Looking for a fun end of summer party idea? How about a Décor Exchange Party, where each guest brings an unused accessory to auction (to each other) for charity! Not only will you have fun, but you’ll clean out your basement, find new (to you) decorating accessories, and you’ll help others in need.
Here’s how it works. Ask each guest bring an accessory that they just don’t use anymore (such as a vase, picture, sculpture, wine rack, serving platter…you get the idea). Set them up in good retail fashion on table(s) so everyone can view them. Then hold an auction for each item. Keep the mood light and fun, and then donate all proceeds to a favorite charity.
Want to make it interesting? Have each person give a sales pitch for their item, then award a prize for the person whose donated accessory brings in the most money for charity (perhaps a HomeGoods gift card?). That will help limit the number of plastic garden gnomes you get. LOL
Ok, now that you’re sold on the idea…let’s make it fabulous:
Food/Drink: keep it simple and finger friendly. Serve a fun foo-foo signature punch and tea sandwiches. You can also ask guests to bring an appetizer or dessert to share to keep the costs down.
Ambiance: Think like a retailer. Play Pottery Barn CD’s to get that shopping vibe. Brew a pot of java for that warm coffee-house smell. Light candles and put a fire in the fireplace (if not too warm out!).
What other ideas do you have to make a Décor Exchange Party a success?
1. Cool idea Susan and I love the way you present it. But if your friends are all sort of poor you might try this alternative. Charge a $5.00 admissions fee for the evening (most of us can still afford $5.00 for an evening of fun — all proceeds going to charity makes you feel good about it too. Then have your attendees sit in a circle and take turns rolling a pair of dice onto a plastic dish. If they get a 6 or a 1 they get to choose an item of their choice from the table. The plate/dice pass to the next person and so on. Even when there is nothing left they want, they must still take an item if you roll a 6 or 1. (imagine the groans if you get stuck with the last item and its the one your brought). This continues until all the table is cleared (one person may possess several items if they are lucky with the dice). After the table is clear, do one more round with the dice and anyone rolling a 6 or a 1 can take one item of their choice from another person’s possesion and/or trade an item they have in their possession. After that, winners go home with their prizes, losers are stuck with what they got or go home empty handed. But it’s a fun night and either way everyone goes home a winner. Unwanted items were shared, money was raised for charity and for $5.00 some folks will get one or more great new decor items and a lot of great laughs.
by Joan — 8/6/09 at 11:00 am #
2. Hey Joan - sounds fun…with a bit of a “white elephant gift” feel to it!
by susan — 8/7/09 at 6:58 am #