About Chantel Simmons
Our former Editorial Director firmly believes the rule, "if it's not pretty, what's the point?". And while she’s no longer updating on SweetLife, you can still find Chantel being crafty and updating pretty picks over on her SweetHome blog, Make-It Session.
Silver Lining
the cherry on top Canada
(Oct.01.09)
I'm not really a shop-at-home party kind of girl. When I was eleven, my mom hosted an Aloette party. She and my sister went crazy for the home-party-only line of skin care products and promptly replaced every cleanser, toner, hydrator, masque, day cream and night cream in their arsenals. I bought a lip gloss.
In university a girlfriend had a Fantasia party. My friends bought lingerie and other unmentionable items for the bedroom. I bought strange blue bath salts.
So I was unlikely person to host a home party. But when I went to a media event for Silpada silver jewellery, I liked so many pieces in the catalogue, I decided to do it. I thought hosting the party would take a lot of prep work and time -- two things I don't have. But it turned out to be easier than shopping online. Because not only did my Silpada rep, the super-lovely Tracy, bring more than 100 pieces for us to touch and try on, but at the party, you can order straight from the catalogue, too, and the 500+ items are all photographed life-size so you can visualize how it will look when you're wearing it.
- Want to host a party? Here are a few tips I learned from Tracy:
- Host the party on a weeknight. Check. I started my party at 6:30 so people could come straight from work.
- Invite about 40 people. Tracy said that about 25% will actually come, so this will ensure at least 10 come to the party. Oops. I only invited about 15 people. Ten showed up, which was actually a nice size.
- Keep your refreshments simple. Check. I did a mini-buffet of wine, cheese and cupcakes, of course.
Like any home party, there are other goals that if you meet them, you get rewards, but unlike some companies, there was no pressure to do so. And if you don't want to host a party just to buy an item you like, you don't have to. Any of the Silpada pieces in the catalogue can be ordered directly from a rep, and are shipped within two weeks. (I received my items in three days).
Here's a peek at some items we bought at the party. Spoiler alert to my mother-in-law. If you're reading, stop right now.
From top: My picks: For my mother-in-law: Pendant with three interchangeable inserts -- turquoise, white howlite and black chalcedony, $83; for myself: Hammered hoop earrings, $44; and Bangle, $141. Jes's pick: Sterling silver filigree and red earrings, $33. Ashleigh's pick: Earrings, $36.
Now, if only I could find a Tupperware party rep.
Have you hosted or been to a home party? Leave a comment and tell us what you loved/hated about it!
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