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March 6, 2009
Posted by: Deb at 5:53 pm
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This is not the most lovely photo I have ever taken; however, I am hoping it grabbed your attention. You are privileged to get a peek at the corner of my basement where I store our unused decor. These are just a few of the items that don’t have a home in my current decorating scheme.
I’ve been asking myself lately just how long I should hold on to such items before getting rid of them. Then where do I take them when I finally decide I am done with them. I am trying very hard not to allow clutter to grow at this house, and that means the basement, too!
I began thinking about the possibility of having a decorating Swap Party. Although, I have never been to one, I have thought that the idea of freshening your wardrobe, library, or home by exchanging items with friends of similar tastes sounds like lots of fun.
I found a party plan for a Fashion Swap Party that I think would work. You can link to it here. I believe that you could use the same rules with household fashion as you would with wardrobe fashion.
Obviously the main perk, besides a fun night with friends, is a budget conscious opportunity to shake things up a little. Imagine only having to buy:
- the candles because you swapped for the candle holder
- the candy for the candy dish
- the flowers for the vase
- the photos for the frame
- etc. . . .
Now it’s your turn. Have you ever been to a swap party? What did you think? What are some of your suggestions to make it fun? Have you ever gotten a “treasure” by swapping? Finally, please add your thoughts on items you think would be fun to have at a Swap Party?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions. You, our readers are the best, and add so many ideas for wonderful ways to enjoy our homes.
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1. Deb, Sounds like a great idea. You get to have lots of fun “shopping” while getting together with friends. Something I may consider as I have an area in my house much like your corner in the basement. Thanks for the idea!
by Rhana — 3/7/09 at 9:13 pm #
2. Great idea! In England (where I am from) clothes swap parties are all the rage because of the new ‘economy’. I just wonder what kind of venue would be large enough to accommodate furniture items that participants may bring along.
by Denise — 3/8/09 at 11:41 am #
3. This is an EXCELLENT idea!! We end up giving so many lovely decorative pieces (and rugs!) to charity that are quite nice, as we just aren’t using them any longer.
Of course, I don’t begrudge the charity (!!!), but how many times have you had a friend admire something, only to stop using it yourself within a month or two?? You know your friend would like to have it, but you might feel odd offering, so you end up donating it.
When I first started working in a large company, I organized ‘dress swap parties’ for several coworkers and friends from other companies. None of us had a lifestyle that supported the ownership of several fancy ball and party gowns, but ALL of us had a few company occasions per year where we needed one… we would all get together before one of these occasions, and ’swap’ dresses to wear to our separate events. One trip to the dry cleaner later we would return the dress to the owner, and voila! We all had huge ‘party dress’ wardrobes from which to choose.
GREAT IDEA!!!! Thank you!
by Dawn — 3/8/09 at 2:39 pm #
4. well I think that’s a FABULOUS idea. The word swap has been buzzing around my head lately and not knowing for what reason….. Perhaps THIS!!
Mel from Australia
I don’t know alot of people but I might be able to pull it off.
Thanks for the tip
by Melanie — 3/9/09 at 9:16 am #
5. Thanks Rhana and Melanie, I always appreciate words of encouragement. Please come back and let us know if you give this a try. We would love to hear the details of what worked and what didn’t, how large a venue you used, and whether or not you played shopping “games” or just allowed everyone to shop at once.
I have so many thoughts about this idea racing around in my head that I am anxious to hear tips for success and also things I should avoid. Thanks again for stopping by and for leaving a comment.
by Deb — 3/9/09 at 11:36 am #
6. Denise, It’s so nice to hear from you. What a great question. In my former home we had a large walk out basement that would have worked. In fact we had a huge moving sale that required the basement space, the yard, and a storage shed. I must say I am thankful to have downsized. If no one in the group has a large enough space, it might be possible to contact your community center, a church in the area, or a local school.
Please let us know if you give this a try and how it goes for you.
Thanks for your encouragement and question.
by Deb — 3/9/09 at 11:44 am #
7. Dawn, I am so glad to hear from someone who has had a swap party. What a great idea to swap party dresses. I have often been frustrated when purchasing a dress knowing that it will probably only be worn once or twice. Sharing them with friends would open up a whole new way of thinking.
I’m also with you when it comes to donating things I don’t use any more. It is a blessing to be able to pass an item on so that it might be used by someone who needs it.
The swap party just puts a middle step in the process. You are right about that friend who has commented on liking something, but we tend to feel awkward offering it to them. A swap party would remove the uncertainty, and the group could agree that at the end of the evening anything that is no longer wanted would be donated. That way everyone involved is blessed.
Thanks for adding your thoughts and giving us another idea.
by Deb — 3/9/09 at 1:51 pm #
8. Hi Deb! So cool you’re talking about this…I was going to do a Decor Exchange Party last year. I blogged about it, but ran out of time to actually do it!
I was going to give it a charity angle and use an auction format.
Susan
by Susan — 3/10/09 at 7:50 am #
9. Hey Susan,
What a great idea to use a chariity auction format. I have been to several, and I’m actually attending one the end of this month. Having a silent auction and then giving the proceeds to charity is another great way to exchange our out of use decor. Thanks for the suggestion.
by Deb — 3/10/09 at 12:32 pm #
10. Our bunco group kicked around the idea at Christmas but ran out of time. Instead of the normal white elephant gift exchange with new gifts, we thought about bringing something, wrapped as a gift from your house that was sitting in that pile in the basement. One man’s trash . . .
The thought of bringing that whole pile somewhere and letting folks pick the things that they like – what a great idea. Maybe everyone gets a number and gets to pick one thing. You keep going in order until no one wants what is left. That pile then goes to charity.
by Michele — 3/11/09 at 11:10 am #
11. Thanks Michele, That is a great idea for a Christmas gift exchange. Those white elephant gifts usually end up added to the pile in the basement. LOL
Using numbers would work, the link in the post suggests that a ticket is placed in a basket for each item you bring. The tickets are then drawn randomly and when your tickets are drawn you get to select an item. Im sure there are games that could be added as well.
I’m always up for a fun night with friends. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
by Deb — 3/11/09 at 12:45 pm #
12. I really like this idea and would have never thought of it myself. Thanks.
by Elaine — 3/17/09 at 7:29 pm #
13. For the furniture swap: pictures of the items fromdifferent angles would work. Then if someone wants that item, or is willing to buy it, they can talk to the owner and work out a time to exchange hands.
by Katharine — 3/18/09 at 12:37 am #
14. Thanks Elaine, I love encouragement, in fact it motivates me. You’ve made my day!
Katherine, I like your photo idea for adding furniture to the event. Look how much we can find out on Realtor.com through photos, and how many of us internet and catalog shop. This way the actually hauling is only done once, which also lessens opportuniity for any damage to take place. Thanks so much for stopping by and adding this great tip.
by Deb — 3/18/09 at 2:32 pm #