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 🤔

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.

party advice, party etiquette, how to survive a party alone, how to go to a party alone, how to go to a party solo, party anxiety advice

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.

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

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.

what to do if you see an ex at a party, party etiquette, etiquette when you see an ex, what to do when you see an ex, relationship advice

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?

holiday, holiday party, fun holiday facts, holiday facts, fun facts, conversation starters, fun facts to share at a party

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!

how to host, how to host a party, hosting tips, how to host graciously, party guest etiquette, party guest tips, how to be a good party guest

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.

baby shower, baby, baby shower etiquette, baby sprinkle, baby celebration, baby, baby shower advice, who hosts a baby shower, when to throw a baby shower, baby shower invitation

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.

passover, passover seder, seder, passover seder advice, passover seder for non-jewish people, passover seder traditions

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.

graduation party, grad party, graduation, grad, how to plan a grad party, how to plan a graduation party, graduation planning tips, graduation party ideas, how to personalize a graduation party, unique grad party ideas

Graduation card with navy envelope, stars, and text congratulating grad Taylor Lee.

Graduation invitation wording 101

Gather loved ones to celebrate the grad in your life with these graduation invitation wording tips and ideas!

Illustration of a smiling figure interacting with three online store windows showing a shirt, teddy bear, and gifts.

Evite’s top gift picks: Black-owned businesses

Birthdays to baby showers, there’s no shortage of opportunities to give someone the perfect gift from a Black-owned business.

gift ideas, gift guide, evite gift idea, shopping, gifts, presents, present, black-owned businesses, black owned business, where to shop for gifts

Fresh herbs, garlic, shallots on tray with inset of grilled chicken and a smiling woman in black tank top.

The most amazing Sunday roast chicken dinner recipe ever

Impress friends, family, and even yourself with this mouthwatering (and easy!) roast chicken recipe from Lucie’s Wholesome Kitchen.

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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