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 🤔

Overhead view of people sharing various plates of food at a potluck dinner on a striped tablecloth.

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.

Potluck, hosting a potluck, potluck tips, potluck hosting tips, is hosting a potluck lazy, potluck host, how to host a potluck, potluck dinner, potluck event

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.

130 merry messages for your holiday cards

Send sweet season’s greetings to your family and friends. Pick one of these holiday card messages to send out this year.

holiday, holiday card, holiday cards, what to write in a holiday card, holiday card wording etiquette, how to word a holiday card, holiday card message

Collage of iconic Christmas movie characters including Buddy the Elf, Kevin from Home Alone, Kermit the Frog holding a puppet, and the Grinch with a Christmas tree background and text 'CHRISTMAS MOVIE CALENDAR'.

The ultimate Christmas movie calendar

Get into the holiday spirit with our 2-month calendar of classic Christmas movies! Best served with a side of hot cocoa and candy canes.

Christmas movie calendar, holiday movie calendar, ultimate christmas movie calendar, xmas movie calendar, x-mas movie calendar, ultimate xmas movie calendar, ultimate x-mas movie calendar, ultimate holiday movie calendar

Collage featuring a close-up of a purple cocktail with a salted rim and a dried citrus slice, next to a glass layered dessert topped with crushed cookies and gummy worms, against a black-and-white photo of a woman speaking into a vintage microphone, with decorative sparkles and abstract orange lines on a dark textured background.

Sweet and spooky snack pairings for your next Halloween movie night

A movie without snacks is scarier than any horror film. Discover delicious treats that pair perfectly with your favorite Halloween movie.

Scary movie snacks, halloween movie night, halloween movies, movie snacks, halloween movie snacks, movie snack pairings, halloween movie snack pairings, horror movie night, horror movie snacks, horror movie snack pairings, snack pair, snack pairing, snack pairings, movie night snacks, movie night snack, halloween movie treats, halloween movie treat, movie night treats, halloween movie night treats

Collage featuring two scenes: one with two women indoors by sinks and mirrors, one sitting wearing yellow pants and gray top and holding a drink, the other standing with back to camera in pink pants and a pink backless top; the other scene shows a building with stairs and balconies and the text "Your reservation is confirmed!" along with a pink flower and seashells.

The shared vacation home survival guide

Read the guide to surviving (and enjoying) a shared vacation home with friends. Find tips and time-tested advice to make your next group trip a little easier.

Shared vacation house, share house, shared vacation house tips, shared vacation house guide, shared vacation home, shared vacation home, shared vacation home tips, shared vacation home guide, vacation house with friends, vacation with friends, trip with friends, trip with friends guide, shared vacation house survival guide, shared vacation home survival guide, trip with friends survival guide, how to vacation with friends, vacationing with friends, vacation with friends tips

Collage of iconic Halloween movie characters like Beetlejuice, the Sanderson sisters, and Ghostface.

Collage of characters from Halloween, Hocus Pocus, Scream, and iconic horror movies.

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 Obsession, follow along with our movie marathon.

Halloween movies, Halloween movie calendar, horror movies, horror movie calendar, scary movie list, scary movies, scary movie calendar, fall movies, fall movie calendar, movie marathon, scary movie marathon, Halloween movie marathon, Halloween films, Halloween film calendar, scary movies calendar, Halloween calendar, autumn movie marathon, autumn movies, autumn movie calendar, Halloween movie countdown, Halloween film countdown

Collage featuring a close-up of a birthday cake with lit candles spelling 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' and hands near it, alongside a person sitting with jeans and a jacket holding a smartphone, with a speech bubble above saying 'happy birthday!'

What to text on friends’ birthdays (that isn’t just “Happy birthday”)

Express your love and birthday wishes without overthinking the text. Here are some sweet and simple messages to send to your friends on their birthdays.

Birthday texts, text, what to text, friends birthday text, friend’s birthday, friends’ birthday, birthday message, birthday wishes, birthday messages, happy birthday text, happy birthday texts, what to text birthday, what to text for birthday, birthday text message, birthday text message, bday text, bday text message, bday message, bday text messages, bday messages, friends bday, b-day message, b-day text message, b-day text ideas, birthday text ideas, bday text ideas, bday message ideas, birthday message ideas

People clinking wine glasses over a table and talking while sitting on the floor.

This last minute party planning checklist is a hosting essential

Download the ultimate day-of party planning checklist for your next event. This last-minute to-do list might just save the day.

Party planning, party planning checklist, day-of party planning, day-of party checklist, party checklist, party to-do list, party day-of, party day-of to-do list, last minute party planning, last minute party checklist, last minute party to-do list, party list, day-of party list, day of party, day of party checklist, day of party to do list, day of party to-do list, party to do list, last minute party to do list, day-of party to do list

Collage of three photos: people at a table, a red-checkered table setting, and autumn leaves with flowers.

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.

Underrated hosting hacks, host hacks, hosting hacks, genius hosting tips, hosting tops, host tips, party hacks, party hosting hacks, party hosting tips, underrated hosting tips, how to host, how to host a party, hosting insider tips, insider hosting hacks, insider hosting tips

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.

Euro, euro summer, backyard party, summer party, summer parties, european party, backyard gatherings, european themes, euro summer themes, summer party ideas, summer party inspiration, summer hosting, european hosting, summer hosting ideas, host at home, europe at home, French summer party, French themed party, Italian summer party, Italian themed party, British summer party, English summer party, British themed party, English themed party, Greek themed party, Greek summer party, Portuguese themed party, Portuguese summer party, Spanish summer party, Spanish themed party

Two smiling girls standing indoors surrounded by colorful and metallic balloons at a celebration.

I spent years throwing the "perfect" birthday party. Then I quit.

From birthday party "activations" to $8 karaoke microphones: why the most memorable kids' parties have nothing to do with how much you spent.

kids birthday party, birthday party on a budget, simple birthday party ideas, low key birthday party, kids party without stress, affordable birthday party, easy birthday party planning, birthday party tips for moms, how much to spend on a birthday party, fun birthday party ideas kids, backyard birthday party ideas, birthday party planning stress, simple kids party ideas, kids birthday without breaking the bank, what do kids actually want at parties, birthday party pressure, how to throw a kids party, memorable birthday party ideas, first birthday party ideas, birthday party entertainment ideas

Birthday card with beaded bracelet saying LETS PARTY, surrounded by retro party items on pastel background.

Colorful birthday party items including jewelry, pink glasses, butterfly, disco ball, and a polaroid camera.

Taylor Swift Party Ideas Playbook

Celebrate the Swiftie in your life the easy (and BEST) way with our comprehensive guide to throwing the most dazzling Taylor Swift-inspired bday bash ever.

Hero image // taylor swift, taylor swift party, swiftie, taylor swift party ideas, party playbook, how to throw a taylor swift party, swiftie party ideas

Collage with birthday invitation, cake, party photos, shells, and blue decor for Sophie's birthday party.

Mamma Mia Party Ideas Playbook

Mirror balls, ABBA karaoke and easy homemade gyros–how can you resist this? Take your guests on a trip to Kalokairi with this iconic party theme!

Baked brie wrapped in pastry shaped like a pumpkin with cinnamon stick and sage leaf on top.

Pumpkin-shaped baked brie recipe

4 ingredients, 5 minutes to prep, and ooey-gooey deliciousness.

Teacher survival kit includes a clear pouch, confetti card, Nerds candy, gift card, and decorative tapes.

Teacher appreciation gift set including confetti card, Target gift card, and themed wristbands on chalkboard background.

How to make a teacher survival kit

This teacher + mom of 2 shares her top tips on creating a super easy and thoughtful gift your kid’s teacher will truly appreciate!

teacher survival kit, back-to-school, back to school, teacher gift, teacher appreciation, back to school night, back to school gift, gift for teacher

Close-up of a hand holding a wafer cookie shaped like a pencil with chocolate tip and pink eraser.

Literally the cutest 3-ingredient teacher gift ever

Name an easier teacher appreciation treat. We’ll wait…

pencil wafer cookies, pencil cookies, teacher appreciation, teacher appreciation treat

Plate of six decorated round cookies with frosting and candy beads spelling words like lover, karma, and evermore.

It’s me, hi, the Taylor Swift friendship bracelet cookie recipe you need to bookmark

Brace yourselves, Swifties, because this recipe is for you!

taylor swift, taylor, swiftie, friendship bracelet, eras tour, recipe, cookie recipe, friendship bracelet cookie, taylor swift birthday party, taylor swift birthday ideas, taylor swift party ideas, taylor swift recipe

Three summer party playbook covers for older kids, Italian disco, and Mamma Mia themes on a pool background.

Summer Party Playbooks: Curated guides for trending party themes

Get all the decor, outfit, activity and menu ideas you need in our free, compact-yet-comprehensive guides.

summer party playbooks, summer party, summer, party playbooks, party ideas, summer party ideas, summer party guide, summer party inspo, summer party themes

Grilled flatbread topped with ham strips, lettuce, yellow cherry tomatoes, red onion, and sliced peppers on wooden board.

This grilled salad pizza recipe is your new summer go-to

The days of the side salad are over now that salad pizzas are a thing.

recipe, summer recipe, pizza, pizza party, al fresco, outdoor dining, grilled salad pizza, grilled salad pizza recipe

Assortment of pizzas and cocktails with a seaside outdoor dining background under umbrellas.

The al fresco pizza party you need to be throwing this summer

Everything you need to elevate your pizza night, including top Crate & Barrel finds.

pizza, pizza party, how to throw a pizza party, pizza party ideas, al fresco, al fresco pizza party, what is al fresco, al fresco party

Children with party hats holding wrapped gifts behind their backs at a birthday party with balloons.

Everything you need to know about gifting etiquette for kids’ birthdays

Find everything from top toy suggestions to ideas for no-gift parties in this guide to kids’ birthday gifting etiquette.

Birthday, birthday party, kids' birthday, birthday for kids, kids birthday gifts, kids birthday gift ideas, kids birthday gifting etiquette, should i bring a gift to a kids birthday party, when to bring a birthday gift

Skeleton lying with arms stretched on a pink flamingo pool float in clear blue water.

Skeleton lounging on a pink flamingo float in clear blue water.

Celebrate spooky season early with a Summerween party

A scary good idea? Throwing a Summerween party. Get our top tricks (and treats) here.

Two pink polaroid-style photos of women celebrating with drinks and wearing party attire and accessories.

Calling all Princesses of Genovia: This is how to throw a Princess Diaries party

The best party idea ever? Shut up!

princess diaries, disney, princess diaries party, how to throw a princess diaries party, anne hathaway, princess diaries party theme, princess diaries party ideas

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.