Summer Swap Party Success

The very first ever swap party was a hit!!! I was so excited about putting this together, but really had no idea how much fun it was going to be!

I was totally unprepared, I didn't even start researching swap parties until a few days before. My mom had given me the gist on how they work, but I had not done anything. This is so unlike me, I usually have everything prepared and ready weeks before an event. I actually didn't even think along the lines of a theme, but then found this great video online about swap parties and it made me rethink my plan of attack. The lady on the video went all out, had a theme, decorations, shopping bags, the whole shebang!! I couldn't host a swap party that wasn't up to par, I had to get my thinking cap on and get busy!!! So after the theme of "Summer Swap" came to mind, it all just started to come together.

The party was on Thursday, so Tuesday morning I drove to Denver and did all the shopping!! While the three older kids enjoyed their morning at VBS, the little guy and I attacked our long shopping list. We went to five stores and got everything we needed and more. It's amazing how much you can get done when you only have to load and unload one kid!!

It really is the perfect time of year to put on a summer time themed party, everything is super cheap and on clearance!!

I got these bags at Target and made the little name tags that are attached. These were the bags that the ladies could attach their shopping clips too so they didn't have hold them.

These were the shopping clips! I got them five for $1.00, at the dollar store. I attached little tags that each lady could put their initials on. The little flip flops I found at Joann's, I just love them, they really made the clips cute. Yes I did tie each one of these clips. To make it easy I tied 10, 10 different times, to equal 100. But I should of done more, because we ran out!

I got the buckets and towels at target for $2.50, and the pairs of flip flops were a $1.00 each.

The table skirts were only $5.00, 75% off at Joann's, so cute!

These margarita glasses were from the dollar store, and of course you have to have little umbrellas at a summer swap party!! If you are wondering were to find drink umbrellas, they are next to the toothpicks down the paper goods isle at Target, it took me awhile to find them!!

Each lady brought a delicious dish to share. I just love when we girls get together, everyone knows how to cook and there is always so much yummy food!!! These were the little name tags that labeled each dish!! It was a beautiful evening and we enjoyed dinner on the deck!

So if you are confused, here is how the party went. Everyone brought their items, up to ten. The items had to be in great condition, and had to be good stuff, something you yourself would want to take home, but it could be anything. There were little post cards that you could use to describe your item and give it a selling point. The card sat in front of the bag that went to that item. As the night went on, you could shop and attach your clip to that bag that went with the item you wanted. If more than one lady wanted one item, then the names went in the bag and we did a drawing for the winner. Many items were fought over, that's what makes it fun!! Then if your name was in the drawing and you didn't win, you could shop again for something different!!

After seeing these cuties, don't you want to have your own swap party? Here are my new shoes, my favorite win of the night. I can't wait to wear them!!!

I really am upset that I didn't take more pictures, I was just having so much fun, I forgot!!

The only reason this party was such a success and so much fun was because of all these wonderful ladies, love them!!!!

I am already starting to plan and think of a theme for next years swap party, can't wait!!!