My clothing swap party was a bust...long.

**frugal.lass** · 03-24-2009, 01:44 AM

I don't have many female friends who live near me but I invited most of my female coworkers to a clothing swap party. I wasn't sure the idea would fly so I had been mentioning it over a few weeks and they all thought it was the "greatest" idea. If you're super frugal and don't buy tons of extra clothes it doesn't work well (cause everything gets worn out, handed down or turned into rags anyways) but for girls who are a bit more spendy and end up with a closet full of almost-new items, it's a great way to get new-to-you stuff while getting rid of your "old" things at the same time. I didn't have much in my closet but managed to find stuff I wasn't wearing (due to weight loss/gain) to contribute to the clothing all my coworkers said they would bring.

Today, before the big event I prepared snacks and got mixers ready for drinks (told everyone to BYOB). The hour of the party rolls around and nobody shows up...I think "No big deal, these girls are prone to being late at work. They are probably just continuing the trend." Fifteen minutes later, I'm a bit more worried about the amount of food I've set out. Finally, one of the girls calls and frantically apologizes, saying she's on her way.

She was the only person to show up.

She had been the one who was most enthusiastic about the idea...and had offered to host it if I couldn't get my place ready in time and we still had a great evening but it was just very frustrating. If someone mentions an idea, why would you say "I would TOTALLY go to something like that if someone held one!!!" if what you really mean is "Sounds lame." This isn't a frugal issue...yes, I spent money on food that I don't usually buy and I prepared food that I will now have to creatively find ways to use but I was more hurt that I spent the time on organizing this and trying to make my tiny home more welcoming to visitors and only one girl came. *sigh*

The highlight of the night was when she was shocked that the bread from the bruschetta was homemade. She looked around my kitchen and asked how that was even possible..."How did you make it??? With an oven?!?!?" She had only ever heard of people making bread with breadmakers...never the "old fashioned" way.

**mauimagic** · 03-24-2009, 01:50 AM

Liz - how frustrating and disappointing. Has happened to me on Maui twice - people always say that they want to do craft days. So I have invited, prepped crafts, done the food thing etc, to have only 1-2 people show up. When I lived on the mainland a million years ago, these parties were always well attended.

I think that people relate differently to others these days - don't seem to have as much time to go even just to socialize. So many people I know just seem to socialize only when doing something work related; or community service related. It's just different - no value judgement, just different.

good for youu for putting something interesting together. Their loss for those who didn't make it.

**phoeny_moonstar** · 03-24-2009, 02:40 AM

Sorry that no one showed up for your party. It does sound like a blast though. Better luck next time.

**2ndGenGranola** · 03-24-2009, 05:30 AM

Don't feel bad. That happens with well known "party plans" too. Who knows they may have even thought it was a "hook" for a plan that they have never heard of.

**mom2bobsarah** · 03-24-2009, 08:51 AM

That stinks, I am so sorry that your party didn't work out. It seems like it would have been fun. Have you heard from any of them? Did they even try to come up with an excuse? Talk about rude, I would never tell someone yes, I will attend and then not, if I could not attend I would apologize and cancel or whatever. If they weren't interested they could have just said so. I hate to waste money and time on food and then not everyone shows.

**Doggiemom** · 03-24-2009, 11:05 AM

I'm sorry it didn't turn out the way you had hoped... I think it was a great idea and would love to attend that type of party!

**Lady_V** · 03-24-2009, 11:14 AM

Don't view it as a disappointment... it was actually a success!

One person came.
One person will talk about it to a friend.

Sometimes it only takes one person!!!

**Cricketlegs** · 03-24-2009, 11:19 AM

Sorry about what happened. It was not what you expected but at least you did what you said you were going to do and you didn't let down the girl who did show up.

**cissylu** · 03-24-2009, 11:20 AM

So sorry only one showed up. It sounds like it would have been a great time.

**many houseapes** · 03-24-2009, 11:30 AM

Aw Liz, I am so sorry...but hey - at least someone showed up & maybe if you are willing to host another swap party,more people will show up. If you want to, you could make a few flyers or invitations & give them to your more "receptive" coworkers....sometimes if people have something in print,they are more apt to remember - just a few ideas. Please don't let what happened be a discouragement. You did better than I did.....when I had a baby shower when I was expecting our first dd - NO ONE showed up......we were drinking soda & eating the baby shower cake for a week.GGGRR. Hugs to you.

**rainbowgc** · 03-24-2009, 01:30 PM

It was rude of people to say they would come and then not show up.
So sorry this happened to you.

**bluedog** · 03-24-2009, 05:42 PM

I think your idea was great and I would absolutely attend such a thing!But,then, I am pretty frugal so maybe you could promote that part? You know, "move with the times=get frugal!" Did you include clothes for kids? Lots get grown out of and still have good use--all us cousins passed things around. At any rate, kudos for having sucha good idea!

**Debbie-cat** · 03-24-2009, 06:12 PM

I am sorry that the others didn't show up! I would have! I would love something like that. I am sure the lady who did show up was impressed with what you did (sure sounds like it with the bruschetta). Even though you are disappointed and lost money with the food and drinks you prepared, remember it is their loss not yours. They missed out on a great time, great company, great food and a chance to save some money.

**frugal.lass** · 03-25-2009, 01:32 AM

Debbie-cat, this will be our little secret but I made bruschetta because I had part of a loaf of homemade bread that was beginning to be a bit dry and I really wanted to use it up. I just made a quick topping (tomatoes, onions, some garlic, some seasoning, olive oil...dash of this, dash of that sort of thing), and topped toasted slices of bread. It SEEMS like it should have been fancy but I was pretty much using up some stuff I had on hand...I just lucked out that I could make it something recognizable.

Don't tell anyone I was entertaining AND bring frugal. hee hee

**madhen** · 03-25-2009, 01:44 AM

Ooh, that sucks. But it sounds like you've made one better friend because of it. Maybe, if you ever want to try something like that again, you should send out invitations (even by email) with RSVP requests, and include a little note that you appreciate a response so you will know how many refreshments to provide.