Last-Minute Holiday Gifts from an Unexpected Place

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Last minute holiday gift ideas

If I can avoid the chaos of mall shopping a few days before the holidays, I will. I prefer thoughtful, convenient last-minute options, which is exactly what inspired this post. I pulled together a practical last-minute gift guide sourced from a place you might not expect: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.

Every item featured here was found at a Cracker Barrel store near Atlanta, and I partnered with Cracker Barrel to assemble this list of easy, thoughtful gifts. If you think, “But I don’t live near Atlanta,” don’t worry — these products are available at Cracker Barrel locations nationwide, and many are sold online as well. Because most Cracker Barrel stores sit right off the interstate, they’re a handy stop for picking up gifts while traveling to see family or friends.

Last minute holiday gift ideas

Walking through a Cracker Barrel store is its own nostalgic experience. The retail space is connected to the restaurant, and you pass through it on your way to be seated. I have fond memories of childhood road trips where my family would play giant checkers near the fireplace while waiting for our meal. The stores carry a wide range of items — from retro candy and sodas to novelty toys, home decor, cookware, and clothing — so they’re surprisingly resourceful when you need a quick present.

On my recent visit I was glad to find an abundance of well-priced, gift-worthy items and friendly staff who were happy to help. Below are the standout ideas I discovered, organized by recipient type to make last-minute choices easier.

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Birthday Cake Ice Cream Recipe: How to Make Cake-Flavored Ice Cream

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Today’s post arrives a day late and one waffle cone short, but better late than never. Here we are—the day after National Ice Cream Day—with a homemade ice cream recipe I’d happily enjoy any day of the year. It’s made with cake—specifically birthday cake—so it’s already a win. Delicious! Below is the full recipe for … Read more

6 Weekend DIY Projects You Can Complete in One Day

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This week I’ve spent a lot of time planning ahead: I shared my top business goal for the year, published a long, personal piece on a sensitive topic (so many of you responded — thank you), and settled into a few new routines. Still, when it comes to the weekend I’m undecided. We’ve talked about … Read more

Fabric Utensil Wrap Tutorial for Reusable Cutlery on the Go

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Another quick sewing project that’s eco-friendly — make a cute DIY utensil wrap in under an hour! Even if most of us aren’t rushing around right now, chances are we will be again soon. This simple sewing tutorial shows how to make a fabric scrap utensil wrap that takes less than an hour to complete. … Read more

How to Wrap Holiday Gifts with Foil Ribbon for a Luxe Finish

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This week is off to a great start: the giveaway is already underway, I’ve discovered several lovely shops during weekend research, and we have another guest post from Laura of Lupin. After reading her helpful tutorial below, be sure to visit her shop or blog for more inspiration. —————————————– For a modern, luxe finish, try … Read more

Cone Head Margarita Snow Cones: Frozen Cocktail Shaved Ice

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You’ve never tasted a margarita quite like this—seriously, I guarantee it. Combining a childhood favorite—snow cones—with an adult favorite—the margarita—this margarita snow cone is an easy, refreshing recipe you’ll want to make all summer long. They’re perfect for any warm-weather gathering: Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, backyard barbecues, pool parties, or a … Read more

Linear Nail Art: DIY Guide for Chic Striping Designs

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Linear Nail Art DIY in 15 Minutes

We’ve been trying out a few more DIY nail designs and this linear look may be my favorite so far — and it’s really quick and easy. A true bonus for anyone who wants a polished manicure without spending hours at the salon.

Recreate this linear nail art in about 15 minutes using any color combination you like. It works well in every palette we’ve tested, from soft pastels to bold, contrasting shades.

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6 Weekend DIY Projects You Can Finish in a Day

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6 DIYs to Try This Weekend

Happy Friday! I hope your week went well and that you were able to hit the ground running if it was your first week back after the holidays. I usually find that my creativity either soars or stalls during the first week back, and this year I’m on the quieter side—less inspired than usual. To shake off the creative cobwebs, I’m planning a few weekend DIY projects that I hope will rekindle my enthusiasm.

Below are a few of my favorite projects to jump-start the new year. They’re mix-and-match friendly, approachable for a weekend afternoon, and fun whether you’re crafting for decor, gifts, or a personal pick-me-up.

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Peach and Prosciutto Caprese Salad with Burrata and Basil

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Ready for an incredibly simple and distinctive Caprese salad? Here it is. When Georgia peaches are in season they’re unbeatable — juicy, fragrant, and perfectly sweet. With peaches plentiful right now, I’ve been enjoying them every chance I get. A friend recently mentioned a peach salad she’d had at a nearby restaurant, so we adapted … Read more

Summer Entertaining Essentials: Must-Have Outdoor Hosting Gear

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I’m spending as much time outside as possible before the summer heat becomes unbearable. The moment we moved in, I started arranging our covered backyard patio. It’s not finished yet, but it’s coming together and I wanted to share a sneak peek. With Memorial Day just days away, I also put together my go-to essentials for outdoor entertaining at the start of summer.

I partnered with Article to pull together the items that make hosting outdoors simple and inviting—perfect timing for Article’s large Memorial Day sale (up to 50% off), running through May 28th. Below are my favorite pieces and practical tips for summer gatherings.

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