Swap Party with Friends for Freebies

Have a party trading your stuff with friends. Freebies without spending anything!

One man's trash is another man's treasure. Times are tough. I'm sure everyone at one time or another has driven down the street and seen something set out for the trash that was still perfectly good. I myself have found countless pieces of furniture. I patch them up with wood putty, sand it and paint it the color I choose. Sometimes I decoupage it if wood putty won't fix it.

Recently I found an article in Better Homes and Gardens. It was the January 2010 issue. The article was titled, "Swap till you Drop," written by Amy Panos. The article gives a great idea of cleaning out your closets, storage area, garage, basement etc. Collect all the items you have to trade. Call your friends and tell them you are hosting a party to swap with each other. Everyone leaves with something and no one spends a dime. What a great idea!

Choose an area of your house that is open like the dining room, living room or basement. If it's summertime you can do it in the garage or even the backyard. If you choose to do it in the house make sure you cover your tables to protect the surface.

The article goes on to suggest that you set up all the items everyone brings with them on long tables. Before everyone starts pass out clothes pins with each persons initials on them, so many per person. To claim something you like, you have to be the first one to place a clothes pin on it. If multiple people want the item you can also place all the clothes pins in a basket and draw for it.

If you want to have snacks or appetizers have each person bring something, this will keep the cost of the party falling on one person. You can keep it simple with chips and dips or go fancy with all deserts. Whatever you chose it's sure to be a party to remember.

When the party is over, bag or box up all the leftovers and donate them to a local charity of your choice. Everybody wins!