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 🤔

Evite Pregame Report 2026 with slogan Party Smarter and Harder on pale background with scalloped border.

Evite’s Pregame Report: Your guide to 2026 party trends & hosting habits

Explore Evite’s 2026 Pregame Report, where we uncover the party themes, etiquette trends & hosting habits that you’ll be seeing everywhere next year.

Pregame report, pre game report, pre-game report, 2026, 2026 party trends, 2026 etiquette, etiquette, trending now, trending, trending themes, party themes, themes, host etiquette, advice, pet peeves, 2026 themes, party planning

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!

Birthday, birthday party, kids' birthday, birthday for kids, winter, december, holiday, kids winter birthday, kids winter birthday ideas, kids winter holiday ideas, kids holiday birthday, kids holiday birthday ideas, winter birthday themes, winter birthday trends, birthday party themes, birthday party trends

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.

favorite things party, how to host, how to host a favorite things party, favorite things, holiday party, favorite things gift exchange, gift exchange

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.

Collage with Christmas lights, cartoon scenes, candy cane, red stocking, and holiday characters.

The ultimate Christmas movie calendar

Get into the holiday spirit with our 2-month calendar of classic Christmas movies! Best enjoyed with hot cocoa and candy canes.

christmas movie calendar, christmas movies, top christmas movies, december, movie calendar, movie, movies, movie list, watch list, holiday movies

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.

friendsgiving, friendsgiving dinner, friendsgiving party, how to host friendsgiving, friendsgiving ideas, friendsgiving advice, fun friendsgiving ideas

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.

thanksgiving, thanksgiving dinner, how to plan thanksgiving, how to host thanksgiving, thanksgiving hosting ideas, checklist, thanksgiving checklist

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!

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.

luau, luau party, how to throw a luau, how to throw a luau party, summer, summer party, hawaii, tropical, tropical party, summer party ideas

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.

surprise, surprise party, how to throw a surprise party, how to surprise someone with a party, surprise birthday party, surprise party tips, surprise party ideas, surprise party etiquette

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.

Hero image // jungle, jungle party, safari, safari party, jungle safari party, jungle party inspiration, safari party inspiration, how to throw a safari party

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!

diy, craft, pinata, piñata, diy donut piñata, donut, donut decor, diy party decor, party decor, party decoration, how to make a donut piñata

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.

block party, how to throw a block party, how to host a block party, block party ideas, block party guide, block party tips

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.

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.

party etiquette, how late is too late to get to a party, when should i arrive to a party, party guest etiquette, when to arrive to a party, what time to arrive at a party

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.

diaper raffle, baby shower, baby, baby shower activity, baby shower activity ideas, what is a diaper raffle, diaper, diaper raffle ideas

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.

food, recipe, recipes, healthy recipes, healthy snacks, healthy birthday party snacks, birthday party snacks, healthy snacks for a birthday party

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.