As we declutter and purge during the Spring Cure, we're looking at ways to get rid of what you no longer want. A few of my friends have regular "frock swaps" at their homes: parties where guests bring old clothes to trade with other party-goers. It's a creative way to recycle unwanted items and get new ones for free. The principle can be applied to lots of other goods: books, housewares, and artwork swaps for starters...
We've always done frock swaps with a group of women, although mixed groups can be great too. You bring clothes that you think your friends might like, and they do the same. It usually works out well, since you're likely to find someone with similar taste among your friends. It also helps to bring some items that are one-size-fits-all: scarves, gloves, sunglasses, etc. Leftover clothes can be donated.
Book swaps are great, since they're gender-neutral and good books generate good conversation. We've been to a couple of holiday art swaps, which are also very fun. You can make your own art or bring someone else's, and we've ended up with some treasured items through these trades.
Other good ideas for swap parties? Let us know in the comments below.
Photos: Linnet
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This post is sooooo not what I thought it ws going to be about. Dang.
view patrick (the other one)'s profile
hahaha!
view suziegoombs's profile
Pat TOO, you are too funny! :-P
view ciddyguy's profile
It works great- except you have to make sure people take their non-claimed stuff back with them - or assign someone else to take all the leftovers to donate! With us, the bags of leftover ended up sitting at our place *way* too long!
view JG's profile
as part of a holiday craft party, we did a swap of crafty supplies. It really got people excited and thinking about new projects to start!
view susie b's profile
You can also do this with plant cuttings.
view sarahbest's profile
April Fool's on you patrick (the other one). ;p
Plant cuttings is a great idea.
view drinknbake's profile