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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Portraits of children Chloe age 6, Nora age 9, and Obi age 10 with colorful floral background.

Meet Evite & Pledge’s February birthday heroes ⭐

Each month, we’re highlighting some of the incredible kids who chose to opt for donations instead of birthday presents. Read their stories!

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Hand holding chocolate Christmas bark with pretzels, white snowflakes, marshmallows, and red and green sprinkles.

Sweeten up the holidays with chocolate Christmas bark

See how to make this simple and seriously stunning holiday treat.

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Collage with dinner party photos, invitation card for Morgan & Royan, dishes, drinks, candles, and tableware.

Dinner Party 101: Take the stress out of hosting

Set the table for an effortless evening of good food and great conversation with our Dinner Party 101 Playbook.

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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!

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