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 It’s the season of togetherness, and what better way to celebrate than by capturing some stunning family photos? Whether you’re planning your annual holiday card or simply want to freeze everyday moments, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few tips to make sure you capture your family’s magic, along with some easy ideas for choosing outfits that look coordinated without turning you into the Von Trapp family.    1. Forget matchy-matchy—think coordinated Matching outfits? A thing of the past. The secret sauce is coordinating your crew in a way that makes you look like you belong together without looking like clones. Pick 2-3 colors that vibe well, but don’t be afraid to mix it up. Soft blues, greys, and whites always work, or lean into those autumn tones—think earthy browns, mustard, and burgundy. Trust me, you’ll look put-together, not posed.   2. Texture is Your Friend  Want to make your photos pop? Layers and textures are key. Think of cozy knits, lacy details, or a combination of denim and velvet. Little touches like scarves, hats, or boots can add a playful edge without overwhelming the shot. Vignette’s girls’ dresses are always a win—ruffles and textures that bring interest but won’t steal the show. The goal is for everyone to look like the best version of themselves, not overstyled.   3. Pick a fun spot with meaning  Location is half the battle. A beautiful backdrop can turn an ordinary photo into something frame-worthy. Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity: The Beach: There’s nothing quite like the beach at golden hour for that soft, glowing light. Let the kids run wild, and capture the fun, sandy feet and all. Botanical Gardens: Lush greenery and colorful flowers? Yes, please. The perfect balance of natural beauty and space for the kids to explore while you snap those shots. Your Favorite Park: If you’re into a rustic vibe, a park with big trees or an old fence can create a charming, laid-back setting. Plus, plenty of room for everyone to move without feeling crowded. Home Sweet Home: Sometimes, the most personal photos are the ones you take in your own space. Snuggling up for a story on the couch, baking cookies in the kitchen—it’s all about capturing those small, everyday moments that tell your family’s story.   4. Timing is everything If you’re shooting outdoors, aim for that sweet spot early in the morning or late afternoon. Photographers call it “golden hour” for a reason—the light is soft, warm, and super flattering. If you’re staying inside, natural light from windows is your best friend. Just stay clear of harsh overhead lights that create shadows.   5. Keep it fun and easy Let’s be real: family photo day can feel like herding cats. But it doesn’t have to be stressful. Keep things light by playing some music, bringing along a favorite toy, or letting the kids move around. Some of the best shots are the ones where no one is looking at the camera, but everyone is laughing. Don’t aim for perfection; aim for real moments.  Hot tip:  For some added motivation, In years past I have rewarded my kids with a fun family dinner afterward of their choice: Sushi, In n Out, their favorite pizza place, or a stop at the ice cream shop on the way home as a thank you for a job well done.   6. A little prep goes a long way  Want to keep things running smoothly? Have everyone try on their outfits ahead of time to avoid any last-minute “surprises.” And don’t forget the details—a quick steam or a few swipes with a lint roller can make all the difference in making your pulled-together look stand out.   7. Make sure to have snacks, water, and wet wipes on hand! Smile and Say “Cheese!” With these tips, you’re ready to snap some gorgeous, authentic family photos you’ll cherish for years to come. And remember, Poppet & Fox has all style staples to keep your little one looking their best without feeling overdone. Now get out there and capture those memories!

Ready to add a dash of magic to your Halloween décor? We’ve conjured up two delightful DIY crafts that are as fun to make as they are to display: charming mini pumpkin flower arrangements and whimsical coffee filter bats. These projects are perfect for a cozy afternoon of creativity with the kids—no advanced crafting skills required! Whether you're aiming for a stylish fall centerpiece or playful hanging décor, these ideas blend spooky with sophistication. So, grab your crafting supplies and a cup of cider—it’s time to get delightfully hands-on this Halloween!   Halloween Coffee Filter Bats  These Halloween coffee filter bats are the perfect combination of easy, creative, and just a little bit spooky! Plus, they use materials you likely already have at home. Let’s dive in and make some colorful, fluttering bats! Materials You'll Need: - Coffee filters (white) - Washable markers (black, purple, orange, or any Halloween colors) - Spray bottle with water - Clothespins - Googly eyes (optional) - Scissors - Glue or tape - A workspace that can get a little wet (like a tray or old newspaper) Step-by-Step Instructions:  1. Color Your Coffee Filter:  Lay a coffee filter flat and let your kids go wild with the washable markers! Use traditional Halloween colors like black, purple, and orange, or let them get creative. The goal is to cover as much of the coffee filter as possible with color.   2. Spritz with Water: Once the coffee filters are fully decorated, it’s time for the magic! Use the spray bottle to lightly mist the coffee filter. The washable marker ink will start to blend and spread, creating a cool tie-dye effect. Be careful not to over-spray; you want it to stay colorful, not soggy!   3. Let Them Dry:  Leave the coffee filters to dry for about an hour. You can speed things up by using a hairdryer on low heat if your little ones are eager to see the final result.   4. Add the Body:  Once the filters are dry, fold them in half. Take a clothespin and clip it in the middle of the folded filter, so that the filter looks like the bat's wings. The clothespin will act as the bat’s body.     5. Googly Eyes for Extra Spookiness:  Glue on a pair of googly eyes to the top of the clothespin. If you don’t have googly eyes, you can draw them with a marker.   6. Hang and Enjoy:  Clip your bats onto a string or curtain rod, or scatter them around your home for a fun Halloween decoration!  Halloween Fun Fact: Bats are actually great for the environment because they help control insect populations! One bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in a single hour. So, these little guys are definitely friends, not foes!    Mini Pumpkin Flower Bouquets:  When Madigan, our marketing guru, shared photos of the mini pumpkin flower arrangements she made in our work group chat, I knew we had to feature them in this blog. They’re simply stunning! These charming mini bouquets blend pumpkins and flowers—two fall favorites—into one effortlessly adorable craft. Perfect for a cozy afternoon of creativity, these easy DIYs double as beautiful table decorations and are ideal for little hands to help with. Paired with our whimsical coffee filter bats, you'll have the perfect combination of spooky and chic to elevate your Halloween décor! Let’s dive in and make your home pumpkin-spiced and everything nice!  What You’ll Need: - Small pumpkins (about the size of your palm) - A mix of fall flowers (Madigan used Trader Joes flowers) - Floral foam (you can grab this at any craft store) - A spoon (for scooping) - A sharp knife (for grown-up use only!) - Water (to keep the flowers fresh)    How to Make Your Mini Pumpkin Flower Bouquets: Pick Your Pumpkin  Choose small pumpkins—think palm-sized! They can be any color, but white, orange, or even pale green pumpkins will really make those fall flowers pop. Cut Off the Top (Carefully!) This is the part where the grown-ups take charge! Using a sharp knife, cut off the top of the pumpkin, about 1 to 2 inches below the stem, creating a little pumpkin lid. Make sure the hole is wide enough for your flowers to sit inside. Scoop Out the Insides Time to scoop out those seeds! Kids can grab a spoon and start removing the pumpkin guts. Save the seeds for roasting later (bonus project, anyone?). Prep Your Pumpkin for Flowers  Take your floral foam and cut it down to fit snugly inside the hollowed-out pumpkin. Soak it in water for a few seconds so it’s nice and moist—this will keep your flowers fresh for longer. Arrange the Flowers Now, for the fun part! Help your kids trim the flower stems to just the right height (about 4 to 5 inches tall), then push the stems into the floral foam. Have fun playing with colors and different flower types! You can go for a monochromatic fall palette, or mix bright oranges, reds, yellows, and purples for a full-on autumn explosion. Finishing Touches  Once your mini pumpkin bouquet is full of flowers, place it as the centerpiece of your table, or give it to a neighbor as a sweet fall gift! If you’re feeling extra fancy, tie a ribbon around the base of the pumpkin for some added flair.  And there you have it! Cute, simple, and bursting with autumn charm. Let those little hands get messy and creative—it’s all part of the fun! 🍂🎃