Perfect Party Appetizers to Try This Holiday Season

Pumped up for party season? Us too! With all that's going on, it may be hard to narrow down what you want to bring for your friends to eat. We're here to help! Here are five awesome appetizers to consider for your upcoming get-togethers!

Sweet Pepper Poppers

You won't be able to eat just one! Recipe here.

Roasted Garlic Hummus

Whip up a batch and bring half to the dinner party and save half for post-party snacking later. Recipe here.

Bacon-Wrapped Potato Bites

This is honestly one of those dishes you bring to the party hoping no one likes it so you can devour it yourself. Recipe here.

Oven-Baked Green Beans

Nothing like a healthyish finger food to get the health conscious holiday-goers riled up. Recipe here.

Portobello Mushroom Bruschetta

The upside to portobello bruschetta? The topping will be tidily contained by the mushroom caps. Recipe here.

Don't fear the party cheer! Be the top chef at your next get-together and devour the details of these amazing appetizers!

Wedding Wednesdays: 5 To-Dos After the Honeymoon

Here's something no one tells you about getting married—after you get back from the honeymoon, you're still going to be in wedding mode for a bit. That's because more often than not, there are some to-dos left. Here are our top 5!

1. Clean and Store Your Gown
Have your dress dry-cleaned within six months of your wedding—the sooner, the better! (It's a cinch with wedding gown preservation kits like the one from Prestige Preservation, where you're sent a kit with everything you need to securely ship your gown.) It's important to use a service that specializes in wedding dresses so they use the right solvents. Make sure they stuff it with acid-free tissue, avoid using metal pins or buckles, and store it in a box. Once it's back home, store it in a cool, dry place like an out-of-the-way closet and avoid the damp, musty basement.

2. Tackle Registry Returns
Stop trying to convince yourself that two blenders may actually come in handy—just bite the bullet and return registry items within two months of your wedding. While stores are likely to be lenient with couples who've registered with them, each store will have a different return policy, so research who will accept what, and for how long.

3. Change Your Name (If You've Decided To!)
If you do choose to change your name, it's a good idea to change all of your IDs within 90 days of getting married. This includes your driver's license, passport, social security card and credit cards. Don't know where to begin? Save some time and effort by fast-tracking everything with HitchSwitch.

4. Call the Tax Man
Time to check off a new (married) box on your tax forms. Now that you and your spouse are a legal unit, you need to decide whether you're going to file together or continue to file separately (joint filing isn't something mandated by law, though it's generally recommended). Before deciding, consult your accountant to see what he or she advises for the two of you. Do this ASAP!

5. Settle On an Insurance Plan
You'll also want to think about changing beneficiaries—most newlyweds switch their spouse to their beneficiary on work and life insurance docs. Call your insurance company and HR department at work for these forms. In addition, think about whose health insurance plan you'll use by comparing cost and treatment options. If you're the one making the switch, make sure the doctors you like are on the new plan.

Vacation is officially over. Take back over your to-do list and devour the details of the start of your new chapter and happily ever after!

Sonoma Strong Tap Takeover Benefit

On December 21, City Tap House in Fort Point is partnering up with four breweries - two from the East Coast, two from the West Coast - to raise money for victims of the wildfires in Sonoma, CA, with their “Sonoma Strong” tap takeover. In case you missed it, roaring wildfires have been torching through the region, with a total number of 439 homes and counting destroyed by the four main fires; a figure almost certain to increase as assessments continue.

Throughout the night, imbibers-for-the-cause can purchase raffle tickets whose proceeds will be donated directly to relief organizations. Select do-gooders also have the chance to take home a variety of gift baskets donated by the breweries and City Tap.

The bicoastal tap takeover features a dozen craft brews, including:

East Coast
Jack's Abby Craft Lagers - Blood Orange Leisure Time, Smoke & Dagger, Jack's House Lager
Founded in 2011 by three brothers, Jack, Eric, and Sam Hendler, Jack’s Abby has become a mainstay of the craft brewing scene in the Northeast and nationwide. Jack’s Abby brews lagers, and only lagers, to give Americans the opportunity to love a beer that is loved the world over.

Lord Hobo Brewing Co. - Boomsauce, Hobolife
With beer on a pedestal and adventure up our sleeve, Lord Hobo Breaing set out to craft style-defining New England beers that highlight paramount traits of quality ingredients. Their beers are elegant yet raw, free-spirited yet sophisticated. Beer has a unique ability to bring all kinds of people together, from the Lords that only enjoy the finer things in life, to the Hobos that work hard to earn their small pleasures, great beer is an accessible luxury.

West Coast
Firestone Walker Brewing Co. - Stickee Monkey, Velvet Merlin, Pivo Pils
Founded in 1996, Firestone Walker began as a small brewery with roots in California wine country. Now a regional brewery, their singular purpose remains – to craft ever better beer. Passionately in pursuit of the perfect beer...and never satisfied.

Lagunitas Brewing Co. - WTF Wilco Tango Foxtrot, Brown Shugga, Willett Bourbon Stout
The Lagunitas Brewing Co. was not so much an act of ordinary 'foundling' as it was willed into being by the unspoken desire of supportive beer-lovers in Northern California after which they continued to nurture their creation and urged forward to fulfill the unifying needs of that same beer-loving diaspora from coast to coast and beyond.

Although we might not agree on sports or recording artists, East and West Coast always comes together when it matters most. Support Sonoma and devour the details of a great cause at City Tap House this Thursday!

Monday Mashups: 2017's Craziest Food Trends

Restaurants and caterers upped the ante on culinary creativity in 2017 with a goth-y grey ice cream in Los Angeles, “llamacorn” snacks in Washington, vibrant glowing cocktail pouches in New York, and much more. From color-changing noodles to unicorn tears, these menu items caused some eyebrow raises and inspired plenty of Instagram posts this year. Check out these way-out-there feasts from 2017!

Savory Doughnuts

Earlier this year, Clinton Hall teamed up the Doughnut Project to create the Flamin’ Hot Doughnut Grilled Cheese, a habanero-bacon glazed doughnut with mozzarella cheese and a side of tomato soup. In September, the New York gastropub did it again, this time partnering with the Sugar Factory to make the Sour Cream n' Onion Doughnut Grilled Cheese. The over-the-top concoction includes a scallion-filled doughnut with a sour cream glaze and gooey sharp cheddar cheese, all of which hangs over a bowl of potato soup.

Purple Noodles

Chef Hong Thaimee of Thaimee, which has locations at the McCarren Hotel & Pool in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and in the East Village, became an Instagram sensation recently thanks to her “magic noodles.” The gluten-free, tea-soaked glass noodles start out blue at the table, but with a squeeze of lime turn a soft purple hue.

Unicorn Colors

In March, Taylor and Hov Events and Design in Washington gathered event planners and industry professionals for a brunch designed around the fictional “llamacorn"—a llama-unicorn hybrid. The menu included rainbow bagels, cocktails, and snacks, such as rainbow-colored pancake sausage and bratwurst bites served with maple syrup.

Charcoal Everything

In response to the rainbow craze, Little Damage ice cream shop in downtown Los Angeles created its “Unicorn Tears” flavor—an almond charcoal ice cream that’s served in made-to-order black waffle cones, which are also made with almond charcoal. The goth concoction can be topped with a variety of items, including fruity pebbles, coconut, and caramel popcorn.

Day-Glo Cocktails

American Eagle Outfitters celebrated its 40th anniversary at its AE Studio concept store in Union Square in October. The event featured glowing cocktails in branded drink pouches from Peter Callahan Catering.

How amazing are these? We predict that the food trends will only get crazier next year! Keep your eyes peeled and devour the details of some way-out-there feasts in 2018.

The Rhode to Last Minute Christmas Shopping

Late to the Christmas-shopping game this year? Don't worry, the state of Rhode Island has got you covered! The Ocean State’s quaint waterfront towns and cities evoke a lifetime’s worth of holiday charm, with festive decorations, scenic streets, locally minded shops, and excellent restaurants offering limitless exploration (and gift buying) throughout the season. If you’re visiting for just a day or weekend, Boston.com shares the five Rhode Island locales with an abundance of Christmas spirit that can truly contribute to your last minute shopping list!

1. Newport
There’s enough holiday cheer in the “City by the Sea” to necessitate a full weekend visit. Through January 1, the evergreen-, poinsettia-, and wreath-bedecked Gilded Age Newport Mansions, including the Elms, Marble House, and the Breakers, are a must-see for any newbie. Afterward, spend the day shopping along Thames Street. Preppy women’s clothing store Pink Pineapple (380 Thames St.), kid-centric Groovy Gator (479 Thames St.), and the nautical jewelry shop Lemon and Line (421 Thames St.) await.

Bring or rent skates for the Newport Skating Center’s grand opening and annual tree lighting at 5 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Newport Yachting Center (20 Commercial Wharf), then head for a BYOB dinner of fried chicken and Southern sides at Winner Winner (677 Thames St.). Or, book a reservation at the White Horse Tavern (26 Marlborough St.), where Rhode Island-sourced seafood and meats are turned into meals worthy of a holiday feast.

2. Warren
This artsy waterfront town features tree-lined streets brimming with restaurants, art galleries, and shops. Plan a visit around the Breakfast with Santa event at the Central Fire Company (1 Joyce St.) from 7 to 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 10, or the Atwater-Donnelly family-friendly concert at 2 p.m., Dec. 16, at the George Hail Library (530 Main St.), featuring Christmas carols and songs that celebrate the winter solstice, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.

Back up your visit with a vintage shopping adventure at the Flashback Vintage Emporium (450 Main St.), where you’ll find trinkets, toys, and some really neat vintage bikes for sale. Down the street, In Your Ear! record shop (462 Main St.) stocks some of the greatest albums of all time. Swing by Made in Warren (476 Main St.), a collaborative shop of artists, and nearby Muse (279 Water St.) for handcrafted jewelry from Rhode Island designers. Across the street from the latter, slurp down $1 oysters on Mondays at the cozy seafood restaurant Bywater (54 State St.), or go for waterfront views and upscale cuisine at Trafford (285 Water St.).

No trip is complete without hot wieners served all the way at Rod’s Grill (6 Washington St.) and a famous coffee cabinet (a Rhode Island-style milkshake made with house-made coffee syrup) from Delekta’s (496 Main St.), a former pharmacy turned soda fountain and gift shop.

3. Bristol
Giant twinkling stars and bright white lights line Bristol’s streets, where visitors stop in cute little shops and admire decorated Colonial homes. But first — brunch: Head to the kid-friendly Beehive Café (10 Franklin St.), where servers hand out toy animals at the front counter to mark orders while guests wait for freshly baked pastries and dishes like butternut squash cornbread hash served with eggs.

Next up is some shopping: Mosey over to Harbor Bath and Body (251 Thames St.) for skincare products from Rhode Island-based brands like Farmaesthetics and Rhode Island Soapworks, then swing by Kate and Company (301 Hope St.) for gourmet food products, clothing, and luxe vegan handbags.

Cap off the day by admiring yuletide finery at the Linden Place Museum (500 Hope St.), where there’s a Holiday Family Day from 1 to 3 p.m. on Dec. 9 that includes photos with Santa, scavenger hunts, and treats. The decked-out Blithewold mansion, gardens, and arboretum (101 Ferry Road) also hosts live holiday music in the living room on Saturdays and Sundays from 3 to 4 p.m.

4. Providence
Providence’s friendly neighborhoods overflow with jolly personality. Skate with Santa at the Providence Rink at the Alex and Ani City Center (2 Kennedy Plaza) on Dec. 16 and 23 from noon to 2 p.m., then hit up Westminster Street to shop at stylish women’s boutique Queen of Hearts (222 Westminster St.), or Craftland (212 Westminster St.), which is a hub for artists to sell wares like hand-drawn holiday cards and quirky onesies. On Dec. 10, 16, and 17, the Providence Flea Holiday Markets fill Hope High School (324 Hope St.) with 60-plus artists, vintage vendors, and a rotating lineup of the city’s most popular food trucks.

Hope Street is a foodie mecca, too. Stock Culinary Goods (756 Hope St.) touts everything from heirloom-worthy copper pots and pans from East Coast Tinning to nifty cookie cutters in all shapes and sizes, and Olive del Mondo (815 Hope St.) pours tastes of artisanal olive oil and balsamic vinegar from around the world.

Back downtown, top off a day of shopping with a theater-friendly prix fixe at Gracie’s (194 Washington St.), followed by a showing of A Christmas Carol at Trinity Repertory Company (201 Washington St.), showing Wednesday through Sunday nights through Dec. 31.

5. North Kingstown and Wickford Village
Backdropped by the harbor, Wickford’s decked-out 18th-century homes and historic churches create a holiday scene worthy of a Christmas card. So do the village’s Christmas-themed window displays and doorways hung with holly. Step into the setting of a bygone era when you shop for handcrafted jewelry from designers at JW Graham (26 Brown St.), unusual Christmas ornaments at Different Drummer (7 West Main St.), and toys and designer kids’ duds at Teddy Bearskins (17 Brown St.).

Once your arms are heavy with shopping bags, slide into a table at neighborhood hotspot Tate’s (64 Brown St.) for Italian food, or grab a sandwich and coffee at friendly Shayna’s Place (45 Brown St.).

Finish the day off down the road in South Kingstown for Whalers Brewing Company’s Field of Artisans Holiday Markets (1174 Kingstown Road, South Kingstown) on Dec. 10 and 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sip Rhode Island-brewed craft beers while shopping for locally made art, jewelry, and gifts.

Not to fear, there's still time to spread holiday cheer! Get on the road to Rhode Island and devour the details of some last minute Christmas-shopping!

Wedding Wednesdays: Choose Your Honeymoon Destination Based On the Weather

Choosing the ideal honeymoon spot can start to seem overwhelming—it feels like the more you look the harder it is to choose. One way to narrow down your destination is by the weather for the month you'll be vacationing there. The Knot has put together a list to tell you where to go to find the best weather—or if you have your heart set on a specific destination, what to expect during the month you plan to go. You can also get more details about a destination's year-round weather from a travel guidebook, a quick internet search, or by calling its tourism board. In the meantime, here's the list!

January and February
Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bali, Belize, Brazil, Canada (ski destinations), Caribbean, Central & South Africa, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, the Florida Keys, USA (ski destinations)

March
Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Canada (ski destinations), Caribbean, Central & South Africa, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, the Florida Keys, USA (ski destinations, Southeast, Southwest)

April
Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Caribbean, Central & South Africa, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Italy, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Spain, the Florida Keys, USA

May
Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Caribbean, Central & South Africa, Czech Republic, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii, Ireland, Italy, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Seychelles, Spain, Thailand, the Florida Keys, USA

June
Bermuda, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Central & South Africa, Czech Republic, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii, Ireland, Italy, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Spain, Thailand, USA (Alaska, Northeast)

July and August
Bermuda, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Central & South Africa, Czech Republic, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Ireland, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Seychelles, Thailand, USA (Alaska, Northeast)

September
Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Central & South Africa, Czech Republic, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Spain, Thailand, USA

October
Australia, Bali, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Central & South Africa, Egypt, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Italy, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Seychelles, Spain, USA

November
Australia, Bahamas, Bali, Belize, Brazil, Canada (ski destinations), Central & South Africa, Egypt, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Seychelles, Spain, USA (ski destinations, Southeast, Southwest)

December
Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bali, Belize, Brazil, Canada (ski destinations), Caribbean, Central & South Africa, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, the Florida Keys, USA (ski destinations)

Find your perfect honeymoon destination and devour the details of the predicted forecast with this awesome list from The Knot!

The Perfect Pear: 5 Peary Good Recipes

Pears are valuable fruits that have been widely used around the world and savored for their delicious flavor since ancient times. We're here to get you to savor that flavor all holiday season long with these five peary good recipes! From an Italian-inspired dessert to a TV-watching snack, these treats will be your perfect pear. Get the recipes below!

Cinnamon & Sugar Pear Chips

These healthy cinnamon pear chips are an easy afternoon snack. Perfect for binge watching Netflix! They also look fancy on a cheese plate. Get the recipe here.

Chai Pear Scones

These are simply delicious and perfect with a cup of coffee or tea! Get the recipe here.

Maple Vanilla Baked Pears

Top these with crunchy granola and yogurt for a healthy, satisfying dessert! Check out the recipe here.

Italian Pear Almond Cake

A delicious cake, that's more pears than cake. Moist and lightly sweet, it is perfect for any time of day. Get the recipe here!

Easy Pear Sorbet

Easy to make and easy to serve. This treat will go fast! Check out the recipe.

Be the perfect pear and devour the details of savoring the flavor all holiday season long with any one of these peary good recipes.

Monday Mashups: Igloo Views

Back for winter 2017 are the Seaport igloos sitting on top of the Envoy Hotel's roof with sweeping views of Boston! The Lookout Rooftop and Bar is again offering six heated rooftop igloos this winter so customers won’t have to miss out on scenes of the city’s skyline and harbor while sipping cocktails during the cold months. The igloos, which debuted last winter, will be open through April 16, 2018.

They measure 12-feet across and are made of weatherproof plastic so you can sit inside and still see outside. Each one is furnished with chairs and a table that seats eight to 10 people, and contains fleece blankets for guests to “up the cozy factor,” according to the hotel’s website.

Thirsty guests need only push a button from inside the structure and the igloo lights up to request a cocktail server. Food is not served inside the igloos; for meals, guests must head downstairs to the hotel’s Outlook Kitchen & Bar.

The igloos are open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 4 to 10 p.m. They are offered on a first come, first served basis, so the bar recommends arriving early. Guests can also reserve the igloos for a period of two hours for private parties for up to 10 people.

We need one of these in our backyard! Get your eskimo friends together, head to the warmest igloos around for a few cocktails, and devour the details of a perfect night out in the Seaport!

Pancake & PJ Holiday Brunch

Brunch so hard this Sunday at City Tap House in Boston! After a Saturday night out, there's nothing more satisfying than rolling out of bed and heading straight to some good food. On December 10, City Tap House invites you to do just that! Grab your robe, throw on some Christmas slippers and head to this beer paradise for a Pancake & PJs Brunch party.

Don’t get fancy, get festive: a $100 gift card to City Tap will be awarded to the best holiday pajamas! City Tap is also teaming up with Privateer Rum for themed cocktails with tongue-in-cheek names such as the White Chocolatey Raspberry Dreams, (Privateer rum, razz liquor, Godiva white chocolate, white hot chocolate), the Hot Buttered Snowball Fight, a play on the slippery nipple (Privateer rum, Godiva white chocolate, butterscotch, white hot chocolate), and the Shhhhhhocolate Covered Monks, named after Chartreuse made by French monks who took a vow of silence (Drambuie, Green Chartreuse, Aztec chocolate bitters, hot chocolate) which will be offered throughout the day for $14 each. To complete the experience, jam out to your favorite old school hits.The only thing you'll be missing? Maybe a pillow and a blanket!

Guests who bring a toy for 'Toys for Tots' will receive a complimentary pancake with access to the pancake toppings bar where they’ll find sweet and savory accompaniments such as Nutella, whipped cream, sprinkles and chocolate chips. The objectives of 'Toys for Tots' are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future. By joining us Sunday for brunch, you'll be helping a greater cause.

Admission to the party is complimentary. Food and cocktail specials will be available at a la carte pricing and plain pancakes will be offered for $5 each or a stack of 3 for $10. Any pancake purchase includes access to the pancake toppings bar. Don't miss out on this Sunday Funday! Join us at City Tape House for a pajama party and devour the details of a beyond tasty brunch!

Wedding Wednesdays: Get Retro with Your Wedding Party this New Year's Eve

80's babies getting married next year, we've got the perfect pre-wedding party for you. Not to be confused with a bachelor or bachelorette party—this outing is for both the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Break up the monotonous planning process and break out the fanny packs! Cask 'n Flagon is bringing the 80's back this New Year's Eve.

Grab your entire wedding party and head to Fenway to celebrate the loudest and proudest decade that is never to be forgotten. On December 31, grab your leg warmers and scrunchies, peg those pantlegs, and pile on the hairspray as you party like it’s 1989 at this landmark Boston bar. The totally ‘80s-themed affair will have DJ Carney Lansford blaring the best of Prince, Michael Jackson, Duran Duran and more as revelers are treated to a midnight champagne toast, party favors and a few special prizes like tickets to sporting events and brewery tours.

The world famous Cask 'n Flagon began as a small neighborhood bar known as Oliver’s in 1969. What was once known as the little bar on the corner of Brookline Avenue and Lansdowne Street is now a landmark location for diehard Red Sox fans, sports enthusiast, college students, locals and tourists. Many have said that the Cask 'n Flagon is as synonymous to Fenway Park as the infamous Green Monster and Citgo sign.

With the Rubiks cube being the toy of the decade, the '80s will always be popular and fondly remembered. But if you're a '90s baby like us that wants to attend, you may need some guidance traveling back in time to prepare for this party. We're here to help! Here's a synopsis of this decade to get you "retro"-fitted for New Years.

More than anything else in the eighties, music was heavily produced. Everyone knows the classic sounds: huge reverby snare drums, lots of delay on the vocals, electronic rhythms and synthesizers. But did you know, the music industry in the 1980s was driven mostly by the success of a wildly popular new music cable channel called MTV? For the first time in history, image was just as important as the music. A good music video could instantly catapult a new act to stardom. Consider dressing as one of the '80s lead vocalists for this occasion!

By the mid-80s, bright colored accessories like sunglasses, bangles and hoop earrings were a necessity. Teased hair, loud makeup and neon were an important part of this style. But that didn’t mean all women dressed this way. In fact, it was an exceptionally flexible time when a woman could wear skin-tight cotton stirrup pants with leggings and a giant turtleneck sweater one day — and parachute pants with a small v-neck top and a high-waist belt the next. Trends always come back in style, right?! Can't go wrong with any of these ensembles!

There's nothing like a good 80's theme to take you into 2018. Get the band back together and devour the details of a retro New Years Eve at Boston's very own Cask 'n Flagon!

4 Gorgeous DIY Holiday Wreaths

One of our favorite things about the holidays is how inspired we become to DIY holiday décor. We love browsing cute holiday home décor in stores this time of year, but also enjoy crafting special pieces to display. We're not talking about faux greenery wreaths intended to last the whole month long—but instead, beautiful creations that use fresh flowers and will add a special touch to your home décor.

The greenery used for these wreaths included two different types of eucalyptus, three different kinds of pine and fresh, blooming rosemary. First you'll want to add enough greenery to the wire base until you can no longer see the frame. You can make your DIY wreath as full or as simple as you’d like.

You can use the same method to attach the flowers as you did for the greenery on the wreath base: Simply work the stems of your flowers into the greenery and tie down with small pieces of floral wire (or floral tape). Some of the flowers used, like the garden roses and peonies, didn’t have strong enough stems to tie down with wire. So, for these, try a glue gun.

When you’ve completed your wreath, be sure to spritz it with fresh water, and give it one more spray an hour before having people over for the holidays.

There are so many different ways to customize your wreath to make it special so that it fits in with your home décor. They also make great gifts. Join us as we devour the details of these perfect holiday displays and stay happy crafting!

Monday Mashups: The Frontier is Female with Netflix's Godless

With a stacked roster of new and returning original series this year, Netflix has regularly tapped into experiential marketing as a way to promote hits such as Stranger Things and Santa Clarita Diet (two of our favorite shows). For its latest series, Godless—a limited series set in the American Old West that revolves around a mining town governed by gun-slinging women (which we also plan to binge)—the streaming service took inspiration from its female-driven plot to host a pop-up that offered arts and crafts demos and products for sale from New York-based female creators.

Netflix partnered with agency LeadDog Marketing Group to produce the Godless General Store, which was open to the public from November 17 to 19 at the 107 Grand space in Soho. Designed to resemble an American Western saloon from the 1880s—specifically inspired by the show's setting of La Belle, New Mexico—the pop-up featured stations with products from six local artisans, a photo booth with Western costume props, and a step-and-repeat with the slogan “The Frontier is Female.”

Participating creators at the store included photographer Jamie Beck of Ann Street Studios, who photographed cast members in Western garb at a V.I.P. reception on November 16; Stacey Dugliss-Wesselman of Cold Spring Apothecary, who led workshops on how to create a scented reed diffuser; Sara Harari-Buchnea of Squar’d Away, who led bandana-tying and -styling tutorials; Layce Heaton of Cates Custom Hat Company, who provided custom hats for guests to take home; Miranda Hope of Miranda Hope Jewelry, who worked with guests to help them create a stamped medallion necklace; and Fabiana Scott of floral decor company Florescer NY, who taught guests how to make custom terrariums. After reading about each of these women, we couldn't agree more with the show's slogan. The frontier is most definitely female! You go girls.

The store section of the pop-up also led guests to a back room, the “Godless Saloon,” which featured Western-theme furniture, branded displays that included props and artwork depicting the show’s characters, and a bar where whiskey sommelier Heather Greene served cocktails and led a whiskey tasting. The best part? Godless is available now to binge on Netflix! So grab your best girlfriends and get ready to devour the details of the frontier like the rest of these bad ass females!

Take a Train to Christmas Town

Move over, Polar Express; there’s another magical train spreading holiday cheer. All aboard! “The Train to Christmas Town,” is now departing from Buzzards Bay! This is the fourth year that Cape Cod Central Railroad is offering the event, based on Peggy Ellis’s book by the same name. We can promise you, you'll feel the holiday magic in the air as soon as you arrive!

During the 70-minute ride, families travel to “Christmas Town,” or the North Pole while drinking hot cocoa, eating cookies, singing Christmas carols, and listening to a reading of The Train to Christmas Town. Once at Christmas Town, the train picks up Santa and his elves, and Santa gives each child a treat.

It also mimics the plot of Ellis’s book, which describes the adventures of a little girl named Janice and her brother. The siblings ride the train to Christmas Town alone for the first time because their grandmother can’t make the trip. They share seats with animals and meet elves serving cocoa and cookies before Santa Claus arrives.

On the train ride, as the book is read on board, the characters come out as they’re mentioned in the story. Kids get to meet Wabash the squirrel, Zephyr the cat, and Bumblebee the polar bear. They can also hunt for small stuffed animal characters from the book, like mice Bubble and Squeak, amid the train’s five cars as they take their seats.

The "Train to Christmas Town" captures the spirit of the season with its warmth and charm. Trust us, there's no better way to get ready for this holiday--your family will truly love it! Join us this winter and devour the details of a Christmas dream come true. For more information and ticket prices, check out Cape Cod Central Railroad.

Wedding Wednesdays: How to Plan a Perfect Day of Dress Shopping

Dress shopping doesn't have to be stressful! Make it the perfect day by planning ahead. Before you make an appointment, consider these five tips to getting the most out of your bridal experience! And don't forget to bring the bubbly!

Tip #1: Call Ahead and Make a Game Plan
While most of us do our usual shopping by popping into our favorite stores on a whim and unannounced, wedding dress shopping takes a bit more planning. You will want to start shopping 6-8 months before your wedding date to allow for time to have your dress come in and several alteration appointments after you find “the one.” Make sure to call ahead to the stores you’re going to want to visit, and they will set up an appointment for you so that a retail associate can give you their full attention and help you find the dress of your dreams.

Once you have a dress appointment, decide on who will be joining you that day and make sure they put it in their calendars! You'll need their undivided attention for the whole day. It’s also a great idea to get to your appointment 5-10 minutes early so that you can browse the racks of dresses before you dig into all the details.

Tip #2: Go into Your Appointment Prepared
You’ll want to have as many details in mind for the dress consultant as possible. Here are some good questions to keep in mind: What time of year are you getting married? What will the weather be like? Will it be a formal affair or a casual one? Then as far as your taste goes, you will probably be asked what silhouette, fabric, and embellishments you have in mind. But don’t worry too much about having a specific wedding dress vision. It’s good to stay open-minded! You never know what you’ll feel best in, so don’t box yourself into one category of dresses.

Another important piece of information to know ahead of time is your dress budget. There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a gown just to discover that it’s out of your price range. Not to mention, it’s such a waste of time trying on dresses that you won’t end up buying. So, tell your sales associate right away what you are expecting to pay.

Tip #3: Look at the Dress from All Angles
On your wedding day, you will be photographed at so many different moments, and seen by your guests from all angles. So, it’s a good idea to make sure you are viewing your wedding dress from all angles before you decide it’s the one. We even recommend having someone snap some photos of you at different angles so you can see how the dress photographs. And, it’s nice to have those photos with you while your dress goes to alterations, so that you can remember each beautiful detail (just don’t let your groom sneak a peek on your phone!).

Tip #4: Focus on the Fit
When you’re trying on dresses during your shopping day, make sure you’re narrowing in on dresses that flatter your figure and make you feel good! You’ve probably heard it before, but there’s truth to the saying that “it’s all about the fit.” It doesn’t matter whether you love a dress that has lace, embellishments or tulle if the fit isn’t right. On your wedding day, you will want to feel your best without fidgeting or adjusting areas of your dress constantly.

Tip #5: End the Day with a Celebration
Once you’ve said “yes!” to your dream dress, it’s time to celebrate! We recommend ending your day of dress shopping with a celebratory lunch…and some champagne, of course! You’ll be able to reminisce about the moments of the day and relax while you enjoy your meal.

Don't stress! Say yes to your dress and devour the details of a perfect day of shopping with these helpful planning tips!

Six Savory Sweet Potato Crockpot Recipes

We've been on a sweet potato kick lately! Mashed, baked, fried--we can't get enough of this perfect side dish. But we're done just having them as an accompaniment to the main course. It's time to make this sensational starch the center of attention...on the dinner table! Check out these six savory sweet potato crockpot recipes perfect for the winter months.

Quinoa & Sweet Potato Chili

The perfect dish to make on Sundays while watching football. Get the recipe here!

Scalloped Potatoes

This dish combines regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for big flavor per bite. Try this recipe for the best of both worlds!

Sweet Potato Curry

This recipe warms your belly on the coldest nights! And the leftovers are perfect to bring to work for lunch.

Sweet Potato Soup with Maple Bacon

Sweet and salty! Dipping is required so be sure to grab a baguette when shopping for this recipe.

Candied Sweet Potatos

As if they weren't already sweet enough--take it up a notch with this candied recipe!

Creamy Chicken, Wild Rice and Sweet Potato Soup

A hearty and satisfying sweet potato dish the whole family will enjoy! Get the recipe here.

Feed your need for sweet potatoes with these perfect crockpot recipes and devour the details of this sensational starch!

Monday Mashups: Ocean Spray Holds Thanksgiving Boot Camp

Each year, nearly 20 million Americans prepare to deliver a Thanksgiving feast for the first time ever. Ocean Spray wanted to do its part to help these newbies by inviting them to their recent brand activation at Rockefeller Center. The festive, multi-generational event on November 1 whipped guests into holiday-hosting shape at the Thanksgiving-themed boot camp with CranMas (that's grandmas, Ocean Spray style) and celebrity chef Curtis Stone providing instruction.

To create the perfect autumnal experience for the holiday-entertaining course, Arnold Worldwide—Ocean Spray’s long-time brand experience agency—enlisted design and production partner Tyger Productions. Led by Ty Kuppig, Tyger has partnered with Arnold and Ocean Spray on numerous projects across the country, including the Thanksgiving Then & Now event for Ocean Spray at Rockefeller Center in 2015.

Before press and influencer invitees entered the 20- by 60-foot cranberry bog, they first visited four stations where they learned a different skill for the Thanksgiving holiday. These included how to welcome guests with a crafted cocktail, hacks for impressive side dishes, techniques for preparing the turkey, and “Setting the Scene”—how to set the perfect table. We could've totally used an invite to this boot camp! After making their way through the stations, guests were invited to join Ocean Spray’s CranMas and Chef Stone to sit down for an early Thanksgiving meal in the cranberry bog.

To create a more intimate experience and suggest a dinner under the canopy of a fall forest, Tyger Productions constructed a 12-foot-tall by 36-foot-long arbor covered in autumn foliage surrounded by live cranberry turf installed by a professional horticulturalist. In addition to creating a cozy cocoon for the press and influencers while they dined, the arbor created a social media-friendly statement that could easily be seen over the heads of the crowd, adding further excitement and inviting passersby to watch from the sidelines.

Tyger pulled inspiration from Arnold’s CranMa concept to design an environment that elicited a sense of nostalgia, displaying traditional elements that evoked grandmothers with more contemporary touches that a first-time holiday host might incorporate from their own home. Mismatched vintage china was paired with modern rose-gold flatware. Cut crystal stemware was mixed with vintage embossed glass and new cranberry-red goblets. Handmade crocheted table runners were paired with rose-gold glass candleholders. The 32-foot-long dining table in the center of the bog was anchored by oversize autumnal floral arrangements of lush blossoms, greens, and fruits.

Following the lunch, and to emphasize the health benefits of the cranberry, yoga was held at the bog the next day, as well as a spin class with Vitamix blenders attached to each bike to blend a cranberry smoothie. In addition, Ocean Spray team members handed out samples of its various cranberry products.

The New York activation was part of a five-city “Bogs Across America” tour. Tyger Productions created three different-sized bogs that were featured in Hollywood (at an indoor venue), Washington, Chicago, and New York, and culminated outside the Prudential Center in Boston. Only the New York location served lunch. Ocean Spray sure knows how to devour the details of a cranberry-filled Thanksgiving! We hope these tips and tricks inspire you for future Turkey Days to come.