Favorite Things Party
How to Throw a Favorite Things Party
If you love getting together with friends, discovering new must-have items, and leaving with some fun goodies, a Favorite Things Party is the perfect excuse to host a night in! Here’s how to plan one and make it a fun, stress-free experience for everyone. I’ve seen various ways and price points, but this is my personal favorite way to host a Favorite Things Party!
Rules for Your Guests
Set a Budget – I recommend keeping it around $20-$25 per item, but you can adjust based on what works for your group.
How Many to Bring – Each guest selects one favorite item within the set price range and brings three of that same item. You can also choose to have guests bring two instead—it’s flexible, but be clear on the invite.
Gifts Should Be Unwrapped – This makes it easier to see what’s available and speeds up the choosing process.
No White Elephant Style – No stealing! Unlike traditional gift swaps, everyone will get to pick their favorite new items instead of risking ending up with something they don’t want or already own.
Invitation Wording + Example
Make it clear what your guests need to bring! Here’s a simple invitation example:
🎉 Join Me for a Favorite Things Party! 🎉
Bring: 3 of the same item, priced around $25 each – something you LOVE!
You’ll go home with 3 new favorite things!
Snacks, drinks & fun provided. Can’t wait to see you there! ✨
📍 [Insert date, time, and location]
📩 RSVP by [date]
You can create a cute invite on Canva or even just send a group text with these details!
How It Works at the Party
When guests arrive, have them place their items on a display table.
Go around the room, and each person shares why they love their item.
Each guest picks a number out of a hat—this determines the order of choosing.
When it’s their turn, they get to select one item from the table.
Redraw numbers for each round.
Repeat until everyone has picked three items!
Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Do’s:
✔ Set a clear budget so everyone is on the same page.
✔ Encourage guests to select one really good item they personally love and bring multiples.
✔ Make it fun with drinks, snacks, and a cozy atmosphere.
✔ Let guests choose their items so they go home with things they’re excited about.
❌ Don’ts:
✖ Don’t wrap the gifts – seeing everything makes picking easier.
✖ Don’t do a white elephant-style swap where items can be stolen.
✖ Don’t make the price range too high—it should be accessible for everyone.
✖ Don’t set the price range too low. Choosing a reasonable budget helps ensure that the gifts are high-quality and feel like a special treat rather than everyday items.
✖ Avoid bringing a goody bag with multiple small items. While thoughtful, these often don’t have the same impact as one carefully chosen favorite item and tend to be picked last.
Favorite GIFT ideas:
If you’re stuck on what to bring, here are some tried-and-true favorite items that have been a hit at past parties:
I've found that the most successful items are things that feel like a little luxury—something people might have had their eye on but haven’t treated themselves to yet. For example, a candle warmer is a fantastic gift because it’s useful, but not necessarily something someone would think to buy for themselves.
On the other hand, I don’t recommend bringing a goody bag filled with multiple small items. While it might seem like a fun idea, these tend to feel like everyday purchases rather than a special treat, and they’re often chosen last. A single, well-thought-out item tends to make a bigger impact!
A Favorite Things Party is all about fun, friends, and discovering new things you’ll love! Have you ever hosted one or attended one? Let me know your favorite item you’d bring! ✨
If you enjoyed this post, you might be interested in my Primary Bedroom post.
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Primary Bedroom
When we first moved into our home, our primary bedroom was as plain as could be—white walls, no character, nothing special. I knew I wanted to transform it into a moody, vintage-inspired retreat, so I went all in, and let me tell you—it was worth it!
The first thing I did was add wall panel moulding and crown moulding to give the space that classic, architectural feel. To take it up another notch, I installed a fireplace and a ceiling medallion, both of which instantly added charm and history to the room. Then came the paint—color drenching the entire space in a deep, rich green called Field Trip by Clare Paint. I used a paint sprayer to get the job done after installing the moulding because painting all those details by hand would have taken forever. If you’re considering a project like this, I highly recommend a sprayer to save time and get a flawless finish.
For furniture, I mixed vintage and modern pieces to create a layered look. My nightstands are from TJ Maxx, and the vintage bedside table lamps and stunning chandelier are both from an antique store called Queen of Hearts. The arched canopy bed brings a modern touch, while the solid brass door knobs, switch plate covers, and hinges add a timeless elegance. The white rug helps balance out all the dark tones and keeps the space from feeling too heavy.
To bring in texture, I added bird-patterned curtains that feel playful yet sophisticated. The mirror in the room is grand, gold, and absolutely stunning—one of my favorite pieces. For art, I incorporated a black and white print from BigWallDecor, along with a vintage piece I found at an estate sale next door when we first moved in. I also brought in a live-edge console table from World Market to add a bit of organic warmth. To finish the space, I added two rust-colored swivel chairs, which not only make the room feel cozy but also bring in another modern touch.
This room has truly become my favorite space in the house. It’s the one that defined my home decor style—moody, vintage, and a little bit modern. Every time I walk in, I feel like I’m stepping into a space that tells a story, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Links at a glance
Nightstands: TJ Maxx
Gold Framed Art: Antique Store
Chandelier: Queen of Hearts Antiques & Interiors
TV Frame: DIY Project (similar option here!, use code LUTZGOHOME to save $)
White Column Pedestal Stand: Antique Store
Large White Vase: At Home
Gold Planter: Estate Sale
If you enjoyed this post, you might be interested in my Big Girl Room refresh.
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Big Girl Room Refresh
The transition from a tiny toddler room to a big girl space has been both so sweet and a little bittersweet. The biggest change? Her full-size bed, which I found on Facebook Marketplace. The seller, an older gentleman, told me it was his childhood bed and later used by his own kids—how special is that?
And if you’re wondering, “Wait, where’s all the kid stuff?”—don’t worry! She has an entire playroom filled with every toy she could possibly want. Her bedroom is all about sleep, stuffed animals, and her ever-growing collection of books.
One of the best additions has been the two nightstands. They give her plenty of space for her Tonie box (her absolute favorite), her must-have flashlight, whatever books she’s into that night, and extra storage she can grow into. It’s been such a fun little refresh!
Believe it or not, the bedding is a Sam’s Club find! I love that it’s a soft pinky-purple with flowers—cute but still muted and calming, just like the rest of the room. We rotate between two sets of sheets, one solid pink and one floral, which keeps things feeling fresh. And I have to shout out this mattress cover—it’s a little pricey, but absolutely nothing has leaked through. Now I feel like I need one for every bed in the house!
This room will always be evolving, just like she is, but I love how it’s coming together. It feels cozy, calm, and perfectly suited to this new stage of life. From the special vintage bed to the little details that make it functional and fun, it’s been such a sweet transition. I can’t wait to see how it continues to grow with her!
Links at a glance
Rattan Arched Cabinet: Facebook Marketplace
Bed Frame: Facebook Marketplace
Dresser: Queen of Hearts Antiques & Interiors
If you enjoyed this post, you might be interested in my En suite guest bathroom reveal.
En Suite Guest Bathroom Reveal
After years of keeping our guest en suite bathroom all white, I finally took the leap and gave it a moody makeover—and I couldn’t be happier with the transformation. I drenched the walls in Salute by Sherwin-Williams, creating a bold and dramatic backdrop. Instead of a traditional shower curtain, I opted for a tall window curtain paired with a washable liner, adding a unique touch and going extra tall to emphasize the height of the ceiling. Gold accents throughout the space elevate the design, and I created a balance of new and old by combining easy-to-find pieces from Amazon, Wayfair, and Target with some of my favorite estate sale and thrifted treasures. Even the smallest details, like swapping out the toilet lever and toilet paper holder, were carefully considered. Every change made such a big impact in this small space.
LINKS AT A GLANCE
If you enjoyed this post, you might be interested in FAQ: Paint colors in my house
Go Exploring
Somedays you leave the cycling kit at home and go exploring with your friends.
Finally setting aside time to put on sneakers and commuter clothes, one of my best friends and I decided to pedal around the city. Because my mind isn’t so focused on training, I stumble upon places I’ve never been before during the most beautiful time of day. Although I love training and racing, I was reminded that it’s so wonderful to slow down, catch up with friends and enjoy my surroundings.
Read the original post on Find Your Fast.