggs Butter Brown sugar Pumpkin pie spice Vanilla Pecans and walnuts 26. No Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu Are you a big fan of tiramisu? If so, this pumpkin tiramisu is perfect for Thanksgiving and you don’t even need to bake anything. But, you will need to let it settle for a while, so this isn’t a last-minute dessert recipe by any means. You’ll skip the eggs and, instead, make this tiramisu with just eight key ingredients: mascarpone cheese, whipping cream, canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, ladyfinger cookies, powdered sugar, instant coffee and vanilla extract.
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