March Madness

Don’t Throw a “Bread & Water” Party
(Julie Anne Jones)

When you send out an invitation to a home party that doesn't have any sort of theme, it's basically like inviting someone to a "Bread and Water" party. And, worse than that, indirectly saying "and make sure you remember to bring your checkbook." You might as well put a headline across the top of that invitation that says, "Hey, come on over to my house next Wednesday and spend some money!" I don't know about you, but that's not the best way to get me excited about attending a party! If you make it about the theme instead, everyone will enthusiastically show up, and the product portion of the evening will flow seamlessly and be much more comfortable for everyone.

So, no matter what else you have your host do, make sure she chooses a theme for her party. I'll be asking my guests on the actual invitation they receive in the mail to bring their favorite chocolate to share (candy, cookies, brownies, cake or whatever). I've found this increases excitement even more, because the only thing women are more passionate about than chocolate is sharing with other women! Crack a bottle of wine, put on a pot of coffee, provide some non-alcoholic beverages, and bake my mom's famous Lemon Brownies to share, and I'm set!

So bearing all this in mind, what do you have to say about themes and theme parties? And if you're using them, have they increased attendance at your parties? Share with us!