Want a Free Car? Throw a Party

Today I'm heading over to the Saturn dealership to pick up a brand new car - for free. And just how did I get this car? I threw a party - a House Party to be exact.

House Party is a grass roots campaign that partners common people like me with companies trying to promote their products. The companies send samples of their products to hosts (like me). In turn hosts throw a party where they share the product - and sometimes other goodies - with friends.

The Saturn is a party favor for my latest House Party - the Saturn House Party. The party is sponsored by Saturn to promote TLC's new show Real Simple. Real Life. As a host of the party I get a brand new Saturn for my use for the weekend. I also got a gas card and a cookbook for entertaining.

All I had to do was throw a party for at least 10 of my friends on a given day (or sometimes they give you a range of dates to choose from). In this case my friends will be gathering Friday night to view the premiere episode of Real Simple. Real Life.

But I'm not the only one who benefits, so do my friends. In my care package from the sponsor are goodies for my guests. For this party, they are getting canvas bags, water bottles, recipes, a coupon for an oil change and a discount offer for a subscription to Real Simple magazine.

This party is actually my third House Party. The first was also for a television show. In September 2007, I got to preview the Season 2 premiere of Friday Night Lights two weeks before it aired. Party favors include megaphones, rally towels, kuzies and stadium seats.

Then last spring I hosted a party for Hershey's Bliss - what's better than a party for chocolate or for that matter any excuse to eat chocolate. I combined two of my favorite things and we made our party into a wine and chocolate tasting. My guests each brought a bottle of their favorite wine to share and Hershey provided the chocolate. Each guest also got their share of chocolate to take home among other goodies.

That party was such a hit that it inspired my friends to host similar "tastings" - even without the free party favors. In fact we just went to a beer tasting/cook out last month.

My friends love these parties too. They are always asking me when I'll be hosting another one. As for me I love any excuse to throw a party. And the swag is a bonus.

They have House Parties for everything. You can view a list of upcoming parties at houseparty.com/events.