Interactive Parties-

MORFIA · 01-16-2008, 07:00 PM

What ideas do you have to initiate this?

Love Linda's idea to bring a few extra aprons----

chefmeg · 01-16-2008, 06:07 PM

Hi Morfia, I was thinking that I would have the host come up first and use some of the tools, and then she would pick the next person to come up. I hope to try this at my show Friday and see how it goes. I plan to not touch anymore tools after I get them started on playing with them!

riggs62 · 01-16-2008, 06:18 PM

I bring carrots to let guests try out the different peelers, and garlic for the press.
I start the recipe and ask for volunteers to finish what I have started.

I had one show that I never touched a tool...there were 22 people there and we divided up in teams to make the brie and punch. I just directed. EVeryone had a lot of fun!

Addie4TLC · 01-16-2008, 06:22 PM

I plan to have cutting boards out (different sizes) around the table so people can jump in. I will ask for volunteers for each cutting board, at the end give them a small prize and suggest that they are ready to do this on their own (recruiting.)

MORFIA · 01-16-2008, 06:26 PM

awesome---
I have done many this way---
I host coached to have a table large enough for us to prep--
and an area---to relax--and shop after the recipe is done-=====

cmdtrgd · 01-16-2008, 06:26 PM

Don't let the guests sit down - then they will hesitate to come up. Coach the host to greet the guests at the door and ask them to come in and wash their hands because we all will be "playing" with the tools while making the food.

cmdtrgd · 01-16-2008, 06:29 PM

Oh, and at the area to relax and shop, ask for their attention for about 10 more minutes as you show them your favorite three products. Make it a simple easy demo (even stuff you can pass around to try) like the serrated peeler, microfiber towel in the batter bowl with water and julienne peeler with a carrot. This way you get to show off more tools and they are in a price range to be considered an add on. And, you can take a few minutes to do DPDS and remind them of the hosting, recruiting and guest specials.

MORFIA · 01-16-2008, 06:32 PM

love it Kate!! Great wording--

Jules711 · 01-16-2008, 06:33 PM

I had a bridal shower recently and had her make the Mini Pesto Pizzas. I loved it! I could concentrate on talking and interacting instead of trying not to cut myself. Of course, SHE did cut herself just slightly!

I just talked to her mom today. I guess that's not too odd

She did a great job, the guests enjoyed it and she had a lot of fun too.

I would love to do this at each show. I have more fun too when people come up and help!!

MORFIA · 01-16-2008, 06:38 PM

love the cutting boards idea too----

jenm42 · 01-16-2008, 06:50 PM

I'm thinking no chairs for the guests to sit. At least, not in the demo room. =) I'm thinking gather everyone around the island or table, even set up several stations for them to work.

I demo'd Berries n Cream Wonton Cups last night at my meeting (it's PINK, so it's great for Feb valentines day parties), and suggested that consultants set up one station (with multiple Silicone Basting Brushes) for guests to brush the wonton skins with butter, sprinkle on the sugar, and put into the muffin pan - another station for washing the berries and making the filling - another station for putting on the berries and using the EAD to garnish with cool whip. That gets everyone using the tools, everyone participating, and everyone conversing about the recipe and PC. I would ALSO give each group questions to answer while they're working... like what other uses can you think of for the EAD... name 4 uses for the salad and berry spinner... etc.

Christ Follower · 01-16-2008, 06:54 PM

It's really going to take feeling out the guests. I have had shows where the guests have come straight from work and all they want to do is sit down and relax. I want it to be fun, but sometimes people aren't looking to be put to work.

cmdtrgd · 01-16-2008, 07:37 PM

If they are presented it with it on the invitation, through the reminder call and with the host as they enter, that is just the way it is.

baychef · 01-16-2008, 07:41 PM

I want to offer this as a choice, but I know some hosts and guests may balk at this if it isn't approached in the right way. Looking forward to getting some words of advice from HO and others that have done this.

Previous posts have been made about this too, I believe. It's like writing with my left hand (I am right handed). I know it can be done, but just have to put more thought into it!!

I really like the Power Cooking format HO has set up for us. Simple and easy to understand.

missyciccolella · 01-16-2008, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmdtrgd

Don't let the guests sit down - then they will hesitate to come up. Coach the host to greet the guests at the door and ask them to come in and wash their hands because we all will be "playing" with the tools while making the food.

I've done about 8 shows like this and received very positive feedback. As guests walk in the door I "ask" them to chop, slice, whatever needs to be done. When assembly time comes, I get a straggler or the host to help me. If the task is repetitive then I ask for guest feedback about the products they used (leading questions so it always positive). Like I said, I haven't done many like this, but I liked the way this worked out for me. I do agree you need to know the crowd and maybe other methods would be more appropriate for those coming straight from work. I'm going to keep trying this style though!

baychef · 01-16-2008, 07:53 PM

Thanks for the information, Missy. I think I need to find the door to the box and step outside it...bravely!!!

cmdtrgd · 01-16-2008, 08:04 PM

Another way is to have them pick from a grouping of products (that will be used in the recipe) that you put out before the show begins. Then, when it is time to use that product, have them come up to use it. They have had it in their hands for a while, so they can tell what the quality is like. If they are a lot of fun, you might ask for an alternative use for the products. If they know each other very well, it can get very funny!

missyciccolella · 01-16-2008, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baychef

Thanks for the information, Missy. I think I need to find the door to the box and step outside it...bravely!!!

Just do it! At the very least, you'll be proud of yourself (and so will we)! We all know how difficult taking that 1st step can be...good luck and keep us posted!

MORFIA · 01-16-2008, 08:57 PM

Ann E. Come on down to NJ and join one of my parties----It is always easier to see it in action---

peggyscookin · 01-16-2008, 09:16 PM

I love doing these shows! Always before, I felt like I was doing Info-mercials. As much excitement I would put into the show, I still felt that way. You know people would always wonder if products work the way we say they do. I would also ask for volunteers, and would rarely get one. No one likes to be the center of attention, afraid they might make a mistake.
When I do my shows, depending on size, is either 1 or 2 recipes. I divide them up whether they like sweet or savory. I break the recipe into steps, and each person gets to do 1 step, or more, depending. I also take extra aprons that they share. This leads directly to "Our aprons fit everyone. Can you see yourself doing this?" My Director did this at 2 SHOWS! From those, she has 5 people interested in signing!! People LOVE these shows! When they come as a group, no one in embarassed to try out the products. I go back and forth, talking about the product they are using, the specials, and so on. The shows go MUCH FASTER! People are buying things they never would have bought before because they have had them in their hands and were able to use them! I've even had some guests doing up my dishes for me! If someone is TRULY exhausted from work, they can sit it out. But, I'm sure that once they see everyone having fun, they won't be able to stay away! Everyone is nosey and wants to see what's going on!! They will end up taking part one way or another!!

01-16-2008, 07:00 PM	#1
MORFIA Location: NJ-FL Posts: 769 Best Show: 2323. Experience: 6. # of Shows: 1200 My Mood:	Interactive Parties- What ideas do you have to initiate this? Love Linda's idea to bring a few extra aprons----

01-16-2008, 06:26 PM	#5
MORFIA Location: NJ-FL Posts: 769 Best Show: 2323. Experience: 6. # of Shows: 1200 My Mood:	awesome--- I have done many this way--- I host coached to have a table large enough for us to prep-- and an area---to relax--and shop after the recipe is done-===== Last edited by MORFIA; 01-16-2008 at 06:35 PM..

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01-16-2008, 06:07 PM	#2
chefmeg Location: central VA Posts: 2,151 Best Show: $1877 Experience: 8 # of Shows: 500+ My Mood:	Hi Morfia, I was thinking that I would have the host come up first and use some of the tools, and then she would pick the next person to come up. I hope to try this at my show Friday and see how it goes. I plan to not touch anymore tools after I get them started on playing with them!

01-16-2008, 06:18 PM	#3
riggs62 Location: Tallahassee, Fl Posts: 309 Best Show: $1362 Experience: 1 # of Shows: 33 My Mood:	I bring carrots to let guests try out the different peelers, and garlic for the press. I start the recipe and ask for volunteers to finish what I have started. I had one show that I never touched a tool...there were 22 people there and we divided up in teams to make the brie and punch. I just directed. EVeryone had a lot of fun!

01-16-2008, 06:22 PM	#4
Addie4TLC Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 934 Best Show: 1824 Experience: 3 # of Shows: 150 My Mood:	I plan to have cutting boards out (different sizes) around the table so people can jump in. I will ask for volunteers for each cutting board, at the end give them a small prize and suggest that they are ready to do this on their own (recruiting.)

01-16-2008, 06:26 PM	#6
cmdtrgd Location: Boise, ID Posts: 4,823 Best Show: 1315 Experience: 3 # of Shows: 152 My Mood:	Don't let the guests sit down - then they will hesitate to come up. Coach the host to greet the guests at the door and ask them to come in and wash their hands because we all will be "playing" with the tools while making the food.

01-16-2008, 06:29 PM	#7
cmdtrgd Location: Boise, ID Posts: 4,823 Best Show: 1315 Experience: 3 # of Shows: 152 My Mood:	Oh, and at the area to relax and shop, ask for their attention for about 10 more minutes as you show them your favorite three products. Make it a simple easy demo (even stuff you can pass around to try) like the serrated peeler, microfiber towel in the batter bowl with water and julienne peeler with a carrot. This way you get to show off more tools and they are in a price range to be considered an add on. And, you can take a few minutes to do DPDS and remind them of the hosting, recruiting and guest specials.

01-16-2008, 06:32 PM	#8
MORFIA Location: NJ-FL Posts: 769 Best Show: 2323. Experience: 6. # of Shows: 1200 My Mood:	love it Kate!! Great wording--

01-16-2008, 06:33 PM	#9
Jules711 Posts: 1,787 Best Show: 1,614 Experience: 5 # of Shows: My Mood:	I had a bridal shower recently and had her make the Mini Pesto Pizzas. I loved it! I could concentrate on talking and interacting instead of trying not to cut myself. Of course, SHE did cut herself just slightly! I just talked to her mom today. I guess that's not too odd She did a great job, the guests enjoyed it and she had a lot of fun too. I would love to do this at each show. I have more fun too when people come up and help!!

01-16-2008, 06:38 PM	#10
MORFIA Location: NJ-FL Posts: 769 Best Show: 2323. Experience: 6. # of Shows: 1200 My Mood:	love the cutting boards idea too----

01-16-2008, 06:50 PM	#11
jenm42 Location: Hammonton, NJ Posts: 78 Best Show: 2486 Experience: ~2 # of Shows: 186	I'm thinking no chairs for the guests to sit. At least, not in the demo room. =) I'm thinking gather everyone around the island or table, even set up several stations for them to work. I demo'd Berries n Cream Wonton Cups last night at my meeting (it's PINK, so it's great for Feb valentines day parties), and suggested that consultants set up one station (with multiple Silicone Basting Brushes) for guests to brush the wonton skins with butter, sprinkle on the sugar, and put into the muffin pan - another station for washing the berries and making the filling - another station for putting on the berries and using the EAD to garnish with cool whip. That gets everyone using the tools, everyone participating, and everyone conversing about the recipe and PC. I would ALSO give each group questions to answer while they're working... like what other uses can you think of for the EAD... name 4 uses for the salad and berry spinner... etc.

01-16-2008, 06:54 PM	#12
Christ Follower Location: Beautiful California Posts: 4,972 Best Show: 1506.4 Experience: 3+ # of Shows: 211 My Mood:	It's really going to take feeling out the guests. I have had shows where the guests have come straight from work and all they want to do is sit down and relax. I want it to be fun, but sometimes people aren't looking to be put to work.

01-16-2008, 07:37 PM	#13
cmdtrgd Location: Boise, ID Posts: 4,823 Best Show: 1315 Experience: 3 # of Shows: 152 My Mood:	If they are presented it with it on the invitation, through the reminder call and with the host as they enter, that is just the way it is.

01-16-2008, 07:41 PM	#14
baychef Location: In a constant state of turmoil Posts: 2,898 Best Show: $2807 Experience: 9 # of Shows: 780 My Mood:	I want to offer this as a choice, but I know some hosts and guests may balk at this if it isn't approached in the right way. Looking forward to getting some words of advice from HO and others that have done this. Previous posts have been made about this too, I believe. It's like writing with my left hand (I am right handed). I know it can be done, but just have to put more thought into it!! I really like the Power Cooking format HO has set up for us. Simple and easy to understand.

01-16-2008, 07:53 PM	#16
baychef Location: In a constant state of turmoil Posts: 2,898 Best Show: $2807 Experience: 9 # of Shows: 780 My Mood:	Thanks for the information, Missy. I think I need to find the door to the box and step outside it...bravely!!!

01-16-2008, 08:04 PM	#17
cmdtrgd Location: Boise, ID Posts: 4,823 Best Show: 1315 Experience: 3 # of Shows: 152 My Mood:	Another way is to have them pick from a grouping of products (that will be used in the recipe) that you put out before the show begins. Then, when it is time to use that product, have them come up to use it. They have had it in their hands for a while, so they can tell what the quality is like. If they are a lot of fun, you might ask for an alternative use for the products. If they know each other very well, it can get very funny!

01-16-2008, 08:57 PM	#19
MORFIA Location: NJ-FL Posts: 769 Best Show: 2323. Experience: 6. # of Shows: 1200 My Mood:	Ann E. Come on down to NJ and join one of my parties----It is always easier to see it in action---

01-16-2008, 09:16 PM	#20
peggyscookin Location: Harrod, OH Posts: 12 Best Show: $6028 Experience: 5 # of Shows:	I love doing these shows! Always before, I felt like I was doing Info-mercials. As much excitement I would put into the show, I still felt that way. You know people would always wonder if products work the way we say they do. I would also ask for volunteers, and would rarely get one. No one likes to be the center of attention, afraid they might make a mistake. When I do my shows, depending on size, is either 1 or 2 recipes. I divide them up whether they like sweet or savory. I break the recipe into steps, and each person gets to do 1 step, or more, depending. I also take extra aprons that they share. This leads directly to "Our aprons fit everyone. Can you see yourself doing this?" My Director did this at 2 SHOWS! From those, she has 5 people interested in signing!! People LOVE these shows! When they come as a group, no one in embarassed to try out the products. I go back and forth, talking about the product they are using, the specials, and so on. The shows go MUCH FASTER! People are buying things they never would have bought before because they have had them in their hands and were able to use them! I've even had some guests doing up my dishes for me! If someone is TRULY exhausted from work, they can sit it out. But, I'm sure that once they see everyone having fun, they won't be able to stay away! Everyone is nosey and wants to see what's going on!! They will end up taking part one way or another!!