A Simple Trick for Better Parties
'It's just branding,' she said with a shrug.
Giving a social function a fun name, Patia told me, seems to amuse her family. And when the name sticks, so does the event. That's how a pitcher of sangria on a random summer weekend became a tradition. And how a group chat about personal finance turned into a quarterly meeting to discuss milestones and goals.
Why do these activities seem so tempting? All Patia did was give them a name. I asked Priya Parker, the author of 'The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters,' and she said that she wasn't surprised.
Gatherings flourish when structure is baked into them, she explained. And framing time together in an intentional way, she added, helps people understand what they're walking into, how to show up and why it matters.
Branding a family activity can also increase buy-in, which Parker has called 'the quiet force behind gatherings that stick.' So I asked experts how to get creative with everyday get-togethers to make them more enticing, fun and easier to initiate.
Finding more excuses to convene, even if they're small or offbeat, can give us 'a portfolio of ways to engage each other,' said Brent Smith, a professor of marketing and associate vice president for executive education at Emerson College.
Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wall Street Journal
an hour ago
- Wall Street Journal
Got a Bit of a Belly? Style Tips for Men About Pants, Polos and More
Loads of men can relate to having a bit of a belly—and how that affects getting dressed. New York personal stylist Peter Nguyen called this an especially common conundrum for his clients. Though you can find style guides for bigger guys, few pay much attention to the waist. Which suit jackets complement a pear-shaped torso? What's a winning polo for a dad bod? Are there ways to look more svelte without resorting to Spanx? We hit up pros and regular stylish guys for tips.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Hailey Bieber Swaps Chunky Sneakers for Justin Bieber's Cloud Slippers
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. I've been a Pilates princess for over a year now, meaning I have my pre-class ritual down to a science. Inspired by celebrities like Hailey Bieber (a frequent gym-goer herself), I'm weak without a matching set, my oversize duffel bag, and chunky sneakers. However, on July 23, Hailey Bieber threw my routine off its axis. The model was spotted post-Pilates with an itty-bitty bag and slippers in tow—the antithesis of my current combo. While she often warms up and cools down in dad-ish New Balance trainers, she paired her no-slip socks with cloud-like slippers this time around. Her source? Justin Bieber's under-the-radar streetwear brand, SKYLRK. Complete with curved ridges and platform soles, her heightened slides revamped the house slippers Justin frequently wears beyond their house. Hailey's slippers appear to be the brand's newest design, which he posted on Instagram just days ago, following the sneakers SKYLRK unveiled in 2024. I require a ludicrously capacious bag at the gym, but not Hailey. The Rhode founder carried only her essentials in The Row's Small Park Tote Bag, a $1,550 micro purse made entirely of grained calfskin leather. It's the smallest model in Hailey's The Row collection, even slimmer than the silk Cecily Bag she debuted last month. Sure, the Small Park Tote barely fits a plastic water bottle, but it still served a look. Onto the rest of her Pilates uniform: Hailey fulfilled the "low" portion of her high-low look with a sheer, off-the-shoulder long-sleeve. A matching bralette peeked through the top's transparent mesh. From there, the all-black theme continued with high-rise biker shorts. Her white cotton headband upped her bottoms' already-nostalgic feel. View Deal After months of SKYLRK-clad sightings, Justin finally launched his inaugural collection on July 10. However, most of the pieces (which ranged from $40 to $200) sold out immediately, causing the website to shut down. Now, it's password protected. There's been no word from Justin or his team about a potential restock, but maybe Hailey knows something we don't. It seems Hailey's sneaker streak has hit its peak. She hasn't publicly worn her New Balance 530s since June 22 (that we know of) though I don't blame her. If I had SKYLRK slippers in my closet, I'd ditch sneakers for good, too.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
What Each Zodiac Sign Still Craves From Their Childhood But Won't Say
When it comes to nostalgia, we all have that one thing from childhood we secretly wish we could have back. Whether it's a feeling, an experience, or an object, sometimes what we miss can be surprisingly revealing. You might not openly admit it, but there's always something that tugs at the heartstrings. Let's take a playful look at what each zodiac sign might still crave from their childhood, even if they won't say it out loud. 1. Aries: The Thrill Of Adventure If you're an Aries, you were probably that kid who lived for the thrill of the chase, whether it was climbing trees or racing bikes. Now that you've traded in your tricycle for a car, you might secretly yearn for those carefree days of adventure where nothing was off-limits. The sense of liberation and exploration was intoxicating, and you miss the freedom of discovering new places just around the corner. According to child psychologist Dr. Sarah Johnson, that early sense of adventure helps foster problem-solving skills and creativity in adulthood. Maybe it's time to channel that energy into something new, like a spontaneous road trip or a new hobby. Even as an adult, the thrill of trying something for the first time can be exhilarating for you. While life's responsibilities have likely taken some of that carefree spirit away, there's still a part of you that craves the adrenaline rush. You might find that your daily routine doesn't quite quench your thirst for excitement. Reignite that childhood wonder by trying activities that push you out of your comfort zone. Don't be afraid to take risks and let your adventurous spirit shine through. 2. Taurus: The Comfort Of Simplicity For Taurus, there's nothing quite like the feeling of coming home to a warm, inviting space that feels like a hug. As a child, the simplest pleasures brought the most joy, like a cozy blanket or a favorite stuffed animal. You long for those uncomplicated times when the world felt smaller and more manageable. The predictability and comfort of these moments provided a sense of security that you often wish you could return to. You might not admit it, but there's a part of you that craves the simplicity of childhood comforts. In today's fast-paced world, finding that same level of peace might seem impossible. Yet, incorporating small rituals into your daily life can bring back some of that lost tranquility. Whether it's indulging in a warm bath or taking a moment to savor your morning coffee, these simple acts can ground you. Allow yourself to relish in the sensory pleasures of life, just like you did when you were young. It's okay to take a step back and embrace relaxation every once in a while. 3. Gemini: The Joy Of Discovery Gemini, you have always been a curious soul, soaking up information like a sponge from a very young age. Remember the thrill of discovering something new, whether it was a fun fact or a new game to play? That unquenchable thirst for knowledge was what made your childhood so fascinating. According to a study by Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, curiosity is a fundamental aspect of cognitive development that persists into adulthood. Sometimes, you might find yourself yearning for the days when learning was just about fun, not obligation. Even now, the joy of discovery hasn't left you; it's just morphed into something more refined. Adult life demands that you focus on practical knowledge, but sometimes, you just want to explore without reason. Allow yourself to indulge in learning for the sake of learning, whether it's picking up a new language or diving into a subject you've always been curious about. Rekindling this childlike wonder can reignite your passion for life. Seek out what captivates you and let it fill your life with excitement. 4. Cancer: The Safety Of Home Cancer, your home has always been your sanctuary, a place where you felt utterly safe and loved. As a child, you probably loved nothing more than being surrounded by family, with the comfort of knowing you were cared for. This sense of safety and emotional warmth is something you secretly crave, even if you don't often say so. There's a deep desire within you to recreate that nurturing environment, both for yourself and those you care about. You long for the stability and love that defined your early years. In adulthood, finding that same level of comfort can be a challenge. The world can be unpredictable, and that's why it's so important for you to create your own haven. Surround yourself with meaningful objects and people who make you feel cherished. Tap into that nurturing side by hosting gatherings or cooking family recipes. When you cultivate an atmosphere of warmth and security, you bring a little piece of childhood comfort into your adult life. 5. Leo: The Spotlight Of Attention Leo, you were probably the kid putting on performances in the living room, basking in the attention and applause. Childhood was a time when you could be unapologetically you, without restraint or self-doubt. That spotlight made you feel alive, and whether you admit it or not, you sometimes miss being the center of attention. According to Dr. Susan Newman, a social psychologist, early experiences with recognition can strongly influence self-esteem in adulthood. You still thrive on acknowledgement and praise, though you might not always vocalize this need. Even as an adult, you crave opportunities to shine and express yourself creatively. While responsibilities have shifted some of your focus, there's still that inner performer who longs to be seen. Don't be afraid to let that part of you come out, whether it's through public speaking, art, or any avenue that allows you to express your true self. Embrace your natural leadership qualities and inspire those around you. The world is your stage, and it's time to step into the spotlight. 6. Virgo: The Satisfaction Of Order Virgo, you were likely the child who thrived on neatness and organization, finding joy in the little things being in their rightful places. Childhood offered you a manageable world where you could categorize and control your environment to your heart's content. You miss the satisfaction that came with having everything just so, a feeling that's harder to maintain in a chaotic adult world. It's not just about the physical order but the mental clarity that came with it. You might not openly express it, but you long for that sense of order and simplicity from your formative years. As an adult, your love for organization is sometimes met with chaos and unpredictability. Despite this, you continuously strive to bring method to the madness, finding peace in structure. Revisit your childhood joy by embracing organizational projects, whether at home or work. Allow yourself to enjoy the process of creating order, as it brings you a unique kind of joy. Rediscover the fulfillment that stems from turning disorder into harmony. 7. Libra: The Harmony Of Friendship Libra, your childhood was all about forming connections and building friendships that felt like a second family. The purity of those early bonds, where everyone got along and happiness was abundant, is something you secretly wish you could revisit. According to Dr. John T. Cacioppo, a psychologist specializing in social relationships, formative friendships are crucial in developing interpersonal skills that last a lifetime. You miss the unfiltered joy and balance that these relationships brought into your life. The harmony of those connections is a feeling you often long for in adulthood. In your adult life, you might find that relationships become more complicated, with less time to nurture them. Despite the challenges, your desire for connection remains strong. Make an effort to cultivate meaningful relationships and cherish the moments of harmony when they occur. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you and foster that sense of camaraderie. Seek out opportunities to connect, and you might find a taste of that childhood harmony once again. 8. Scorpio: The Depth Of Emotion Scorpio, your childhood emotional world was rich and intense, filled with deep feelings and transformative experiences. You might secretly miss the pure, unfiltered emotional expression that came so naturally when you were young. Deep down, you long for the intensity of those emotions, even if they were sometimes overwhelming. As a child, you felt everything deeply, from joy to sadness, and each emotion was a meaningful part of your inner landscape. While you've learned to navigate your emotional depths, there's a nostalgic part of you that yearns for that raw emotionality. In adulthood, the world often encourages you to temper your emotions, but they remain an integral part of who you are. Embrace these feelings and don't be afraid to explore the depths of your emotional world. By doing so, you can find a sense of authenticity and renewal. Seek out creative outlets or supportive relationships that allow you to express yourself fully. Remember, your emotional depth is a strength, not a weakness. 9. Sagittarius: The Wanderlust Of Imagination As a Sagittarius, your childhood was likely a time of boundless imagination and endless possibilities. You were the kid with a head full of dreams, always planning your next great adventure or dreaming up fantastical stories. You miss the days when the world was full of potential and every new experience was an opportunity for exploration. Childhood wanderings, whether real or imagined, filled you with a sense of wonder that you quietly long for. Though you may not verbalize it, there's a part of you that craves the unrestrained imagination of your youth. In adult life, responsibilities can sometimes stifle that sense of adventure, but it's still there, waiting to be unlocked. Embrace your inner explorer by seeking out new experiences or diving into creative projects that reignite your imagination. Let your sense of curiosity guide you, and don't shy away from stepping outside your comfort zone. Remember that the world is still full of wonder—sometimes, you just need to look a little harder to find it. Keep dreaming and exploring, and let your imagination lead the way. 10. Capricorn: The Achievement Of Goals Capricorn, even as a child, you were probably driven and goal-oriented, always striving to achieve something new. You relished the satisfaction of setting a goal and seeing it through to completion, no matter how small. The pride that came from these accomplishments is something you quietly yearn for, even if you don't always say it. Childhood was a time of tangible achievements, from winning a game to finishing a school project. You miss the straightforwardness of those early successes, where the path from effort to reward was clear. As an adult, the goals you set are often more complex and the road to achieving them less linear. While this can be daunting, your determination remains steadfast, and you continue to work towards your ambitions. Embrace your inner drive by setting smaller, more attainable goals that bring back that sense of accomplishment. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how minor they may seem, and let them fuel your ambition. Remember that each step you take is a testament to your perseverance and strength. 11. Aquarius: The Freedom Of Uniqueness Aquarius, you were likely the child who danced to the beat of your own drum, unafraid to express your individuality. Childhood was a time when your unique perspective was celebrated, and you could explore your identity without fear of judgment. You miss the freedom of being unapologetically yourself, a feeling that's often lost in the conformity of adult life. Even if you don't openly express it, there's a longing within you to reclaim that sense of individuality. You want to revisit the days when being different was a source of pride, not pressure. In adulthood, societal expectations can sometimes suppress your individuality, but your spirit remains unyielding. Allow yourself to embrace your quirks and let your true colors shine in everything you do. Find communities or creative outlets that celebrate diversity and encourage self-expression. By doing so, you can reignite that childhood sense of freedom and authenticity. Remember, your uniqueness is your strength, and the world is a better place with your distinct perspective. 12. Pisces: The Dreaminess Of Fantasy Pisces, your childhood was likely filled with daydreams and fantasies that transported you to magical realms. You were the child who could lose themselves in a story or create an entire world inside their head. The enchantment of those imaginative journeys is something you secretly wish you could return to. You miss the escape that these fantasies provided, a place where anything was possible and reality took a back seat. Though you might not vocalize it, there's a part of you that longs for that dreamlike state of mind. In the adult world, fantasy often gives way to practicality, but your imagination remains a powerful asset. Allow yourself to indulge in the whimsical and the fantastical, whether through art, literature, or creative hobbies. These activities can provide a much-needed respite from the demands of everyday life. Embrace the dreamer within you and let your imagination soar. Remember that your creativity is a gift, and it has the power to transform the world around you. Solve the daily Crossword
