How to host a Favorite Things Party

Let’s just get this out of the way for the sake of my pride: I’ve been hosting favorite things parties for the past almost 10 years—long before they were so trendy! I have one every year as my birthday party, because this way, no one insists on singing me happy birthday while I awkwardly smile and wish they’d sing just a little faster. Plus, everyone goes home with an amazing gift. Here are five tips to hosting a foolproof favorite things party:

1. Use Paperless Post to send and track digital invitations.

I’ve been using this free service for years and nothing else compares. Paperless Post has hundreds of pretty designs to choose from, and I especially love the tracking features. You can see everyone who has opened the invitation and easily send reminders and request RSVPs. This year, I chose a Rifle Paper Co. invitation and it was so cute!

2. Specify the guidelines.

I tell my guests to bring a favorite thing that is around $15, unwrapped, and come ready to share why they love it so much. In the past, I’ve had people bring two or three gifts for $5 each so everyone goes home with a few favorite things, which is fun too. Over the years, people have brought makeup and beauty products, books, gift cards, kitchen utensils, cleaning products, home décor, jewelry, accessories, favorite snacks, water bottles, and workout gear.

3. Don’t forget the food.

A party is only as good as its food. In the past, a waffle bar has been a hit, but lately, I’ve chosen to have the party post-dinner and have a few people just bring a sweet or savory snack. It’s made hosting a lot easier and I’ve discovered some delicious recipes this way. (The cheesecake yogurt, cowboy salsa, and fresh tomato bruschetta, and chewy chocolate chip cookies from my last party was divine!) Here’s a foolproof recipe for chocolate chip cookies your guests will love.

4. Rules of the game

There are a few ways to distribute the favorite things, but the way I like best after trying a few options is to have everyone put their name in a bowl. Then, go in a circle and have everyone introduce themselves and their gift, then place it on a table or ottoman in the middle of the room. Draw names to see who gets to pick their gift first. Each gift can be stolen once, then it’s frozen.

5. Share more favorites

Pass around a paper for everyone to write down their favorite things in different categories: Favorite place to buy clothes, favorite local restaurant, current favorite show on Netflix, favorite book, favorite recipe, etc. When everyone has filled it out, take a picture of the paper and text it to everyone. It’s a fun way to share favorites! Something else I do depending on how much energy I have that year is to send everyone home with one of my favorite things—something small like a lip balm, printed quote, or treat.

Some new favorite things I’ve discovered from my favorite things parties: