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.

Birthday card in teal envelope saying It's game on for Quinn's birthday with cake, candles, balloon, camera, and decoration.

Birthday card with 'Quinn's Birthday' next to balloon, cake, camera, candle, bow, and confetti.

What to write on a birthday party invitation

Not sure what to write in your birthday invitations? The party planning pros at Evite can help you write the perfect birthday invitation message.

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Thank you card with green and white floral designs on top and bottom, surrounded by eucalyptus leaves.

What to write in your wedding thank you cards

Need help writing your thank you notes for your wedding? The pros at Evite have you covered with these wedding thank you card wording examples and tips.

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Hand placing a blue envelope into a white mailbox with an overlay of a white heart and stars.

The only wedding timeline you need: here’s when to send out your invitations

From the engagement party to save the dates to the big day, we’re breaking down when to send invites for every moment of your wedding planning journey.

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Three overlapping polaroid photos on a table: woman smiling, fruit plate, and woman holding fruit plate.

This snack idea by Aliza J. Sokolow will get your kids eating plenty of fresh produce—seriously!

A colorful, kid-friendly, fruit-filled spin on the classic cheese board.

Group of people raising glasses in a toast around a long outdoor dining table with candles and flowers.

How to throw a summer party like you’re in the Hamptons

Throw a Hamptons-eqsue party in your own backyard.

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Pregnant woman in blue dress smiling while holding a knitted baby shoe at a baby shower.

When to throw a baby shower

Throwing a baby shower? Turn to the experts at Evite to learn about all things planning (including sending the perfect invitations).

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Baseball-themed party items including baseball cookies, bats, balls, cups, and a Coca-Cola bottle on green turf.

Real Parties: Maverick’s Rookie Year

Award-winning Atlanta-based blogger Erica A. Thomas knocked it out of the park with her son Maverick's baseball-themed 1st birthday party.

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Elegant summer dinner table with floral centerpiece, candles, glassware, and drinks outdoors.

How to throw a cheers-worthy dinner party

7 dinner party themes (and their matching invitations) for every #SummerSoirée vibe.

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Pink cocktail with ice, lime slices, raspberries, next to fresh berries, limes, and mint on wood.

A berry easy summer cocktail recipe

Looking for the perfect mixed drink for your 4th of July party? This refreshing berry and mint cocktail recipe is sure to be a crowd favorite.

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Two women hugging and smiling, one holding a gift bag, surrounded by floral thank you cards.

So… what am I supposed to write in a baby shower thank you card?

Need help with what to write in a baby shower thank you card? Evite has you covered with these helpful tips and examples.

Collage of baby shower elements including guests, balloons, cookies spelling BABY, teddy bear, and decorations.

When should you send your baby shower invitations?

The experts at Evite have outlined when to send out baby shower invitations to make your baby shower planning easier.

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Someone holding a phone at a table with wine, pizza, candles, and flowers during a social gathering.

How to throw the perfect summer soirée

We’ve partnered with Avaline to create the ultimate cheers-worthy summer party guide.

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