Life of the party

A blog by Evite

What to buy at Trader Joe's for a shockingly impressive Friendsgiving

Pull together a mostly store-bought Friendsgiving dinner from TJ's with these potluck picks for drinks, sides, entrees, and dessert.

A woman wearing glasses and a green satin shirt sits at a desk with a laptop and tablet, raising her arms in celebration. Behind her is a decorated Christmas tree and festive ornaments and stars float around on a red checkered background.

The company holiday party etiquette guide

Don’t be the talk of tomorrow’s water cooler chat… we’ve got you covered with helpful etiquette tips to make a lasting impression at your office holiday party.

Two people sitting on a fluffy carpet, playing a card game with bowls of snacks around them, overlaid on an illustration of a large dice, playing cards, game pieces, and a pencil with a game rules sheet titled 'Threefold'.

I love hosting board game nights. These 6 convert game haters.

Guest author Heather Leith shares 6 games (Azul, Codenames & more) that turn game night skeptics into fans. See what to buy, how to play, and pairing ideas.

Hmmm… we can’t find anything that matches that 🤔

Two women with red hair holding drinks and smiling in a dimly lit bar or club setting.

Essential Components of a Full Bar

From liquor to jigger, here's everything you need to set up a full bar at home.

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Three red cocktails in coupe glasses on a tray with black and red feathers and black bird garnishes.

Crow’s blood champagne cocktail recipe

Easy to make. Even easier to enjoy!

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Black line drawings of a frothy beer mug and a martini glass with stars on a lavender background.

Bewitching drinks for a mystery dinner night

Mix up some boos-y cocktails or macabre mocktails for your next spooky soirée.

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Group of friends wearing leis and toasting with tropical drinks at an outdoor summer luau party.

Summer luau party guide

Want to host a summer party with a tropical twist? Of course, you do! Learn how to create a party paradise in just a few steps.

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Smiling baby with party hat, gift box, and cupcake with lit candle on blue striped background.

Smiling baby wearing party hat with a gift and a cupcake with a lit candle on a striped background.

Baby’s 1st birthday party guide

Get our top tips on how to make your little one's 1st birthday as special as they are!

Pink frosted doughnut with sprinkles and a candle, surrounded by party blowers and confetti on a polka dot surface.

5 tips for planning a successful surprise party

How to ensure your surprise party is a true surprise and a real hit.

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Collage of jungle leaves, paw prints, a child in animal costume, cake pops, cards, giraffe cutout, and blue balloon.

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Jungle safari party inspiration

Get inspired by this kids' jungle and safari-themed birthday party.

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Table set with lit Kwanzaa kinara candles, dishes of cornbread, salad, and green beans in a cozy living room.

Kwanzaa party guide

Our Kwanzaa party guide helps you celebrate seven days of this holiday without the stress.

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Woman wearing sunglasses holding a large pink donut-shaped piñata with yellow fringe.

DIY donut piñata tutorial

This DIY donut piñata is sure to be a hit at your next party—don't forget to fill it with sweet treats!

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Group of diverse people socializing under string lights at an outdoor event or party.

Block party guide

Check out our helpful block party planning tips.

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Red and green reusable bags filled with canned goods, drinks, and grocery items for donation.

Top 10 holiday volunteer ideas

Give back to those in need by volunteering at a charitable organization during the holidays.

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Three people celebrating with confetti, drinks, and party blowers, smiling and having fun together.

Surprise party etiquette

Don't ruin the surprise (or create an unintended one)! Here's our advice on hosting and being a guest at a surprise party.

What to buy at Trader Joe's for a shockingly impressive Friendsgiving

Pull together a mostly store-bought Friendsgiving dinner from TJ's with these potluck picks for drinks, sides, entrees, and dessert.

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A woman wearing glasses and a green satin shirt sits at a desk with a laptop and tablet, raising her arms in celebration. Behind her is a decorated Christmas tree and festive ornaments and stars float around on a red checkered background.

The company holiday party etiquette guide

Don’t be the talk of tomorrow’s water cooler chat… we’ve got you covered with helpful etiquette tips to make a lasting impression at your office holiday party.

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Collage of iconic Christmas movie characters including Buddy the Elf, Kevin from Home Alone, Kermit the Frog holding a puppet, and the Grinch with a Christmas tree background and text 'CHRISTMAS MOVIE CALENDAR'.

The ultimate Christmas movie calendar

Get into the holiday spirit with our 2-month calendar of classic Christmas movies! Best served with a side of hot cocoa and candy canes.

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Two people sitting on a fluffy carpet, playing a card game with bowls of snacks around them, overlaid on an illustration of a large dice, playing cards, game pieces, and a pencil with a game rules sheet titled 'Threefold'.

I love hosting board game nights. These 6 convert game haters.

Guest author Heather Leith shares 6 games (Azul, Codenames & more) that turn game night skeptics into fans. See what to buy, how to play, and pairing ideas.

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Collage featuring a close-up of a purple cocktail with a salted rim and a dried citrus slice, next to a glass layered dessert topped with crushed cookies and gummy worms, against a black-and-white photo of a woman speaking into a vintage microphone, with decorative sparkles and abstract orange lines on a dark textured background.

Sweet and spooky snack pairings for your next Halloween movie night

A movie without snacks is scarier than any horror film. Discover delicious treats that pair perfectly with your favorite Halloween movie.

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Collage featuring two scenes: one with two women indoors by sinks and mirrors, one sitting wearing yellow pants and gray top and holding a drink, the other standing with back to camera in pink pants and a pink backless top; the other scene shows a building with stairs and balconies and the text "Your reservation is confirmed!" along with a pink flower and seashells.

The shared vacation home survival guide

Read the guide to surviving (and enjoying) a shared vacation home with friends. Find tips and time-tested advice to make your next group trip a little easier.

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Collage of iconic Halloween movie characters like Beetlejuice, the Sanderson sisters, and Ghostface.

Collage of characters from Halloween, Hocus Pocus, Scream, and iconic horror movies.

The official Halloween movie marathon calendar

Get ready for 2 months of Halloween faves to get you in the spirit of the season! From Practical Magic to Obsession, follow along with our movie marathon.

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Collage featuring a close-up of a birthday cake with lit candles spelling 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' and hands near it, alongside a person sitting with jeans and a jacket holding a smartphone, with a speech bubble above saying 'happy birthday!'

What to text on friends’ birthdays (that isn’t just “Happy birthday”)

Express your love and birthday wishes without overthinking the text. Here are some sweet and simple messages to send to your friends on their birthdays.

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People clinking wine glasses over a table and talking while sitting on the floor.

This last minute party planning checklist is a hosting essential

Download the ultimate day-of party planning checklist for your next event. This last-minute to-do list might just save the day.

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Overhead view of people sharing various plates of food at a potluck dinner on a striped tablecloth.

No, you’re not lazy for hosting a potluck

Potluck shame is real, but it shouldn’t be. Writer Heather Leith explains why this lowkey party style is great for easing hosting anxiety.

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Collage of three photos: people at a table, a red-checkered table setting, and autumn leaves with flowers.

Underrated but actually genius hosting hacks for your next gathering

Discover low-effort tips that will save you time & stress at your next gathering. These hacks will make even a first-time host look like a party planning pro.

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Postcard style image with Greek architecture and a table of food being served by hand.

Here’s how to bring Europe to your backyard this summer

Skip the plane ride and bring the Euro summer vibes back to your place! Host a European gathering at home with these easy party themes and ideas.

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