almost 2 years ago i pulled an article out of better homes & gardens {one of my favorite magazines} that encouraged women to get together and swap their household items with each other. i did not know then that it would be one of the most important nights for me each month as i began to connect and build friendships with the women i invited!

• make a list of 10-20 friends or acquaintances that you want to spend more time with
• decide on a theme {theme list below}
• send them a little invite {see below for an example}
• make color coded clothespins for “shopping” – 10 for each person attending
• put clothespins & name tag in a little bag for each guest
• have fun making up some basic rules or use ours
• if it’s a hit make it a monthly or every other month event

theme ideas

• kitchen | small kitchen appliances, utensils, bowls, dinnerware, silverware, dining room linens, washcloths, hand towels
• seasonal  | spring, summer, fall & winter decor
• home decor | mirrors, art, decorative bowls & containers, plants, picture frames, lamps
• books | childrens, adult, young adult, research, cookbooks, how-to’s, garden books
• holiday | yes, every holiday — Christmas, Easter, st. paddy’s day, halloween
• movies & music | vhs, cd’s, dvd’s for children, family, chick flicks & more

the invitation

{this is some homemade Sangria for our last swap}

i LOVE using facebook to manage my parties — if you’ve not tried this, just click on the “event” tab in your sidebar and create a new event. you can edit the event to be “private” so only the friends you invite can see it. this gives everyone a chance to respond with what they plan to bring {that’s right — you’re not going to do all the baking & making as the host!} here’s a sample invitation:

Girlfriends Swap Party: Home Decor

Saturday, June 12 at 6:30

Address: 123 Anywhere St, Oswego, NY

Please bring up to 10 items that you use for home decorations {think mirrors, frames, bowls, plants, entry carpets, candles & more}. Add a label with a short description to each one and attach using tape or string. Please reply by ___{enter date about 3-5 days before the event}___ with either an appetizer or dessert to share. Drinks will be provided!

step-by-step

• when guests arrive give them their name tag & color coded clothespin bags
• have tables set up {or use your dining room table} for your guests to place their items on
• pre-cut some tags just in case they forget to tag their own items
• once everyone arrives, explain the shopping rules
• put one clothespin from each guest in a dish and then pick to decide order
• eat, relax & enjoy each other’s company

shopping tips

• allow the first 2-3 guests to go first and as they finish “shopping” send the next one
• they can use 3 clothespins per turn & only 2 pins are allowed per item
• if there is more than 1 colored pin on an item you put both pins into a dish & choose the winner
• the other can go shopping again with their last pin

i sure hope that you consider being a host to your own swap party. it was such an amazing way to meet new friends and really start to connect and form friendships. some people may only come once or twice or you may find you have a core group of 4-6 woman that want to be a part every time. have fun, be creative and enjoy your new friendships!

go swap!!

© 2011, Aimee. All rights reserved. Love it? Please share, pin, tweet or email but do not use my work without permission.