Dwell By Cheryl Photobucket Portfolio Design Services Contact

"See It, Like It, Do It .... Swap Until You Drop"

We all know my first love is decorating but entertaining has to be a close second.  I am from the Hospitality State after all.  This weekend I hosted my annual Swap Event, a shindig that has quickly become a tradition amongst my friends.  It all started a couple of years ago, when I came across an article in Better Homes and Gardens.  It was a feature on how to assemble your friends together to swap personal items for which you no longer have a use.  You know, the whole "one man's trash" philosophy. 


BHG January 2010- READ HERE

It looked like so much fun that I decided to give it a try.  Here's how it works: 
  • You select a theme for the swap, at least I do.  I find it makes it much easier if you decided what the focus will be (i.e. housewares, jewelry, handbags, shoes, etc.).
  • You get a group of people together with a common affinity to the area you've chosen to focus.  No sense inviting someone who carries the same purse everyday to the handbag swap party.  Be strategic. It's not personal.
Swap Party 2011

Swap Party 2010


  • Limit each guest to a specific number of items.  This is very important.  It forces them to have to select the very best items to bring.  If you leave it open, you'll end up with everyone's charity donations.
  • Once guests arrive have them tag their items with a description and/or selling feature.  I think this step just helps people get in the mood and provides a retail look since there are not price tag$. 

Swap Party 2010

  • Once it's all set up.  It's time to shop!

Swap Party 2010

Swap Party 2012
  • Each guest is given cloths pins and markers to put their names on them.  These pins are then used to clip on the items that the guest wants to take home.
Swap Party 2012
  • Once the items are "pinned", it's time to draw for it.  A lottery approach creates a little bit of healthy competition.

Swap Party 2010

  • And definitely jubilation when your name is called.

Swap Party 2010
  • Add in a few refreshments and you're all set.

Swap Party 2012

Swap Party 2011

  • I usually try to add a twist each year.  This year I gave a prize to the person who brought the most sought after item to swap.  And guess who won this most sought after item....

Swap Party 2012

You got it!  Yours truly.  

Have you had your own Swap Party?  Thinking about it?  Chime in and leave a comment.

7 Comments - Click here to join the conversation!:

Brittany said... Reply To This Comment

That looks like so much fun!! Hate I missed it this year! But now thanks to you I am all set to host my own!

Dwell by Cheryl said... Reply To This Comment

Brittany, It was fun and we missed you guys. : )

Bonnie Moody said... Reply To This Comment

The first year I missed! I'm so sad, but it looked liked you guys had a blast!

Dwell by Cheryl said... Reply To This Comment

We did, but we missed you.

Nadia said... Reply To This Comment

Cheryl L. Luckett...I LOVE IT!!! Your blog truly inspires me everyday. The pictures are beautiful and the ideas meaningful. Keep up the GREAT work.

Dwell by Cheryl said... Reply To This Comment

Thanks Nadia! I really appreciate the encouragement.

DecRenew Interiors said... Reply To This Comment

Totally going to do this Cheryl! So fun! I think Teens would love it too!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...