So…are you selling this now?

I like having home parties – I like going to them. And I was even a Creative Memories consultant for 9 years. People are always shocked when I tell them that I hate crafts. They say…”but you scrapbook…” Well…yes, I scrapbook. I love taking pictures. And I always have a lot to say (can you tell?!) So…my scrapbook pages are not works of art. They are really simple – lots of pictures, LOTS of words, and a little color (see -- pretty simple!). I sent my kids to pre-school so that I did not have to deal with playdough, glitter, and glue!

Over the years, I have hosted and attended Creative memories classes, and parties for Usborne, Premier jewelry, Pampered Chef, Tastefully simple, Longaberger, Southern Living, and there have probably been some others over the years. Anyway a few months ago I was looking for a pretty paper towel holder for my kitchen. I couldn’t find anything that I liked – but thought I might find something from Southern Living. I ran into a friend of mine who is a consultant with Southern Living and asked her for a catalog. She just happened to mention that January was double hostess points! So…a simple need for a paper towel holder led to a decision to have a party.

I like having parties – but no everyone is as enthusiastic as I am. I have attempted to host parties in the past. I have had to cancel because no one could come. And I have had some really successful parties. I was not sure what this party would bring. I mean, I was having it in January. There is a good reason for it being doubles hostess points month. I sent out my evites; I sent out post card reminders. When I handed some out…some people even asked me if I was now selling Southern Living. What?! Just because I was a consultant before does not mean that I want to be a consultant again!

And then…miracles of miracles…people actually began to RSVP…and in a positive manner. I actually made a call to the consultant to say I had no idea where I was going to fit 21 people in my living room! I actually hoped that not all of them would show up.

On the night of the big event…I had 15 people that came to the house…and lots of outside orders. With the big tally…the party sales were almost $1100! With double hostess points…I got 40% of the party sales in product – and 5 items at half price. That is A LOT of product. And it’s a lot of product that has been delivered to my house. The Fex Ex guy had a lot of comments about all the boxes he brought into the house (they were pretty heavy). And then…I had to sort and bag…so if you came to my party – I have your stuff!! I need to be rescued from all the bags that make it impossible to walk from the kitchen to the laundry room…or maybe that is not such a bad thing...