Life of the party

A blog by Evite

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.

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.

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.

Hmmm… we can’t find anything that matches that 🤔

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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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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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.

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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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Group of diverse people socializing under string lights at an outdoor event or party.

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.

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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.

Group of friends clinking glasses with cocktails and straws in a lively bar setting.

How late is too late to arrive to a party?

When is it okay to be fashionably late to a party? We'll fill you in.

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Stack of Pampers Swaddlers diaper boxes next to a diaper raffle setup with stuffed toys and tickets.

How to host a diaper raffle

Throw a diaper raffle for the parents-to-be with this step-by-step how-to.

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Smiling girl in pink striped shirt sitting at table with bowl of cherries and plates of food.

10 healthy birthday party snacks kids love

Check out these healthy snack ideas to serve to all the little ones at your next birthday bash.

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