food and parties

Inspired by the occasion of their dad's fiftieth birthday, Mario Batali's teenage sons, Benno and Leo, developed their very own cookbook in his honor, and it's recently been published. The Batali Brothers Cookbook is a compilation of Leo and Benno's favorite recipes, plus some Batali family staples courtesy of Mario himself. We were lucky enough to chat with the brothers, who we were pleased to learn are following fast in their dad's orange-Croc-clad footsteps. Click through to read our interview with Leo and Benno Batali, and check out two of their favorite recipes to try out in your own kitchen!

Once your brave little one is ready to take the leap from purees to finger foods, it's time to switch up your grocery store and kitchen prep routines. Follow this smart advice for easing the transition, and click through to see some of the best fresh, frozen, and on-the-go solid starter foods for your hungry little one!

What do you get when you put together an event planner mama (Angel Swanson of Love & Splendor), the Korean tradition of a Dol (an over-the-top first birthday celebration), and a whimsical under-the-sea party theme? Party perfection! This party, thrown for little Olive, has something for everyone: a baby lounge, kid-friendly entertainment, including an amazing bubble show, plenty of sweet treats, and gorgeous decor in shades of mint and pink. "Our original venue was by the sea, so we had adopted an ocean-inspired palette," Angel says. "We later moved the party to an inland location, but we kept the soothing hues of aqua, pool, and mint with hints of blush, peach, and gold accents. It was a feminine, Spring-y color scheme that felt perfect for the celebration." You have to check out all the details, beautifully photographed by Erin Hearts Court, of this dreamy party!

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and whatever your weekend plans entail, we can't think of a better way to celebrate than with a special sweet treat. Whether you prefer a classic patriotic theme or want to get inventive with cupcakes that look like they just came off the grill, stock up on some sugar, heat up the oven, and get baking!

School is wrapping up (have you picked up your teacher appreciation gift yet?), Summer is unofficially starting, and the time for cool Popsicles is near! Whether you're set to stock your freezer with store-bought pops or want to make your own — check back soon for our awesome and easy kid-friendly recipes — you can prep for Popsicle season with the following nine printables, party extras, and kid-friendly goods, all featuring Summer's favorite frozen treat!

Have a little chef in your kitchen? We've rounded up nine of what moms say are their kids' favorite foods to cook. These recipes are easy, fun, and tasty! From a simple avocado on toast to crockpot lasagna and yummy brownies, we're sharing recipes for kids of all ages to test in the kitchen. Click through to find your family's new favorite.

Suzie Boluarte of Project: Party Perfect knew just what the theme for her son Caiden's second birthday should be. "We live near a small airport, and he loves going to the observation deck," Suzie says. "It's on the tarmac, and he gets an up-close experience seeing small planes and private jets take off and land."

Suzie took that love of planes and created an inventive party full of high-flying clouds, crafts, and cute treats. "Because it was homemade and not a commercially licensed, themed party, it was a lot easier on the wallet," Suzie says. "I got to mix and match products and choose my own color theme with a budget." Budget-friendly, DIY, and adorable? Sounds like a party we can get on board with!

Graduating from breast milk and formula to solids is a major milestone in a baby's first year. If your little one is ready to make the leap, throw away your preconceived notions that baby's first foods have to be monotonous and dull. These 15 recipes incorporate unexpected flavors and ingredients to make the early days of eating a whole lot more fun!