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.

Baby shower games and activities setup with onesies, baby photos, jars, cards, notes, and a calendar game.

Oh, baby! These are the top 10 games & activities for baby showers

Elevate your baby shower itinerary beyond the classic gift-giving and snack-serving combo with these fun games.

Collage of classic children's books including Corduroy, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and Goodnight Moon.

The 12 children’s books every baby shower registry needs

From classics like “Goodnight Moon” to new faves like “Hair Love,” see which kids' books expectant parents (and little ones) will love to receive and read.

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Wooden bowl filled with creamy potato salad with herbs, diced vegetables, and small potatoes.

Julia Turshen’s potato salad is the perfect recipe for your summer BBQs

Warning: this “side dish” might just become the star of your BBQ.

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Child wearing red mushroom hat sitting in highchair with adults holding mushroom-shaped cake.

Not to get mushy, but model & blogger Rocky Barnes’ son’s fungi 1st bday is truly adorable

Take a peek inside mama Rocky’s son’s spore-tacular mushroom-themed birthday party and learn how she brought it to life.

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Smiling girl in silver dress posing by balloon decorations and welcome sign for a sixth birthday party.

Real Parties: Maddy’s 6th birthday disco party

See how disco diva Maddy celebrated her 6th in ’70s-inspired style.

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Floral teapot, tiered tray with desserts, champagne glass, and pastries on a white tablecloth.

How to host a delightful tea party

Let's get this par-tea started—plan a fancy tea party with our tips.

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Smiling woman with curly hair and glasses wearing a red top and sitting on a decorative bench.

Actress & fertility advocate Kellee Stewart on being a fertility warrior + her personal journey

Kellee opens up about egg freezing, why reproductive education needs improvement and how she threw herself an Egg Shower.

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Children playing and laughing in a pit filled with colorful sprinkles at a play venue.

NYC’s 20+ hottest kids’ bday venues, according the coolest NYC parents

Super-cool crafts. Slime time. Sports galore. See where our trusted network of parents takes their own kids for the best birthday parties in NYC.

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Two square hand pies with heart-shaped jam centers on a plate next to fresh strawberries.

These jam hand pies are the perfect tea party pastry

No-fuss pastries that’ll impress even your poshest tea party guests.

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Four small round egg salad finger sandwiches on white bread with parsley and toothpicks.

3 finger sandwich recipes that’ll make you the queen of the teatime scene

Dainty yet delicious, these 3 adorable finger sandwich recipes by Jee Choe are perfect for any tea party.

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Two children with personalized items like a cup, hairbrush, and name tags on a light green background.

10 personalized party favors under $10 that won’t end up in the trash

We challenged moms Anda, Karen G., Olivia, and Karen K.—aka the Evite Party Picks team—to find the coolest party favors under $10 on Etsy and test them out.

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Two-tiered white birthday cake decorated with colorful animals, presents, and the name Ford in orange.

Real Parties: Ford’s animal-themed 1st birthday party

See how mama and actress Becca Tobin put together the perfect animal-themed first birthday party for her son, Ford. It was a roarin’ good time!

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