Things You'll Need:
- invitation list
- tables
- clothing racks (optional)
- markers and paper
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Step 1
Now that you have the idea to host a clothing swap, start thinking about who to invite. Ideally, you'd like a good mix of sizes, tastes and styles. Think about who you know who'd like to come. Some women who are especially interested in donating to and receiving from a swap are women who have recently lost weight, had a baby, started a new job or quit their job to stay home. Send those friends a note inviting them to the swap. Ask them to bring all their no-longer-needed clothes, shoes and accessories to your home on the chosen night. You may also encourage them to wear clothes and shoes that are conducive to trying on new outfits, and to bring a few shopping bags to haul away their treasures. An appetizer or beverage is also a good idea.
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Step 2
Now that you've invited friends and the date is upon you, organize your house for the swap. Send your husband out with the kids and make sure the pets are safely kenneled and/or won't interfere with the business at hand. If you have clothing racks or could fashion them out of broom handles or other such means, go ahead and set those up. Find all available tables and surfaces for folded clothes, and designate a few boxes for purses and accessories. Once you have all your display surfaces in one room, begin labelling the areas with markers and paper. Divide into categories such as hanging clothes, t-shirts, jeans, shorts, sweaters, shoes, purses, and accessories. Dividing by size is incredibly time consuming for both you and your guests, and is generally not recommended.
Make sure rooms are available with mirrors so that guests can trying on clothing in privacy and see how they look.
If you asked guests to bring appetizers and drinks, set up an area in the kitchen for them to go. Include cups, plates, napkins and utensils. -
Step 3
When guests begin arriving, show them where to place their items and let them get to work. Once they are finished putting out their own items, they can help with the items that others have brought or relax in the kitchen with a snack and drink. Ask them to wait until everyone is present before "shopping".
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Step 4
Once all the guests are present and everyone has placed out their items, its time to shop!! Its generally not necessary to shop one at a time or restrict the number of items that one person may take, as there is usually more clothing available than guests will take. Encourage your guests to try things on and place them back on the racks if they don't fit.
When all the guests have enjoyed the evening, chosen their items and departed, box up the remainder and drop it by your favorite charity in the morning.
