The Mixily Blog · Issue №89

Hosting, seriously (and a little less seriously).

Tips, guides, and comparisons to help you plan better events — from RSVP etiquette to choosing the right invitation platform.

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8 Best Evite Alternatives for Weddings in 2026

8 Best Evite Alternatives for Weddings in 2026

Evite is fine for a lot of things. A wedding usually isn’t one of them. The free tier shows ads next to your ceremony details. The templates lean toward “generic party invite” rather than “this is the biggest day of our lives.” And if you want the ad-free version, Evite Premium runs up to $99.99 […]

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The latest from the kitchen table

11 more articles
Christmas in July Party Ideas: Themes, Games, Food & Invitation Wording
No. 02
Guides · Jul 20, 2026 · 15 min read

Christmas in July Party Ideas: Themes, Games, Food & Invitation Wording

Christmas in July party ideas sound like a joke until you actually throw one. I hosted my first one on a 94-degree Saturday in Arizona. I strung lights across the patio, put a plastic Christmas tree next to the cooler, and told guests to show up in the ugliest holiday sweater they owned. Half the […]

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Free Digital Wedding Invitations: 6 Options Compared (With RSVP Tracking)
No. 03
Guides · Jul 17, 2026 · 10 min read

Free Digital Wedding Invitations: 6 Options Compared (With RSVP Tracking)

Every wedding site says “free digital wedding invitations” somewhere on the homepage. Almost none of them mean it the way you’re hoping. Some cap you at 10 guests. Some slap ads next to your ceremony details. Some call themselves free and then charge you the moment you want RSVP tracking — the one feature you […]

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Mid-Year Check: Are You Building Community?
No. 04
Guides · Jul 15, 2026 · 7 min read

Mid-Year Check: Are You Building Community?

It’s July. You said you’d host more events this year. More dinners. More get-togethers. More intentional time with the people who matter. Building community — real community, not just a big once-a-year party — was the plan. So. How’s that going? I ask because I’ve made that same promise for years. And for years I […]

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Summer Picnic Party: Ideas, Food & Checklist
No. 05
Guides · Jul 13, 2026 · 15 min read

Summer Picnic Party: Ideas, Food & Checklist

A picnic party is one of the lowest-cost, highest-reward ways to host this summer. No venue rental, no catering bill, no cleanup beyond folding a blanket. Just food, friends, and open air. I’ve hosted dozens of outdoor gatherings, and the picnic format is consistently a guest favorite. There’s something about eating outside on the ground […]

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More good reads

Recently published
The Ultimate Backyard BBQ & Cookout Guide
Guides · Jul 8, 2026

The Ultimate Backyard BBQ & Cookout Guide

Planning a backyard BBQ is supposed to be fun. But somehow it always comes with a few surprise headaches: not enough food, no idea who’s coming, and a propane tank that runs dry right as the burgers hit the grill. I’ve hosted backyard BBQs for years — from a 10-person dinner in my apartment courtyard […]

How to Use Mixily for Your Wedding (Free Invitations + RSVP Tracking)
Guides · Jul 8, 2026

How to Use Mixily for Your Wedding (Free Invitations + RSVP Tracking)

A complete step-by-step guide to using Mixily for your wedding — from creating your event page and importing your guest list to sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, and managing reminders. Includes an honest pricing breakdown and a true cost comparison against Paperless Post, Joy, Greenvelope, and Evite for a 100-guest wedding.

Beach Party Ideas: Themes, Food & Games
Guides · Jul 6, 2026

Beach Party Ideas: Themes, Food & Games

Beach parties are the rare event that sells itself. Say “beach party Saturday” and people are in before you finish the sentence. But they’re also the events that unravel fastest. I’ve been to beach parties where nobody could find parking, the food turned into a sandy mess by noon, and the only shade was a […]

From the archive

Older but still good
09

What to Do When Wedding Guests Don’t RSVP (Scripts + Follow-Up Timeline)

Jul 5, 2026 · Guides · 10 min read
10

Summer Party Invitation Wording: BBQ, Pool & Picnic

Jul 3, 2026 · Guides · 16 min read
11

How to Word a Digital Wedding Invitation (With QR Codes, Website URLs, and Online RSVP)

Jul 2, 2026 · Guides · 13 min read
12

4th of July Party Invitation Wording (50+ Examples)

Jul 1, 2026 · Guides · 17 min read
13

Paperless Post vs Withjoy vs Zola: The Wedding Invitation Comparison Nobody Paid For

Jun 30, 2026 · Guides · 11 min read
14

4th of July Party Planning Guide

Jun 29, 2026 · Guides · 9 min read
15

Zola Doesn’t Have Digital Wedding Invitations — 5 That Do

Jun 27, 2026 · Guides · 9 min read
16

Ice Cream Social Party Ideas

Jun 26, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
17

Paperless Post Alternatives for Weddings (Ranked by What’s Actually Free)

Jun 25, 2026 · Guides · 10 min read
18

Backyard Movie Night: How to Host an Outdoor Film Party

Jun 24, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
19

The Real Cost of Paperless Post for Weddings (Do the Math Before You Design)

Jun 23, 2026 · Guides · 9 min read
20

Mixily vs Partiful: Which Free Event Platform Wins in 2026?

Jun 22, 2026 · Comparisons · 8 min read
21

Is It Rude to Send Digital Wedding Invitations? An Honest Answer

Jun 20, 2026 · Guides · 13 min read
22

Juneteenth Celebration Guide: How to Host & Honor the Day

Jun 19, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
23

Summer Solstice & Midsummer Party Ideas

Jun 17, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
24

How to Plan a Family Reunion

Jun 15, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
25

Pride Month Celebration Ideas: How to Host & Show Up

Jun 12, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
26

Mixily Feature Updates — Spring 2026: RSVP Deadlines, Smarter Reminders & More

Jun 11, 2026 · Updates · 4 min read
27

Bachelor Party Planning Guide

Jun 10, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
28

Rehearsal Dinner Ideas, Etiquette & Planning

Jun 8, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
29

How to Host a Garden Party

Jun 5, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
30

Father’s Day Celebration Ideas: Brunch, BBQ & Beyond

Jun 3, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
31

Summer Party Ideas: 30 Ways to Celebrate the Season

Jun 1, 2026 · Guides · 12 min read
32

How to Plan a Summer Block Party Your Neighborhood Will Love

May 29, 2026 · Guides · 7 min read
33

Adult Birthday Party Ideas: How to Host a Birthday People Love

May 27, 2026 · Guides · 9 min read
34

50th Birthday Party Ideas Your Guest of Honor Will Love

May 25, 2026 · Guides · 7 min read
35

Outdoor Party Planning: The Complete Guide to Hosting Outside

May 22, 2026 · Guides · 14 min read
36

Pool Party Ideas: How to Host a Pool Party Everyone Talks About

May 20, 2026 · Guides · 13 min read
37

Memorial Day BBQ Planning Guide

May 18, 2026 · Guides · 7 min read
38

Kids Birthday Party Ideas by Age and Theme

May 15, 2026 · Guides · 6 min read
39

Party Games for Adults: 30 Ideas That Actually Get People Talking

May 13, 2026 · Guides · 9 min read
40

Retirement Party Ideas: How to Throw a Memorable Celebration

May 11, 2026 · Guides · 7 min read
41

Bachelorette Party Planning Guide: Everything You Need to Know

May 8, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
42

Baby Shower Planning: Complete Guide

May 6, 2026 · Guides · 10 min read
43

Graduation Party Ideas for Every Budget

May 4, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
44

Thank You Note After a Party: Templates for Every Event Type

Apr 29, 2026 · Guides · 13 min read
45

Mother’s Day Celebration Ideas: How to Make Her Day Unforgettable

Apr 27, 2026 · Guides · 9 min read
46

Dinner Party Hosting: A Complete Guide to a Night They’ll Remember

Apr 24, 2026 · Guides · 11 min read
47

Engagement Party Planning Guide: How to Celebrate the Couple

Apr 22, 2026 · Guides · 12 min read
48

How to Host a Backyard Party: The Complete Guide

Apr 20, 2026 · Guides · 17 min read
49

Cinco de Mayo Party Planning Guide: Food, Drinks, and Ideas

Apr 17, 2026 · Guides · 10 min read
50

How to Plan a Surprise Party (Without Ruining the Surprise)

Apr 15, 2026 · Guides · 16 min read
51

Bridal Shower Planning Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Apr 13, 2026 · Guides · 11 min read
52

The Power of Recurring Events: Why Hosting Once Isn’t Enough

Apr 10, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
53

How to Be a Good Party Host: 12 Tips That Actually Work

Apr 8, 2026 · Guides · 12 min read
54

Graduation Party Planning: Start Now (The Complete Guide)

Apr 6, 2026 · Guides · 10 min read
55

Easter Brunch Hosting Guide: A Stress-Free Celebration

Apr 3, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
56

How to Organize a Potluck: Step-by-Step Guide

Apr 1, 2026 · Guides · 15 min read
57

Cocktail Party Ideas for Every Budget

Mar 27, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
58

How to Manage Your Guest List Like a Pro

Mar 25, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
59

Housewarming Party Ideas: How to Celebrate Your New Place

Mar 23, 2026 · Guides · 11 min read
60

Spring Party Ideas to Shake Off Winter: 12 Gatherings Worth Hosting

Mar 20, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
61

Evite vs Luma: Which Event Platform Is Right for You?

Mar 18, 2026 · Comparisons · 8 min read
62

Evite vs Punchbowl: Honest Comparison for 2026

Mar 16, 2026 · Comparisons · 9 min read
63

Evite vs Partiful: Which Event Platform Should You Use in 2026?

Mar 13, 2026 · Comparisons · 10 min read
64

Wedding RSVP Etiquette: The Complete Guide

Mar 11, 2026 · Guides · 14 min read
65

Evite vs Paperless Post: Which Is Actually Better in 2026?

Mar 9, 2026 · Comparisons · 15 min read
66

40th Birthday Party Planning Guide: Timeline, Checklist & Ideas

Mar 6, 2026 · Guides · 13 min read
67

How to Plan a Party: The Complete Beginner’s Guide

Mar 5, 2026 · Guides · 13 min read
68

Mixily vs Evite: Which Free Event Platform Is Better in 2026?

Mar 3, 2026 · Comparisons · 11 min read
69

50 RSVP Response Examples for Every Situation

Mar 2, 2026 · Guides · 13 min read
70

How to Host a Game Night Everyone Will Love

Feb 20, 2026 · Guides · 10 min read
71

The Introvert’s Guide to Hosting a Party (Yes, You Can Do This)

Feb 19, 2026 · Guides · 9 min read
72

St. Patrick’s Day Party Guide: How to Host a Celebration Everyone Will Remember

Feb 16, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
73

Birthday Party Planning: The Ultimate Guide

Feb 13, 2026 · Guides · 12 min read
74

Building Community Through Regular Events

Feb 10, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
75

30+ Invitation Wording Examples You Can Copy for Any Event

Feb 9, 2026 · Guides · 9 min read
76

How to Get People to Actually RSVP

Feb 4, 2026 · Guides · 8 min read
77

How to Host Your First Event of the Year

Feb 4, 2026 · Guides · 9 min read
78

Valentine’s Day Party Planning Guide

Feb 2, 2026 · Guides · 7 min read
79

RSVP Etiquette: What Every Host and Guest Should Know

Jan 30, 2026 · Guides · 14 min read
80

The Complete Guide to Online RSVPs

Jan 30, 2026 · Guides · 11 min read
81

What’s New at Mixily: Feature Updates

Jan 28, 2026 · Updates · 5 min read
82

Nick Gray Acquires Mixily

Jan 21, 2026 · Updates · 4 min read
83

Mixily Plans & Pricing: Free, Lite, Pro, and Plus

Jan 21, 2026 · Updates · 4 min read
84

Benefits of hosting events off of social media

Apr 27, 2021 · Guides · 8 min read
85

Best Books for Event Planners in 2026: 12 Essential Reads

Apr 21, 2021 · Guides · 9 min read
86

Community Engagement Ideas: Activities That Actually Bring People Together

Mar 29, 2021 · Guides · 10 min read
87

How To Ask Your Community For Help

Mar 9, 2021 · Guides · 8 min read
88

Benefits of Hosting Hybrid Events: In-Person + Virtual

Nov 9, 2020 · Guides · 9 min read
89

Guide: How to create an event

Sep 3, 2020 · Guides · 9 min read