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 🤔

Smiling child in white shirt leaning toward cake with three lit candles during celebration.

The top kids’ birthday themes this winter

Don’t let your winter birthday kiddo’s special day get lost in the holiday season shuffle! We’re breaking down 8 party themes that are fun and memorable!

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Holiday party invite surrounded by gloves, slippers, lip balm, sleep mask, mug, candy cane, and bows.

How to host a favorite things party

This feel-good get-together is your next favorite thing! See how to gather friends for a party packed with meaningful connection in this step-by-step guide.

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Birthday cake with colorful candles and rainbow decorations, a child and hands nearby.

Everything you can do to make your kid’s winter birthday feel special

Kids with birthdays in November, December & January often feel like their birthdays are overshadowed by the holidays. Get our pro tips on how to avoid that!

Vintage family photos in assorted frames on old floral patterned wallpaper.

How to avoid family drama during the holidays

No more embarrassing holiday dinner fights around the table! Here are some planning & etiquette tips to ensure your gathering is extra merry.

Friends raising white wine glasses for a toast around a table with yellow candles and flowers.

5 tips for throwing the ultimate Friendsgiving

Dinner party enthusiast Amelia Edmondson shares her top Friendsgiving planning tips for a casual-yet-chic fall celebration.

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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.

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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Man crouches holding toddler by a red toy car on grass in a backyard with wooden blocks nearby.

Real Parties: Ari’s Formula One birthday

See how Mama Jess celebrated her son Ari’s 1st birthday with a fuel station, winning party favors and a dessert option that had everyone racing for seconds.

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Bowl of mashed potatoes with kale, bacon bits, green onions, and a pat of melting butter on top.

You have to try Natasha Bull’s St. Patrick’s Day colcannon

Irish mash with bacon, greens and lots of butter to take your spud experience to a whole new level.

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Birthday party table with unicorn-themed cupcakes, colorful balloons, and a Happy Birthday Lulu & Chloe banner.

Cool parents agree, these are the top 25 kids’ bday party places in LA

Laser tag. Bowling. Soft play. See where our trusted network of parents takes their kids for the best birthday parties in Los Angeles.

White cart with green 'Baby Meaders' sign holding metal buckets of assorted colorful flowers.

Real Parties: Rachel Meaders’ Beverly Hills Hotel-style baby shower

A special day for her baby on the way: see how Rachel Meaders’ celebrated her baby boy bundle of joy.

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Smiling family with man, woman, and toddler in blue dress celebrating a 2nd birthday party indoors.

Real Parties: Taya Turns Two-ey

You can't go wrong with a b-day party centered around your toddler’s fave show! See how Bre Sheppard threw a Bluey-themed bash for her daughter in Seattle, WA.

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Bowl of guacamole garnished with pomegranate seeds and herbs, with a chip dipping into it.

Gregory Gourdet’s Guacamole with Roasted Chiles recipe

Guacamole is always a crowd-pleaser, but add in some roasted chiles and homemade jalapeño oil, and you’re definitely scoring all the points from your guests.

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White inflatable castle decorated with green, orange, and white balloons outdoors on grass.

Real Parties: Laken’s 3rd Birthday Par-Tee

Looking to ace your next birthday party? Lauren Mulloy shows us how she celebrated her son Laken’s 3rd birthday with an adorable par-tee in Virginia Beach, VA.

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Outdoor scene with toy cars, yellow balloons, striped tablecloth, and picnic blankets on grass.

Real Parties: Hayes’ construction-themed 4th birthday party

If a party has kid-sized cardboard cars, you know it'll be a wheel-y good time. Get the deets on Hayes’ 4th, put together by mama & DIY-guru Brittni.

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