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Evite Finds That Parties Are Scaling Down
Blown out // Illustration by Kate Walker
A new survey by Evite found that parties are becoming smaller, tamer, and more focused on connection than previous generations.
The Big Picture: Tighter budgets, changing relationships with alcohol, and a loneliness epidemic are having a profound effect on every aspect of life, with partying being a microcosm where all three forces intersect. That may make “intentionality” the most important theme of any shindig.
Between The Balloons: Gen Z has a new definition for “letting loose,” according to Evite’s Pregame Report 2026.
Instead of hitting the clubs or bars, Gen Z is increasingly hosting events at their house (read: small apartment). The Guardian has dubbed them “generation stay-at-home.”
And when the party isn’t at home, 69% say they want to host it in outdoor or nature-based locations, while 52% opt for “unconventional” venues.
The most popular types are still birthdays and holiday parties, followed by watch parties, book clubs, and pet birthdays.
And don’t expect alcohol to be a focus — 10% fewer people under 34 drink than 20 years ago. Mocktails are in.
Final Headcount: Evite found that hosts prioritize four things when it comes to parties: comfort, intimacy, affordability, and personalization. So, most parties may look like transforming a home to reflect a specific theme, making it social media-friendly with unique details and curating the guest list for meaning more than vibe.
But that’s when Americans do throw a party. According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, just 4.1% of Americans attended or hosted social gatherings on any given weekend or holiday. No wonder we’re so lonely.
Next Party: We wouldn’t be surprised if someone starts a WeWork of parties — hubs that provide small, catered spaces for impromptu get-togethers.
Together with Kurv
Here Comes Christmas… The Season of Payment Stress
Merchants don’t want rising processing fees and fraud attempts eating into their margins when customers are checking off their Christmas lists.
That’s why many are turning to Kurv — the provider keeping swiped, keyed, and online rates below 3%, even during the busiest stretch of the year.
Why it matters: December brings higher volume, faster checkout expectations, and a spike in suspicious activity. Kurv’s quick onboarding, real 24/7 support, and fraud controls make the transition feel smooth instead of chaotic.
The bottom line: After four decades in payments and millions of weekly transactions, Kurv is becoming the quiet cost-saver that merchants rely on to survive the holiday push without paying for it in January.
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Today’s email was written by David Vendrell.
Edited by Nick Comney. Polled and Copy-edited by Kait Cunniff.
Published by Darline Salazar.