fa·vor·ite
noun
- a person or thing regarded with special favor or preference.
I recently hosted a “Favorite Things” party for 15 of my favorite ladies. And may I just say – it was FABULOUS! (which also happens to be one of my “favorite” words) I got the idea from Pinterest and tried to put my own spin on it. I had the party on a Sunday afternoon which was a perfect Sunday/Funday experience. I served a light, late, ladies lunch for all to enjoy. (menu items below… if you’d like any recipes, feel free to ask! I love to share!)
- Each guest was asked to bring FOUR of the EXACT same favorite thing to share, that costs $7 or less per item. (Can be brought to the party wrapped or unwrapped.)
- The item could be anything, as long as it was one of their favorite things.
- The favorite thing is to remain a secret from the group.
- When the guests arrived at the party, they put their four pre-printed names into a big bowl.
- When it was time for the gift exchange, I passed the bowl around, and each lady selected four names from the bowl, making sure they didn’t pick their own name (or two of the same name).
- I gave everyone “A Few of Our Favorite Things” bag to collect their new items.
- Then, one at a time, each lady introduced her favorite thing and explained why it is her favorite thing. (The reasoning was great to hear!)
- Then she read the four names she picked from the bowl and passed out her gifts to those four ladies.
- The last lady to receive one of those four gifts is the next lady to introduce her item, and so on.
- After everyone at the party has presented her favorite thing, each person will end up with four gifts to take home. (which I think may soon become one of their new favorites, too!)
What did people bring as their “favorite thing”, you wonder?
This was the best part – the anticipation of seeing what each lady brought. Everyone looked at their “favorite thing” with their own special take. Some asked their children to help them come up with ideas, asking them what they thought their mom loved. Some got creative with the $7 spending limit, catching some more expensive items on sale or as a Buy One, Get One special offer. Trust me; girls definitely know how to shop!
When picking the items, some thought of their favorite places – one thought of Nantucket, but since she couldn’t take anyone on a trip for $7, a Vineyard Vines whale sticker signified Nantucket to her. And since she always takes a book with her to Nantucket, an Elin Hilderbrand book was included, one of her favorite authors. Plus a great vacation read!
Some thought of products they use every day. We had a Clinique “lower lash” mascara, which has a tiny little brush perfect for those lower lashes. And an Eos lip balm - its directions saying to “Twist off top. Pucker up. Smooth on. Smile.” We had a big fan of facials attend, so she went with a Neutrogena invigorating and exfoliating facial scrub, complete with a terry cloth headband. And one lady brought her favorite scents of sweet face sugar scrub from Paisley & Company in Kutztown. A gentle, natural sugar scrub that polishes, exfoliates and softens for a touchable smooth face.
Nail polish was a big hit with a couple of different variations. Piggy polish - perfect for pedicures, as well as a mini bottle – the perfect size bottle to hold while you paint complete with a matching file, and a Sally Hansen Insta-Dry polish guaranteed to dry in 60 seconds – perfect for the mom or lady on the go.
Coconut made an appearance with Organix nourishing coconut milk shampoo – which made one guest think of summer, her favorite season, as well as extra virgin Coconut Oil from Trader Joe’s as a favorite multi-purpose thing. This product can be used every day in a variety of ways – on your body or skin, in your food, even as an eye make-up remover. This gift included a card explaining all the various uses of this great favorite thing. Talk about clever!
Some thought comfort when they thought of their favorite things. We had some cozy cabin socks from Dick’s Sporting Goods. And some comfy Life is Good socks, complete with the Life is Good logo.
We had some cooks in the crowd. Adorable aprons were brought to make you look stylish in the kitchen. A handy Pampered Chef Mini Scoop & Measure was given which scoops ingredients from your cutting board, measures and adds them to recipes as one handy tool. A Hot Pepper Raspberry Gourmet Spread also made the cut – the perfect item to always have in your pantry for an impromptu gathering. Pour it over a block of cream cheese, add some crackers, and you have an instant appetizer. A favorite to share!
Some created quite a goody bag with multiple items like a Nivea moisturizer tin, a root beer lip smacker, a Yankee candle votive, a teeny Hello Kitty nail polish and a cute hairpin. A favorite candy bar – the Zagnut - even made an appearance as a sweet treat.
I also gave everyone a little favor to take home – a “Favorite Scent” stovetop potpourri kit to enjoy at home that included an orange, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and grated nutmeg. Smells delish!
What was on the menu I served?
• Spinach strawberry salad with raspberry poppy seed dressing • Israeli couscous & tuna salad • Turkey tea sandwiches • Roast beef & bleu cheese sandwiches • Smoked salmon & capers on a petite croissant • Chicken salad in toast cups • Creamy tomato soup • Cheesecake in a jar • Prosecco sorbet floats • Cucumber Mint Water • Lots of wine!
I’m telling you, it was great fun! Definitely one of my most favorite parties to host - and one that will become an annual event. Next year, I’m going to go with 3 items costing $10 or less per item. My mind is already turning with what my item is going to be! And I am not sure I can wait a whole year to see what everyone else comes up with. Patience is definitely not one of my favorite things.
So tell me, readers… what “favorite thing” item would you have brought? Remember, it would have had to cost $7 or less, which does require some thought. So, do tell – I’m curious!
BY ROBYN L. JONES
