I got my party package from Gevalia today. It is so cool w/ lots of samples to give my guests.

I've not had very good luck w/ getting my friends to come (they all have something going on that night). So I'm feeling a bit bummed about the party now. I never have hosted a good adult party. My kids parties are GREAT!

I need some help quick! I have invited over 13 people w/ no responses. With all the goodies I have to give away (SWISS CHOCOLATE! too) I really want to have more than one or two people (of course that just means more goodie bags for me LOL).

Can you think of a way to word the next batch of invites to really get their interest? There will be prizes, games, music and of course incredible tasty coffee and treats.

I will be hand delivering these invites to people who really love coffee (the first batch was just to friends). I have not filled in the inside of the card yet, so I can start from scratch here.

By Yjja123 on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 08:07 pm:

A fun night is brewing
with sweets to delight
I sure hope you can come
This Saturday night

By Yjja123 on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 08:25 pm:

no kids are allowed
but the adults get to play
There will be games & prizes
while we enjoy coffee & chocolates-- all gourmet

By Dana on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 08:38 pm:

That's great Yvonne! I love them both. However, since I have both my kids home w/ me, and we have a GREAT 3 story play set, kids that need to come w/ parents are invited. I don't want a ton of kids but 4 or 5 to keep my daughter running and playing in the play area would be great. My original plans did not include kids. Hmmm, since my friends (the ones w/ kids) can't come, maybe a change of plans are in order.

I don't suppose I could get you to hand walk me thru the rest of the plans *wink*. I have no idea why I can do a kids party but planning an adult party scares me to death. I'll send you a chocolate and coffee sample

By Breann on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 08:59 pm:

I would make sure they know that there will be no pressure to buy things. I really don't like parties where it's all about pressure. It tends to frustrate me and I buy less, just out of spite. If it's low pressure, I always spend more.

By Dana on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 09:00 pm:

Would anyone like to be a virtual guest "at" my party? Let me know and I'll send you an evite. I'm just looking at my party site and it seems so sad w/ no "yes's" there. Sorry, just feeling that pre party failure jitters. You can add pictures of you drinking coffee and even blog about why you like coffee or anything else that seems appropriate. So far I'm the only one posting on my site. I can't believe none of my real world friends don't do computer world stuff.

By Dana on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 09:06 pm:

Oh, yes, there is no pressure on buying. I don't even think I get credits or anything for those who purchase their offers. I haven't even mentioned buying stuff to anyone I have invited. The coffe really is that good, that if they like it, they would want to purchase anyway...whether there was an offer or not.

They are giving away something to the person w/ the largest turn in of first time orders, but I know I won't even be in the running. So for me it is just the chance to use our beautiful back yard and make use of DH's awsome sound system, dance floor and disco ball (teehee--that's in our garage after you move the car) I really wanted to have my favorite friends over. We have never done that

By Bellajoe on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 09:34 pm:

Maybe you can call it a "girls night out". Tell them just what you told us. Say something about wanting to invite friends over to hang out in the back yard, listen to music, and have some coffee. That you will be selling the coffee and CHOCOLATE! But there is no pressure to buy anything. Sorry, i'm no good at wording things right!


I know, it really really stinks when you try to have one of these parties and noone comes or noone RSVP's. I tried to host a scrapbook party once. I think i invited 10 people and only 3 could come, so i had to cancel it. So i totally know how you feel.

By Yjja123 on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 09:46 pm:

"I don't suppose I could get you to hand walk me thru the rest of the plans *wink*. I have no idea why I can do a kids party but planning an adult party scares me to death. I'll send you a chocolate and coffee sample"
I am confused. Is this a for fun party or a selling party?
I have never had a selling party but I have had plenty of adults only parties. I am a huge fan of Gevalia coffee but do not know about any selling parties for their coffee? I buy from them on a monthly basis.
As far as kids parties vrs adults, I approach them the same. I always have a theme and try to make it as fun as possible. You have your theme--gourmet. If I can help ya brainstorm anymore let me know.
I hope you have a successful & yummy party!

By Dana on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 08:02 am:

No, it really isn't a selling party. Yes, there is a special offer made to any guests...or anyone for that matter that has the code number. But no, I am not selling it. I'm not even taking orders. It's up to the people if they want to contact Gevalia and place an order. It is a sampling party of Gevalia products. As hostess, I was given coffee and chocolates to serve, and gift bags (samples ofcourse) to hand out. And it is all free. It's NOT like tupperware or pamper chef or any of those parties.

I just thought it would be a fun way of having friends over. However, my friends, the ones I really wanted to have over are all busy that week. So now I am inviting people we know well, but not my best friends. My chiropractors secretary is coming because I asked if she loves coffee. She is very excited it. I am asking my neighbors as well. My husband has a couple friends to invite, but they don't really like coffee, so that's not great. Since it will no longer be a group of close friends, I'm not sure how the mix of people will work...no one will no anyone. DH and I will be the only common denominator (unless it is someone who really loves coffee..my main focus now).

By Yjja123 on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 01:55 pm:

Neat idea. I wish I had seen it earler. I would have done one. Most of my family and friends like Gevalia coffee and tend to order with me when I place my orders.
As long as you are busy with games, etc, there will not be a big lull to worry about the people not knowing eachother. I am sure you will all have a great time. Who doesn't enjoy themselves when they get to sample sweets and coffee? ;)

By Brandy on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 02:57 pm:

what's the website i can pretend i'm drinking coffee for you lol..I hate coffee but you could send me some chocolates lol = ) and i would really eat those(talking about loosing weight on the other board lol) = )

By Dana on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 03:17 pm:

Heeeheeee hee, Brandy. I will send you the link (is your email in your profile?) When I sent all my evites to my original guest list many of them didn't even get it, and those who did and tried to rsvp couldn't get into the site. So hopefully there is a link I can reference on my hand delivered cards and regular emails I send via my own email. You can take a picture of you eating a chocolate, LOL. Maybe you have friends who like coffee that you can have join you At least I will see someone with me! Even if it is only w/ chocolates.

By Brandy on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 03:38 pm:

Dana my email is mckinb060793 at aol.com

By Brandy on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 03:39 pm:

= )

By Bellajoe on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 05:04 pm:

whooops, i got the impression that it was sort of Pampered Chef thing.

I hope you have fun enjoying your coffee and friends. MMMm it sounds so yummy!

By Dana on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 06:04 pm:

I think most people think this, Brandy. Since it was introduced to me via an invitation to host since I already use Gevalia, I really didn't know how it worked myself. But now as they move along w/ more details and exactly what our hostest gift is, it makes more sense. Wow, what a run on sentence.

They kept our gift box secret until we opened it, yesterday? Whenever this thread started. Then it all made sense to me.

Let me know if your evite works and if you can get onto my party site.

By Mrsheidi on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 11:06 pm:

I also think that timing is everything. We usually do a date "vote" on our Evite list so we get the optimum turnout. Most of the time families want to spend time alone together on weekends but Thursdays usually are good for people.

By Brandy on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 04:20 am:

I got the evite i will put in the information tonight = ) i'm not sure how it works yet though?i will have to figure that out = )

By Dana on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 01:38 pm:

Heidi, it doesn't go thru the evite system. It has its own invitation generator on site. It's not very good however. Most people didn't get their evites, those who did couldn't access the site properly to respond and I couldn't go in and hand change the responses for my guest.

Also, the whole idea of this party thing is so that everyone nation wide is having the party together on the same day. Everyone is requested to post video and photos of their party. It also has a place to blog on the party: pre and post comments.

It is a new thing and currently (at least last I checked) is not open to the general public yet. So there are a lot of bugs on their party planning methods for online use.

I'm feeling better about my party. I have a few more people interested in coming and they love coffee.

If anyone else is interested in seeing what this is all about, I am happy to email you. Again, this is not like Tupperware or other sale parties. And the website is just a place to come to keep up to date on party planning and party events that occur at the party.

By Mrsheidi on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 01:47 pm:

I would, Dana, but I don't drink coffee! My husband loves it though! You can send some to him in Afghanistan! LOL!

By Kaye on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 01:50 pm:

dana, email me at registerme at houston dot rr com

By Dana on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 06:23 pm:

THANKS Heidi and Kaye! I'm just so happy to have someone join my party site. I am so lonely there. AGain, let me know what you get, if you can sign on and what you see once you are there.

By Dana on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 06:29 pm:

Heidi, you don't have an email addy in your profile, where would you like me to send you the link?

I love the photo of your family in the profile.

By Brandy on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 09:32 pm:

okay i'm on i have a photo posted and everything i forgot it was next week lol..what time in indiana would it be because i will probably have to work = (

By Brandy on Friday, September 29, 2006 - 10:39 pm:

I'm trying to get on to the site but i forgot what it was and i can't find it in my favorites...