Beverage experts reveal how to prepare for the perfect Friendsgiving

Cheers, Y'all

Photo by Julia Keim

Gathering with loved ones throughout the holiday season is one of the reasons this time of year is so special. Spending time with family over Thanksgiving is wonderful, but there's also the opportunity to celebrate throughout the month of November with Friendsgiving.

If you have received an invitation to a Friendsgiving celebration or if you are looking to host your own event, Twin Liquors is your local expert, providing everything from wine pairing advice to cocktail ideas and bottle recommendations to gift your host.

Wondering how to choose the perfect bottle of wine to bring? Look to the menu. If a mouthwatering ham or juicy turkey is being served, seek out a bottle of Red Burgundy for a perfect pairing. White Burgundy will complement potatoes and stuffing, while pecan pie and a bottle of Sauternes go hand-in-hand.

If your host is leaving dinner a surprise, you can’t go wrong with Champagne — it goes well with everything! Don’t forget to have your friendly Twin Liquors associate wrap the chosen bottle with a complimentary bag and bow service to turn it into a beautiful gift.

Friendsgiving also calls for a shared “cheers” with a delicious cocktail in-hand. Twin Liquors can help with personalized recommendations for spirits to stock your bar cart, so you’re always ready to whip up a craft cocktail for your friends.

Check out Twin Liquors' collection of unique recipes on Instagram (@twinliquors), including a pumpkin spice espresso martini, Jack-o’-Lantern Punch, and a classic old fashioned.

If some of your friends would prefer a non-alcoholic drink to enjoy during dinner, Twin Liquors also has plenty of mocktail ideas and non-alcoholic options.

Whether you are sipping on a glass of wine, toasting with a bottle of Champagne, or stirring up a specialty cocktail, spending time gathered around the table with your friends is a time to be treasured.

Come find the best bottles to serve or hand-craft drinks from your neighborhood Twin Liquors, and have a happy Friendsgiving!

Hotel Vin

These are the 8 best food and drink events in Fort Worth this week

This week in gluttony

Thanksgiving is next week (find that list of dining options here), but this week brings our first glimpses of Christmas-themed events. There’s a Christmas cookie beer launch party and the debut of holiday-time outdoor igloo bubbles. Also on the list, a new weekly series of wine dinners featuring rotating local chefs and a Friendsgiving bourbon pairing dinner.

Tuesday, November 14

Chef’s Table & Cellar: LangeTwins Wines featuring Chef Hao Tran at Fort Brewery
The Cultural District-adjacent brewery and restaurant is hosting a weekly series of wine dinners starring local chefs. This week features Hao Tran of Hao’s Grocery & Café and the upcoming Hao’s Cho Bep, set to open early next year. The $70 ticket (plus tax and a small service fee) includes a multicourse meal paired with LangeTwins wines. Dinner begins at 6:30 pm.

Wednesday, November 15

Friendsgiving Bourbon Pairing at Carrabba’s Italian Grill
The Italian upscale comfort food chain will host a holiday dinner featuring bourbon and dishes perfect for a friendly gathering. The four-course menu includes spicy Palermo wings with gorgonzola cheese; creamy rigatoni with grilled chicken; bone-in veal steak with bourbon-bacon butter; and bourbon cinnamon panna cotta. Each course will be paired with a different bourbon. The dinner is $65, plus tax and gratuity, and begins at 6:30 pm. Carrabba’s has locations in Hurst, Plano, and Dallas.

Thursday, November 16

Wine Feature + ByWasonga Kenyan Stew at WineHaus
What pairs well with Pinot Noir? Kenyan stew from local chef and caterer ByWasonga. Try the unique pairing at WineHaus Thursday anytime from 6-8 pm. The stew ($12 for a bowl) will come with chapti, or homemade Kenyan tortillas. The recommended pairing from the WineHaus team is Belted Vines Pinot Noir, available by the glass for $10.

FnG Eats Red Wine Festival
Red wines will flow at the favorite neighborhood dining destination in Keller, where guests get to mingle and sip during this strolling tasting event. High-end reds will range from Caymus Conundrum to Silver Palm Cab. Guests can choose seven to enjoy along with a menu of sliders, passed apps, flatbreads, and desserts. Tickets are $75, plus tax and gratuity, and include a raffle ticket for door prizes. The party will run from 6:30-9 pm.

Friday, November 17

Winter Wonderland Bubbles at Hotel Vin
The fan-favorite igloo-style bubbles are back in downtown Grapevine. The colorfully lit bubbles are situated on Hotel Vin’s outdoor WineYard next to the historic Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Each can seat up to six and come with après ski lodge décor, heaters, wine, and three-cheese fondue served with sourdough bread, cherry tomatoes, marble potatoes, asparagus, bacon lardons, pickles, and pretzel bites. Reservations are available in 90-minute increments, at 4 pm, 6 pm, and 8 pm ($250, plus tax and gratuity) Wednesday through Sunday starting November 17. Additional food and beverage from the hotel's restaurant Bacchus is available for a la carte ordering. Bonus: this year the bubbles will run clear through February 14.

Noir Nights at Wine Thief
The Omni Fort Worth Hotel wine bar will spotlight Pinot Noir during this Friday night tasting. Guests will get four pours paired with a cheese and charcuterie plate for $45. A wine expert will provide a bit of education on the popular grape, too. Visit anytime from 5:30-7:30 pm.

Harvest Party at Landon Winery Grapevine
This fall-focused tasting will feature bites from Wylie-based Boards by B, who’ll pair five small plates with five Landon wines. Tickets are $52, plus tax, and the event begins at 7 pm.

Saturday, November 18

Christmas Cookie Launch Party at Hop and Sting Brewing Co.
The Grapevine brewery is kicking off the Christmas season early with the launch of their Christmas Cookie Ale. Get a holiday pint glass to keep filled with the new brew for $12.95, $5 of which will benefit Grapevine’s “Santa Cops.” There’ll also be food trucks and live music. Visit anytime from 12-10 pm.

Brewed

These are the 13 best food and drink events in Fort Worth this week

This Week In Gluttony

‘Tis the season for spooky fun, as evidenced by the number of Halloween-themed food and drink events this week. A haunted wine dinner, scary brewery tour, creepy cocktails, and a candy and beer pairing are just a few on the list. This weekend also brings the 32nd annual edition of a famed chuckwagon gathering, not to be missed for its tasty cooking and tribute to cowboy culture.

Tuesday, October 24

Halloween Candy Pairing at Brewed
Just in time for fall, Brewed is back with evening dining hours. Now open Thursday-Saturday until 11 pm, the tenured coffee and cocktail bar has also brought back its popular beer and Halloween candy flight. Guests get four beers paired with four trick-or-treating favorites for $15. The flight is available now through October 31.

Thursday, October 26

Fall Fab 5 Tasting at 3 Vino Wine Bar & Bottle Shop
The owners of the Roanoke wine bar have picked their fall favorites to share. Visit anytime from 3:30–8 pm to enjoy five wines paired with a cheeseboard for $25. No reservations required. Featured wines will be available for purchase by the bottle to take home at special pricing.

Tales from the Cellar: A Haunted Wine Dinner at Clay Pigeon Food & Drink
This spooky four-course dinner will be paired with haunting tales behind each featured wine. Four different wine regions will be covered. Dinner is $120 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and seating times range from 5–8:45 pm.

Shrek Swamp Party at Rooftop Cinema Club
Visit the downtown Rooftop Cinema Club at the Worthington Renaissance hotel for a special screening of the 2001 cult classic film, paired with food, cocktails, and a Shrek-inspired DJ set after the show. (Expect lots of Smash Mouth.) Menu items include pulled pork tacos, nachos, soft salted pretzels, and “Hot Diggity Dogs." The $45 ticket includes one adult beverage and bottomless popcorn. Doors open at 7 pm for the 8 pm screening, followed by dueling DJs from 9:30–11:30 am.

Friday, October 17

Gnocchi Dokie Pasta Class & Dinner at Two Brothers Winery
The Old Town Keller winery will host a hands-on pasta-making class in partnership with Gnocchi Dokie. The fall-themed featured dish is garganelli pasta with butternut squash and broccoli rabe. The $50 ticket price, plus gratuity and a small fee, includes your first glass of wine to be paired with the dish. Start time is 6:30 pm.

Saturday, October 28

Sweet Lucy’s Pies Pie Contest
The Fort Worth-based pie company will host a pie contest in conjunction with Clearfork Farmers Market, Fort Worth Cookie Gal, and Felipe Armenta restaurants (Press Café, Pacific Table, Maria’s Mexican Kitchen, to name a few). Contestants may submit a pie of any variety by 9:45 am at the Clearfork Farmers Market to be judged by a panel on taste and appearance. Young bakers (12 and under) may enter Halloween-themed treats, too. Prizes – to include a pie package, restaurant gift cards, and a Clearfork Farmers Market gift bag – will be given for first, second, and third place winners in both categories, to be announced at 11:30 am.

7th Annual Fort Worth Firefighters Chili Cook-off
These Fort Worth first responders know how to cook, as proven by the crowds drawn every year to this annual chili cook-off. Approximately 30 firehouse teams (including new competitors from San Antonio and Denver) will prepare their best chili recipes in three categories: red, green, and non-traditional. Peruse the festively decorated booths (there’s a contest for the best) and sample them all. Admission is free, and tickets can be purchased for chili samples or chili by the bowl. Beer is also available. Proceeds benefit Fort Worth Firefighter Charities. The event will run from 10 am–2 pm.

Red Steagall Chuck Wagon Cook-Off
The 32nd Annual Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering takes place this weekend in the Fort Worth Stockyards, and part of the event lineup – which includes ranch rodeos, cowboy poetry, live music, a Western swing festival, and more – is an authentic chuckwagon cook-off. At least a dozen chuckwagons will arrive by noon on Friday to set up camp for the weekend. On Saturday, visit all day starting at 10:30 am to see cowboys and cowgirls use only trail driving era cooking supplies to compete for the best coal-fired meals. A team of judges will determine the winner, but passers-by can get a glimpse – and maybe a sample or two.

Day of the Dead Brunch at B&B Butchers & Restaurant
Celebrating the Mexican tradition of honoring loved ones lost, this Dia de los Muertos-inspired brunch is back with Mexico City-inspired dishes, specialty cocktails, mariachi performances, and more. Go for spicy palomas, chicken mole enchiladas, chilaquiles, and churros. There’ll also be DJ music, face painting, and swag for giveaways. The brunch will be served from 11 am–3 pm.

Costumes & Cocktails at Whiskey Ranch
Whiskey Ranch is throwing a Halloween party, complete with complimentary axe throwing, DJ music, food trucks, a costume contest, and of course, whiskey cocktails. The event will run from 12–5 pm, with the costume contest set to take place at 3 pm. Several prizes will be awarded, including a grand prize of a TX Whiskey barrel. Admission is $15 and includes your first drink.

Booery Tour at Martin House Brewing Company
It’s the 11th anniversary of the riverfront brewery’s original backyard party. There’ll be costume contests, beer releases, bands, and even a snake-handling comedian. New beer releases will include Sea Witch, Murdermaid, and Whiskey Barrel-Aged Black Gose, but there will be more than 40 others on tap. Admission is free for everyone (including kids), but for those who are drinking, wristbands are $25 and good for four pours, plus a souvenir pint glass. The event will run from 12–5 pm.

“Are You Afraid of the Dark?” at Hotel Drover
The Backyard at Hotel Drover will come alive with a creepy pop-up featuring 90s-era Halloween-themed flair. Spooky cocktails from the Pour Horse bar will include Whiskey Bent & Spell Bound and Wicked Witch of the West. The festivities will also include a pop-up shop and the hotel’s signature leather tag branding experience called The Mark. Visit from 7–10 pm.

Sunday, October 29

Local Farm Tour & Dinner hosted by Hao’s Grocery & Café
Embark on a self-guided tour of local urban and community farms before indulging in the fruits of their labor during a farm-to-table dinner. Featured farms and the suggested schedule includes First Earth Farm in Bluff Dale (11 am–12 pm), Stone’s Throw Farm in Fort Worth (1–2 pm), Conundrum Farms in Crowley (3–4 pm), and the Fairmont Neighborhood Community Garden (4:30–5 pm). Finished with a seated dinner at Hao’s Grocery & Café starting at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $60 per person.

Pappasito's Cantina

These are the 7 best food and drink events in Fort Worth this week

This Week in Gluttony

Halloween is just two weeks away and a few of this week’s events provide for some spooky fun. There’s a Halloween-themed wine flight night and a “Fall-O-Ween” beer pairing dinner. Also on the list, a popular downtown craft brew festival, a wine dinner for a good cause, and a chance to shoot clays with top culinary talent. Finally, fajita lovers, take note: there's an anniversary special on some of the most popular in town.

Tuesday, October 17

5-Course J. Lohr “Touching Lives” Charity Wine Dinner at B&B Butchers & Restaurant
Fort Worth steakhouse will partner with J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines for a five-course pairing dinner that will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. On the menu is a Colorado lamb chop paired with J. Lorh “Carol’s Vineyard” cabernet sauvignon, named for founder Jerry Lohr’s late wife who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2008. Other menu highlights include lobster tail en croute, seabass ceviche, and bread pudding with blueberry and vanilla bean sauce. The dinner is $155 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and begins at 6:30 pm.

Wednesday, October 18

Pappasito’s Cantina 40th Anniversary
Houston-based Tex-Mex chain – with locations in Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas, and DFW Airport – is celebrating its 40th birthday through October with food and drink specials. Visit on Wednesdays and get 40 fajitas (enough to feed 2-3 people) for $40 starting at 4 pm for dine-in or to-go. Order the Fiesta Fizz cocktail, with tequila, blueberry, and sparkling wine, and keep the commemorative ceramic mug. Folks can also enter to win one of 10 $400 gift cards.

Thursday, October 19

Spooky Wine Flight Night at WineHaus
Taste three wines with creepy labels or haunting backstories during this Halloween-themed flight night. Costumes are encouraged, and there’ll be a contest to determine the best. The flights will be offered from 6–9 pm or until sell-out.

Saturday, October 21

17th Annual Flying Saucer Beerfeast
Beer tasting extravaganza is back on the Flying Saucer patio. Guests can choose from more than 80 Beerknurd-approved brews to sample along with live music (Mike Randall is the headliner) on the 8.0 stage. Tickets are $35 and include a souvenir tasting glass and a tasting card good for 12 two-ounce samples. Or pay $75 for early entry at 1 pm, access to the patio lounge and exclusive tastings, a BeerFeast T-shirt, and hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages. Regular entry begins at 2 pm and the event will run until 6 pm.

Sunday, October 22

Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival Shooting with the Chefs
Break bread and break clays with some of Fort Worth’s most popular chefs during this clay shooting event that will benefit the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation. (The signature multi-day Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival will be held April 4–7, 2024). Participating chef shooters include Travis Heim of Heim BBQ, Brandon Hurtado of Hurtado Barbecue, and Preston Paine of the upcoming new Crescent Hotel. Registration is $600 for a team of four (that’s $150 per person) or pay $25 to simply watch and enjoy lunch, which will be catered by Del Norte Tacos. The event will take place at Defender Outdoors Clay Sports Ranch. Shooters can start checking in at 9 am for a 10 am shotgun start. Food and drinks will be served at 12:15 pm with awards to follow at 1 pm.

Pups & Pints at Panther Island Brewing
Pints and puppy kisses – the perfect pairing. Visit the downtown brewery for a fundraiser that will benefit Apollo Support & Rescue for Abandoned Dogs. Wristbands will be sold for $20, which are good for three beers, and Apollo will receive half of all wristband sales. The event will run from 12–4 pm.

Monday, October 23

Fall-O-Ween Beer Dinner at Lazy Dog
Gastropub chain will offer a fall-themed four-course beer dinner Monday, October 23 through Wednesday, October 25. Highlights include ghost pepper spicy chicken sandwich, “graveyard” queso, and s’mores brownie sundae. Each course comes with a beer pairing. The dinner is $75 for two, plus tax and gratuity. Reservation times vary by location, which include Euless, Arlington, Addison, Allen, and Plano.

Photo courtesy of Messina Hof Winery

Texas Hill Country Wine Fort Worth Road Show

Texas Hill Country Wineries will present 20 wineries and 60 wines from the Hill Country to Fort Worth for an evening tasting experience. Visitors will be able to meet winery personalities, including owners, winemakers, vineyard managers and more. Guests will experience Texas Hill Country wines at a walk-around tasting featuring hand-picked wines from each participating winery. Guests can also learn about what's happening in the vineyard, taste new wines, and meet the heart and soul behind the Texas wineries.

Postino WineCafe

Where to drink in Fort Worth right now: 7 best buzzy new wine bars

Where to Drink

The Fort Worth wine scene has seen some turnover in recent months, with the closures of both 38 & Vine and Rancho Loma Vineyards earlier this year. But several new wine bars have popped up to pop bottles lately, joining Fort Worth mainstays like Grand Cru, Winslow’s Wine Café, The Magnolia (formerly Kent & Co. Wines), Cru Food & Wine Bar (Shops at Clearfork), Wine Thief (inside the Omni Fort Worth Hotel), and Wine Haus. Here are seven new-ish wine bars to visit this fall, all opened within the past two years with some just a few days old.

Wines From A Broad
Sundance Square is home to a new wine bar – one with women in mind. Wines From A Broad comes from tenured chef-caterer-restaurateur Dena Shaskan, who also co-owns 3rd Street Market and Hopscotch, both also in Sundance Square. At her first wine-centric venture, all 150 wines come from female winemakers, owners, and grape growers. Wines are offered by the glass as well in wine-based cocktails, like the Aperol and Hugo spritzes. And no Shaskan venture is complete with chef-driven noshables. Here she serves shareable bites like pickled shrimp, cheese with fruit, nuts, honey and her husband’s sourdough bread, and a flavorful chicken liver plate perfect for pairing. Femme-friendly décor includes pink velvet couches and artwork by female artists. Even the playlist highlights female musicians, from Taylor Swift to Tina Turner.

Postino WineCafe
Cheers, Southlake. You’ve got your very own location of the nationally acclaimed Postino WineCafe, now open in a 5,000 square-foot space next to Trader Joe’s in Southlake Town Square. The Arizona-based wine bar-restaurant chain is known for its daily happy hour and menu meant for sharing, with mix-and-match bruschetta boards (there are 12 types here) anchoring the graze-friendly offerings. As for the wine, at least half are custom blends made exclusively for Postino. Wine enthusiasts can join the Postino Wine Cult, a club that provides four curated wines every quarter, plus in-restaurant perks. But anyone can take advantage of Postino’s daily happy hour, which runs from 11 am–5 pm and offers 25-plus $6 wines by the glass along with $6 32-ounce pitchers of local beer. Visit during the last two weeks of this month and be greeted with a complimentary glass of bubbles.

The Holly
Current regulations don’t require winemakers to list wine ingredients, meaning chemicals, sweeteners, and even dye, may be added to wine to enhance taste and appearance. Not at The Holly, which opened in the South Main Street district nearly two years ago touting nothing but “natural wine,” or wine made without lab-grown additives or chemicals. All wines are small-batch, made with sustainable, organic, and biodynamic practices – as their website explains – and come from all over, from France to California. Varieties range from sparkling to red and even orange, a trending wine made with white grapes where the skins are left on during pressing. The bright and airy wine bar doubles as a bottle shop, so guests can sit-and-sip or grab-and-go.

Soma Winery
Since opening on South Main Street in the summer of 2022, Soma Winery has retooled its offerings. An expanded food menu now includes naan flatbreads and panini sandwiches, with chicken salad, smoked salmon, and Nutella sandwiches on the way. Coffee is also now served, including cappuccino, cold brew, espresso, and French press. Operating hours have expanded: from 8 am–10 pm Monday-Thursday and 8 am–11 pm Friday-Saturday. But the international focus on wine remains the same, with boutique batches from Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal dominating the wine list. Other beverages include hard ciders, including blackberry, honey pear, juicy peach, berry blues, and vanilla bean. Patrons are encouraged to bring their laptops and find an inviting, art-focused workspace during the day, but the atmosphere changes by dusk when girl groups and date night duos visit for a livelier scene with occasional live music.

Jane
She arrived in Southlake two summers ago, bringing a taste of the New York City food scene along with coffee, cocktails, and of course, wine. Named for Jane Street in New York’s West Village, Jane is a sophisticated wine bar that doubles as a coffee shop and gathering place for small plates and happy hour groups. Located in Southlake Town Square, the establishment has become know for its pretty scenery and occasional live music. The lengthy wine list takes patrons on a trip around the world, but also offers recognizable domestic labels like Cakebread, Stag’s Leap, and Prisoner. Bonus for brunch lovers: Jane serves brunch seven days a week until 3 pm featuring $5 mimosas.

Pinky's Champagne Room and Velvet Jazz Lounge
Since opening in March 2022 as “a place for cool cats to break it down, imbibe, and enjoy local jazz,” Pinky’s has done just that. Located on South Jennings Avenue, the swanky yet inviting establishment offers cozy booths amid velvet drapes to tuck in and enjoy live music Thursday through Saturday with no cover charge. Patrons will find bubbles of all sorts, from champagne to other sparkling wines to bubbly cocktails like Aperal spritz topped with prosecco. Pop a cork and celebrate a girls’ night or date night here.

The Coupe
This bubbles bar, which just opened in the busy South Main Street district in August, is run by husband-and-wife duo Scott Kimble and Lauren Badgett, who wanted to share their passion for all things bubbly. They offer sparkling in bottles, by the glass, and for retail sale, in a fresh space featuring a chic palette of pinks and greens. They're focused on unique small-batch sparkling wines from around the world, spotlighting labels that are more affordable and that lie outside of the Champagne district. Don’t miss “sparkling hour,” Tuesday through Friday from 1–6 pm featuring $9 wines by the glass, 20 percent off bottles, and $3 off cocktails.

Postino WineCafe

Postino WineCafe is new in Southlake Town Square

Ad Placement 300x100

Ad Placement 300x600

CultureMap Emails are Awesome

Property Showcase

'Yellowstone' stars to greet fans at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Yellowstone news

Yellowstone fans, get your comfy shoes ready - there'll be a long line for this one. Cole Hauser a.k.a. "Rip Wheeler" on Yellowstone, and Taylor Sheridan, the show's co-creator, executive producer, and director of the series, will meet fans and sign autographs at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The event will take place from 4:30-6:30 pm only on Friday, February 3. Location is the 6666 Ranch booth near the south end of Aisle 700 in the Amon G. Carter, Jr. Exhibits Hall.

According to a February 2 announcement from FWSSR, "fans will have the opportunity to snag an autograph as well as purchase some distinctive Yellowstone and 6666 Ranch merchandise while also enjoying all the features the Stock Show offers."

The event is free to attend (with paid Stock Show admission) and open to the public.

It's the second year in a row for Hauser to appear at FWSSR; in 2022, he and fellow cast mates drew huge crowds.

Sheridan, a Paschal High School graduate, is no stranger to Fort Worth; he lives in a ranch near Weatherford and filmed 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone, in and around Fort Worth. Currently, another spinoff, 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, is filming in North Texas.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is winding up its 2023 run on Saturday, February 4.

Kitchen hideaways among Houzz's 10 top home design predictions for 2024

designed with care

Industrial-style kitchens and tongue-and-groove ceilings were among the hottest home design trends of 2023, but next year is shaping up to be all about timeless style blended with familiar trends of the past.

A new report by Houzz predicts the top home design trends that could emerge in 2024, using data based on the website's search results and expert insight. Here are the top 10 trends they're forecasting in months to come.

Mixing tile and stone for backsplashes
Tile remains the leading backsplash choice for kitchens. However, designers are choosing to break up the monotony of an all-tile background by installing stone or quartz slabs behind the stovetop.

"The slab is often the same material as the countertops, giving the kitchen a vertical display of graphic veining or other interesting details to create a striking focal point that’s easy to wipe clean," the report said.

Fluted furniture
Fluted furniture (namely cabinets and dressers) was initially popular during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic after many viral DIY videos highlighted the idea's budget-friendliness. And Houzz reports that fluted elements have been seen frequently enough "throughout the year" at trade shows to make it a possible emerging trend in 2024. Nearly all furniture pieces can be adorned with the thick appearance of the fluted texture, from bathroom vanities to living room furniture.

2024 Houzz home design trends Just don't get toothpaste on the fluted bathroom vanity.Photo by Shanna Hickman / parsons i.d.

Cool tones are out, warm neutrals are in
It might be time to say goodbye to "agreeable gray" wall paint, according to Houzz. Gone are the days of cool-toned rooms, as more and more designers are leaning back toward warmer neutrals like beige, cream, and rich brown.

"We first predicted this infusion in the kitchen, but the look is beginning to dominate throughout the home to offer a calmer, more welcoming environment," the report said.

While you're in the middle of picking out your next room color, don't forget to incorporate different tones or experiment with new textures and patterns to give the room a "layered look" that can be versatile across every season.

Blue is the color of 2024
Designers on Houzz are predicting blue will be the color of 2024, no matter what Pantone decides the Color of the Year will be. Adding a pop of color to any room is a great way to draw attention to certain pieces a homeowner may want to showcase.

"Whether it’s a sky-inspired hue or a deep watery color, look for an array of blues to be featured more prominently in decorative materials and housewares in the coming year," the report said.

2024 Houzz home design trends Warm neutrals are in, but so is a nice calming blue.Photo by Mike Healey Photography / Brittany Lyons Interiors

Can't go wrong with a timeless look
Sustainability is also top-of-mind for many homeowners and designers heading into the new year, no matter what overarching design style they've chosen. According to the report, timeless details like brick, handmade clay tiles, and wood are becoming trendy among modern homes looking for a "quiet luxury" aesthetic. Adding more traditional design elements is also a popular choice for home renovations.

Handmade and custom design details
Speaking along the lines of a timeless style, designers are often searching for handmade or custom-made pieces to include in a home. European design shows championed personalized design elements in 2023, and the idea is catching fire throughout the U.S.

"[Bespoke elements] create a feeling that the homeowner has something truly unique and special," the report said.

A 2023 Houzz report analyzing bathroom trends further corroborates this shift to personalized details with the discovery that 62 percent of homeowners renovating their space were opting for custom-made bathroom vanities.

Hideaways for your countertop appliances
According to interior design blog Apartment Therapy, appliance garages rose to fame in the 1980s-90s, but eventually fell out of favor in the public eye when open shelving began to take over as the dominant kitchen trend. Now the clocks are turning back, and appliance garages are seeing a resurgence among homeowners who want to hide all the gadgets taking up space on their counters.

"Appliance garages conceal countertop appliances such as blenders, coffee makers, and toasters while keeping them easily accessible and organized," the report said.

Where else are we supposed to keep the air fryers or stand mixers?

2024 Houzz home design trends No kitchen gadgets will be taking up space in this kitchen while being hidden behind folding cabinet doors.Photo by Andrea Rugg Photography / kate roos design

Herringbone design
In another win for timeless style, herringbone is also making a comeback and can suit any room in a house. As a new-and-improved style, herringbone doesn't have to flow horizontally like it commonly used to. Designers are opting to create an "updated" look with herringbone tile by installing it in funky zig-zag or vertical patterns to improve visual interest.

Photo by Shanna Wolf Photography / Rochelle Lee Interiors LLC

Can't go wrong with herringbone tiles in the kitchen.

Combination laundry and mud rooms
For families with kids running around, combining the laundry room with the mud room is one of the safest ways to mitigate entryway messes. And it's becoming increasingly popular.

"[A mud-laundry room] lets homeowners place grimy sports uniforms, sandy beach towels, or muddy winter coats directly into the wash before they track dirt further into a home," the report said. "A utility sink lets you soak dirty clothes or delicates, and a pulldown faucet is effective at rinsing muddy boots or cleats."

Designers on Houzz highly recommend taking advantage of a mudroom's cabinets, hooks, and cubbies to help organize all the clean clothing, athletic gear, and other items.

Let the green grass grow
When it comes to maintaining curb appeal, leaving more room for greenery never hurts. Garden paths and patios made of pavers that leave space in between for grass to grow is an emerging trend for 2024. Houzz says the natural look and design versatility of greenery between pavers softens the harsh angles of the stone and other hardscape elements. Plus, who doesn't love living in a house where the backyard looks like a lush garden?

2024 Houzz home design trends A cozy backyard where the green grass grows.Photo courtesy of J. Montgomery Designs, Inc.

Top Fort Worth-area neighborhoods for magnificent Christmas lights in 2023

Merry & bright

When it comes to holiday decorating, Fort Worth-area homes and neighborhoods know how to bring the "merry and bright."

From over-the-top homes that would make Clark Griswold proud to entire streets that synchronize animated shows, dazzling displays can be found all across the city and beyond.

Below is a list of top local homes and neighborhoods for Christmas light pilgrimages this season. While some are closer to Fort Worth and Tarrant County, there are many that are worth a drive across Metroplex lines. Check back often as the list will grow and grow as the holidays draw near.

For a much longer list of spectacular Christmas lights around DFW, including drive-thrus, immersive experiences, and commercial installations, click here.

Neighborhoods and subdivisions with special displays

Interlochen Lights, Arlington, dates TBA
The Interlochen neighborhood annually presents Interlochen Lights during the holiday season. Hailed as one of the best neighborhood light shows in Texas, the event allows guests to drive through the neighborhood and pick out favorite displays while they tune into holiday music on radio stations 102.1 FM or 98.7 FM. This is one of the busiest spots in Dallas-Fort Worth during the holiday season, and it's free. The route map is here. As of press time, dates were not yet available. Watch for updates on their website and Facebook page.

Diamond Loch, North Richland Hills, through December 31
This North Richland Hills neighborhood has dressed up for the holidays for decades. Drive through the cul-de-sac slowly to check out adjacent houses that join forces to present a massive computerized show. The rest of the street decorates nicely to make an enchanted "Whoville" Christmas experience known as #NRHGrinchLights. They grow the show every year, and The Grinch himself may actually pop in occasionally; follow their Facebook page to keep up. It's open daily, 5:30-11 pm. To find it, navigate to the address 6217 Windsor Ct., NRH, 76180. (Enter Diamond Loch from Glenview Drive. On busy weekends, traffic must enter going eastbound on Glenview. Turn east off of Hwy 377/Denton Highway onto Glenview Drive, then, in about 1/2 mile, turn right into Diamond Loch.)

Glenbrook Christmas, Bedford, through December 31
The Bedford neighborhood lights up nightly to tell the story of “The Night Before Christmas - In Texas That Is” - along with other festive displays. The entrance to Glenbrook is on Brookside Drive located between Cummings and Forest Ridge. The displays will be on daily, 6-10 pm. Follow the Facebook page for updates.

Morrisdale Estates, Euless
Morrisdale Estates neighborhood in Euless is known for great light displays. The Morrisdale tradition is for everyone in the neighborhood to put up the same red lights on their curbs to create a sea of red as you drive through the neighborhood. Bonus that it's still a bit of an undiscovered gem, so there's not as much traffic as other neighborhoods. Find the neighborhood between Pipeline Road and Hurst Blvd., 76040.

Montego Road, Ridgmar neighborhood, west Fort Worth
The Montego Road Christmas Show project, more than 15 years strong, takes an entire street to pull off. Two residences (mirror images of each other) comprise the main program, with two more "support homes" flanking them and curb lights of 12 other homes leading the way to the main event. The show of more than 125,000 lights is fully choreographed to Christmas music (heard on an FM radio station in the car or via outdoor speakers) and lasts about 30 minutes. It begins at 6 pm and runs until midnight each night. To find it, exit Interstate 30 at Ridglea/Ridgmar Blvd. and go north. The streets are in alphabetical order until you reach Montego Road. The display begins there, at Ridgmar Blvd., and continues west on the 1100 block of Montego Road.

Worth a drive ...

Deerfield Holiday Lights, Plano, December 1-30
The Deerfield neighborhood of northwest Plano hosts a top-rated winter wonderland you can walk or drive through. You can even book carriage rides in advance to see dancing Santas, millions of twinkling lights, and larger-than-life displays. Deerfield subdivision is located between Preston Road and Coit Road. Check the website for maps and important information about traffic flow and parking. The free event runs 7 pm-10 pm on weekdays and 7 pm-11 pm on weekends.

Regents Park Luminary Event, McKinney, December 16-17
This Stonebridge Ranch neighborhood takes advantage of its layout to host a magical event every year. Residents hand fold over 2,500 paper bags each year and line the streets and central park area with luminaries for families to enjoy. Grab a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider and drive or walk through streets lined with traditional luminaries and enjoy the Christmas lights that adorn these Craftsman-style homes. Rumor has it that a certain special guest in his red suit even loves this event so much that he makes a special trip just to enjoy it himself. For updates, follow the Facebook page (highly recommended as this is a weather dependent event). Runs December 16-17.

Larger neighborhoods lit up for the holidays

Ryan Place, Fort Worth
The gorgeous historic homes in this grand Fort Worth neighborhood get illuminated in spectacular fashion, as do the long walks that lead up to them. The beloved annual Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place home tour takes place December 2-3, but these stately homes will stay illuminated through the holidays.

Historic Fairmount, Fort Worth
You can pick any night to drive around Fairmount and see historic bungalows lit festively for the season. But the best night of all is Festivus, the annual celebration and holiday lights tour. It takes place 6-9 pm Saturday, December 9. Maps of participating homes will be handed out on arrival. Donations of $10 or a toy for One Safe Place are being requested. Watch the historic district's Facebook page for more information as plans develop.

Ridglea Hills
Folks who take walks and visit the ducks along Luther Lake in this westside Fort Worth neighborhood eagerly anticipate the arrival of the holiday lights on about 30 surrounding homes. The lights reflect in the water of the 10-acre lake, making for some pretty spectacular photo and video opps on clear nights. The best place to see them is along the bridge at Clayton Road.

Cultural District
Make the marvelous Modern Lights around the Modern Art Museum your starting point, but drive through the museum district, then through some of the old neighborhoods across the bricks of Camp Bowie, and you'll see grand homes dressed and ready to dazzle for the holidays.

Downtown Fort Worth
The Fort Worth Community Christmas Tree in Sundance Square Plaza will be lit on December 6 in a special ceremony featuring singer Marie Osmond. The plaza will then be the center of holiday activity downtown. The whole area will be shining bright with twinkling lights in trees and on buildings - a festive setting for shopping, dining, and entertainment at local theaters and concert halls throughout the season.

Worth a drive ...

The Park Cities
The grand homes in the Park Cities neighborhoods of Dallas shine with beautiful light displays, many of which are professionally installed; pick just about any street where you see houses lit top to bottom in twinkling lights, and there are bound to be a dozen more. Be sure to check out Highland Park Village and its 1.5 million lights while you're in the area, and don't pass by SMU without driving down the campus' main drag, Bishop Boulevard, toward the fountain and back.

Fairmount Neighborhood Association presents Fairmount Festivus

Photo by Stacy Luecker

Festivus for the rest of us, in Fairmount.

Homes with over-the-top displays and shows

Wisdom Way Lights, Haltom City, through January 1
The Gonzalez family's choreographed light show first went viral for a "Selena" theme; this year it's getting attention for its tribute to the Texas Rangers' World Series win. The choreographed show includes broadcast game highlights and more, and runs nightly until December 1. Then a "Super Mario Bros." show and two traditional Christmas themes will play through January 1. Visitors can view the shows from from their cars and listen on radio channel 89.7 FM. Wisdom Way Lights runs nightly from 6-11 pm. Find it at 4521 Wisdom Way, Haltom City, and follow Wisdom Way Lights on Facebook and YouTube for updates.

Tell Family Lights, far north Fort Worth, through December 31
The family in this home near Keller Central High School also operates the popular Sugar Lane Lights in Haslet, now it its second year. But their own residential display is still going strong, bigger and better than ever this year, they say. Find the home at 5016 Keating St., Fort Worth, 76244. The choreographed light show is on 6-10 pm daily. From their car, visitors can scan a QR code or visit the website to vote on songs to play. (Make sure to not block anyone’s driveway and be careful driving down the street, they advise.) Follow their website or Facebook page for more information and updates.

Curry Christmas Chaos, North Richland Hills
Three houses annually collaborate to present a light show synchronized to music that's anything but "chaos." From start to finish, it's typically over an hour long, and features a mix of pixels and standard LED lights "dancing" to music. Visitors can tune in to 89.9 FM to listen as lots of Christmas trees light up on the lawn. The show runs every night (unless Mother Nature decides differently), 6-11 pm. Find it at 3506 Reeves St., NRH. Follow the Facebook page for more information and updates.

Worth a drive ...

Burkman Holiday Home of Frisco, December 1-25
Two years after their appearance on ABC’s The Great Christmas Family Light Fight, the most famous "Christmas light family" in DFW will be lighting up its over-the-top display of 98,000+ lights. New features for 2023 include more motion/action village pieces, new-and-improved selfie stations, "Sampa's Light Factory," a nightly dance party with a hip-swinging Santa and live dance cam, and more. This year, they're collecting charitable donations for The LiyanaStrong Foundation and for a family friend suffering from a traumatic brain injury. Hours: 5:30-6:30 Superhero Hour (lights will be on at dusk for sensory sensitive individuals) and 6:30-10 for all other visitors, weather permitting. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays until December 18, then open daily until Christmas. The home is at 3809 Hazelhurst Dr., Frisco, on the Frisco/Little Elm border. Follow their Facebook page for updates.

Miracle on 134th Street, Celina, through December 23
A Celina family has turned their ginormous property into a holiday amusement park, complete with 2 million lights, a train, carousel ride, Santa's workshop, Sugar Plum Fairy Island, and so so so much more. The Christmas adventure park is a ticketed experience, $25.99 for adults; $19.99 for kids 3-12, with season passes available and free on-site parking. It runs 5:30-9 pm through December 23. Find it at 10455 County Road 133, Celina, 75009. Follow their Facebook page for updates on special photo ops and more.

'Movie House,' Allen
This Allen family home has a fun theme: favorite holiday movies. Thousands of lights and props are set to a choreographed show, complete with music and movie quotes from classic characters like Clark, Buddy, Ralphie and more. About 30 films are represented. You'll find it at 1600 Wagon Wheel Dr., Allen. The show runs nightly. Preview it here.

Know of another spectacular lights display in DFW? Email stephanie@culturemap.com. Please include a website or link to social media page with your recommendation.

View All Listings