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 🤔

Outdoor brunch with melon and prosciutto, grilled corn, cheese, nuts, and wine on rustic wooden table.

The ultimate backyard brunch party guide

Tips for planning and inviting your friends over for a fun backyard brunch.

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Table set for party with pastel flower centerpiece, candles, white chairs, and colorful fan decorations on wall.

10 tips for decorating your next party

Step up your party decor game with these ten easy tricks.

party tips, party decor, party decoration, decoration, how to decorate for a party, party decoration tips, party decoration ideas

Group of friends outdoors raising beer bottles and enjoying snacks on a rooftop with modern buildings behind.

Creating the perfect guest list

How to put together a great guest list to ensure an amazing party.

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Four women outdoors enjoying drinks and laughing together in a green garden setting.

When you can—and can’t—bring an uninvited guest to a party

Want to bring an uninvited guest to a party but don't know how? We've got the answers!

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Stack of books on a white windowsill with plants and sunlight through a window with curtains.

Book club party guide

Plan a fun book club meeting from start to finish with our comprehensive guide.

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Cartoon figure covered in sticky notes writing on a pad of notes with a pencil.

Complete party prep checklist

Start planning a stress-free party with our complete party prep checklist.

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Woman in a party hat holding a cocktail glass and a yellow pom-pom against a striped background.

Woman in a party hat holding a drink and pom-poms with retro icons and word 'how to' around her.

How to survive a party alone

Strike up a conversation and make new friends with these quick tips on how to enjoy going to a party alone.

party advice, party etiquette, how to survive a party alone, how to go to a party alone, how to go to a party solo, party anxiety advice

People celebrating with party blowers, confetti, and drinks, smiling and enjoying the occasion.

Top 5 Surprise Party Cover Stories

Throw the guest of honor off the surprise party trail with these awesome cover stories.

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Collage with photos, a note reading 'The dos and don'ts of seeing your ex at a party', and scribbles on faces.

Collage of photos and notes about seeing an ex at a party, with some faces and text crossed out in red.

The dos and don’ts of seeing an ex at a party

Heard your ex is going to be at a party? Here’s what to do (and, more importantly, what not to do) when running into an ex at a party is inevitable.

what to do if you see an ex at a party, party etiquette, etiquette when you see an ex, what to do when you see an ex, relationship advice

Cartoon reindeer characters Prancer, Dancer, and Vixen behind podiums with dollar amounts.

Fun holiday facts to share at your next party

Did you know Mariah Carey wrote "All I Want for Christmas Is You" in 15 minutes? Here is some of our fave holiday trivia—how many do you already know?

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Black line drawing of a table with two chairs, a candle, flower bottle, ice bucket, and tongs on blue background.

6 ways to host graciously (+6 ways to be a gracious guest)

Has it been a while since you hosted or were a guest at a party? Are you wondering what good party etiquette looks like now? Here are our top tips!

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Pregnant woman in pink dress smiling as young girl kisses her belly at decorated baby shower outdoors.

Baby shower etiquette 101

Who hosts? What happens? When do invites go out? We have the answers to all of your biggest (and smallest!) baby shower etiquette questions right here.

baby shower, baby, baby shower etiquette, baby sprinkle, baby celebration, baby, baby shower advice, who hosts a baby shower, when to throw a baby shower, baby shower invitation

Collage with a woman in a shiny dress drinking from a glass, party photos, and champagne tower on gold background.

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!

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.

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