(NAPSA)—Here’s something to celebrate: A little planning can make your next party more fun and less work—there’s even a way to makeit profitable. Here are a few hints on how: Havea creative dress code or maketheparty black-tie formal. Think outside the dining room. Try drinks on the patio or dessert in the garden. The unexpectedness of an unlikely location can add flavor to the meal. Makeinteresting place cards by writing each guest’s name on a leaf, a cookie or a lottery ticket. Make your centerpiece unique. Use potted plants or a goldfish bowl. Cluster candles aroundit. Background music and ambient lighting help create an inviting setting. Keep party favors in the same themeas the rest of the party—such as seed packets for a garden party. * Take advantage of convenience items such as pre-chopped vegetablesor rotisserie chickens. To inspire conversation, give guests cards labeled with topics, such as “Favorite Vacation” or “Best Childhood Memory.” Make the house smell festive. I always put a few cups of inexpensive red wine in a pot and simmer with cinnamon, ginger, rosemary and black pepper. Appoint party photographers. Use a digital camera and download the pictures while the fun is still going on. Have a party that’s practical and even profitable. Make it a direct-selling soire. That is, join With a little planning, a party can be fun and much morefor guests and hostsalike. the long-standing American tradition of the one-on-one sale of a product or service in someone’s home, especially as part of a party. You and your guests can browse through the latest books, cookware, cosmetics, toys, games, financial services, pet items or scrapbooking supplies, just to namea few products andservices. Hosts receive plenty of perks, free merchandise and discounts. Often, the products are hard to find anywhere else—even on the Internet. Many people appreciate the service aspect. They can shop at their leisure and there’s no need to seek a salesperson. If the idea appeals to you, you can learn more from the associations that manysellers belongto. For example, The Direct Selling Association (DSA) is a major trade industry group. Members adhere to rigorous ethical and professional conduct guidelines. If you like giving parties and meeting new people, you may even want to makeit yourcareer. For more information anda list of DSA members, you can visit www.dsa.org.
