One Person's Trash...

In my ongoing attempts to make the world a prettier place, I am constantly on the look out for good deals and innovative ideas...and I found one that I have to share!

With the economy still struggling to turn around, our reluctance to spend money on "extras" like tchotckes, lamps and pictures is completely understandable! I mean, we're all buying the cheap toilet paper so we can save a few bucks right?

With that said, however, I am in the camp that firmly believes when times are tough, your home should be your sanctuary...a place that feels warm, cozy, safe...AND pretty. Are you buying any of this? Yeah, my husband didn't either, but hang with me...this is a really good idea!

Have you ever been to your friend's house and perhaps admired a pair of lamps or maybe a vase on her mantle, yet when you complimented her on it, she replied, "Oh, that ratty old thing? My mother-in-law gave it to me, and I've never liked it!"

Well, here's your chance to snag it and some other stuff too! All you have to do is host a Home Accessories Swap!

Here's how it works:

Invite a few friends over to your house (5 people is the recommended number to keep things managableble, but you could probably manage up to 10). Ask them each to bring five things from their house they don't want anymore...as long as they are (1) decorative and (2) clean and in good condition.

It can really be anything...pictures, clocks, flower arrangements, fabric, lamps, curtains, vases, frames...you name it!

As your friends walk into the door with their treasures, ask them to complete a "sales" tag for each of their items by writing something about it. (For example, if one of your items is a painting, you could write, "Original Oil Painting by W.W. Smith.)

Once everything has been tagged and set out for display, give each of your guests five clothespins with their names on them, pour everyone a glass of wine, and then go shopping!

Use the clothespins to mark the items that you want. If an item has more than one clothespin, drop them all in a hat and ask someone neutral (who doesn't want the item) to draw the winner.

Box up any items that don't get chosen and donate them to Goodwill.

Isn't this the best "Girls Night Out" party idea? Not only do you get to hang with some of your favorite people, have a little wine and catch up on the latest gossip, but you also get to get rid of some things you don't want anymore AND bring home some new things that you do want...and because all your new treasures were free, you can march triumphantly through the house and show your husband your new loot instead of having to hide it in the trunk of your car and sneak it in when he isn't looking. Come on...you know you do it! :o)

P.S. If you live in the Birmingham area, and want me to help you host a swap, call me at (205) 807-7434 to schedule your date.