Category · 70 articles

Guides.

Practical, no-nonsense playbooks for hosting things that actually happen — dinner parties, brunches, surprise events, and everything between the invite and the cleanup.

70 Articles
5 Years running
How to Host a Backyard Party: The Complete Guide
Guides · Apr 20, 2026

How to Host a Backyard Party: The Complete Guide

Looking for backyard party ideas? Here’s the honest answer: a backyard party is easier to pull off than you think, and better than almost any venue you could rent. No parking problem. No noise curfew negotiation. No per-head minimums. Just your space, your people, and as much fun as you want to have. I’ve thrown […]

Cinco de Mayo Party Planning Guide: Food, Drinks, and Ideas
Guides · Apr 17, 2026

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

Cinco de Mayo party ideas are everywhere in late April — paper streamers at the craft store, margarita mix at Costco, and your neighbor already talking about hosting. And honestly? It’s one of the best excuses to throw a party all year. Great food. Great drinks. Great energy. I hosted my first Cinco de Mayo […]

How to Plan a Surprise Party (Without Ruining the Surprise)
Guides · Apr 15, 2026

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

Here’s how to plan a surprise party without ruining the surprise: keep your inner circle small (three people max), build a cover story before you invite a single guest, and give guests a hard arrival time 30 to 45 minutes before the guest of honor walks in. Everything else is details. I’ve seen surprise parties […]

Bridal Shower Planning Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Guides · Apr 13, 2026

Bridal Shower Planning Guide: Everything You Need to Know

So someone asked you to help with bridal shower planning. Congratulations — and also, I know how overwhelming it can feel. There are a thousand things to coordinate: the venue, the guest list, the games, the food, and somehow making the bride feel celebrated without it turning into a logistics nightmare. I’ve seen bridal showers […]

How to Organize a Potluck: Step-by-Step Guide
Guides · Apr 1, 2026

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

Most potlucks are a mess. Here's how to plan one that actually works — with the right assignments, timing, and coordination so everyone eats well and has fun.

Cocktail Party Ideas for Every Budget
Guides · Mar 27, 2026

Cocktail Party Ideas for Every Budget

You don't need a huge budget to throw a great cocktail party. Here are ideas for hosting an amazing gathering whether you have $50, $100, or $200 to spend.

How to Manage Your Guest List Like a Pro
Guides · Mar 25, 2026

How to Manage Your Guest List Like a Pro

Struggling with your guest list? Learn how to build, organize, and manage your event guest list — from the first invite to handling no-shows and plus-ones.

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