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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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!

Outdoor table with flowers, candles, slices of cake with blueberries, peaches, and two hands holding glasses.

Table with flowers in vases, two hands holding glasses, and sliced cake with blueberries outdoors.

Bougie on a budget: hosting tips from a luxury party planner

From matcha moments to flea market finds, Wala Events founder Jasmin Wala reveals how inspiration and intention, not spending, create unforgettable gatherings.

Collage of iconic Halloween movie characters including Beetlejuice, witches, Ghostface, and Harry Potter.

Collage of iconic 90s and early 2000s horror and fantasy movie characters posing together.

The official Halloween movie marathon calendar

Get ready for 2 months of Halloween faves to get you in the spirit of the season! From Practical Magic to The Conjuring, follow along with our movie marathon.

Blank recipe card with autumn food photos including pumpkin, baked dip, whipped drink, and cinnamon rolls.

Blank recipe card with autumn theme including fall foods and orange-brown leaves background.

Every cozy recipe you need to try this fall

Two out of six of these are indeed pumpkin-shaped… so you’re going to want to check this out.

Collage of summer treats: watermelon feta cubes, popsicles in wine glasses, metal cocktail glass, and fruits.

Collage with drinks, orange slices, flowers, a cherry, and photos of dessert cubes and cocktails.

Get to know this summer’s hottest hosting trends

The weather forecast is sunny… and the trend forecast has just arrived. Check out our top 19 picks for chic hosting details this summer.

Rectangular dessert decorated with blueberries and raspberries mimicking the American flag.

American flag made from blueberries and raspberries on a white background with red stripes.

Meet Ina Garten’s festive Fourth of July cake

Need a little Fourth of July menu inspo? Here’s a summer berry cake by the OG hostess with the most-ess, Ina Garten.

Charcuterie board with citrus slices, jalapeños, blackberries, salt, sugar cubes, herbs, and a margarita glass.

Cocktail with lime garnish beside a photo of citrus, spices, and herbs on a poolside surface.

A charcuterie board for your margarita? Count us in.

Meet the margarita garnish board — the perfect blend of trendy grazing spreads and delicious summer cocktails.

Bear-shaped cookie, drizzled dessert with cereal, and upside-down pink ice cream cone with sprinkles on pink background.

Bear-shaped cookie, chocolate-drizzled pastry, and pink ice cream cone with sprinkles on pink background.

3 sweet kids’ birthday party treats that will wow the little ones

3 cute, crowd-pleasing birthday treats kids will love that are easy to make and fun to serve. See the viral recipes here!

Melted pink ice cream cone with multicolored sprinkles on striped pastel background.

Pink ice cream melting with colorful sprinkles under an upside-down waffle cone on striped background.

These ice cream cake pops just melted our hearts

This summer sweet is simply adorable and shockingly easy to make! See how to create the treat of the summer with only 5 ingredients.

Collage of Italian-themed outdoor dining, pasta, fresh tomatoes, drinks, and people celebrating with wine.

Collage of outdoor dining, wine, fresh produce, and shared meals in a rustic setting.

10 Italian-themed parties for a "dolce vita" summer

Al fresco parties are going to be everywhere this season, so we’re kicking things off with ten ideas to bring a taste of Italy to you, wherever you are.

Bridesmaids and bride in dresses holding floral bouquets linked arm in arm facing away.

Bridesmaids in green dresses holding bouquets of flowers, standing side by side with linked arms.

The ultimate guide to wedding dress codes

What do people actually mean when they say “black tie optional”? What length dress do I wear if the invitation says "cocktail"? We’re breaking it all down.

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