why did I do this??

[stayawake]

So I'm a little bit afraid of people - why I hang out here, I guess. So I'm trying to get over that and over myself by being more social, practicing hospitality, etc.

So I took a big step and invited just about everyone I knew to an Usborne Books Party at my house. This is a HUGE step, let me tell you. HUGE. Out of the 40 or so people I invited, 7 are able to come. Not great but I can't cancel just because I wish more people said yes. :)
Now I'm a little bit terrified that everyone is going to have a horrible time.
I am totally a fun person if I can just get myself to relax a little bit! It's mostly that I've never done one of these before. I'm not sure what to serve to eat!

Has anyone thrown one of these selling-things parties before? (Tupperware, Pampered Chef, Usborne, etc.) Any tips for a first time scaredy cat?

[BrattyMeg]

I've never hosted one..but I don't like social situations much myself so (((hugs)))

maybe have a glass of wine to loosen up before they come? lol

[HeatherKS]

I'm an Uppercase Living demonstrator, so I've been to plenty of these types of parties. ;) Let me start by telling you that your attendance is pretty typical. Most people I do shows for invite 30-40 people and almost all of them have less than 10 people show up. That's just the nature of the thing, not anything to do with the hostesses personally. People are just busy. :)

That said, just relax and have a good time. Give people a choice of a couple of different things to drink - coffee, tea, water, etc. and bake a yummy goodie or have some little snack trays (veggies, crackers & dip, etc.) or whatever. Something easy. Most people don't come to these things to eat, they come to socialize and buy. :)

Good for you for going outside your comfort zone. Have a great time! :)

[tuneskids]

don't panic, first off. lol I am not super outgoing in crowds/groups of people.

I have hosted Partylite & Pampered Chef in the past ... make sure you have coffee & tea on, and some juice or pop, on hand. If you are going to do munchies, keep it simple. I've always stuck with appies and little desserts (tarts, mini donuts, etc). Don't go overboard though for less than 10 people ... unless you want to be eating them yourself for the rest of the night. lol

From experience, the consultant will really take the ball and roll with it once everyone has arrived. I only really had to make sure my place was presentable, the kids were outta our hair, and that there was food/drinks for everyone.

[stayawake]

Thanks everyone... I've made brownies and lemon shortbread, and will be mixing up some salsa and guacamole later this afternoon... (these are all low stress things for me to make...). The house is mostly presentable - just have to work on my kitchen. Oy.... so nervous! I don't even know WHY these girls are all my friends!

[scrapperjade]

Thanks everyone... I've made brownies and lemon shortbread, and will be mixing up some salsa and guacamole later this afternoon... (these are all low stress things for me to make...). The house is mostly presentable - just have to work on my kitchen. Oy.... so nervous! I don't even know WHY these girls are all my friends!

You will be fine! You'll see! I had a Fifth Ave party and I was really nervous too, but it turned out to be a total blast! We got to model the jewellery and do a walk about the room showing it off, it was hilarious!

For mine, I made sure to have drinks, and a few light snacks. The women I invited all brought a little something as well, and we had SO much food. Of course, we also had decided it would be a social thing after the party was over, and it was a relaxing evening with lots of fun and laughter!

[CA Dreamer]

You will be fine. I have done a couple of things like this and always get so nervous beforehand(LOL, my poor DH!).

I am sure that your rep will keep it all moving along. And, your line up of refreshments sounds great! Good Luck and good for you for hosting and like it was said before, good for you for pushing yourself outside your comfort zone.

Have fun!

[stayawake]

ACK! Two more people had to cancel. We're down to five people. :( Do I cancel??

[iJenny]

ACK! Two more people had to cancel. We're down to five people. :( Do I cancel??

Nah, don't cancel. Parties can be fun even with just a few people. And five is a decent number considering its a weeknight. Just think of it as being more "intimate" rather than busy and loud.

You just need to take the pressure off of yourself. You're HOSTING the party, not actually DOING the party. Which means the spotlight will be on the consultant 90% of the evening. Your job is to offer your house and some snacks for a couple of hours. Easy Peasy, right?

Good luck. :)

[CA Dreamer]

Just let your rep know the total. I am sure that 5 is fine.

You may also want to ask the rep if there is a way to take online orders for your party.

Good luck! You will do fine!

[switchwiz]

Oh, no, don't cancel, 5 plus you and the rep is a good number! you can really talk to your visitors better and get some good conversations going.......Most people are probably more comfortable opening up around a few people rather then a big crowd. I bet you all will have a great time!! Good Luck

[Sharon Kay]

You'll be fine! Some of the biggest sales parties I have had have been with the fewest amount of people...and some will give you outside orders because they couldn't come. RELAX!!! They can be fun...the simpler you make the snacks...the better it is. Think of this is just some "FUN TIME" with people you know...the consultant will do all the work! Just be glad you aren't the one doing the selling...you just have to listen and enjoy the time with these friends. Yep I understand...I get a bit stressed out about them myself. dh is pretty much against them so I don't have them any more...but it is a great way to get things for free or at a good discount. Have fun!