If you’re someone who loves a full house, a stocked fridge, and any excuse to light a candle and pass around a playlist, you’re in the right place. House Rules is our new editorial series dedicated to the art of gathering—whether it’s a last-minute brunch or a color-coded dinner party. We believe that hosting doesn’t have to mean perfection; it just means setting the tone, creating the vibe, and making space for people to show up and feel good.

So what do you need? A reason. A moment. A date to put on the calendar.

That’s where this list comes in. Whether you’re planning your first Friendsgiving or already mentally preparing your NYE tablescape, these holidays are your official cheat sheet for creating joy, on purpose. From timeless traditions to trending moments, here are 23 occasions worth celebrating this year.

January

1. National Vision Board Day (Second Saturday in January)
Perfect for: Manifestation brunch with magazines, scissors, and mimosas.

2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
Perfect for: Community service, a discussion dinner, or an educational movie night.

February

3. Lunar New Year (Date varies)
Perfect for: A festive dinner party celebrating Asian culture and cuisine.

4. Galentine’s Day (February 13)
Perfect for: A girls’ night in with wine, rom-coms, and charcuterie.

5. Valentine’s Day (February 14)
Perfect for: An intimate dinner, themed cocktails, or couples’ game night.

March

6. International Women’s Day (March 8)
Perfect for: Celebrating the incredible women in your life with a thoughtful dinner or small gift exchange.

7. St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)
Perfect for: A green-themed party, Irish fare, and a Guinness tasting.

April

8. Earth Day (April 22)
Perfect for: A zero-waste potluck, a park picnic, or a community cleanup.

9. Easter Sunday (Date varies)
Perfect for: A classic brunch, egg hunt, or spring centerpiece competition.

May

10. Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
Perfect for: Taco night, margarita flights, and festive decor.

11. Mother’s Day (Second Sunday in May)
Perfect for: A seated brunch, spa night, or at-home wine tasting.

June

12. Juneteenth (June 19)
Perfect for: A cookout, block party, or celebration of Black art and music.

13. Summer Solstice (June 20-22)
Perfect for: An outdoor dinner, sundress code, and citrus cocktails.

July

14. Fourth of July (July 4)
Perfect for: Backyard BBQs, themed cocktails, and sparklers.

15. National Picnic Month (All of July)
Perfect for: Weekly friend dates in the park with boards, blankets, and playlists.

August

16. National Friendship Day (First Sunday in August)
Perfect for: Hosting a DIY spa night, game night, or a playlist swap.

17. National Relaxation Day (August 15)
Perfect for: A candle-lit dinner, cozy loungewear dress code, and comfort food.

September

18. Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Perfect for: One last summer hurrah—a pool party, beach day, or rooftop cookout.

19. Fall Equinox (Around September 22)
Perfect for: An autumn-themed dinner with root veggies and mulled wine.

October

20. National Taco Day (October 4)
Perfect for: Build-your-own taco bar, mezcal tasting, or taco-themed trivia.

21. Halloween (October 31)
Perfect for: Costume party, spooky movie night, or pumpkin carving contest.

November

22. Friendsgiving (Any weekend before Thanksgiving)
Perfect for: Potluck-style dinner, cozy candlelight, and good music.

December

23. New Year’s Eve (December 31)
Perfect for: Champagne towers, dress codes, and memory jar moments.

Whether you’re working with a full dining room or a studio apartment, there’s always a reason to gather—and House Rules is here to help you do it beautifully.

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