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.

Black and white doodle of diverse smiling faces with different hairstyles and accessories.

Evite’s top gift picks: Asian- & Pacific Islander-owned brands

Need the perfect gift for a birthday or baby shower? We've compiled a list of amazing Asian- and Pacific Islander-owned businesses to support now and forever.

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Cluster of deflated balloons in red, yellow, blue, and white scattered on wooden floor by a door.

10 party disasters (and how to avoid them)

Helpful tips to avoid party disasters and what to do if they do happen.

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Silhouettes of three people with raised arms against an orange sunset sky.

Top 5 girls’ night ideas (besides hitting the clubs)

Try one of these creative girls' night ideas for guaranteed fun with your best gal pals!

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Hand holding a bubble wand blowing multiple shiny, colorful soap bubbles outdoors.

Bubble-themed birthday party inspiration

This bubble-themed kids' birthday party is perfect for a first birthday celebration!

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Illustration of a smiling person with closed eyes enjoying music on headphones with musical notes around.

Top 10 Songs for a Labor Day Celebration

Celebrate Labor Day with this curated playlist full of songs about work—and sometimes partying.

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Person in white knit sweater holding a white gift box with gold ribbon and bow.

Do I have to bring a host or hostess gift?

Gift-giving 101: When should you bring a host or hostess gift?

Cartoon figure relaxing in a bubble bath holding a book and glass of wine with candles and slippers nearby.

Spa party guide

Our guide for stress-free planning and hosting for a perfect spa day party for you and your friends.

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Box of plastic coated playing cards with two orange translucent dice on a dark surface.

Poker night party guide

The ultimate guide for planning a poker night party, with tips for invitations, decorations, food and drinks.

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Halloween collage with candy corn, envelope with cat eyes, bat, ghost, laughing mouths, and a witch party invite.

Halloween-themed collage with vampire lips, ghost, bat, envelope, and a card saying 'Drink up, witches'.

Ready to get spooky? Here are 30+ fun ways to word your Halloween invitations

Check out these tips and ideas for clever ways to word your Halloween party invitations.

A man in a tuxedo and a woman in a black dress hold champagne glasses sitting on a couch.

Roaring ’20s-theme party guide

Check out our party guide for how to take it back to the '20s, the time of feather boas and Duke Ellington.

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Red and white embossed paper fortune cookies with a Happy New Year note on a patterned surface.

How to make DIY Lunar New Year paper fortune cookies

This Lunar New Year, treat your friends and family with these DIY fortune cookies.

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Orange full moon glowing above red clouds in a dark night sky.

How long do you have to stay at a party?

Is it time to go yet? Check out this practical guest guide tip for attending parties.

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