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.

gregory gourdet, guacamole, guac, guacamole recipe, recipe, roasted chile, summer recipe, recipe ideas, how to make guacamole

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.

golf, golf birthday, kids golf birthday party, how to throw a golf birthday party, laken, 3, three, third birthday, 3rd birthday, par tee, par-tee

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.

real parties, hayes, four, 4, fourth birthday, 4th birthday, construction, construction party, construction theme party, 4th birthday party ideas

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.

real parties, ashley rose, pasta, pasta party, al fresco, outdoor dining, summer, summer dinner party, pasta party ideas

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.

real parties, rowan, one in the sun, summer, summer birthday party, 1st summer birthday, one, 1, first birthday, 1st birthday, one in the sun theme, kids summer birthday party

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.

real parties, jake, 1, one, first birthday, 1st birthday, camp, camp birthday party, camp birthday party theme, camping, camping party theme, boy scout

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!

real parties, emma, 7, seven, seventh birthday, 7th birthday, art, art party, art birthday party, artist, little artist, art birthday ideas, how to throw an art birthday party

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!

dia de los muertos, dia de los muertos, ofrenda, hauz & co, dia de los muertos ofrenda, how to make an ofrenda, how to make a dia de los muertos ofrenda

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.

real parties, max, second birthday, 2, two, 2nd birthday, kids birthday, birthday for kids, superhero, superhero party, superman, superhero kids birthday

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.

gift, gift ideas, gift guide, hispanic, latinx, hispanic heritage month, hispanic owned, hispanic owned business, latinx owned business, latinx owned brands, hispanic owned brands, how to support hispanic brands, how to support latinx brands

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.

real parties, lily, rhyder, floral picnic, flower, floral, picnic, picnic birthday, picnic birthday party, 1st birthday, first birthday, one, 1, kids birthday picnic, how to throw a kids birthday picnic

White Christmas ornament with star and tree design beside green fir branches and scattered baubles.

Winter wonderland party guide

Snow or not, you'll be walking in a winter wonderland in no time with our party planning guide.

winter, winter party, winter wonderland, winter wonderland party, how to create a winter wonderland, how to host a winter wonderland party

Black and white cartoon of two joyful characters high-fiving while holding party banner flags.

How to plan an office baby shower on a budget

Get together with your coworkers and celebrate the new bundle of joy with a wonderful baby shower.

Baby shower, baby sprinkle, baby celebration, baby, office baby shower, how to plan an office baby shower, how to throw an office baby shower, budget, how to host a baby shower on a budget, budget baby shower, baby shower budget

Black disco ball with sparkling stars on a peach background.

’70s-theme party guide

Get ready to get down at a '70s party. Here's our guide on how to plan one!

70s party, 70s party theme, how to throw a 70s party, 70s party ideas, how to a host a 70s party, throwback, throwback party

Worn cowboy boots with stitched designs and a leather hat on wooden floor with coiled rope nearby.

Western-theme party guide

Planning a Western-theme party? This isn't our first rodeo—read our tips on how to throw a party that's the best in the West.

western, western theme, western party, how to throw a western party, chappell roan, pink pony club, western party theme, cowboy, cowgirl

Two men in festive holiday sweaters pose playfully with paper champagne glasses and bottle props.

How to host an ugly sweater party

Everything you need to know about throwing the ugliest (aka BEST) holiday party ever.

ugly sweater party, holiday party, christmas, christmas sweater, holiday party ideas, ugly sweater party ideas, how to host an ugly sweater party

Five kids play vintage arcade games in a dimly lit room with brick walls and neon lights.

’80s-theme party guide

The '80s are back with this party guide for everything '80s-themed: side ponies, PacMan, frilly shirts and more!

80s party, 80s party theme, how to throw an 80s party, 80s party ideas, how to a host an 80s party, throwback, throwback party

Minimalist wall clock showing 6:36 with sunlight casting shadows on a white wall.

How long should a party run?

No two parties are alike, so knowing how long one should run is important when planning yours! Here's what we recommend.

party etiquette, how long should a party run, how long should a party be, hosting tips, hosting advice, party timing

2023 graduation invitation with photo of woman in cap and gown, confetti background, and brown envelope.

Here’s when to send your grad party invitations

Graduation season is one of the busiest times of the year, so play it smart. Find out when to send your graduation party invitations here!

Woman in beige sweater arranging a colorful flower bouquet at a white table with floral tools.

Top 10 tips for stress-free party planning

Find out the top ten ways to prep for a party without blowing your cool—after all, the best host is one who actually enjoys their own party.

party planning tips, stress free, stress free hosting tips, host tips, host advice, top host tips, how to make hosting easier

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.

backyard party, backyard brunch, brunch, how to throw a backyard brunch party, backyard brunch party guide, how to host a brunch, outdoor dining

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.

guest list, guest etiquette, how to create a perfect guest list, how to decide on a guest list, who to invite to a party, who should i invite to a party, party guest list, guest list tips, how to narrow a guest list

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.