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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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.

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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.

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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.

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Bottle of wine, silver cup with red wine, and broken matzah pieces on blue wooden surface.

The dos and don'ts of Passover Seder for non-Jewish newbies

Invited to your first Passover Seder? Don't just wing it. Read up on the dos and don'ts you need to know before you arrive.

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Woman in checkered dress smiling and holding a baby near blue plastic play fence.

Katharine McPhee Foster’s 1st b-day party tips

Few things are as exciting to a parent as their little one’s 1st birthday. See what Katharine McPhee Foster did for her son’s safari-themed party!

Illustration of a graduation cap, a rolled diploma tied with ribbon, 2022 numbers, and a pennant saying You did it!

Top 5 tips for personalizing a graduation party

Make your grad party stand out with these A+ tips.

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