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| Smart snuggies and celery vases are in for 2026. |
We love January—a month to exhale after the holiday hustle, indulge in a bit of self‑care, and look ahead to new opportunities, focus, and adventures. It’s also the perfect moment to shed some clutter, release tired habits, and embrace what’s next. As always, BTS is here to help guide the way, scouring respected media (Washington Post, New York Times, Variety) and adding our own humble opinions to create our annual In/Out List.
For those keeping track, this marks our 16th In/Out List, and a theme has clearly emerged from all our sourcing and (admittedly) biased commentary. Many of this year’s trends—some still tied to our 2025 list—lean into tranquility, comfort, and calm, with a nostalgic nod to life before smartphones and AI. Think granny hobbies, cozy décor, and accessories that soothe the soul. Bonus: savvy thrifting makes it all easier on the wallet. So wrap yourself in your warm snuggie, pour a cup of tea, and rest easy—you’re already trending.
IN/OUT 2026
Hue knew?
In: Cloud Dancer, Pantone’s Color of the Year. Pantone describes it as “a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence… encouraging true relaxation and focus, allowing the mind to wander and creativity to breathe.”
We may need a bigger paint bucket. And although I’ve never met a shade of white I didn’t like, I’ll miss last year’s scrumptious hue.
Out: Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s 2025 pick. Chosen for its nurturing qualities and hints of chocolate and coffee (we added “tea”), it answered our collective desire for comfort. Our vote: welcome Cloud Dancer in, but save a little Mocha Mousse for dessert.
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| Some have only 3 more podcasts to go. |
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| BTS podcast merch - very in! |
Fashionable fashions
In: Snuggies with a message. Remember the original blanket with sleeves, the pop culture phenomenon from 2008? Well, it's back, but with meaning. While sitting back with a good book, don't lose an opportunity to let the world know, you're not just resting, but you're communicating. We particularly favor the Jane Austen "upscale" version - more of a sweater slanket than an oversized hospital gown - that is emblazoned with quotes from the author of Pride and Prejudice.
And for those who are passionate about their snack time, snuggies are not only still available, but come in assorted prints featuring Cheetos, M & M's and Snickers. *caution, wear only indoors if concerned about swag gap.
Out: Baggy jeans. According to Hello! Magazine, it's time to hang up those grunge-inspired slacks and replace with cigarette pants. With a turn to a more polished look, the cigarette pants have the flattering look of skinny jeans without discomfort. Make room for these roomier pants in your closet and we think you'll be, like the Mask, sssssmokin'!
In: BTS Podcast Swag: This year, BTS Podcast upped the ante with its coffee mug only merch to include five-time guest hoodies. Customized by Honeywood Embroidery, our first recipient was special guest, Rob Gulley.
Out: Swag gap. One of the last gasps at relationship inequity call outs - which previously included large age differences or "cutability" mismatch - is the "swag gap". This occurs when one member is always dressed on pointe, while the other shows up in sweat pants (and, perhaps, a Cheetos snuggie).
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| Granma hobbies, a break from digital overload |
Granny chic
In: Grandma hobbies. Needlecraft, puzzles, and baking are back, embraced by a whole new generation. Southern Living notes these activities “foster mindfulness and reduce anxiety by activating our senses.” A welcome break from digital overload and doomscrolling.
My millennial daughter, Rachel, who just took up cross stitching, recently hosted a “craft night.” Her friends brought projects, conversation, and plenty of tea to spill.
Out: Cell phones at restaurants. At least one establishment is enforcing this. Hush Harbor in Washington, D.C., requires guests to check their phones before seating. The owner told the Washington Post he wants diners to rediscover “the magic of being present with others.” For selfie withdrawal, Polaroids are available for rent.
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| Celery vase thrift find. |
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| Recent thrift store excursion. |
Retail therapy
In: A shift to the thrift. Bargains, unique finds, and planet‑friendly shopping—all wrapped into one experience. We embraced this trend last year (see May’s Substack, A Shift to the Thrift), and it’s only gaining momentum. Our latest treasure? A celery vase (another trend!) that felt like a casino win. Instead of three‑of‑a‑kind, we scored one‑of‑a‑kind—for under $10.
Out: Getting Sak’d? Saks Global recently filed for bankruptcy, citing online‑shopping growth, a debt‑financed Neiman Marcus acquisition, and declining luxury purchases. Our daily lives will continue uninterrupted.
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| Matilda, dressed as Santa, will change outfits to reflect season/occasion. |
Gone Afoul
In: Porch geese. As noted in last month’s blog, They’re Back: The Return of the Porch Goose, these faux fowls are once again dressing for every season and occasion. From Santa suits (see Matilda) to sports‑team gear to a judicial robe and lace collar for RBG‑inspired days, they’re back and delightful.
Out: The Bird Test. A viral TikTok showed a woman telling her husband she saw an interesting bird. He didn’t ignore her—but he didn’t engage either. One million views later, the question stands: is noticing the mundane the true test of compatibility?
A Washington Post article notes that couples who share the ordinary as well as the extraordinary tend to have longer lasting relationships.
I told this story to my husband. He replied, “Sorry, wasn’t listening.” (We celebrate 43 years this May.)
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| Muppets are coming back! |
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| Looking more like Statler and Waldorf |
The Arts
In: Jane Austen, Bridgerton, and The Gilded Age (see BTS blog for upcoming schedules).
In: More classics‑to‑screen adaptations—Wuthering Heights among them. Will Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi have us asking more of the moors?
In: The Muppets. The beloved puppet menagerie returns to TV in February. We’ll be watching for Statler and Waldorf; since the last airing, we relate to the balcony duo more than we’d like to admit.
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| Detroit Lions cakes at Home Bakery |
Be a Good Sport
In: Winter Olympics and Mountain Skiing. The Games arrive in Milan this month with new events, including “skimo”—athletes climb a mountain (sometimes with skis), then switch gear and ski down. We propose another new event, combining Emily Bronte with cross-country skiing across the countryside. Of course, we'd call it Ski-moor.
Out: The Lions—at least for this the remainder of the season. We expect Jaymo(re) things in 2026. In the meantime, let them eat cake at Rochester’s Home Bakery.
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| Celebrating 60th podcast with fellow podcasters. Hard at work? |
Mixed Media
In: With Love, Barb’s Tea Service Podcast and its special guests. We hit episode 65 this month and have even more guests lined up for the year. As we like to say—stay tuned.
Out: With Love, Meghan Markle. Netflix and the Duchess of Sussex are parting ways after a low‑energy lifestyle series with disappointing ratings. At Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, Meghan noted, “Eight episodes for two seasons—it’s a lot of work.” Don’t we know it (see above “In”).
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| BTS banner year of tea events. Ready for 2026! |
Barb's Tea Service Tea Events
In: Barb's Tea Service Tea Talks and more! After a near record-breaking year of tea events, we're ready for 2026. Our most popular: Downton Abbey, Gilded Age, Bridgerton, Jane Austen, Tea Customs Around the World and Tea and Chocolate Pairings. Contact us at barb@barbsteaservice.com or check out our website, barbsteaservice.com for more information:
Last Word (but you know, we’re never quite done!)
In: Barb’s Tea Service friends and family—including those we’ve yet to meet. We are grateful for your support and patronage. You’re all trending, and we raise our teacup (clink) to toast to you and to both a wonderful 2026 and a continued holiday era!
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| Celebrating the holiday era all year! |
