The Party and Hosting Trends That Will Shape Your 2026 Celebrations

Home Is the New Hotspot

More than ever, celebrations are moving back to kitchens, patios, and living rooms. Hosting in your own space eliminates venue fees while letting guests settle into a warm, personal environment.

Pollock notes that this trend goes beyond practicality, too. "Gatherings inherently feel more personal if you’re hosting in your own space, which leads to shared comfort and deeper connection," she says. "People want gatherings that feel intentional and low-pressure, which for many, starts at home."

An Embrace of (Elevated) DIY

According to Evite's report, nearly 70 percent of hosts are embracing DIY moments—and this doesn't translate to "cheap," Pollock points out: "It means thoughtful."

Instead of elaborate floral installations or rented tablescapes, expect to see more:

• Handwritten menus
  
• Personalized playlists
  
• DIY cocktail or mocktail bars
• Thrifted décor

"We’re also seeing an increase in potluck-style dining and affordable activities, with a return to crafting and board games," says Pollock. "We love these shifts. The vibe becomes less about impressing and more about creating a space where everyone feels comfortable and cared for."

Micro-Theme Parties Are Everywhere

Gone are the days of generic themes; hosts are gravitating toward small, clever themes that are easy to execute but still allow creativity to shine.

The best themes feel cheerful, affordable, and adaptable for multiple seasons. Evite predicts the following to be huge next year:

• Café at Home
• Garden Party
• Favorite Things Party
• A 'Tini Little Gathering (martini-themed)
• '90s Nostalgia Night
• Summerween
  

Clear Communication Is the New Etiquette Standard

If 2026 could only have one rule, it would be this: Communicate more than you think you need to. Evite found that 67 percent of guests point to a lack of party details as their biggest pet peeve.

Hosts can eliminate confusion by clearly communicating:

• Dress code
  
• Parking tips
  
• Start and end times
  
• Any applicable expectations (Is there a gift exchange? Is it potluck-style?)
  
• Whether kids (and pets) are welcome

And on the flip side: 62 percent of hosts are tired of no-shows. Hosts are working hard. In 2026, honoring your RSVP is non-negotiable.

Think of it all as a renewed respect for party etiquette.

Connection as the Ultimate Celebration

Celebrations should be a source of comfort rather than stress, and 2026 gatherings are all about that genuine connection. "One of the most surprising insights was just how deeply people are craving intentional connection," Pollock shares. "The rise in screen-free activities, watercolor, needlepoint, and small creative crafts, signals that hosting is shifting from entertainment to genuine togetherness."

With this priority shift, the forecast of hosting is looking thoughtful, cozy, and refreshingly low-pressure. "It’s clear that in 2026, celebrations aren’t just events," says Pollock, "they’re made to celebrate each and every one at the gathering."