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 🤔

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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Close-up of triangular mini pumpkin tarts with a dollop of whipped cream on top, arranged on a metal tray with an autumn leaf background and the word 'yum!' in brown script.

Try this Friendsgiving favorite: cheese and cracker pies

Charcuterie board meets seasonal pie in this snack adored by kids and adults alike! Get the full recipe for cheese and cracker pies here.

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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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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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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Two smiling girls standing indoors surrounded by colorful and metallic balloons at a celebration.

I spent years throwing the "perfect" birthday party. Then I quit.

From birthday party "activations" to $8 karaoke microphones: why the most memorable kids' parties have nothing to do with how much you spent.

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A group of five friends cheer excitedly while watching a sports game indoors.

How to host the ultimate sports watch party

Get ready for game day with festive food, decor, and activity ideas for hosting a sports watch party.

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Elegant table setup with white cake, pink flowers, bottle of rosé, orange slices, and yellow and orange blooms.

Real Parties: Ashley Rose’s pasta party al fresco

There’s nothing like an outdoor dinner party—especially one like Ashley Rose’s in Houston, TX with pasta, cocktails and gorgeous decor.

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Child arranging plastic letters on black board reading Happy 2nd Birthday Lucia Jahji and Indy.

Real Parties: Lucia’s 2nd birthday rose garden picnic

Lucia’s 2nd bday picnic in Santa Barbara, CA was picturesque: From chic lounge chairs to a hand-carved watermelon fruit basket, mama Jessie DeLowe nailed it.

Smiling baby sitting barefoot in a highchair outdoors beside a table with colorful wrapped birthday gifts.

Real Parties: Rowan’s “One in the Sun” birthday party

A ball pit, strawberry cake and piñata? Sounds like an especially sweet party! Here's how Kaitlynn Carter celebrated her son's 1st bday in Newport Beach, CA.

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Toddler in a high chair wearing a party hat, with a man holding a cupcake and a woman smiling nearby.

Real Parties: Jake’s 1st birthday party at Camp Jake

Calling all campers: it’s party time! See how Jake celebrated his 1st birthday with an awesome camp-themed party in Sherman Oaks, CA.

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Smiling girl in pink beret and cardigan stands next to pastel balloon decoration at party table.

Real Parties: Emme’s 7th birthday art party

A canvas-themed cake and crafty activities made for an artfully executed birthday bash. See how Emme’s 7th birthday party in Metuchen, NJ came together!

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Day of the Dead altar with framed portrait, marigold flower arch, candles, and photos.

Creating a beautiful Ofrenda with Hauz & Co.

See how Sarahli of Hauz & Co. creates a beautiful Día de Muertos Ofrenda and learn more about the significance behind each part of her home altar!

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Colorful superhero-themed party supplies including Batman masks and sticker sheets in a woven basket.

Real Parties: Max’s 2nd superhero birthday party

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s an epic superhero party for Max’s 2nd birthday! See how mama Shawna put this party together in West Hollywood, CA.

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Black line-drawn faces, a toucan, corn, guitar, and flowers on a pale yellow background.

Evite’s top gift picks: Hispanic & Latinx brands and authors

Need the perfect gift for a birthday, shower or the holidays? Our editors compiled a list of Hispanic- and Latinx-owned or founded businesses you need to know.

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Long outdoor picnic table with flowers, candles, snacks, and colorful cushions on grass.

Real Parties: Lily & Rhyder’s floral picnic 1st birthday party

Flowers, friends and family make for an ideal birthday bash. See how Jayme and Noora threw the ultimate picnic party for their daughters in sunny LA.

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Decorated table with cake, flowers, fruits, and balloon arch for a celebration named Connor.

Real Parties: Connor Y.'s traditional Korean 1st birthday

Dol or doljanchi is the traditional Korean celebration of a baby's first birthday. See what Connor Y.'s celebration in Los Angeles was like!

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Smiling girl in pink dress and floral unicorn headband holding two fluffy small dogs outdoors.

Real Parties: Chloe’s 7th birthday puppy pawty

From actual puppies to play with to cuddly plush ones to take home, Chloe's 7th birthday party in Encino, CA, is pawsitively awesome!

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Decorative figure with yellow eyes, basket of gold crowns, sign reading 'Crown yourself a wild thing', balloons.

Real Parties: Sonny’s “Where the Wild Things Are” Birthday

"Where the Wild Things Are" is beloved by many, including 1-year-old Sonny and his family! See how his 1st birthday party came together in Lake Geneva, WI.

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