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 🤔

People enjoying a meal with roasted turkey, vegetables, grapes, and wine on a green tablecloth.

10 Pinterest Thanksgiving recipes we’re loving this year

From sparkly seasonal cocktails to delicious baked mac and cheese, see 10 trending recipes we pulled straight from our Pinterest moodboards.

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Four diverse friends joyfully celebrating and smiling together at a lively nighttime party outdoors.

The 2024 After Party Report

You’ve thrown the parties and we’ve crunched the numbers… see what’s trending and where in this year’s edition of the After Party Report.

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New Year's Eve Times Square ball lit up at midnight with balloon, confetti, and 2026 text.

How to recreate the NYE ball drop at home

Celebrate the new year with a cascade of balloons that brings the magic of the Times Square ball drop right to your home!

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Round sugar cookies with red, green, and white swirled icing on a patterned background.

Delicious & delightful holiday swirl cookies

We called in the experts to help us with the butteriest, cheeriest holiday cookie recipe around. These holiday swirl cookies are an instant classic!

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Hand dipping a pretzel into a mug of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and crushed candy.

Holiday hot chocolate dip

Like fondue but wayyy easier… whip up a sweet and nostalgic dessert dip inspired by winter’s favorite: hot chocolate.

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Hand pulling cheesy garlic bread bites garnished with chopped parsley on marble surface.

How to make these delicious Christmas tree rolls

This is quite a tree-t. Dough + cheese = the most impressive yet easy holiday appetizer ever.

Mini cheddar cheese pie slices on crackers with whipped topping on a metal tray.

Try this Friendsgiving favorite: cheese and cracker pies

Charcuterie board meets seasonal pie in this snack adored by kids and adults alike! Get the full recipe for cheese and cracker pies here.

Dinosaur-themed birthday invitation with volcano, leaves, egg, and dinosaur figurines on crumpled paper.

Children's dinosaur-themed birthday invitation with volcano, eggs, toys, and leaf decorations.

How to plan an EPIC dinosaur party

This one’s for our dinosaur lovers. Transport your party guests to the Jurassic Period using our Kids’ Dinosaur Party Playbook!

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Pajama party theme with slippers, eye mask, pillow, photos, invitation, lipstick, and bow on pink silk background.

Pajama party theme with slippers, sleep mask, photos, card, blue bow, and lip print on pink background.

Everything you need for the perfect pajama party (for adults)

Satin robes, buckets of popcorn, and the perfect throwback movie — now, that’s luxury. Host your dream adult PJ party with this Playbook!

Three Halloween party playbooks with spooky themed covers and a spider web in the top left corner.

3 Halloween Party Playbooks for frighteningly easy planning

Whether your kid’s birthday takes place during Halloween season or you just want to throw a spooky bash, these three Halloween Party Playbooks are here to slay.

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Pumpkin-shaped cinnamon rolls with icing drizzled on top and a cinnamon stick in the center on a cooling rack.

Easy pumpkin-shaped cinnamon rolls

Pumpkin-shaped treats taste better. We don’t make the rules.

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Cozy table setting with lit candles, flowers, drinks, and plates of autumn-inspired food dishes.

5 memorable potluck ideas for the coziest autumn ever

Feel the fall vibes with these creative twists on a classic party format.

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Collage with a pink cowboy hat, layered cake with cherries, iced drink, cookies, figure skater, card, and woman with gifts.

Iconic birthday themes for every month of 2026

Get inspired by 12 themes dreamed up specifically for each month of the year! From January to December, we’ve got you covered with a unique & trendy idea.

Grid of dollar bill art with a cupcake, pacifier with pink bow, and blue balloons on pink and blue blocks.

Who should pay for the baby shower?

Not sure how to start the conversation about baby shower budget? We’re diving into the details of this hot topic! Plus, take our free quiz for personal advice.

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.

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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.

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.

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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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