Home Parties

Description:

It seems like everyone knows a home party consultant of some sort.  I'm sure if you talk to them, they'll tell you that they'd be happy to cater their party to a Shower.  These kinds of parties take much of the organization issues out of your hands and place them in the hands of the consultant.  Depending on the Guest of Honor's skills or hobbies, you can select one of these kinds of parties:

    Tupperware - I know this sounds very "motherly" but their stuff is cool.

    Pampered Chef - In addition to showing you lots of cool kitchen gadgets, the consultant prepares the food!

    Stampin' It - They teach you how to use rubber stamps and you usually get to create a card.

    Creative Memories - Along with learning how to preserve your photos, most parties allow you to create a scrapbook page.

There are others that I don't know names for that sell candles, home decor, jewelry, and other items.  Most of these can be found in the phone book or by asking around.  I also know there are "adult" home parties you can do, perhaps for a bachelorette party.

If these make you feel as if you're skimping on the details, you can always add your own touches.  At a Tupperware party, ask everyone to bring an item to be stored in Tupperware containers (flour, cookies, cereal) to help a new Bride stock her kitchen.  For a Creative Memories party, ask the guests to bring pictures of themselves with the bride, then put a book together of the pages created during the party.

Decorations:  

Home party consultants will tell you that you don't have to do much to prepare, and that's true - decorations can be minimal at a Home Party.  Usually you just prepare some snacks and let the consultant do the rest.  But don't let that stop you from being creative!  If you having a Tupperware party, put out your snacks in your own Tupperware items.  Candle party?  Lite a bunch of them to lend atmosphere!

Invitations/Prizes:   

Most Home Party companies provide you with invitations to send, but feel free to create your own, perhaps with the details of how this party will benefit the Guest of Honor ("We're all pitching in and allowing the Bride to pick $XXX of items" or "Everyone can pick an item to purchase for the Mother to Be").  

Again, the consultant may have some games ready - especially if you arrange that with her in advance.  She'll most likely provide her own prizes.

Food:  

For most of these parties, a simple veggie tray or other finger foods will be fine.  At a Pampered Chef party, you usually pick a couple of food items from recipes provided by the consultant, then she prepares them right in front of you.