Monday, August 31, 2009

Real Parties: Swap 'til You Drop!

A few weeks ago, I hosted a clothing swap at my house and a great time was had by all. Friends were invited to mix and mingle and enjoy a cocktail or two while they "shopped" for items donated by friends with similar styles. Not only was it an excuse for good friends to get together, but it was an opportunity to lend a hand to The Salvation Army. Leftover clothing was donated to the annual style show luncheon put on by the organization. There are many pictures to share, so get ready...

These ottomans served as inspiration for the invitations and all of the paper goods to follow.

The play area for my kids was transformed into a boutique style atmosphere.

As guests entered the house, they grabbed a card from the tree. Inside was a number which let them know when it was their turn to swap.








Yummy spiked pink lemonade was the drink of the afternoon.




















The girls grabbed guilt-free meringues as they left the party.

The current economy is hard on us all and this was a small, but wonderful opportunity for a group of girls to update their wardrobe without spending a penny!

All images by photographer Ellen Johnson
The paper goodies were made by Hayley Hardcastle


32 comments:

ellenzilla said...

yay! the party was super great and super cute :)

Pip said...

Hi! Such a great idea! Can I ask where the drink dispenser is from? It's such a gorgeous shape. Thanks!

Deidra said...

You are such a great party planner! I need some ideas for my son's4th birthday and little girls 2nd birthday any ideas?

Unknown said...

such a fun idea & you did a beautiful job! what a great way to spend some time with girlfriends!

Unknown said...

PS I featured your football party on my blog today!

Shelley said...

What a great party idea!! Everything looks beautiful!
Shelley@divinepartyconcepts.com

denise @ little ant design said...

What a great idea and you executed it beautifully.

Christi Bennett @ pisforparty said...

Pipaitch ~ I have really enjoyed the beverage dispenser! It is actually from Dillard's online (Main Ingredients Etched Drink Dispenser). I almost bought a more expensive version from Horchow, but decided to try this one out first.

Kim - The TomKat Studio said...

Fabulous job, Christi! What a fun afternoon for the girls! Mind if I share on my blog?

Allyson/HBMomof2 said...

That is the most gorgeous simple thing to do and perfect for the times. Loved it.

Pip said...

Thank you for sharing! Going to see if either places ship to New Zealand. Thanks!!x

Chris @ Celebrations At Home said...

Fabulous party Christi! Love all the details!

Ashlie said...

Such a great party! I love color scheme and design concept.

Feel free to check out my party ideas blog at:
http://itsmypartybyashlie.blogspot.com/

Ingrid said...

This is gorgeous! I love the inspiration ottomans!

Gwong said...

This is great - saw it via Party Perfect. I have been wanting to do a clothing swap - do you mind sharing how you did it, and best strategies for getting similar sizes, etc.

Ashley said...

Hi!
Wow! Great ideas! (And your house looks like it's perfect for parties!) Would you mind sharing some of the basics (like what glenn asked)? Pretty please? I'm wanting to do something similar in my hometown but would love some tips!
Thanks!
Ashley
http://www.bosssanders.com
bosssanders@gmail.com

Christi Bennett @ pisforparty said...

Glenn and Ashley ~ Yes! I will put together a post on how to host a clothing swap. Thank you for the compliments!!

Unknown said...

wow. the photos are great! luv all the flower arrangements and the clor scheme.

Lindsay said...

Gorgeous!!!! I love the container the pink lemonade is in! Do you remember where you bought it? Love the crudites as well! Did you just put a little bit with dip in each glass? Adorable and so swanky! :)

Lindsay said...

Nevermind on the drink dispenser - just read the comment above, Thanks!

Christi Bennett @ pisforparty said...

Lindsay ~ Thank you for the nice words! For the crudites, I piped in the dip with a pastry bag into small juice glasses.

Enchanted Expectations said...

Love the design of this party. Super Super Cute!

Julie Gallagher said...

Love this party so much - blogged about it at www.youareingoodcompany.blogspot.com!

Lindsey said...

LOved this party! LOVE your house even more! is that a wallpaper? Have you ever done a tour of your home? Would love to know more aobut the wallpaper and more :)

MOONBERRY said...

What a beautiful party this was!!! Love all the co-ordinated party details. :)

amy & lisa said...

What a neat idea! And everything is just beautiful! Love all your details.

I love the "orange"??? colored wall in your home. Can you share your actual color and technique?? :)

Christi Bennett @ pisforparty said...

Hi Lindsey! I'm not sure if you will check these comments again, but I'll give it a shot....

You are TOO kind about the comments on my house. I'm not quite sure the house is tour worthy. =) I would love to share info with you. Please feel free to e-mail me at pisforparty@att.net.

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hi Christi! Love this party. Going to do it myself. Did you ever post on how to host a clothing swap?

Sherry said...

What a fantastic party!! Every detail was just perfect! I love that the ottomans were your inspiration:-) Where did you find them?

Anonymous said...

I love it! Ive thrown a swap party before, they are so much fun and the girls loved it. My next swap party will be in may and I am going to try to transform my living room in my condo into a chic boutique. Any tips or suggestions to make my small space gorgeous! Also the shopper totes with the stickers where did you get the totes? Ive looked online and most locations offer way more than I need. Thanks!

casinoparties said...

Such a great idea and your house is beautiful!

cj said...

Great idea

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