NYT Strands puzzle No. 967 solutions and theme revealed

The New York Times Strands puzzle released on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026 (puzzle No. 967) centered on the theme “Please, be my guest!” and offered a party-related hint, “Come to my party!”. Participants were encouraged to locate hidden words of four letters or more; every three such words unlocked a theme word. The puzzle’s solution set includes the words HOST, MEET, INVITE, RECEIVE, WELCOME and ENTERTAIN, which together satisfy the theme and fill the grid. A spangram—a continuous theme word spanning the board—was also part of the solution, though its specific letters were not disclosed.