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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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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