Last year, I moved to a new city and, as soon as the holiday season arrived, women started raving about Shae’s “Favorite Things” party. Memories from this early November girl’s night out remained with participants throughout the year and they eagerly anticipated the coming celebration. I missed last year’s shin-dig and determined not to do so again this year.
Shae held her 2013 Favorite Things party last night and I discovered what makes this simple gathering of friends with good food, a gift to share, and one (or two!) to bring home so speical. It’s not about elaborate decorations or fancy food. Instead, it’s a time to share a bit of yourself and connect with others in a fun and festive way!
It’s not too late to plan your own Favorite Things Party 2013! In just a few simple steps, you can host the girls night out of the season!
Step 1: Send out invitations 1 to 3 weeks in advance. We all know busy women’s schedules can be, especially around the holidays. Be sure to invite your friends in advance so they can plan ahead and won’t miss out on the fun!
Step 2: Pick out a favorite thing to share with your guests. Consider purchasing a few favorite gifts to ensure everyone goes home with a gift.
I selected one of my favorite books, The Road by Cormac McCarthy, and added a Fair Trade sweetriot chocolate bar. I also considered baking my spice cake!
Step 3: Create a festive, relaxing atmosphere. No complex decorations required. Just provide ample seating that invites conversation and a place for food that is easy to navigate. Invite guests to chat for awhile or even participate in a charity project for a half hour or so.
Step 4: Initiate a Favorite Things gift exchange. Shae invited every guest to set their favorite thing on a table upon entering. She then asked them to write their name on a paper heart and place it in a cup. For the exchange, guests took turns coming to the front of the room, presented their favorite things, then drew a heart to give their gift.
This is the heart of the party! Every guest takes a turn introducing their favorite thing. Gifts are not meant to be expensive, but instead are focused on sharing something you love and a bit of yourself in the process!
Last night’s gifts ranged from homemade orange rolls, to Costco sized Saran Wrap, to wool dryer balls, to hand lotion,
to specialty candies, to a panini maker. Everyone left happy and tickled to share in someone else’s favorite. I brought home Sauve dry shampoo and a bag of Reeses Pieces (yes, I’ve already eaten some).
Step 5: Send your guests home with a festive party favor. Shae created these awesome gifts of “Dirty Cokes,” consisting of a can of coke, a small lime, and coconut juice and “Shirley Temples,” made up of 7-Up and cherry juice adding to the holiday cheer!
So, who’s throwing a Favorite Things Party for the holidays?
do you have any of the suggestions for kids or teens with the soda cans? It would be fun to do one of those for my babysitter, she drinks diet coke most of the time, but I know she doesn’t do cherry anything.
I love this idea! I had never heard of a “Favorite Things” party before reading your article; they sound like a lot of fun! Kind of like a white elephant gift exchange, but better! 🙂
I have never heard of such a party. What a neat idea. I think I will be pinning this post too.
I have seen these types of parties before. Sounds like so much fun.
I love the giveaway too.