How to Host a Favorite Things Party

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Hosting a Favorite Things Party might just be my new favorite way to gather friends. It’s simple, joyful, hilarious, and everyone leaves with new must-haves they didn’t know they needed!

Favorite things party brunch with a table set with all the good brunch food.

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This isn’t your typical gift exchange; there’s storytelling, laughter, good food, and that magical mix of charm + connection that makes a gathering unforgettable. Here’s how I hosted mine – from the food to the party flow and how you can recreate it too.

Want the full breakdown? Sign up for my mini email series with my planning steps, party tips, and the favorite things my friends brought (they were SO good!).

So, what is a Favorite Things Party?

Here’s how it works:

  • Each guest brings 3 of the same favorite item (around $15), unwrapped.
  • All the items go on a display table.
  • We do 3 rounds of choosing – everyone goes home with 3 new faves!
  • For each round, we draw names from a bowl. Names go back in after each round for a fresh order.
  • Each guest gets 1 steal total, so use it wisely!
  • You can’t steal from someone who just stole from you; keeps it friendly and fun!

Trust me: the speeches are where the magic is. My friends had us crying laughing. Turns out everyone is an undercover comedian and product influencer.

Brunch Menu for a Favorite Things Party

Here’s what I served for our brunch-style Favorite Things Party:

  • Mint Mojito Coffee Station – iced espresso + fresh mint syrup (SO refreshing)
  • Frittata
  • Banana Bread
  • Blueberry Snacking Cake, Roasted Carrot Hummus and Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette – ALL from my book!
  • Cheese Platter – with olives + Marcona almonds
  • Cinnamon Rolls + Strawberry Croissants – from a local bakery
  • Sparkling Grapefruit Martinis
  • Sparkling White + Rosé Wine

Hosting Tips

Set a $15-ish limit – but know some people will go rogue.

Remind guests to bring three of the same items, unwrapped.

Encourage funny or heartfelt explanations – this is where the memories are made.

Set up the items like a mini market table so it feels special.

Bonus: have a little gift or flower for each guest to take home.

Quick Planning Timeline

Here’s how I pulled it off without the stress:

Day of: Got ready first, finished the food, lit the fire, and hit play on the playlist!

4 weeks before: Sent out invites + made a mood board

2 weeks out: Ordered charming details + gifts

1 week out: Finalized the menu + checked the weather

3 days before: Grocery run + guest reminders

Day before: Set the table + prepped what I could

You can totally throw a Favorite Things Party for any occasion – Mother’s Day, birthdays, holiday gatherings, girls’ night, or just because it’s Tuesday and you need a little joy. It works year-round and never gets old.

More Party Ideas

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How to Host a Wine and Cheese Party

Planning one? Pin this or send it to your group chat; your Favorite Things Party is going to be so good!

About Eden

I’m Eden Passante and I develop, create, style and photograph every recipe and party on Sugar and Charm. I’m the author of Entertaining with Charm and have a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics and I’m here to help you create simple and easy recipes for entertaining and how to add charm to any gathering!

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