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.
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 |
 |
Swap Party 2010 |
 |
Swap Party 2012 |
 |
Swap Party 2012 |
 |
Swap Party 2010 |
 |
Swap Party 2010 |
 |
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!:
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!
Brittany, It was fun and we missed you guys. : )
The first year I missed! I'm so sad, but it looked liked you guys had a blast!
We did, but we missed you.
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.
Thanks Nadia! I really appreciate the encouragement.
Totally going to do this Cheryl! So fun! I think Teens would love it too!
Post a Comment