Life of the party

A blog by Evite

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.

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.

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.

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

Thanksgiving dinner elements with turkey, pumpkin pie, plates, utensils, candle, invitation on checkered tablecloth.

How to host Thanksgiving dinner — from turkey to tablescape

We’ve gathered all our best tips, tricks, and reminders to plan a memorable and stress-free Thanksgiving. Plus, get our free printable checklist for hosts.

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Calendar with text Holiday Countdown surrounded by candy canes and red gift bows on brown paper.

The holidays are approaching… here’s what to do each week to prepare

The holidays are coming, and organizing things ahead of time makes them so much merrier. Here’s a handy checklist so you know what to do and when.

Pink retro phone, plush birthday cake toy with candle, and yellow toy excavator on colorful background.

Kids’ Birthday Gift Guide: Here’s what they actually want

Need some ideas for what to surprise a kiddo with this year? Here are the top birthday gifts kids are asking for and *actually* playing with!

Outdoor table with flowers, candles, slices of cake with blueberries, peaches, and two hands holding glasses.

Table with flowers in vases, two hands holding glasses, and sliced cake with blueberries outdoors.

Bougie on a budget: hosting tips from a luxury party planner

From matcha moments to flea market finds, Wala Events founder Jasmin Wala reveals how inspiration and intention, not spending, create unforgettable gatherings.

Blank recipe card with autumn food photos including pumpkin, baked dip, whipped drink, and cinnamon rolls.

Blank recipe card with autumn theme including fall foods and orange-brown leaves background.

Every cozy recipe you need to try this fall

Two out of six of these are indeed pumpkin-shaped… so you’re going to want to check this out.

Collage of summer treats: watermelon feta cubes, popsicles in wine glasses, metal cocktail glass, and fruits.

Collage with drinks, orange slices, flowers, a cherry, and photos of dessert cubes and cocktails.

Get to know this summer’s hottest hosting trends

The weather forecast is sunny… and the trend forecast has just arrived. Check out our top 19 picks for chic hosting details this summer.

Rectangular dessert decorated with blueberries and raspberries mimicking the American flag.

American flag made from blueberries and raspberries on a white background with red stripes.

Meet Ina Garten’s festive Fourth of July cake

Need a little Fourth of July menu inspo? Here’s a summer berry cake by the OG hostess with the most-ess, Ina Garten.

Charcuterie board with citrus slices, jalapeños, blackberries, salt, sugar cubes, herbs, and a margarita glass.

Cocktail with lime garnish beside a photo of citrus, spices, and herbs on a poolside surface.

A charcuterie board for your margarita? Count us in.

Meet the margarita garnish board — the perfect blend of trendy grazing spreads and delicious summer cocktails.

Bear-shaped cookie, drizzled dessert with cereal, and upside-down pink ice cream cone with sprinkles on pink background.

Bear-shaped cookie, chocolate-drizzled pastry, and pink ice cream cone with sprinkles on pink background.

3 sweet kids’ birthday party treats that will wow the little ones

3 cute, crowd-pleasing birthday treats kids will love that are easy to make and fun to serve. See the viral recipes here!

Melted pink ice cream cone with multicolored sprinkles on striped pastel background.

Pink ice cream melting with colorful sprinkles under an upside-down waffle cone on striped background.

These ice cream cake pops just melted our hearts

This summer sweet is simply adorable and shockingly easy to make! See how to create the treat of the summer with only 5 ingredients.

Collage of Italian-themed outdoor dining, pasta, fresh tomatoes, drinks, and people celebrating with wine.

Collage of outdoor dining, wine, fresh produce, and shared meals in a rustic setting.

10 Italian-themed parties for a "dolce vita" summer

Al fresco parties are going to be everywhere this season, so we’re kicking things off with ten ideas to bring a taste of Italy to you, wherever you are.

Bridesmaids and bride in dresses holding floral bouquets linked arm in arm facing away.

Bridesmaids in green dresses holding bouquets of flowers, standing side by side with linked arms.

The ultimate guide to wedding dress codes

What do people actually mean when they say “black tie optional”? What length dress do I wear if the invitation says "cocktail"? We’re breaking it all down.

Toddler with pigtails reaching to grab cake near a lit birthday cake with children hugging in the background.

How to tactfully say “no siblings, please” on a birthday invitation

Sometimes more isn’t merrier! Get our top tips and wording suggestions on how to nicely request “no siblings” at your child’s birthday party.

no siblings, how to say no siblings, etiquette, invitation etiquette, hosting, host etiquette

Table set with floral centerpiece in a woven basket, napkin with name tag, blue-tinted glass, and cutlery.

Baby shower on a budget ideas that deliver all the fun without all the bills

Hosting a baby is fun! Paying for it…not so much. Check out our top 7 tips (and tons of ideas!) for planning a baby shower on budget.

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Woodland baby shower photos with cake, animal cupcakes, acorn treats, and baby clothes on wood background.

The most enchanting ideas for hosting a woodland baby shower (warning: cuteness overload!)

We’re not gonna (hedge)hog any party hacks! Find decor picks, game ideas and even invitation wording suggestions for woodland baby showers here.

Baby shower, baby sprinkle, baby celebration, baby, woodland, woodland baby shower, woodland baby shower theme, how to throw a woodland baby shower

Smiling woman holding plate of Hanukkah potato latkes with toppings, menorah and festive decor in background.

Classic, Quick Potato Latkes (Your Kids Will Love)

A go-to recipe for flavorful, crispy latkes. Plus, 6 delicious topping suggestions! Yes, our mouths are watering, too.

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Collage of light blue clogs, portable speaker, brown beanie, Flip Challenge game, VR headset, and instant camera.

The 28 Best Gifts for Boys of All Ages That Pass the “Whoa, That’s Cool” Check

You know you can trust a shopping-obsessed mom of 3 sons to know which gifts boys think are *actually* cool.

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Holiday cookie party invitation surrounded by decorated gingerbread and star cookies and a Christmas tree.

An Epic Guide to Hosting a Christmas Cookie Exchange (Even Your Grinchiest Friends Will Love It)

Hosting tips and exclusive recipe suggestions for your Christmas cookie exchange.

christmas, christmas party, christmas cookie, christmas cookie exchange, how to host a cookie exchange, cookie swap, how to host a christmas cookie exchange

Save the date card for Adam and Robert's wedding on 6.20.2026 in Palm Springs with floral and cake images.

When to send out your save the dates

Learn more about the best timeline for sending out save the date invites for your wedding, party or event with these tips from Evite.

wedding, wedding etiquette, wedding advice, wedding invitation, wedding save the date, save the date, when to send wedding save the dates, when to send save the dates

Chocolate chip cookie shaped like a map of the United States on a metal baking sheet.

The Most-Popular Christmas Cookies by State—Can You Guess Which One Is Your State’s Fave?

Sugar cookies and gingerbread continue to battle for the Christmas cookie crown, but which cookie is your state’s go-to for the holidays?

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Person decorating gingerbread cookies with white icing on a wooden board.

How to Decorate & Share Christmas Cookies Like the Pro You've Always Wanted to Be

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about making, decorating and sharing Christmas cookies.

christmas, christmas food, christmas recipe, christmas recipe ideas, christmas recipe inspo, december, christmas cookies, cookie recipe, how to decorate christmas cookies

Collage of fall celebrations: friends toasting outdoors, autumn walk, pie slicing, and wine cheers indoors.

Give your fall parties a glow up with these 24 party ideas

From soup-er cozy to slightly chaotic, these are the parties you need to be throwing this fall.

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Woman in white two-piece outfit with a large bow standing next to a pink decorated car at bridal shower.

Real Parties: Jac’s bridal shower

Crumbl Cookies, cake decorating, fantastic florals and more. In a word? Perfection.

Seven friends sitting around a dining table raising glasses for a toast at a meal inside a cozy room.

Our top tips for hosting an epic party in a small space

From the decor to the theme to menu, we’ve got your small-space party planning covered with these 5 tips.

party tips, apartment party, small space, small apartment hosting, party advice, how to host in a small space, small space party ideas, how to throw a party in a small space, apartment hosting, how to host in an apartment, apartment hosting advice

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