If you have ever been to a clothing swap party, you know how great it is to see your once favorite pieces begin their new life with a friend and also get to come home with the feeling that you just went shopping and got a really good bargain. Well, why let clothes have all the fun? Let's get homes in on the action too!
A decor swap party is a great push to finally get to the things you have been needing to clear out from your space. I know I am always headed to Goodwill or the like to donate the things that I 'just had to have' way back when, or the stuff I bought thinking 'this would make a great (fill in the blank) one day' and just never got to it. Remember, just because you have outgrown something doesn't mean someone else will view it in the same way.
You could make it general and bring whatever you want, or have a specific theme like 'things that make you go hmmm', 'shabby chic', 'organize this', 'things that light up', 'everything chartreuse', 'have a seat', 'vessels' or even 'funky furniture'. If you want to swap larger furniture items, just bring pictures of all side of the piece along with the dimensions.
So now all you have to do is shuffle through your stuff, toss out an invite, throw together some wine and appetizers and start shopping. Whatever doesn't get chosen can be brought to the thrift store the next day. Have fun!
(Image: from Pop of Sunshine: 10 Yellow Accessories For Under $50)
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Inspired by the YHL book? I just read it this weekend and thought it was such a clever idea.
Going to propose as a program idea for my women's group. Genius!
Great idea! I will be throwing one very soon...I have been cleaning house for a month
You can find so many great items at thrift stores. You have to be able to see an ugly dresser for $40 and imagine what a new stain or paint job and hardware could do for it.
I have a blog that has a lot of thrifting/refinishing tips on there.
www.thriftstoregold.blogspot.com
Remember .. spray paint can transform an ugly 25 cent vase into something completely beautiful in less than 5 minutes. :)
I love the idea of a spray paint party. Everyone brings cans of spray paint they own, plus some stuff that they'd like to paint (invite could include some suggestions for items.) You could have a nice area set up to spray, and would have lots more colors to choose from.
This idea is awesome. If only I went out or had friends to swap with, haha.
Great idea!
love this idea. anyone want to have one in vancouver?!
Clever idea. I would like the readers of Apartment Therapy to all join in. I bet we would all get some really nice loot. I over purchase mid-century ceramics and am either giving them away or selling them back on eBay. I would LOVE to bring to a Swap Party. I think the theme idea is critical or it could be a mish-mash. Maybe I will do a mid-century modern one?