I've been to a million tupperware, jewelry, Pampered Chef, you name it parties, but I've NEVER hosted one before and I'm kind of freaking out here!!
I'm hosting a Stella and Dot party at my place next Saturday... my BFF had had a party for last season's line, and only 6 people showed up!!... so I'm a bit nervous. I've invited I think 40 people and urged them to bring friends... so the other dilemma is what if EVERYONE shows up and they DO bring friends?! My house is SMALL. I can fit about 30 people relatively comfortable, but there's not seating for everyone! Is that okay? Most people mingle at these things, right?
It's a Saturday, late afternoon party, so I'm trying to think of finger foods to serve... I was just going to hit the frozen food section and get some appetizers, then make a fruit salad and also serve some little danishes or something... is that too much? I'll also serve champagne and OJ, red and white wine, and probably lemonade and iced tea... is that good?
In regards to the layout, I'd put the foodstuff's in my kitchen, then my 'foyer'/living room is like one big room (one big SMALL room, LOL!) so I guess I'll have to get a card table or something to present the jewelry... here's a question though... this is also joined to a screened in porch... should I clear out the porch and utilize that room as well? Or is that tacky having it 1/2 inside, 1/2 'outside'?
I'm totally at a loss here, any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!
What else am I missing here?
ALSO, I sent out a Facebook notification for invites... there are a few people I know don't check it, so what should I do, CALL and invite them??
I would utilize my screen porch and put beverages and chips there so that it would not be a traffic jam in the kitchen. I would put a few chairs in the back yard even so that a few ladies could flow out there to chit chat if the weather is nice.
I bet you will have less than 20 show up. I invited about 20 people and I think I had less than 10. And most of that was my mom, and two sisters and I threatened their life if they didnt come. My BFF was selling it (Lia Sophia) and her husband was laid off so I MADE people come.
I personally love Lia Sophia, but I have to say if I was invited to a Stella party I would probably make an excuse not to go. Its SOOO expensive!!
And you cant go without buying something.
I really dont like doing those parties, it puts people in a weird situation, they want to be there for you, but cant afford the stuff. You will be surprised at how many people dont show up.
I am a demonstrator for Uppercase Living and sometimes do home parties. I tell my hostesses to keep it simple. It sounds like you have a wonderful food and drink spread. The demonstrator will let you know how much space she needs(at least she should). I always find that guests almost always gather in the kitchen so you will want to direct people to the area you wish to keep them in.
As far as everyone coming that you invited, I would probably plan an about half. You might want to make a few phone calls just to be sure and also remind them of the time and day. This might help you get a better count. Sometimes weekend parties are actually harder for people to come to because of kids and husbands being home and people wanting family time.
I actually wished I lived closer to you, it sounds like it will be a fun time, especially because you're serving wine. Best advice is to relax and have fun.
Don't panic. It's a great night out for everyone. They are not going to care. If there's not enough room......that actually creates excitement and the person conducting the party will be thankful. It will boost her sales.
:)
Just have fun and enjoy.
It sounds like you have it all pretty much planned out! I think your food and drink selections are great. I doubt all 40+ people will be able to come, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. I would, however, pull out as many chairs as possible and even borrow some from a neighbor if possible.
Have fun! :)
Don't worry about seating. People do mingle and they spend most of the time standing and looking at the jewelry. Your food ideas sound good. I do think you should keep one area for the jewelry. The rep will want it that way too. She won't be able to answer questions in more than once place at a time. You'll probably need two card tables. I went to a Lia Sophia party and the display took up my friend's entire dining room table. Have fun! Hope you earn a lot of jewelry!
I was ssssooooo excited when I got the invite!!! You are having it the same day as Bob's new company picnic!!! URGH!!!!! is there a catalog on-line or something like that so I can look and maybe order?
Okay - the person that is bringing the jewelry will bring her own tables (or at least she should) to set her wares on. I would ask her to set her stuff up on the screened porch so people can move around out there and the food set up in the house...talk to her and find out how much space she will need - you might want to flip it around.
Veggies, cheese and crackers are great things - not too much because you are having it at 2PM - so we "assume" people have already had lunch...things that people can eat while standing up and looking at things instead of feeling like they need to "sit" in order to eat....make sense? One of the things I bought since I didn't want to fix it myself? the potato skins by TGIFriday's....really easy finger food!
Hope you have a blast!!
I wouldn't worry too much about it. Have you asked the consultant who is selling the jewlery if she is going to do a presentation or just display the jewels? I would get info from her first. Also, most consultants would rather you DON'T put out a bunch of food because they want people at your party to book their own party and they want it to be "easy" not a big production so more people are likely to sign up to have one. The last time I had one of these parties I had invited 6 people and told the consultant I felt so bad because I thought MAYBE 2 of them would show up....uh no...I had 19 show up. It was her biggest party she ever had. I just had bottled waters and some sodas, a fruit and veggie tray, platter of cookies and some chips and dips...easy. Everyone had a great time, mostly just hanging out and chatting. Good luck, you will have fun regardless!
I have not read your responses but here is my advice. I am also in direct sales and have been for several yesrs...your Rep should calm all of your fears. :) Regardless of the 'type' of party you are having - with direct sales, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS keep your food and your party together. People will always gather around the snacks and drinks. Example: if you have the jewelry in the livingroom and the food in the kitchen...chances are people will not even come look at the jewelry. Keep it all together. If you are not comfortable having people eat in a particular area of the house that you would like the jewelry to be shown in, then you will have to announce to your guests to help themselves to snacks and then come join the party in the "whatever room". If you have food outside, you are probably guarenteed a low sales party as people will enjoy the time outside and may even exit the party from the backyard meaning they will never even go back inside. I have never really been a fan of presentations but more of an open house/mingle style party so, people have always mingled and eaten and tried on jewelry. Keep your snacks very simple! Enjoy your party! Good luck!
