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 🤔

Two women with red hair holding drinks and smiling in a dimly lit bar or club setting.

Essential Components of a Full Bar

From liquor to jigger, here's everything you need to set up a full bar at home.

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Three red cocktails in coupe glasses on a tray with black and red feathers and black bird garnishes.

Crow’s blood champagne cocktail recipe

Easy to make. Even easier to enjoy!

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Black line drawings of a frothy beer mug and a martini glass with stars on a lavender background.

Bewitching drinks for a mystery dinner night

Mix up some boos-y cocktails or macabre mocktails for your next spooky soirée.

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Group of friends wearing leis and toasting with tropical drinks at an outdoor summer luau party.

Summer luau party guide

Want to host a summer party with a tropical twist? Of course, you do! Learn how to create a party paradise in just a few steps.

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Smiling baby with party hat, gift box, and cupcake with lit candle on blue striped background.

Smiling baby wearing party hat with a gift and a cupcake with a lit candle on a striped background.

Baby’s 1st birthday party guide

Get our top tips on how to make your little one's 1st birthday as special as they are!

Pink frosted doughnut with sprinkles and a candle, surrounded by party blowers and confetti on a polka dot surface.

5 tips for planning a successful surprise party

How to ensure your surprise party is a true surprise and a real hit.

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Collage of jungle leaves, paw prints, a child in animal costume, cake pops, cards, giraffe cutout, and blue balloon.

Collage of jungle leaves, animal prints, toys, giraffe cutout, and wild birthday invitation with a blue balloon.

Jungle safari party inspiration

Get inspired by this kids' jungle and safari-themed birthday party.

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Table set with lit Kwanzaa kinara candles, dishes of cornbread, salad, and green beans in a cozy living room.

Kwanzaa party guide

Our Kwanzaa party guide helps you celebrate seven days of this holiday without the stress.

kwanzaa, how to host a kwanzaa party, how to throw a kwanzaa party, kwanzaa party tips, kwanzaa party ideas

Woman wearing sunglasses holding a large pink donut-shaped piñata with yellow fringe.

DIY donut piñata tutorial

This DIY donut piñata is sure to be a hit at your next party—don't forget to fill it with sweet treats!

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Block party guide

Check out our helpful block party planning tips.

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Red and green reusable bags filled with canned goods, drinks, and grocery items for donation.

Top 10 holiday volunteer ideas

Give back to those in need by volunteering at a charitable organization during the holidays.

holiday, holiday volunteer ideas, holiday volunteering, how to volunteer during the holidays, how to give back during the holidays

Three people celebrating with confetti, drinks, and party blowers, smiling and having fun together.

Surprise party etiquette

Don't ruin the surprise (or create an unintended one)! Here's our advice on hosting and being a guest at a surprise party.

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Ring in the New Year with style & ease: A chef’s top NYE hosting tips

Party prepping hacks and appetizer ideas for a seamless NYE soirée, from chef Sara Frost-Glaser.

Young boy and girl decorating a Christmas tree with ornaments inside a cozy home.

15 wholesome family traditions to start for the holidays

Ready to make some life-long memories with your family? We’re walking you through fun and festive traditions you can start now and repeat every year.

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!

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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.

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