Life of the party

A blog by Evite

What to buy at Trader Joe's for a shockingly impressive Friendsgiving

Pull together a mostly store-bought Friendsgiving dinner from TJ's with these potluck picks for drinks, sides, entrees, and dessert.

A woman wearing glasses and a green satin shirt sits at a desk with a laptop and tablet, raising her arms in celebration. Behind her is a decorated Christmas tree and festive ornaments and stars float around on a red checkered background.

The company holiday party etiquette guide

Don’t be the talk of tomorrow’s water cooler chat… we’ve got you covered with helpful etiquette tips to make a lasting impression at your office holiday party.

Two people sitting on a fluffy carpet, playing a card game with bowls of snacks around them, overlaid on an illustration of a large dice, playing cards, game pieces, and a pencil with a game rules sheet titled 'Threefold'.

I love hosting board game nights. These 6 convert game haters.

Guest author Heather Leith shares 6 games (Azul, Codenames & more) that turn game night skeptics into fans. See what to buy, how to play, and pairing ideas.

Hmmm… we can’t find anything that matches that 🤔

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.

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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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.

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.

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.

Close-up of triangular mini pumpkin tarts with a dollop of whipped cream on top, arranged on a metal tray with an autumn leaf background and the word 'yum!' in brown script.

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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White ghost-shaped dessert with eyes on a white plate held by a hand in sunlight.

Ghost Baked Alaska Halloween dessert

The chillest 5-ingredient spooky sweet treat imaginable.

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