How to Host a Favorite Things Party (& What I'd Bring!)

My 5th annual (or maybe it’s 6?!) Favorite Things Party is this week, and I’m so excited for this fun tradition with my girlfriends! Not to mention, I know I’m about to discover some amazing new goodies! The group has grown over the years (it really is a ‘more the merrier’ kind of night!), but every year is just as fun, cozy, and festive as the last. Think: low-pressure, lots of laughs, easy food, and everyone leaves with new favorite goodies. Truly a win-win.

The best part? It’s so simple to host. Truly, no stress, no pressure… just a fun evening with your girlfriends. Here’s exactly how I do it — step by step.

This little tradition wouldn’t be the same without the favorite things themselves. From cozy must-haves to totally genius everyday finds, here’s a peek at some of the most-loved items that have been brought to our Favorite Things Parties over the years — proving that the best gifts really are the simple ones. I chatted through many of these in this video HERE.

How to Host an Easy Favorite Things Party

1. Pick a Weeknight & Keep It Low-Key

This is not a fancy, formal party — and that’s the beauty of it. I always host on a weeknight so no one feels pressure to juggle plans, stay out late, or commit their entire weekend. It feels casual and doable, which means people actually say yes.

2. Festive Pajamas Are the Dress Code 🎄

Everyone comes in festive pajamas (including slippers!) and it makes the whole night instantly cozy and fun. No outfit stress, no heels, no fuss. Just comfy, cute, and winter-cozy. We’re usually all curled up on the sofa… does it get any better than that?! It also makes for the cutest photos.

3. Choose One “Favorite Thing” Under $30 (Bring Three!)

It can be anything: a candle, beauty product, kitchen gadget, cozy socks, home find, sweet treat — truly whatever you love most right now. Think about things that truly bring joy to your day, not just something cute you spotted at Target. The variety is what makes it so fun.

You can set the price at whatever you want, but $30 is sort of our sweet spot. Each guest brings three of those items, wrapped!

4. Easy Food = Zero Stress Hosting

I always cater a fajita taco bar because, well obviously. Everyone loves them and they don’t require any babysitting in the kitchen (I want to enjoy the party, too!).

Other easy ideas include:

Do apps only
Make it a potluck
Order pizza
Or keep it dessert-only

This party is about the exchange and the laughs — not an elaborate menu.

5. How the Gift Exchange Works

This part is so simple and so fun:

When everyone arrives, each guest writes their name on three slips of paper
All names go into a bowl
We then draw numbers to see who goes first…that person then draws three names
She gives her favorite thing to those three gals, telling the group why she loves it!
This repeats until everyone has gifted their Favorite Things, and everyone has three new gifts!

It turns into the best show-and-tell and sparks so many “Wait, I need that!” moments. And the beauty is, the headcount doesn’t matter… as long as everyone brings 3 gifts!

There’s no competition, no stealing gifts, no pressure. Everyone leaves with three new favorite things and a full heart — every single time.

6. Why I Love This Tradition So Much

It’s one of those nights where:

You laugh a lot
You learn about the little things your friends love
You get gift ideas you’d never think of
And you create such sweet memories

It’s easy, meaningful, and always one of the highlights of the season for me. If you host one, I need to see it — tag me on Instagram so I can cheer you on and steal your favorite finds for next year, ha! 😉🎁

And if you’re looking for more favorite things at a range of price points, check out this year’s Sugarplum Favorite Things list!! Truly all my ride-or-dies, and each makes a great gift! And you can also find all my Gift Guides this season HERE.

1. Spanx Half-Zip Pullover & Wide Leg Pants // 2. Illuminating Eye Cream (code SUGARPLUM20)
3. Merit Blush Balm (Also HERE) & Bronzer Stick (Also HERE) // 4. T3 Blow Dry Brush (Also HERE)
5. Drybar Self-Grip Rollers (Also HERE) // 6. Woven Toiletry Bag
7. Cashmere Crewneck // 8. Compression Packing Cubes
9. Running Shorts // 10. Amazon Lip Liner
11. Weighted Vest // 12. Medicube Peel-Off Mask
13. Suede Sneakers // 14. tartelette tubing and XL tubing mascaras
15. Béis Suitcase (Also HERE) & Calpak Carry-On Duffel Bag // 16. Argan Oil Hair Mask
17. Cashmere Mist Deodorant // 18. Woven Sling Bag
19. Electrolytes Drink Mix (Travel Size HERE) // 20. Living proof Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo (Also HERE)
SHOP ALL HERE

Here’s a little peek into the party… the cutest pajamas, yummiest food, and the most thoughtful favorite things. Visit the Reel to see what everyone brought as their “Favorite Thing!”