When you are a new consultant and your customers are new to your products - doing a show is easy because it is all new and fresh.  But by the time you've had the same group of guests at your show more than a few times ... the freshness wears off and you, and they grow weary of the same old show.  What can you do to spice up your shows?

        With a little preparation you can take a theme show and create new interest, while still being able to demonstrate your products to their fullest advantage.  Adding fun and whimsy to your shows keeps the customers coming back -- and more willing to book a show of their own!

        Some of the following shows are written in the first person -- because they have been submitted by actual consultants who have used these ideas.  Their comments will make the show idea more personal, and hopefully give you a better picture of how to put that particular show together.

{Disclaimer: The below show ideas have come from a variety of people and may not all be suitable for every direct sales company.}  Do you have a favorite show idea for your company?  Send it to vonda@vondas-vine.com.

Scroll through to the bottom of the page - or click below to go directly to one of your choice. 

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PEPPERMINT SHOW  Original by Independent Sales Director Kay Cox

Please keep in mind that some things are OUTDATED this was something from 1998 and I'm just passing on the original.  I'm sure you can find baskets or pottery to fit in these categories.  You'll also notice that fabrics aren't mentioned here either, because they were so new at that point. 

      Delight the senses of your "Home Show" guests with a Holiday Show designed to create a festive mood for the upcoming holidays, the Peppermint Show. This is Sales Director Kay Cox and I would like to thank Branch Advisor Elaine Kidney and Independent Associates Denise Pollock and Kristy Osborn for this great Show idea. I've made a few changes to it for my Holiday Home Shows so feel free to adapt it to your Show style as well.

    When you arrive at the show, pop in your favorite holiday cassette or CD, and light a scented evergreen candle. Place green and red peppermints in various products that you want to be the focus of the evening.

    Involve your guests in the Show by having them take a peppermint as they introduce themselves and share their favorite holiday tradition. They'll love the ideas they receive from each other and this activity will really get them in the holiday spirit. Next, ask each guest to pick a product that catches their eye and have them use that product as their peppermint container. (Time to spread those custard cups, votives and baskets around if they don't know what to pick.)

    Now, it's time to "PLAY" for peppermints. Yes, there is a prize involved and a lucky guest will be the winner. Design your Show around the products you choose to focus on for the evening. Your Hostess may have told you what her guests were interested in before the Show, or you may have determined their interests as you greeted them when they arrived. Focus your peppermint questions on the items they would be interested in or on the products they chose to hold their peppermints. Next, begin to ask "peppermint" questions. Here are some examples:

Take A Peppermint

•If history was your favorite subject {share your direct sales company’s story and history, especially good for new customers}

•If you hang a wreath on your door for the holidays {highlight a holiday product}

•If you're serving a holiday dinner at your house {highlight a product useful for serving/preparing your holiday meal}

•If you bake Christmas cookies {highlight a useful product for this purpose}

•If you're planning to travel away from home for the holidays {Medium Market and divided protector for the car or Magazine with a basket suitable for bread on top}

•If you decorate with a miniature tree {highlight products suitable for decorating}

•If you're a collector of anything {share any special clubs/memberships your direct sales company might have and any products available at that time}

•If you love a good deal {share any specials going on and maybe get into your generous Hostess program and all of the benefits of doing your own Home Show}

•If you had a special plate for Santa when you were little {highlight product set for serving}

•If you're sending Christmas cards this year {highlight product suitable for storing addresses}

•If you start the holiday season with a family tradition passed down from your parents {highlight Holiday product} - Begin a new tradition for your family with a new children's book to be placed inside this product each year. Children's books are great for adults too!

•If you'd like to get organized (Vanity Basket)

•If you'd like a FREE gift from {Company} {highlight any Hostess appreciation specials your direct sales company may offer or even touch on Hostess benefits too}

•If you love your job (share why you love yours, find out who doesn't love theirs)

•If you'd love to have an exclusive booking product…{highlight the various booking products available}

     At the end of your presentation, the guest with the most peppermints wins a small prize. Suggestions would be Holiday cocktail napkins tied with a candy cane in a bow, a pen and notepad wrapped in cello and tied with a bow, wax or paper ornament made using cookie molds. Have additional questions ready in case of a tie. Use your creativity and sense of humor to add your personality to this Show.

    You've covered all the senses - sight with your colorful and festive display, sound with your holiday music, taste with your peppermints, touch with the passing around of our products, and smell with your scented candle, and everyone has had a good time. You'll find this show to be adaptable to any situation or time frame. Have fun with it and your guests will too!

    May your shows make a MINT for you this holiday season - Merry Christmas everyone!  

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FAMOUS AMERICAN BASKET PARTY
(This show idea was submitted by someone selling baskets, but I’m sure you can adapt it to fit your company’s products and make it work for you! Send Vonda’s Vine your completed show)

Imagine you are at a Home Show with many famous Americans. What products do you think the following people would order?

George Washington.....Berry Basket or Pie Plate
Betsy Ross.....Darning Basket
Johnny Appleseed.....Large Fruit, discuss {regular stain} line
Ben Franklin.....Key Baskets
Abraham Lincoln....{Product suitable for keeping (Gettysburg) addresses in}
John Hancock.....Paper Tray, discuss organizing products/Wrought Iron
Amelia Earhart.....Magazine (maps), show insert
Julia Childs.....{Basket suitable for storing recipes- Discuss Whitewash line}
Paul Revere.....Gathering Basket with {Wood lid with divided compartments}
Mary Ludwig Hays (Molly Pitcher).....Large Pitcher, discuss pottery line
Gene Kelly....Umbrella Basket, show 9" & 11" Shelves, Wrought Iron
Betty Crocker.....Cake Basket
Donald Trump.....Business Card Basket 

Thomas Edison.....Pottery Lamp, discuss home decorator line
Chris Everett.....Serving Tray, discuss hostess-only collection
Martha Stewart.....{Discuss bookings products}
Bill Gates.....All of it! Share the opportunity to join your direct sales company.

1.  Read the statement at the top of the form and ask each guest to write down which product these Americans would order.  You may prepare "worksheets" if you desire.
2.  Go through the list and ask people for their answers - and why they picked that product.  

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MOM'S NIGHT OUT  by Gail Brandt         (can be revised to whatever baskets you have)

{basket suitable for recipes w/tie-on....... So Dad can FIND the recipes and cook dinner! :-)

 9x13 Baking Dish... To cook dinner in

Oven Mitt Set..... Don't want dad to get burned!

3 pc Place setting.... To serve dinner

Small tabletop easel... With trivet and write MOM'S NIGHT OUT in erasable marker

{baskets suitable for keeping pens & notepads} To place near the phone to write down all of Mom's messages while she is out.

Book Keeper to put near the phone with the phone books for emergencies

Mixing Bowl.... Wake up to Dad making pancakes

Pillow Sham....Breakfast in Bed

{Basket suitable to keep laundry in}... (I said cleaned, and they all laughed!!)

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ONE BASKET SHOW #1 by Melanie

 I've done this at 3 shows and sold 6 Cake baskets.  I show:

W/ riser to hold 2 pie plates.
Large Mixing Bowl (protector filled w/ ice)
Protector flipped as a lid
Napkin as a liner (tucked in to the corners)
Napkin as a lid (tucked in to the corners)
Liner inverted to a lid (pull up from center and secure with a ponytail
holder) - Cookie Jar inside (baked beans, stew, etc.)
Tuck 2 napkins in to divide the basket in two
Folding 4 napkins to make 4 pockets and insert 4 medium spoon protectors or
4 deli containers
Put the lid on and use for storage (table linens, legos, books, needlework,
diaper center in the family room, etc.)

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Gardening with {Company}

Opening Statement:  Whether you have a green thumb or not, gardening with {company} is always a success!  At ___________’s show I’ll share with you ideas for using your baskets and other products to create and enjoy the garden of your dreams.  And, if dreaming about the beauty a garden provides is as close to the dirt as you like to get, we’ll talk about ways to bring that garden beauty into your home to give it the total coordinated look you’ve always dreamed about.  To get started, I want to share this seedling with our hostess.  While it doesn’t look like much now, it has the potential to bloom and grow, providing! great pleasure in the future.  My hope is that these ideas shared with you will grow and multiply into many more ways to use and enjoy your {company} products both inside and outside of your home.

 Ice Breaker:  Ask Hostess and guests to introduce themselves and share either their favorite gardening activity or their favorite flower.  {Introduce the flower basket series and how it came about}

 Products to be used:

Magazine - Garden Magazines and books for planning, and for trips to the Garden Center

            Vegetable - Garden pamphlets

            Umbrella Basket - Store bulbs  (That’s the original use for this basket.)

            Large Berry - bulbs to be planted, harvested

            Button, Darning - Fill with pebbles and bulbs for forcing

            Hostess Serving Tray divided protector - seedlings/herbs

Flower Pot Basket and Flower Pots - herbs

Medium Waste with protector - potting soil

Medium Chore - seed packets, plant markers, stakes and twine

Spring - small garden tools

{Booking product}- cold soda

Serving Tray - cell packs of flowers/vegetable to be planted

Medium Market - fertilizer

Gathering Basket - harvesting vegetables or cutting bouquets (original use)

{Basket suitable for recipes} - family favorite recipes for the harvest, magazine clippings for plant care, photos ideas of gardens

            Large Pitcher - cut flowers display

            Dinnerware - share the abundance of your harvest with friends

            Home decor - floral fabrics

            Chair pads and pillows - relax and enjoy the beauty of your garden

 Booking Statement:  If you see many products here that you would like to call your own, let’s plant a date for your own show on my calendar this season.  You’ll see your {Company} collection grow quickly with our generous Hostess Benefit Program.

 Recruiting Statement:  Like gardening, when it’s fun it’s not really work, a {Company} career is way too much fun to be called a job.  If I’ve planted the seed for your interest in the {Company} opportunity, let me know at the end of the show.  I would love to help you get started and nurture you along until you bloom on your own.  With all the support you’ll get from {Company} and me, you’ll be a blooming success this season and for many more to come.

 Closing Statement:  I’ve enjoyed sharing my {Company} garden with you.  I look forward to planting a date in my calendar for your show so we can get together again soon.  Your show can be as individual as you are.  I have many different show themes to share with you and your friends.  Thank you once again to ___________ for inviting me into her home.  Also thanks to each of you for supporting your friend by coming to her show.  As you relax and enjoy the products you purchase at ____________’s show, I know the choices you make will provide you with beauty and memories for years to come.

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FRIDAY THE 13TH SHOW #1 by Pat. F.

Friday the 13th

1. Is your birthday on the 13th of any month?
2. If it was Friday the 13th give yourself another point!
3. Are you married thirteen years?
4. Were you married on the 13th of the month?
5. If it was a Friday the 13th give yourself another point!
6. Do you have thirteen cents in your wallet or coin purse?
7. Does your credit card have a 13 in it? (consecutive #s like 4133)
8. Does your checking account number have a thirteen in it?
9. Does your phone # have a thirteen in it?
10. Does your address have a thirteen in it?
11. Do you own thirteen baskets?
12. Will you buy an item on page 13 of the {Catalog}?
13. Do you own an item on page 13 of the {Catalog}?
14. Will you book a show for the 13th of next month?

Superstitious Friday the 13th

• Salt & Pepper Shakers - sprinkle salt over your shoulder for good luck
• Umbrella Basket - don't open indoors
• Catch All Basket - penny with a face up it's good luck - save your change
• Small Spoon - holds silverware - drop knife-male; fork-woman; spoon- child
• Key Baskets - good things come in threes
• For the best "luck" - be a {Company} hostess....
• {Product suitable for feeding pets} - black cat bad luck

 What can you think of in groups of 13?

• 13 stripes on the American Flag
• 13 donuts or cookies in a Bakers Dozen
• 13 Colonies founded in the united States
• 13th floor always missing in a hotel!
• And try to find a basket with maybe 12 splints going around??

1. Which of the following is the appropriate gift for a 13th wedding anniversary?  Bronze, LACE, ivory, crystal
2. According to Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind, Scarlet O’Hara had a 13-inch waist. Who played Scarlet O'Hara in the 1939 film? VIVIEN LEIGH

3. What is the 13th letter of the alphabet? "M"

4. Bob Crane led a group of American POW"S at Stalag 13 in what 60's TV series? HOGAN'S HEROS

5. What term describes a fear of the #13? TRISKAIDEKAPHOBIA

6. What is the Roman Symbol representing the #13? XIII

7. Who was the 13th Child of Grandma Bonnie? SHE ONLY HAD 12

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FRIDAY THE 13TH SHOW #2 by Joanne in Jersey

1 hour till show time today and here I am putting my ideas on paper.  I used the web site that someone posted the other day...thanks a bunch! http://www.corsinet.com/trivia/scary.html   Couldn't have done it without you.  Hope this helps someone in the future!

Give the word, example, APPLE, and ask if anyone knows of a superstition that goes with it.  Give a point to the person that guesses it correctly. An apple a day, keeps the Dr. away. Counting the # of seeds inside a cut apple will tell you how many children you will have someday. Show and discuss the fruit basket.

Baby: suspend a wedding band held by a piece of thread over the palm of a pregnant girl.  If the ring swings in an oval it's a girl. If it swings in a straight line, it's a boy. 

Show and discuss the kiddie purse.

Birthday Cake:  Blow out all the candles on your first puff and get your wish
Show and discuss uses for the cake basket.

Blue: Touch blue and your wish will come true
Show and discuss Fabrics, starting with the blue ones

Bread:  A loaf of bread should never be turned upside down after a slice has been cut from it.  (Bad luck?)
Show and discuss {basket suitable for keeping bread} and {wrought iron piece}

Coin:  It's bad luck to pick up a coin if it's tails side up.  Good luck comes if it's heads up 
Show and discuss new leather accessories, new purse or catch all basket

Dog:  A dog howling at night when someone is sick is a bad omen
Show and discuss new dog items

Door:  It's bad luck to leave a house through a different door than ! the one used to come in
Show and discuss the mail basket that could be hung by a door

Mirror:  Break a mirror and get 7 years bad luck.  It's unlucky to see your face in a mirror by candlelight.  A mirror should be covered during a thunderstorm because it attracts lightning. Show and discuss the vanity basket

Mistletoe:  Mistletoe in the house protects it from thunder and lightning.  Standing under the mistletoe, you can't refuse a kiss Show and discuss the Christmas line

Pencil:  If you use the same pencil to take a test that you used for studying for the test, the pencil will remember the answers. Show and discuss {baskets suitable for keeping pens & notepads}

Rosemary:  Planted by your doorstep it will keep witches away. Show and discuss booking a show.  Talk about booking baskets.  Book a show and help _____(hostess) get one!

Sneeze:  One for ! sorrow, Two for joy, Three for a letter, Four for a boy.  Five for silver, Six for gold, Seven for a secret, never to be told.  Itchy nose....someone is coming...left nostril will be a male, right will be female Show and discuss {basket suitable for storing tissues}

Valentine's Day:  If a woman sees a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it means she will marry a sailor.  If she sees a sparrow, she will marry a poor man and be very happy.  If she sees a goldfinch, she will marry a millionaire.  Show and discuss {Valentine’s products}

Wish:  If you make a wish while throwing a coin into a fountain, it will come true. Wish I may, wish I might, get the wish I wish tonight. If you tell someone your wish, it won't come true.  Show and discuss the {Catalog}

Yawn:  A yawn is a sign that danger is near. &nbs! p;Also means it's time for me to end my show...thanks for coming!

Of course, people may have other superstitious sayings and ideas other than those listed here.

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BACK TO SCHOOL SHOW  by Linda Potter

Fall Show
September means back to school for most of us.
So tonight we are going to talk about Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic!!

READING
Book keeper basket -
    Reference Books
    Scrapbooks
    Recipe Books on counter
    Library books and videos need to be returned
    Home work
{Basket suitable for newspapers}
    Magazines, papers, catalogs
Magazine
    Fits in Car
    Take to school of office - great briefcase
    Great for running errands - keep by door with thing you’ll need
    Scouts, church, Booster Club, Etc
Med Key (or Tall Key)  
    Hang on bed with glasses and remote control
    Hang on post, or use napkin and pin to mat! tress
Tall Key
    Bathroom reading basket!!

“I’d like to help all of you with your reading habit, so I am handing out our {Catalog} and flyer for you to take home.”

WRITING
Paper Tray
    Counter Clutter
    Sale Flyers you want to keep handy
    Coupon books
    Homework
    School papers you’ll need to have later
{Baskets suitable for pens and notepads}
    Keep by each  phone - great message center!
{Basket suitable for addresses}
    Keep handy on your desk, never lose track of friends
Spring 
    Hallmark cards - keep lots on hand - always have a card for the right
    occasion - don’t have to get in car and go get one!
Small Gathering
    Stamps and Ink Pads - decorate your writi! ng!
    Scrap booking supplies - Med Gathering is great for this, too!!

“If you would like to begin writing YOUR Christmas list right now, here’s a great card to give your loved one!” (hero cards)

ARITHMETIC

{Point out where your company is having any sales and how much the customers can save}

Small Bins  stamps, envelopes, bills, calculator, address labels

Big Bins
    Organize your writing, bill paying, homework, all in one place!!
Catch All
    Save change - watch it grow - put in bank once a month, and be surprised
    at amount collected!!
Great Math Deals!!!!

And of course, the ultimate Math deal - our Hostess Plan!! 
    Save Lots of Money!!
    1/2 off
    Credits
    Special Booking Baskets for You!!
    Hostess Specials almost every month
   
Could not go Back to School without telling you about ABC’s and 1,2,3’s

ABC - I’m Asking for Christmas Bookings now - have openings for fall shows - need to have Christmas shows by Nov 12

1,2,3 - {Company} now offers not one, but 3 different ways to join our team and have a great time earning extra money!!  Pay for habit, or make a career choice   One of these kits would surely fit your budget and lifestyle right now.  What a good time to join, with our GREAT Fall and Winter lineup!!

Christmas Baskets
New Flyers
Sept Special {highlight specials going on for limited time}
   
October {highlight feature product only available for a limited time}
    Hostess Appreciation Basket
    Holiday Pottery

Sept  1 - Dec 31  {highlight availability of Christmas products}

! New Stuff {highlight all new products recently introduced}   

Just a couple of additions to the Back to School show (it's such a fun show--did it lots last year)

• take attendance (get the guest lists and read it) and check them off as they answer you

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ANOTHER BACK TO SCHOOL SHOW  by Shari

I got many responses asking for my back to school show theme so I thought I would post it here.  I'm a little nervous about posting because of fear that the show is really not that good.  I hope some of you can get some use out of it.  I used it for all my August shows.  Some things would need to be changed so it could be used in any month.  You could call the show "Going to School with {Company} instead of Back to School.  Here it is:

Begin the show by handing out a “schedule” to each of the guests that lists all of the school subjects you are going to talk about. Or you can just name each subject as you progress with the show. Here are some ideas for the subjects.

1st Period - History - These {Company} products will be history as of August 31st. {Highlight any products retiring} Talk about the {August Features} mug sale (mugs also make great teacher gifts when filled with candy or gourmet coffee). You could also talk about the history of {Company}.

2nd Period - English - Store all your reading materials in the magazine and {basket suitable for newspapers}. Give other uses for the baskets.

3rd Period - P.E. - “When exercising in p.e. Class you can get as strong as {Company} baskets and pottery. Talk about how baskets and pottery are made (chip, crack and craze resistant pottery). {Basket suitable for laundry} with reinforced bottom, {basket suitable for newspapers} with triple up-splints. Baskets are made to be used!

4th Period - Science/Chemistry - Mix up your {Company} products just like you mix up chemicals in science/chemistry class. Show how different lids fit on different products (small fruit lid on button basket, etc.), show how different protectors fit in different baskets (3 tea protectors in {basket suitable for bread}, 4 tall key in the large market, etc.), also show how pottery and baskets work together (cookie jar in large berry with button brick, mixing bowl in cake)

5th period - Art -” Add some color to your home with {Company} fabrics. “ Talk about which liner fabric families work together, liners are scotch guarded. Show new brochure; talk about comforters, linens, and valances. {Company} is not just baskets anymore.

6th period - Geography - Travel the world in style with new {Company} luggage. Show the new overnight, garment bags, etc.

7th Period - Math - Add up the money you’ll save as a {Company} hostess. Talk about hostess benefits.

8th Period - Lunch or Home Ec. - Earn an “A” in home ec with a delicious recipe from your {basket suitable for recipes}. Another opportunity to show pottery (place settings, napkins, etc.)

At the end of the day your child’s school papers can be organized in the organizer bin or paper tray or why not give your child a large picnic basket complete with his/her handprints on the inside of the lid as a mini “hope chest” to keep all those “A” report cards, papers and art work that are too precious to throw away.

You can end the presentation by giving each guest a diploma from {Company} University.

I used a bell and had one of the guests ring it after each period.    

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BRINGING BACK THE FUN (from the {COMPANY} CONVENTION FUN) - OR FOR YOUR HOLIDAY SHOW!

Just wanted to share what my BA did at our "bringing back the {Company} Meeting”, which I copied for my Open House with great success!  She cut apart the bigger of the two Holiday flyers to have as many different pictures of new products as possible.  Then she taped each picture to a piece of paper and placed one each in a gift bag, gift box, or envelope.  We took turns sitting in the "Queens Chair", picked a "gift" and opened it for all to see.  The real items from our Kit were also packaged.   As each gift was opened we talked about it.  I did exactly the same thing at my Open House.  Everyone loved having a chance to be the first to see what they opened!  I had about 10 door prizes also in gift bags inside of my {Large Hostess Basket suitable for items for the future}.  In the midst of the "gift opening" I would announce it was time for a drawing, pick a na! me, and they got to choose a gift bag from the basket.  Everyone had a blast, even though I didn't have the {Catalog} and flyers to give out!    

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SURVIVOR'S SHOW

Here's a great show idea given to us at our branch meeting.  We played along and these were some of the ideas we came up with.  Customize to include the seasonal or new baskets.  (This was done before convention, so we didn't have any new stuff yet.)

You might begin with an ice breaker - what one {Company} product would you take with you if you were stranded on an island?  What/who would you take with you if you were stranded on an island?

Now, you come up with a list of things we have to survive and match products to that event to survive.  Share your ideas with them, after they give some of their own. Ought to be a fun show, getting guests involved and talking about all the things they have to survive.  Each time, you'll have more ideas on your list.

Surviving with {Company}:

Survive a diet - medium vegetable with fruit in it.  {Highlight tiny product, perhaps booking product} because absolutely no food would fit in it.

Survive College life - spring basket for phone cards, stamps and quarters.  {Highlight wrought iron product for desk top organizing} (those desks can be small). A {Company} box for bringing home the laundry - just till you earn the {Hostess product suitable for laundry}.

Survive 1st job - Magazine to arrive at that 1st day in style. Business Card basket to make the desk look official.  Magazine for carrying resumes about if looking for that 1st job.

Survive A Move.  {Product suitable for laundry} for all the "camping supplies" you need when moving (change of clothes, toilet paper, canned drinks, chips, games)  {Product suitable for keeping addresses} that all your friends can sign.

Survive a car trip - Magazine or Market for all the games, snacks for the kids.  Can also be set b! etween children to cut down physical contact.  {Product suitable for storing bread} for their sodas.

A dinner party or just a few guest. - Talk about serving tray and hostess program. 

Decorating a room - talk about home décor and all the wrought iron.

High cost of Christmas - Mugs - Give them some gift ideas for the mugs.   Insert a recruiting message too.

Fall decorating - {Highlight exclusive fall line}

Bad day at work - Mug for some soothing tea.  Magazine filled with all your travel brochures for the upcoming vacation.  Maybe even the {product suitable for addresses} filled with pain relievers.

New Baby - Gathering baskets for changing table items.  Spring basket filled with items for the babysitter. 

New Bride - {Product suitable for recipes}, pie plate or batter bowl.  Give gift ideas for using {Company} products for the new bride.  Give ideas for using our products as gifts for attendants and flower girl.

Menopause - spring with divided protector for patches, pills and fan.

Bad hair day - key baskets with blow dryers, gels, mousses, bands and a bow.

A power outage - {product suitable for storing candles} with candles, flashlight, batteries and matches.

Bill paying - {product suitable for storing envelopes}/{product suitable for bread} so you can cover those bills up.  If you really want to survive bill paying, you might want to become a Consultant.

School party.  {Product suitable for laundry} for hauling in all the stuff.  Serving Tray or Medium gathering for cup cakes, treat bags- etc.

A non-survivor - list products that are retiring.

Ultimate survivor basket - Cancer Basket- stickers, a symbol of hope as a gift to someone you love.

Give all guests a small home-made gift (candy, cookies, soaps, etc) for playing along.  They are all winners and survivors with {Company}.

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Top 6 Things To Do In the Fall

This is a little fall show that I have worked up for the month of August.  I thought perhaps someone might enjoy it! I plan to set up 5 mini displays of the following products around the room to center around each of the following categories. Then I will start with #6 and talk my way through #1.

#6  Attend Your Family Reunion (Display on Lg. Picnic) 

-    Get out the {Basket suitable for recipes}
-    Mom's Favorite Dish in 2 qt covered casserole inside Cake basket
-    Grandma’s Pie/Plate/Pie Basket
-    Cake/Med Gathering/9x13 Baking Dish
-    Lg. Picnic (Jackets, baby stuff, bug repellent, tablecloth)  ½ Price Choice

#5  Take A One Tank Trip (Display on crate)
-    Grab your keys from the Catch All Basket
-    Take the Sm. Gathering w/{Wood Lid with compartments}
-    Put the Magazine with {basket suitable for bread} between the Seats (Camera, maps)
-    Put the kids in the back seat with the Small Picnic for snacks/toys
-    Take the Travel Bags for your clothes for overnight

#4 Have Fun At The Tailgate Party (Display on Large Hostess basket)
-    Serve hot cider or hot chocolate in our Mugs
-    Take Chili in Cookie Jar/serve in Stackable Bowls
-    Silverware/Spring Basket and Protector
-    Large Hostess Basket for Chips, Bread (discuss being a Hostess)
-    Subs in market basket
-    Dips/Chips in button/cracker
-    Pop/Beer {basket suitable for wash} with Ice (Use basket for Monday Night Football Drinks ? your husband will enjoy)

#3  Send The Kids Back To School
-    Get them off to a good start ? Send a mini cake in a Long Mini Loaf Dish
-    Keep them on good terms with Christmas present ? Mugs are nice/Tie On/Pencil Basket filled with new pencils/Market with Fingerprint Critters Names
-    Be the best room mom? Bring your treats in Serving Tray (also holds papers on top of fridge)
-    Tote library books in Med. Market 

-    Enjoy some time to yourself? Pull the clubs out of the Umbrella Basket and golf at the         {Company} Golf Course!

#2  Start Your Christmas Shopping Early (Display on {6 sided basket wrought iron Stand}
-    Keep your mail order catalogs in the {basket suitable for newspapers}
-    With your Christmas List in hand, take our {Catalog} and do your shopping from the comfort of  your  couch!
-    Gift Certificates
-    Perfect gift for everyone:
-    Cancer Basket  Two to choose from
-    {highlight special clubs/memberships and products they have available}

#1  Hold a {Company} Party for YOU! -    New Purse {Catalog}
-    Christmas Samples

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THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

1st: A partridge in a pear tree.  What shall I put those pears in?  Show the fruit; berry or vegetable and then just add a tie-on to make the basket festive.

2nd : Two turtle doves.  Dove chocolates in {highlight booking product}; also use this year's {Christmas series available only in October}, and put a satin dove ornament in it as if on a nest.  Plan to book a show today so you can get this basket in October only.

3rd: Three French hens. What do we do with these hens? We make a casserole!!  - 9 X 13 dish; chicken casserole recipes passed around in the {basket suitable for recipes}; and we'll take it right to the table using the versatile 9x13 {basket suitable for 9x13! pottery dish}

4th: Four calling birds. Where do these birds work?  A phone bank.  Making all those calls they'll need the {basket suitable for addresses}.  You might like it too with its rolodex card set and matching lid!  I love to use it on top of our {Small wrought iron product} - another beautiful example of {Company} wrought iron, hand crafted in Arkansas by people using traditional blacksmithing techniques and design elements updated with great weather resistant finishes. 

5th: Five gold rings.  You can keep your gold rings and other jewelry you often wear in a {Highlight membership/club and products available} - or other smaller product

6th: Six geese a-laying. We'll need our gathering basket to collect all these eggs and then we'll take them to the market in our market basket. Once we get to market we'll sell the eggs and buy more baskets!!

7th. Seven swans a-swimming.  Imagine that romantic sight.  Sit down by the lake with your picnic/magazine wine or sparkling water and picnic with your sweetheart.  Arrange your appetizers in the divided protector and cover with the top shelf protector.

8th: Eight maids a-milking. We'll use that milk to bake bread.  {basket suitable for bread}/mug/plate/bowl.  But the maids are tired of getting up before the sun and are interested in setting their own hours in a job that lets them spend time with people like themselves - not cows.

9th: Nine ladies dancing.  Imagine the primping before the dance: vanity or {product! suitable for tissues}. Once the ladies are ready for the dance, imagine their pleasure at walking into a ballroom decorated with our beautiful September only {products}? 

10th: Ten lords-a-leaping.  I personally know one of these lords: John Bartholomew Nimble (yeah, you know what his friends call him) his favorite basket? - the {basket suitable for candles}. 

11th: Eleven pipers piping.  I'll bet you always thought these 11 were musicians--no, they sew the piping on our beautiful reversible comforters and pillows like these in the {highlight fabric line} collection.  When they've finished piping for the day, the pipers go to Jack's house for some refreshments and to snack from his wife's {Company} baskets which are filled with dips and chips for the exhausted pipers.

12th: Twelve drummers drumming. These 12 lead the parade of people to the career opportunity: Those wanting to schedule their own sale by hosting; wanting out of their 9-5 jobs to a more flexible career for children/family, travel/hobbies; people wanting to make {Company} at home in their homes.  Talk to me this afternoon if you'd like to find out more about the {Company} opportunity!

Plan to sing along with this and as you go along! , ask them to think of what the next day is.   It helps to add in some silly ones, or puns like the pipers.  I mention both booking and career opportunity.

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DRIVE-IN MOVIE SHOW aka {Company} Night at the Movies

by Steph Dunbar (with movie ideas by many creative Vonda's Vine members)

Perhaps your direct sales company has products that can be related to a movie, send your list of ideas to Vonda’s Vine

 Instead of a normal invitation, the hostess hands out a "ticket" (usually just some type of clip art printed from computer -- w/popcorn, movie projector, etc).  As they come in, they place their name on the back of their ticket (which they "NEED" to bring for admittance *smile* -- to be used for a door prize drawing later.  Hostess serves popcorn, soft drinks, candy bars ... "movie" snacks (popcorn in the ex. large bowl, mini candy bars in darning basket w/3 way protector, soft drinks and ice in large basket.

Then show a {Company} video -- one showing manufacture of products, etc.  Many are fascinated with actually seeing how things are made because they haven't been to Ohio yet. Then I just give them some ideas they can use with their products.  

Give ideas that coincide with movies - or see game idea below:

·         Driving Miss Daisy - {Wood lid with compartments}

·         It's A Wonderful Life - Recruiting

·         Huck Finn - Whitewashed Baskets

• Frosty the Snowman - Wrought iron (snowman)
• The Accidental Tourist - Luggage Line
• Pillow Talk - Home Decor Items
• The American President - {Red, White & Blue Basket Line}
• Thelma and Louise - {Wood Lid with compartments}/gathering baskets
• Titanic - Maybe start with this and show a wicker basket and how it fell apart ...
• Puttin' on the Ritz - Fabric liners / accessories
• My Best Friend's Wedding - nothing is better than {Company} as a gift for special occasions
• The Hunt for Red October - October only products
• Pretty in Pink - Cancer Basket
• Fried Green Tomatoes - Vegetable Basket
• Roots - {6 sided Baskets}
• You've Got Mail - {basket suitable for envelopes}
• Trading Places - Market "stock" Basket
• Mary Poppins - Umbrella Basket
• Sixteen Candles - {basket suitable for candles} or Cake Basket, pillar candle holder
• Incredible Journey - Recruiting
• Fantastic Voyage - Recruiting
• A League of Their Own - {Company's} outstanding quality
• The Patriot - {April only series}
• Scream - Our reaction to new (holiday) products
• Everything You Wanted to Know About ... But Were Afraid To Ask - fill in blank with Baskets, Hosting a Show, or becoming a consultant
• The Postman/The Postman Always Rings Twice - {basket suitable for envelopes} and wrought iron rack
• Forrest Gump - Relish tray to serve shrimp in sections and cocktail sauce in custard cup in center
• Runaway Bride - Bridal registry with a consultant
• Toy Story - Big basket to hold kid's toys, preferably Hostess product
• Halloween - Any products pertaining to Halloween
• Breakfast at Tiffany's - Serving Tray (breakfast in bed tray)
• The Dirty Dozen/Dirty Harry/Grease - {basket suitable for wash} or hamper
• The Crying Game - {basket suitable for tissues}
• Coming Home/I'll Be Home For Christmas - {Hostess basket suitable for a homecoming}
• April in Paris - Spring Basket
• The Letter - {basket suitable for pens/notepads}
• Singin' in the Rain/Rainman - Umbrella and stand
• The Longest Yard/The Whole Nine Yards - Measuring
• Risky Business/Total Recall - Business card {basket suitable for address} or file/rack baskets
• Drop Dead Gorgeous/Beauty & The Beast/Bride of Frankenstein/My Fair Lady/ She's All That - Vanity
• Dinner at Eight/Some Like it Hot - {basket suitable for recipes} or pottery
• Diner/Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? - Serving tray/serving pieces of pottery
• Home for the Holidays/Memories - Gathering
• Tea with Mussolini/The Breakfast Club - Tea/tie-on or Spoon or Sugar/Creamer
• The Story of Us/Blast from the Past/It Takes Two/The Adam's Family Reunion - {6 sided baskets/Stand
• Hope Floats - Cancer basket
• The Pagemaster/The Paper Chase - Paper tray/stand
• Payback/Wall Street/The Professional - Market
• Catch 22 - Catch all
• The Fabulous Baker Boys - {basket suitable for storing bread} or {small wrought iron product}
• The Iron Giant - wrought iron pieces
• Cookie's Fortune - Cookie jar
• The Faculty/To Sir With Love/The Nutty Professor - teacher tie on
• Babe/And Baby Makes Two/Rosemary's Baby - baby tie on
• Primary Colors - colors used in {Company} products
• Good Will Hunting/The Object of My Affection -{highlight exclusive memberships offered}
• Beverly Hills Cop - Mug/Cover/Rack or booking
• Double Indemnity/The Bodyguard/The Insider - Protectors and liners
• Cliffhanger - over the edge liner
• Sleeping Beauty/Sleepless in Seattle/Cocoon - Bedding and pillows
• Room with a View - window treatments
• The Cotton Club - Fabrics
• The Color of Money - green fabrics or {basket suitable for bread}
• National Lampoon's Vacation/Taxi Driver - {Wood Lid with compartments}
• My Best Friend's Wedding/The Wedding Singer - garters and handle ties
• Trading Places - Reversible place mats, table runner and comforters/covers
• For the Love of the Game/A League of Their Own - Mitt Trio, catch all, pitcher
• Ten Commandments/10 (as in Bo Derek) - Top 10 Baskets
• The Big Chill (ice) - protector ideas
• Animal House/Of Mice & Men/Planet of the Apes/Four Rooms - Organization
• The Greatest Show on Earth - Opening a show
• Wanted/Better than Chocolate - {Catalog}
• Being There/Whatever It Takes - Customer Service
• LA Confidential - Cash, check, VISA, MC, Discover
• The Last Picture Show/Do the Right Thing/48 Hours - Closing a show
• As Good As It Gets/The Right Stuff/Contact/In The Money/The Sky's The Limit/Working Girl/Where the Money Is/A Star is Born - Recruiting
• The Secret of My Success/Bonnie & Clyde - {Company history & founders}

·         Consultant Humor and "B" Movies - 12 Angry Men (husbands), Trouble in Paradise, 9 1/2 Week (UPS delivery & YS), Greed, Persuasion, The Terminator (cancellations), White Lies, The Verdict, Dr. No, Shaft, The Public Enemy, The Pest, The Phantom Menace, Say Anything, Midnight Express, Dazed & Confused, Scream (I, II, III), Nightmare Before Christmas, Rocky Horror Picture Show (audience participation), Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Against All Odds, Girl Interrupted

·         Really Sick Humor - Psycho (shower curtain & fruit basket)  The Green Mile "chair" pads

I was thinking it might be fun to play a game as you conduct the show demonstration.  Give each guest a "movie ticket" (great idea, from previous post) to start with.  Say the name of the movie and then ask the guests to figure out what basket it relates to.  The first guest to come up with the correct answer is awarded with another "movie ticket".  Discuss basket use ideas after each.  At the end, the winner is the person with the most movie tickets.  Also, have the guests write their names on ONE movie ticket and place in a drawing for a door prize, this way even those who aren't movie buffs still have a chance to win a prize.   

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GONE WITH THE WIND SHOW by Barbara Nixon

Many people asked about a Gone With The Wind show that was mentioned a few weeks ago. I couldn't find anyone else that had created one, so here is my first stab at it. I tried to put the ideas in order of where they appear in the movie.

The movie opens with Scarlett at a picnic at Twelve Oaks, the home of the Wilkes Family - I wonder if the O'Hara Family brought their friends some munchies in {Company} picnic baskets! (Also remind your guests that the baskets, with protectors, make fantastic coolers, the wood acts as a natural insulator.)

At this picnic, Scarlett is wooed by both of the Tarleton twins, Stuart and Brent. Many {Company} baskets also work wonderfully in pairs! One of my favorite combinations is the Button Basket paired with the Darning Basket - great for Reduced Fat Ruffles and Bridge Party Shrimp Dip (recipe is in a cookbook I wrote for a fundraiser for my! church youth group).

One of Scarlett's downfalls was her vanity - after all, she had a 17-inch waist . . . the smallest in
several counties in Georgia. And {Company} has an incredibly versatile Vanity Basket. Many people I know like to keep one, with a lid, on the back of their commodes, and store toilet tissue and other "unmentionables" in it.

Remember Scarlett throwing a vase against a wall at the Twelve Oaks when she learns that Ashley is definitely going to marry his cousin Melanie Hamilton?  I don't know if any of the {Company} pottery could withstand such abuse, but it certainly is sturdy!  (show examples of the pottery collection & discuss the Customer Satisfaction policies)

Though Scarlett has many suitors and husbands, she pines after Ashley Wilkes for years. Is there a basket that you've had your eye on for a long time? Mine was the {Hostess only Basket}, which I knew I had to be a hostess in order to purchase. So after a year o! r so of wanting this basket, I hosted a show and was able to purchase the basket with my Hostess Benefits. And now I'm a consultant! (explain how wonderful it is to be a consultant)

During the war, the pantry was bare in many homes in the South. Luckily, the Pantry Basket can
be used for so much more than food. I'm using one in my living room to hold a package of baby wipes and diapers in two sizes for my two youngest children.

When Scarlett was married to Frank Kennedy, they owned a sawmill in Atlanta. Perhaps some of the wood they owned was hardwood maple like in our baskets and lids? (discuss how the baskets are made)

At one point during the war, Scarlett and Melanie went to live with Aunt Pittypat in downtown Atlanta. Outside of Aunt Pitty's home was a gate. Too bad she wasn't able then to have Wrought Iron of the quality of {Company}'s.

Gerald O'Hara, patriarch of the O'Hara Family, passed away, leaving Scarlett to run Tara. . . not unlike {! founder}, who passed away in 1999, leaving his daughter to run the company.

Scarlett was certainly creative. When she needed a new ball gown during the war, what did she use to make it out of? Deep green velvet curtains! If only she had furnished Tara in one of our more contemporary fabric collections. (show the waterfalls of the different collections)

Rhett and Scarlett took a wild ride through a burning Atlanta. Wouldn't their trip have gone much smoother if they'd only had a Gathering Basket with {Wood Lid with compartments}?

Melanie rejoices with Mammy about the birth of Rhett & Scarlett's baby girl: "The happiest days are when babies come." And when my close friends just about to have their babies, I'm always sure to give them a Kiddie Purse before they go to the hospital. Having the baby's footprints inside the lid is a wonderful way to remember the day a baby is born. (offer other ideas for the Kiddie Purse, too)

Does anyone remember the ! name of Scarlett and Rhett's daughter? That's right - Bonnie Blue, named after the first unofficial flag of the Confederacy -- a dark blue background with a single white star in the middle. Do you think that her eyes were the same as any of the blues in our {highlight fabric line} collection of fabrics? (show {Catalog}, which features fabrics in this collection)

The expression that Mammy has on her face when she shows off her red taffeta petticoats that are hidden beneath her long skirt is nothing but priceless. One reason I love {Company} baskets is because you can hide so much in them . . . not that I've ever done that! (ask for examples of what people store in their baskets)

Melanie is perhaps the most gracious hostess that has ever existed -- present company excluded, of course.  Even though she knew that Scarlett had been seen kissing her husband Ashley, she still invited Scarlett to greet guests with her at his birthday party.  (explain hostess benefits)

At the end of the movie, Scarlett repeats one of her most memorable lines - "After all, tomorrow is another day." Though this is certainly true, be sure to order your feature items before the month is over. . . or they, too, will be GONE WITH THE WIND.  

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TWENTY-SOMETHING SHOW Compiled by Hilda

Ideas for presenting to "Twenty-Somethings"

Play up the fact that they are perhaps in their first apartment and want to personalize it-that there are {Company} products for young people and that baskets can fit any decor not just country.

Sometimes this age group may be more interested in the "lower priced" products such as berry baskets, the {basket suitable for addresses}, cracker basket, catch all, {products suitable for pens/notepads}.  Several of these items can be used for desk organization.  They may want to hear about entertaining options (maybe more casual) like cookouts, tailgate parties, impromptu have your friends over for a movie night, picnics, hiking or going to parks.  In regard to the larger products they may be interested in the {Company} cooler for beer or other canned drinks.  Also think about how they might want to pamper themselv! es and use baskets that could hold bath products/hair supplies/etc.

In a lot of apartments storage space is limited.  If somebody really wants to splurge or start collecting the basket bin and bins would alleviate the clutter in an apartment.

Focus on builder baskets: Cake, pie, Key baskets, Berry baskets, {basket suitable for recipes} etc.  These are the first baskets someone buys. Talk about practicality, usability etc. Go for the functionality of the basic baskets that have names that reflect their original purpose.

*********
{basket suitable for bread}: for CD's 
Vanity basket for VCR tapes.
Paper trays: {basket suitable for pens/notepads} for their computer desks
Small Loaf basket: for diskettes.
Measuring Baskets: for plants or ice.
Medium gathering: for carrying that cake pan to work.
Small gathering with {Wood Lid with compartments} for road trips of course!
! Small Key basket: for keys.
Tall Key Baskets: great for mail and bills instead of piling it (and you need more than one, it helps to have a separate one for bills so you bills don't get lost in all the junk mail you need to go through).  If any are married, one for him, one for her, and a bill one is great. I prefer key baskets to the paper baskets because I have trouble with flat surfaces collecting things. With the mail hanging on my wall, I can't lose it. 
{basket suitable for recipes}: for the obvious, but can also organize photographs.
{basket suitable for newspapers}: to throw the paper into.
Magazine basket: to keep magazines.
Small Vegetable, Pie, Darning : Hold paper plates.  Keeps them right there on the counter!
{basket suitable for addresses} :keeping everyone's number & address easy to find.  Organize nail polish.
Medium or Large Market Basket/Cake - Use on top of the! fridge or counter to hold chips/pretzels.
Spring Basket - Great to hold lotions & hairsprays.
Vanity Basket - great to help organize that cluttered bathroom counter! Holds makeup & hair stuff.
{basket suitable for keeping envelopes} - keeps those bills handy so you don't forget to pay them!
Medium or Large Mixing Bowl - Great for fresh fruit on the counter so it's there when you're in a rush!
{basket suitable for storing candles} - Keep note cards handy for writing little thank-you's!
Picnic Basket - takes on an entirely different ~ and very romantic ~ character when it is loaded for two, instead of a family of four!  :o)
*********
Romance:  Do the wine basket or the romantic desert basket. (Took my fiancé on an after work picnic one night (11 years ago) and used the large picnic). 

Working-Out:  (going to the gym) A basket is perfect for holding workout clothes, athletic! sneakers, energy bars, water bottle, etc. (I use the Med. Market) also I *hide* my purse in the car by putting it inside a basket w/ lid in the rear floorboard.

Lunch:  Medium Chore great for a sandwich or salad, diet soda, and pretzels.

Photography:  Any basket for camera, film, or photo albums. (Med. or Lg. Market, Magazine)

Gifts: Other friends having babies (kiddie purse) or getting married.  (Be sure & show them how to sign the basket when giving it as a gift)

Decorative plus Functional: I started out using baskets to decorate with (made my first apt. not so empty) then when we started to go somewhere to a ballgame, race or family get-together I dumped everything out (or replace protector!!) and toted it w/ food, clothing inside.

Pottery:  Many 20 y/o have mix & match dishes (left over from college or hand-me down from Mom) stress the idea of the durability etc. perhaps this could be a good booking tool.
Bathroom:  Baskets.... For organizing styling products...and hiding personal hygiene products!

Opportunity:  This is a great sponsoring group. You never know what guest might be sitting back there wishing she had a way to help pay off that student loan (w/o getting a public part-time job) PLUS own her own business and earn FREE baskets.  Get started now in your own business, which will give you opportunities later (if you decide to stay home with kids).  Otherwise you are beginning a business, having kids all at once.  

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 SIGNS OF AUTUMN SHOW - July show idea

~School Books - Share the {Company} "history"
~Fall Leaves - (Maple) Tell how the baskets are made
~Witch - "Which" basket would you choose?  Share the Whitewash vs. regular stain
~Halloween Costume - "Dress up" our baskets with Liners
~Football Helmet - Protectors
~Stadium Blanket - Bedding/Home Décor
~Football Coach - Let them know that you will help them set up a "game plan" and "coach" them in their choices
~Spider - Black as our Wrought Iron
~Spider Web - Share the Design Online website address
~Trick or Treat Bag - New Travel Series Bags
~Trick or Treaters - Love to receive special treats, {Share special clubs/memberships}.  ~Ske! leton - (Bone China) {Company} Pottery is American-vitrified china
~Pumpkin Pie - Pie Plate & the {basket suitable for recipes}
~Cider - Set of 2 Mugs
~Bat - "Bat"ter Bowl
~Bonfire/S'mores - Talk about the Hostess Program as a way of earning "s'more" products
~Spices/Aromas - Hostess Booking Program - Discuss booking products
~Candy Corn - {Highlight Fall Features and accessories}
~Pumpkin - {Highlight Fall Feature}
~Jack 0' Lantern - Tie-on Set
~Fall Leaves - Leaf Tie-On
~Cornucopia - Share how you can use your {Fall Feature} on its side with fruits and gourds for a Thanksgiving centerpiece
~Ghost - (White) {Cancer Basket} - "White"washed and Regular stain
~Harvest Moon - Upcoming {Fall Features}
~Mums - "Mum's" the word, but share a Christmas Campaign hint
~Donuts - Recruiting - "If you are "nuts" about baskets, you can become a consultant and earn some "dough", even if it's just to  support your own habit."

 LET'S MAKE A DEAL SHOW 

You invite your guests at the show to produce the asked for item from their coat pocket, purse, basket, etc. First one to produce the item wins a piece of candy (or similar item). At the end the one with the most points wins a small prize (note pad, pen, bookmark, etc)

1. Bank receipt or check book - present the waste basket or {Hostess level “waste” basket}. The Hostess waste baskets were used in the local bank years ago.
2. Craft item - show the Med. Market basket. Here is {company founders} favorite basket.  As he was growing up several of these sat on the front porch of the family home waiting to be purchased by towns people for $1.25. He and the other children would toss their empty Market baskets down the cellar stairs once it was emptied from the days shopping.
3. Car keys - show the Small Key basket. The old manor houses of central OH held pantries, tea closets and/or wine cellars that were kept locked. The keys were very important and needed to be kept close at hand. The easiest solution for the owners was to store the keys in a small basket hanging on the wall near the door. Our SMALL KEY basket was born. Today there are Key baskets in 3 sizes... at home s! how you may want to go into uses for all 3 keys.
4. Grocery List, receipt, or coupon, -- show the Gathering Basket. This basket was first used in the garden. The Med. Gathering was the perfect size to fit between the rows of veggies. It was pushed along the ground as beans, radishes, carrots, etc were harvested.  Although only few people today use their gathering baskets for gathering produce from their gardens, many use it to take along to the local Farmer's Markets, or serving food at social functions, or storage.
5. Needle or thread -- Darning and/or Button baskets. Yes, it is said {relative of founder} actually used these for sewing projects. With 12 children, I'm sure she had lots of socks to darn. Today it is used most often for serving. The divided protector offers even more options.
6. Recipe - Show the {basket suitable for recipes}. Here is a feature basket from an annual series in the summer of 1994 that was so popular that is was introduced into the regular line due to its demand! It is so popular today, that it was the number 1 selling basket in 1999 & 2000!
7. Napkin (paper or cloth) - Talk about the variety of the fabrics now offered by {Company}. Show the Waterfall of fabrics. {Company} is much more than just baskets. It is a complete home decor company with window treatments, bedding, tabletop fabrics and pillows. Families of fabrics coordinate to help the customer mix and match with little problem!
8. Pick something to link it to the current feature.
9. Pen or Pencil - Show the {basket suitable for pens} and an order form. First, {basket suitable for pens} was introduced to consultants first as a Father's Day basket, than as a Consultant ONLY exclusive. Now, available to all - thank them for coming, close show, review order form, count candies and award winner!  Be sensitive to audience to see how you are being received. If it starts to drag, wrap it up, finish ! the game and move on.  

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PICNIC THEME SHOW

Here's a picnic themed show idea that I have done at least half a dozen times and is always a hit.  I'm sure a group of "twenty somethings" would love it. I do not use real food except for the bag of snacks and the cans of soda.

Pack the large picnic basket as follows:

·         Pie plate on the bottom for dessert, add wood riser and push to one side.  

·         Place large berry basket on riser with button brick and medium mixing bowl filled with baked beans.  

·         Cups, ketchup and mustard fit along one side of riser.  

·         Cracker basket fits on the other side.  

·         Place silverware, serving spoons, S&P shakers in the cracker basket.  

·         Paper plates and napkins will stand along side of basket.  

·         Small bag of snacks will rest on top of the cracker basket.  

·         Place a medium garter around the lid with the bow on the inside of the lid.  

·         Close the lid and place a folded table cloth under the garter.

·         Finish off with a handle tie or gripper.

 Pack the magazine basket with protector as follows:

·         Place small garter around one qt crock for potato salad and put in bottom of basket.

·         Top crock with saucer from the 5-piece place setting.

·         Saucer would hold tomato slices covered with plastic wrap.

·         Next to the crock you can place 6 cans of soda and a cold pack.

·         On top of the cans place the cracker protector set which would hold onions and pickle relish.

·         The remaining space would hold hotdogs and hamburger patties.

·         Place {basket suitable for bread} with protector on top.

·         Put bread brick, BBQ utensils, pot-holders, and buns in the basket.

·         Tie magazine handles together with a napkin.

Presentation:

·         Begin with an empty table and the 2 baskets.  

·         Talk about how durable, versatile and useful the baskets are and how easy it is to pack up a couple of baskets for a picnic for 6 friends.  

·         Pick up the baskets and carry them to the table, demonstrating how easily one person can carry the entire picnic.  

·         Pull table cloth out from the top of picnic basket and cover the table.  

·         Place both baskets on the table and remove handle tie and napkin.  

·         Place {basket suitable for bread} at end of table where the grill would be.  

·         Open lid of picnic so that it rests on the magazine forming an additional "table".  

·         Place cups, mustard, ketchup, salt & pepper on the lid.  

·         Slip the napkins under the garter to keep them from blowing away.  

·         Remove crock and set on table and slide the serving spoon under the garter.   

·         Also remove berry basket with mixing bowl and set next to crock.  

·         Remove riser and balance on one corner of the picnic basket to hold the cracker basket with protector set and the saucer full of tomato slices.  

·         Remove pie plate and place on the table.  

·         As you are removing items you can talk about the pottery, baskets, wrought iron, home decor items, and how things go together, additional uses etc.  

·         Have fun with it.

Now to the grill.  

·         Talk about how you would place brick and meat on the grill to heat/cook.  

·         Remove bread protector and place napkin in the basket.  

·         After food is cooked, you would then place brick in the bottom using the pot-holder.  

·         Then add the prepared hotdogs and hamburgers on top.  

·         Use the protector to cover the food to keep it warm and bug free.

This presentation has something from every product line except the Hostess basket.  Maybe include the washday as a great one to carry frisbees, footballs, kites, and other fun picnic items.  Have fun with it.  People are always amazed at how much is carried in the 2 baskets.  

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TAILGATE PARTY/OPEN HOUSE

The ideal situation is to be able to pull a vehicle (preferably one with a tailgate or hatchback) into the back yard.  Set it up as if for a tailgate party.  Set up all the usual tailgate party stuff, with every imaginable way to use a variety of baskets.  Also set up some baskets as if to carry in to the game, with a thermos, pom-poms, etc. 

Combine this show with an Open House and invite people to bring their spouses.  Set up a TV/VCR out on the deck for the guys to watch videos of old football games, while inside a typical "Open House" display is set up.  The guys can watch videos, snack and have their favorite beverages (served out of a very special cooler - Large Picnic or other large ! product filled with ice) while the ladies are enjoying the Open House.  The ladies could then later join the guys outside for a BBQ.

If this is held in the fall, it is the IDEAL time to offer Christmas shopping opportunities to the guys.  You could even "sweeten the deal" for them by offering to wrap their purchases!

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BRADY BUNCH SHOW by JoDell A.

There is a ton of info and websites pertaining to the Brady Bunch. Most of my customers are 30 something and many are almost cultish about this show.  I make up three sheets of info I gathered off the web: 1 with pictures of the 3 girls and a thumbnail character sketch of each, just do a search and you will find the info; 1 with pictures of the 3 boys with the same; and 1 with pictures and info on Carol, Mike, and Alice.  I divide up the sheets and pass out one sheet to each person; so some are thinking about the girls, some about the boys, and some about the adults.  I ask them to imagine what baskets they would all use, what fabrics they have decorated their rooms in.  They really get into this and most can remember episodes to involve many of the baskets.  Use your imagination on this, I won't give you my particulars.  I have done the same with Gilligan's Island and it too is fun! .  Hope this gives some of you ideas.    

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"WIZARD OF OZ" SHOW by Angela K.

Props for the show:  Spring Basket filled with some scarecrow stuffing (straw or hay), a small lion, a small dog, an oil can, and a magic wand (modify however you wish)

Music:  Softly play a musical version of the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" throughout the show (there are many versions available -- Kenny G has this on one of his CDs)

Begin...
Most everyone has seen the American Classic "Wizard Of Oz" - but did you ever notice the many similarities in the show and {Company}?  It's truly amazing.  Let me share it with you:

This classic movie has been around for a long time and is still being enjoyed by old and new viewers.  This is how the {Company} products are.  It's heritage began around the turn of the century (1900, that is).  Their basket products were treasured and functional then ... and they still are today.  (Share the history of {Comp! any})

From the beginning of the movie to the very end, Dorothy carries a basket that is almost identical in size and shape to a Spring Basket (display basket on your arm and talk about uses for the
Spring Basket).

A grumpy neighbor lady comes to their farm to complain about Dorothy's dog, Toto.  (Pull a small dog toy or dog beanie baby out of the basket and display.)  Also discuss {Company} pet products here too.  On the back of her bicycle is ... believe it or not ... a picnic basket.  (talk about the picnic basket and uses)

The cyclone comes and blows Dorothy, Toto and the farmhouse to Munchkinland.  When Dorothy opens the house door to step outside, the color goes from classic black and white to Technicolor.  (discuss regular stain vs. whitewashed)

The good witch, Glenda, waves her wand (pull wand from basket) and the Ruby Red Slippers magically appear on Dorothy's feet. ! ; They will ultimately bring Dorothy's dreams come true by taking her home. {Company} can make your basket dreams come true by hosting a show.  (explain the excellent hostess benefits and encourage party bookings)

Dorothy becomes a hero for eliminating the bad witch and she is introduced to the munchkins.   These small, adorable, people greet her in many ways.  Remember the Lollipop Guild and Lullaby League?  There is another club of adorable miniatures.  Talk about special clubs/memberships available and their benefits.

She sets out on the yellow brick road to see the Wizard.  Her first encounter along the way is with the Scarecrow.  He was filled with stuffing (pull out straw from Spring Basket).  (talk about all the
"stuff" you can put in {Company} baskets which organizes and hides clutter)

Next Dorothy and the Scarecrow find the Tin Man (bring out oil can).  He ! was made of tin, of course, a metal that tends to rust.  The swinging handles on {Company} baskets are secured with copper rivets, which never need oiling.

Although he wanted to be fierce and intimidating, the Lion was very cowardly (pull out lion toy).  When I first became a consultant, I feared that I wouldn't have the courage to get up in front of friends and strangers to talk about the products, but actually, selling {Company} products is easy and fun.  They practically sell themselves. (talk about becoming a consultant)

The Wicked Witch of the West wanted her deceased sister's Ruby Red Slippers back from Dorothy, so she filled a field full of poppies to make the 3 friends fall asleep.  {Company} has many wonderful pottery pieces that will wake you up and leave you wanting more!  (talk about the pottery - how well it bakes, etc.)

When the spell was broken by the falling snow (you could inject Christmas items here if the mo! nth is appropriate), they ran to the Emerald City. (talk about upcoming items that will be discontinued)

Inside the city, they see the Horse of A Different Color.  (talk about the different fabric colors, liners, and combinations) 

The Great Oz sends them off to get the witch's broom for which he will grant their desires.  On the way to her castle, they walked through the haunted forest full of tall, dark trees.  Did you know that {Company} baskets are made of hardwood maple?  (talk about the making/weaving of the baskets)

Dorothy is captured and taken inside the castle.   Did you ever notice all the wrought iron inside the castle?  (talk about the wrought iron collection)

In her final moments, the Wicked Witch of the West, who's initials are WWW, (talk about the company web site/your website) melts from the water being accidentally thrown on her by Dorothy.  The plastic protectors will melt if exposed to heat.  (talk about not putting them in the dishwasher, or using them with a hot bread brick)

The 3 friends triumphantly march back to the ! Emerald City to present their prize to the Wizard and receive their needs.

Toto reveals the Wizard's humanity by pulling back the curtains on his control booth.  Did you know {Company} has curtains?  ...and comforters ... and place mats?  (talk about fabric products)

The Wizard finally rewards the Scarecrow with a Certificate of Knowledge that is signed and dated.  (talk about the baskets being signed and dated on the bottom by the weavers)

He rewards the Lion with a metal of courage that he can pin on his chest.  (talk about tie-ons that you can display on your baskets)

The Tin Man, who thought he needed a heart, was rewarded with a ticking heart piece and was told by the Wizard, "what's important is not how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others."  (thank the hostess for having you in her/his home and everyone for attending)

The Wizard attempts to take Dorothy home in his hot air balloon. (talk ! about any upcoming bus trips to the {Company})

In his absence, he leaves the Scarecrow and Lion in charge to run the Emerald City.  (talk about {Company founder and his children})

In the end, Dorothy and Toto live happily ever after.  (end of show)  

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KITTY'S COOKING SHOW

The guests loved Kitty's show and YOURS will too.  She had a great sales total on this one!  Here's how it goes (adapt it to work for you):

Introduce yourself and give history and facts about company. The setup: this party is in a kitchen/family room around an island. (My sister just moved to a new house with a huge kitchen/family room and is eager for me to bring my things in and decorate her room.) Have baskets, pottery, place mats, chair pads, and wrought iron set around the room as though it belongs there, as well as, additional displays, specifically including home décor items such as table cloth, bedding sample, wallpaper and coordinating valance. Also have displays of upcoming products to encourage July and August bookings. Say that, "today I will show you how to set up for a party by using the items from around the room from their "primary purpose" to their "entertaining purpose".

Start by laying out a 36” fabric square and say that this isn’t for sale but as a consultant sometimes we are able to purchase additional items. (Plug sponsoring)

1. Take medium vegetable from family room where it has tissue box in back of protector and remote controls in the front. Leave protector and liner sitting in place and take basket with single protector. Talk about how the baskets are made, quality, signature, date, protectors, regular stain vs. whitewash, etc. Give a few other uses of this basket and then lay napkin inside basket, followed by single protector and then actually make a spread of veggies using lettuce first and then layering veggies. Have the small BBQ basket on the table with a small garter and the salt & pepper shakers in it. Take out s & p shakers, replace with liner and insert condiment crocks with 2 dips for the veggies. Talk about the feature baskets.
2. Move 2 pie server from counter to the island and tie a handle tie around the top while talking about the wrought iron line of products. Take the pie plate and talk about pottery. Give several uses including placing a custard cup in center, filling with water, freezing and then displaying shrimp and sauce for a party. Show how you could place it on top of the small mixing bowl turned upside down to display the shrimp. Then actually make a layered bean dip and place in the oven. Put 10" {6-sided basket} with garter on the lower part of the 2-pie server.
3. Take the hostess serving tray that has been sitting on the island as an organizer of mail etc. and talk about hostess benefits. Add the large berry basket to one corner of the serving tray, insert button brick from the freezer and set the medium mixing bowl with strawberries. At opposite corner of tray place small berry basket with small mixing bowl and fill it with premixed vanilla pudding. Squeeze between them {a booking product} (talk about booking) with forks. Place 2 cracker protectors along each side and place slices of pound cake in them.
4. Place flowers in the small pitcher. Take the small and medium flower pots, turn them upside down, place saucer on top, add red or blue pillar candles, and light.
5. Pass out lap boards and explain the guest order form, how to read the catalog, talk again about sponsoring, booking, hostess benefits etc.
6. Fill the {hostess product suitable for wash} with ice, add drinks and let the party begin!  

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WHICH CAKE IS WHICH?? by Jean B. 

            Clue you give ............................................Answer

1. Satan’s Meal…………………………..Devils Food

2. Light as a feather……………………. Angel Food

3. Chiquita………………………………. Banana

4. Bugs Bunny Delight………………….Carrot

5. Dark Woods…………………………..Black Forrest

6. Bits of chocolate………………………Choc. Chip

7. Nuts or Crazy…………………………Fruit Cake

8. Sweets from Abroad…………………German Choc.

9. It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature… Chiffon

10. Comes from the bottom of the sea.. Sponge

11. Sunkist………………………………..Orange

12. 16 ounces…………………………….Pound

13. Herbs…………………………………Spice

14. Dairy………………………………….Butter (I accept cheese sometimes)

15. Coward……………………………….Yellow

16. Vanna’s Choice………………………White

I find it easiest to tell them to number their papers 1-16 before I start reading clues. This way if they skip an answer they can ask me at the end to read the clue again for that number. I explain to them that I will give them a clue and they are supposed to figure out what kind of cake I am referring to. It must be a true cake, fluffy and bread like. Number 10 & 14 always throw them for a loop. They want to say crab cakes and cheese cake. These are not fluffy bread like cakes. Sometimes I just accept cheesecake, but I will not accept crab cakes. This has to be made clear in the beginning before you give clues.  Whoever has the most answers correct wins a prize.  When we finish the game I go right into talking about the cake basket.

Cake Basket Ideas  (most are taken from the company website)

Fill the Cake Basket up with ice and then place a large mixing bowl full of potato salad or any other salad in the ice - it stays nice and cold all day with no worries!

Rest a Cracker Basket, with the protector set, at the back of the Cake Basket and fill it with condiments and put chips and pretzels in the Cake Basket.

Put a med. Key protector in the back to hold paper plates and napkins standing up. Stand stacked cups to one side and use the small spoon protector to hold forks. Great to keep things organized at a birthday party.

Carrying 3 or 4 drinks in the cardboard trays from a fast food place can be very tricky. The Cake Basket is a perfect fit for the tray.

Use the Cake Basket in a minivan right between the two front seats. It slides in perfectly back to front with the handles facing front and back. If you go through the drive-thru or stop to pick up drinks for co-workers on the way to work, just put the cup caddie from the restaurant in the bottom of the basket. If you buy food, the bags will fit on top or between the cups Then you can just carry the basket into work, home or to the park for a picnic with your kids. It makes juggling all that stuff so much easier.

You can place your address book and notepads and pens under the riser and set the phone/answering machine on top of the riser. Makes the kitchen counter cleaner and classier!

It holds a pack of diapers on one side and a box of wipes on the other. If you tip the wipes on end, then there is enough room for a small spoon protector to hold diaper rash cream and Vaseline or whatever else you need close at hand. This way you can carry your changing station throughout the house.

The last time I did this presentation of the cake basket at a home show I sold 5 cake baskets. Many purchased various other accessories to do some of the ideas above. One even purchased the basket, liner, protector, Large mixing bowl and the lid. That was a $171.00 order!!!!  Feature a basket like this and watch your sales grow. Give it a try!!!!       

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MARY JANE'S "JAMMIES" SHOW

Vonda tells me you may want a play by play of the Jammies party.   

Here goes:  (Remember, these are all ladies I have worked with for several years, don't know if I could pull this off with folks who don't know each other.)   My show was focused on product uses for the Bed and Bath, and my display was set-up accordingly. (Perfumes, powders, lotions, Q-tips, cotton balls, hair things, TP, mousse, sprays, feminine hygiene products, tissues, curlers, combs, floss, books, etc.)  The hostess asked each guest to bring their "Jammies" in a brown paper bag.  As they arrived the hostess put the bags in an out-of-the-way spot, handed each guest a pillow and blanket, and glass of wine.   I numbered each bag 1-7. We turned down the lights and started. First I passed out the bags, telling the guests not to look.  I started by telling the history as a bedtime story; "Once upon a time, ! long ago, in a land not so very far away, {founders parents} raised a large family ...." I even imagined aloud that {founder’s mother} must have given birth to at least a few of those 12 kids at home, in bed.  Then went to discussing home decor, pottery, and wrought iron items.   The last part of my presentation was the baskets themselves, showcasing many uses in the Bedroom-Bath.  (Again, thanks to the Viners who passed on some tips for different baskets, and pottery).  Everyone was getting mighty comfy, so I had each lady hold up one set of jammies, and we wrote down 1-7 who we thought they belonged to.   Like I said, we all know each other well and 5 of 7 of us got them all correct!!!   I handed out little goodie bags with 3 bath beads, breath mints, and a perfume sample.    

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 COOKING SHOW

This show produced over $1,000 in sales for its author Cheryl H.  She says:  The show was with a group of regular customers.  The hostess and I planned together the menu incorporating the microwave, oven, dishwasher and freezer.  We shared the expense of the party.  I did "special invitations" using Publisher for her to send to her guests since this was something different than the normal show.  I tried to focus more on the pottery for uses and incorporated the baskets for "accessory" items with the pottery.  (How to use the baskets they had with the pottery they didn't have.)

Menu:

*  Used salt/pepper shakers

*  Dip - small covered dish

*  Chips - Large berry

*  Meatballs in 2 qt casserole - warmed in the microwave, placed in the pie basket for serving/carrying

*  Baked spaghetti in the 9x13 baker - placed in the med gathering w/handle tie and spoon on top for serving

*  Salad greens in Lg. Mix bowl, fixings in the small gathering w/divided protector  (served salad bar style).  I took the chilled mixing bowl out of the fridge then added the greens to the bowl in front of the guests.

* Frozen Pie in the pie plate, placed on top of Darning basket filled w/ice

* Brownies - 8x8 baking dish - (prepared in front of the guest).  Used a mixing bowl to mix up the brownie mix.

*  Lemonade - XLarge Mixing bowl, turned the {“6-sided” wrought iron stand} upside down and used as a punch holder & table center piece

*  Iced Tea - Lg Pitcher 

*  Fresh Cut flowers in Sm Pitcher - fresh cut flowers were given away as a door prize

*  Bread Sticks - Served out of the Pickling Crock, which we placed in the oven to warm before putting the bread sticks in.

*  Salt Crock - held forks

*  Votives - places toothpicks in one for the meatballs

*  Trivet w/small easel - Was used as a Welcome sign on the kitchen bar; used one as a trivet 

*  Coffee Mug - did only one brownie in the mug to demonstrate different uses for the mug.

We had some of the food prepared ahead of time (salad fixings).  I did some of the items in front of the guests.  Pulled out the baked spaghetti and demonstrated the ways to carry this to/from your event plus serving.  Plus showed how easy our pottery "cleaned up". I also purchased nylon scrapers from my Pampered Chef consultant and gave away a scraper to anyone who purchased a piece of pottery.  

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 STOP AND SHOP

Have your hostesses put "Stop & Shop anytime between 6:00-8:00 pm"  (or whatever time she wants her show) on her invitations.  Then, I just arrive early and set up displays wherever she wants them. And then people come and browse and then they will order and enjoy refreshments.
 
Everyone has LOVED this type of show because a lot of people are so busy that they don't want to feel like the have to spend an entire evening at a party.  Also, they can just stop by after work or before they are running their kids to soccer practice, etc.  Some people just don't come to parties if they are going to be late or have to leave early; this is the perfect party for them.
 
 Also, I have gotten several bookings because guests see how casual and relaxed this type of show is and they realize how easy it is.  And it is so much fun because everyone just comes and chats and ! laughs, I have been amazed at how loud everything gets.  I had one show on Wednesday and I was sitting at the kitchen table figuring orders and I couldn't even her the customer sitting right next to me because everyone was laughing so loud.  But it is a wonderful feeling to know that I helped to bring all of these friends together for such a fun-filled evening.  

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FREQUENT FLYER SHOW

I had a frequent flyer show this week with customers who have seen and heard it all, so after or before showing them the monthly feature and teasing them with the upcoming goodies, we played "My favorite Basket".  I gave everyone a sticky with a basket on it and asked them to write down their favorite basket and why it was their favorite.  Most people at this level of addiction to the product have a difficult time of coming up with just one, but I made them choose no more than two.   The guests then took turns telling about what they chose and why.  Everyone gets a turn.  After everyone has talked about what they like and why, the guests get to vote on who has the most unusual or most creative use for a basket or piece of pottery.  The winner gets a prize.  Something small but product related.  The group had a great time not only! sharing their favorites but also expanding on the uses so that they got quite creative and they did the work, not me.  

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TAKE A PENNY IF...

Have a basket full of pennies. Ask the following questions and have each guest participate by taking a penny. The person with the most pennies at the end of the presentation wins a gift!!!!

Read the following questions out loud, pass the basket, then demonstrate the product:

Take a penny if you hang out the American Flag in the summertime.

Show {highlight April feature series}

Take a penny if you have guests coming to stay at least a weekend this summer.

Show vanity or medium vegetable for soaps creams etc.  Large market for extra towels in guest room or bathroom.  

Take a penny if you are attending a Family Reunion this summer.

Show cake basket with large mixing bowl or pie plate, medium gathering with 9x13 dish or medium market with 9x13 dish.  

Take a penny if you are going to drive out of state on vacation.

Show magazine with {basket suitable for bread} stacked on top fits between van seats.  Small gathering with road trip lid..

Take a penny if your kids are going off to camp this summer.

Show spring basket with bath and shower items, easy to carry to the bath house.

Take a penny if you have all of your flowers planted in your flower beds.

Show medium and small flowerpots

Take a penny if you are going to the shore this summer.

Show Market basket as a carry all.       

            Take a penny if you have allergies. 

Show the tissue basket, also as an ice bucket

Take a penny if you own a boat.

Show the picnic basket for blanket, food, paper items, Etc.

Take a penny if you take your kids to the pool in the summer.

Show the magazine basket with rolled up towels, pool badges, reading material, sunglasses, sun tan lotion etc. 

        Take a penny if you are going camping this summer. 

Show small picnic basket as a first aid kit. 

        Take a penny if you are having a 4^th of July barbecue. 

Show the Pie Plate turned upside down with the mixing bowl on top as a punch bowl. 

        Take a penny if you are decorating a room in your home this summer. 

Show dinnerware, wallpaper borders, curtains, pillows, wrought iron tables, and bedding collection. 

        Take a penny if you are going to host a basket show this summer.

You can also pass around a basket of M&M’s or Hershey’s Kisses instead of the pennies, I really like this idea because it keeps everyone involved in the entire presentation, and keeps them busy and interested, while going through the entire product line.

The possibilities are endless!!!!!!!! Make a spring, fall, or Christmas show too!

Thank you to Jean Bodman for submitting the above show idea.  

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ORGANIZATION SHOW

I start with the kitchen and the canister set (small spoon, med. spoon and large spoon).  I tell how much nicer they look than bags of flour, etc. laying around (and the flour and sugar baskets both hold much more than standard canisters). 

I show the med. key for holding scrubbies, etc. over the sink, {product suitable for recipes} (obvious, maybe, but I have monthly dividers in mine and use it to organize Christmas gifts, travel plans, etc.).  I include a wrought iron piece and use products that accessorize with it.

I then move to the living and family rooms and mention the large fruit (in our house it hold toys for our baby), medium chore for mail (with the 2 sided tie-on) and any others that strike my fancy that day.

I bring a basket or two from my baby's room -- the small gathering with divided protector, which holds her bath items, thermometer, etc., the child's purse, what a terrific My First Christmas, baby, baby shower, etc.  gift.  I show the {highlight wrought iron piece that can be hung on the wall} and talk about how handy it is in the bedroom or bath, depending on where you get ready in the morning.  Put hair clips, etc. in the {product suitable for envelopes} on top, a wood shelf on the bottom with a tea and small berry to hold makeup, etc.  Hang hairdryer, curling iron and scarves from the hooks.  I mention! the pottery in conjunction with serving the meal/dining room.  This is a good segue into the 2-pie server.  Pretty basic stuff, but I've noticed it gets people thinking about the products in new ways.  The canister baskets aren't really canisters at all, but once I started featuring them, I have customers buying one, two or more at a time.  

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HOLIDAY BAKING SHOW - MIXING UP MEMORIES

I did a show on Friday night with a Holiday Baking theme.  We were "Mixing Up Memories."  I had everybody write their name on a piece of paper (for a door prize drawing later) and then I had them write one of their favorite Holiday baking memories.  If they wanted to share the memory, they did, if not that was OK too.  There were lots of laughs with some of them!  We talked about different products that were related to some of their memories (pie plate, mixing bowls, {product suitable for recipes} etc.).  I then gave them some ideas for making new Holiday baking memories (cookie molds).

We then put the pieces of paper in a mixing bowl, "mixed" them up, and I had somebody's daughter pick a name for a door prize (basket notepad). I made some of the cookies with the cookie molds (no decorations - just plain) and wrapped them with green plastic wrap tied with red and white curly ribbon.  Each person took one home with them as a thank you for coming.  

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MENOPAUSAL THEME SHOW by Vicki Edwards

Seems we are moving more toward trying to interest the younger generation more and more in our company. People think that the ones collecting for years have simply lost interest...NOT SO I say. We just need to adjust our methods of selling. With that in mind I humbly offer you the Theme Show for yesterday's collectors.

Menopausal Theme Show

Be sure everyone is comfortable with a seat cushion and their own fan before beginning, then offer the below suggestions:

1) Large Hamper......to throw your clothes in as you strip them off because you are having yet ANOTHER hot flash.

2) {Product suitable for tissues}.......perfect to hold one days supply of tissues or approx. 20 crying spells over absolutely NOTHING.

3) Darning Basket.....look how lovely you can line your medicine up in a round pattern..let's see, it holds your Estratest, Estrogens, Provera with plenty of room for your extra Calcium and even Vitamin C.

4) Gathering Basket....to help gather yourself up after throwing a complete hissy about ...what was that fit over anyway?

5) Large Fruit Basket....to hold a one day serving of fruits & vegetables the doc! tor insists you eat.

6) {Product suitable for addresses}...To write down the numbers of your very best friends because, you can't remember them anymore.

7) Spring Basket....To hold all the Doris Day movies you have rented because all a sudden....she looks so young and you never remember her being this funny before.

9) Lastly the {Highlight a wrought iron stand}....this holds your portable fan because the family has the nerve to complain when you turn the air to 55 degrees.  Is it just me or is it HOT IN HERE?????

This is just to get you started on the road to many future wonderful shows. Also proof that you don't need to be a part of the X Generation to love the products!   

The following might be fun to read somewhere during the show:

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE ESTROGEN ISSUES
*Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
*You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet.
*The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.
*Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.
*You're using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says: "How's my driving-call 1-800-***-****."
*Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting-practice.
*You can't believe they don't make a tampon bigger than Super Plus.
*You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.
*The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday. 

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SHOW IN A BASKET

An entire show can be presented in a Serving Tray Basket.  Most of our product line will be represented in this basket!  Everything will be covered with a comforter sample!  This show presentation would be great to use when demonstrating all of our different product lines to a new group OR good to use at an Open House! Introduce yourself and give each guest a sheet of paper.  You'll have the products listed below in the Serving Tray covered with the comforter.  Uncover the Serving Tray and walk around (1 min.) to show guests the contents in the basket.  Recover the basket and give 2 - 3 min. for them to write down everything they can remember on the tray.  Then uncover and go through everything on the tray using each product to do your show presentation!  A small pri! ze can be given to the one who has the most correct answers.

Catalog - Briefly go through and explain the catalog.

Postcards from {Company} - Give history.

Tea Liner and Protector - This represents 3 baskets in the line (Kiddie, Tea, Sm. Key).  Demonstrate how to use the Tea Protector in the Med.  Berry.

Business Card Basket, Liner, Protector and Business Cards - Smallest basket available in our regular line.  Tell your guests how they can use this in their office when they become a {Company} consultant.

{Discuss any special memberships/clubs your company has}  - Explain how to join and talk about the many benefits of being a member.

Custard Cup and/or Sm.  Flower Pot - Talk about the features and benefits of our Pottery.

Gift Card - A reminder to them of the deadline dates for a last minute gift.  This is a perfect opportunity to tell them of the other Customer Services you offer!

Show Invites - Explain the benefits of a Home Show and how easy it is to have one!

Votive Cup - Another Booking Opportunity by showing the pottery booking option.

Shelf or Lid - Talk about lids and wrought iron Stands.

Cracker & Bread Dividers - Dividers & 2 protectors available for Cracker.  Two medium Berry protectors with 1 divider in {Product suitable for bread} or 3 tea protectors with 2 dividers also fit.

Napkins, Grippers and Garter - Can show Waterfalls to illustrate our coordinating fabrics.  An accessory from the feature product could be in this category, giving you a chance to tell about the feature.

Wallpaper Border Sample - Let our customers know about Wallpaper!  It's washable, pre-pasted and available in 5 yard rolls.

Tie-On - Several in the line and have unglazed back so they can be personalized.  Great gift ideas!

Soap dish and/or tumbler - Explain our pottery is versatile.  Can be used in the kitchen or bath.

Booking Basket - Exclusive for hostesses with 2 bookings. (Another booking opportunity)

Hostess Serving Tray Protector - Hostess program and Benefits!  (3rd time you've mentioned bookings)

This is just a small example -- You can use any products that you wish and use more baskets if you wish.  Featured products and other items can still be on display, but this type of show theme gives you a unique way to play a fun game with your guests!  Adapt it to your presentation and have fun!!  

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ANOTHER SHOW IN A BASKET

(I am using a Small Picnic Basket.)  Put some product-related items in a basket, and pass the basket around to each person at the show.  When the guest has the basket in their lap, have them introduce themselves and take one item out of the basket (you can have them look at what is in the basket, or just have them reach in "blind" and take anything.  These are "trigger" items related to a {Company} product you want to cover at the show.  Discuss the product related to the item they take from the basket before passing the basket to the next person.  That way everyone gets to hug a basket for a little while!

Items I am using this month (December) are:

gift bag (gift-giving)
small calendar {highlight product retiring}
candle {Product suitable for candles}
school bus magnet ({Company} Opportunity - I can work my business around my family's needs)
envelope {Product suitable for envelopes}
small loaf of bread (Small Loaf Dish/Basket combo)
napkin (discuss fabric line)
I got this idea from another direct sales show I went to.  The consultant did a "Show in a Bag", but a basket works so much better (of course!).  

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TOP TEN SHOW IDEAS

{Perhaps you could incorporate your company’s top 10 selling products into this show idea. Send your completed shows to Vonda’s Vine}

1.  {Product suitable for recipes}
2.  Darning
3.  Tea
4.  {Product suitable for candles}
5.  {Product suitable for tissues}
6.  {Product suitable for storing bread}
7.  Button
8.  Magazine
9.  10 " {6 sided basket}
10.  Berry

 Tie curling ribbon on each of the 10 top ten {products} in your display.   Put 10 numbered slips of paper in a little snack size baggie and give one to each guest.  Ask them to put their names on each slip and then put it in which they think is the appropriately numbered basket...#1 being the most popular.   As you begin your presentation, start with #10 and if any guests had correctly put their #10 in the basket - hand it back to them...whoever had the most slips at the end of the game won!  They had a blast and were sharing lots of activities.  I am going to do it again this month with my new groups!

ADDENDUM TO "TOP 10 SHOW" FROM ANOTHER SOURCE:  

I feel that guessing the correct order is fairly difficult for a lot of people - especially those who aren't familiar with our products - so I came up with a different idea.  I make up a handout listing 15 baskets - the top 10 and five others that I feel are popular.  I display all 15 baskets and "introduce" the baskets, for the benefit of the guests who are company newbies.  Then I give the guests a few minutes to look at the list and choose which 10 they think are the top ten.  After that, I go through the countdown (10th basket first, counting down to the # 1 basket) and give ideas for using them, or let the guests give ideas.  (A lot of times someone will say, "I use that basket for such-and-such".)  The person who's chosen the most baskets that are actually in the top 10 is the ! "winner" and receives a small prize.  I usually give a little something to the people who contribute ideas, too.  For the "extra" five baskets, I try to choose ones that tie in with the others somehow.  For example, I usually have the {basket suitable for use in the pantry} as one of the "extras", and show how the liner for it can be used as an over-the-edge liner for the {basket suitable for bread}. It's been a while since I've done this presentation, but everyone seems to enjoy it!  

 ANOTHER ADDENDUM

 I took all the top 10 products to the show and set them up in a display by themselves and put a red star tag on each so they could be identified with their number in the top ten order on the back so they couldn't see the number.  Then I gave each guest 10 tickets (those on a roll) and had them each put their name on all 10 tickets then I had them write the numbers 1-10, on number per ticket.  Then they each came up to the display and dropped their ticket into the baskets in the order they thought were 1-10.  Then, I started with # 10 and pulled out each ticket, for those who had the right number...#10 on their ticket, I gave their ticket back to them, at the end of the game the person who had the most tickets given back (correct answers) WON !  Something little, notepad etc.  It was fun and it gave me an opportunity to share the top ten and great uses and ideas for them. Plus, I asked each if they had that basket, many had them and they also shared what they used them for.  Great for new and old groups of guests!  

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FUDGE MAKING SHOW

Here is what I did at my last home show.  It helped that my Hostess' house has the kitchen and family room together.  I called the Hostess and asked if she would have room in her freezer for the pie plate and asked if she had a microwave.  Then, when I got to her house, I put the plate in the freezer and set up everything else.  The guests came and I decided that I would just wing the whole show.  I just knew that I would do Microwave Fudge!  I told the guests that I would make some fudge and talk a bit about the baskets while I was doing it.  (I took all the ingredients already pre-measured)

While mixing the fudge in the medium mixing bowl, I talked about how baskets are no secret, that in the past, baskets were made to be used.  I talked about the Market Basket and how people shopped with it.  The gathering was used to fill with veggies and kick to the next plant... etc.  I stuck a bit of the {Company} history in there.  I would have someone grab the basket that I was talking about and pass it around. Then, of course, I was giving them the recipe too.  I grabbed the {product suitable for recipes}, pulled out some blank recipe cards and handed them out so they could write the recipe down.  (I just thought that I should have had my name and etc. on it!  Well, like I said, this was pretty spontaneous!)  Anyway, after micro waving the fudge and mixing it up, it gets poured into the frozen pie plate and then gets put back in the freezer while I finish up the show.  Would you believe I sold more pie plates that day?  It was great - her show was over
$600!!!  Oh, and the fudge was great!

Microwave Fudge
1 lb. box powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cube of butter or margarine
1/4 cup milk
chopped nuts - optional

For quick fudge, put the pie plate in the freezer for! 20 minutes or more.

Mix powdered sugar and cocoa in the med. mixing bowl. Cut the butter into chunks and scatter over the sugar/cocoa mixture.  Do not stir.  Drizzle the milk over the mixture and do not stir.  Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes.  Remove and mix thoroughly with a whisk (stored in crock or pitcher perhaps?).  Add nuts if desired.  Pour into the pie plate and return to the freezer for 20 minutes.  Cut into pieces and pass it around!  It doesn't stick to the plate!  If you don't need the fudge quickly, you can just let set for 2 hours to set up.  

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VEGETABLE BASKET SHOW  by Debbie Cook

 I ALWAYS take the medium vegetable to every show.  I have the divided protector in it with the fruit liner and some plastic apples, grapes, oranges and bananas.  I tell them that this is one of the most versatile baskets in the catalog.  Of course, you see it in most houses with fruit in it, but I am going to give you more uses for it tonight.

I pull out the divided protector and if it's fall, I sometimes take an easy arrangement already made up in the regular protector and I insert it in at this point.  If not, I just tell them about it as I'm holding the basket.  I say, "You know those really nice silk fall leaves you can buy at the craft store?  I put some of them in this basket with those cute little mini pumpkins and gourds you can get at Walmart--a whole bag for $1!  I do this the 1st of Sept.  I add a scarecrow at the top of it.  Then in Oct., I take the scarecrow out and add a witch.

Then in Nov., I add this turkey.  (I usually take the turkey because he is so cute and most people don't have Nov. decorations)  So, I've already gotten three months use out of these mini pumpkins and gourds. I throw them out and put in pine, holly, poinsettias, etc. for Dec. It makes a great kitchen table or island decoration.  You can also use spring flowers, etc.  When we had WI runners, I always sold the runners so they could make a sleigh basket or a wagon out of it.  I then take the small crock (now I use the small covered dish) and tell them to put dip in it and then put their tortilla chips, pretzels, veggies or crackers up the back.

Then I take the bread brick cover with a bottle of wine in it (that I already have sitting in my display next to my basket) and show them what a nice wedding, shower, special anniversary or housewarming gift this will make.

You buy a bottle of wine or champagne (and can also tie on two champagne glasses by the stems on the bottle) and insert it in your bread brick cover and lay it in this basket.  The recipients are thrilled!  After they drink the spirits, they have the bread brick cover for heating up or chilling and this great basket to.....hang on the wall in their bathroom to put extra towels in or show off their cute bear, bunny, etc. collection (I insert a seasonal Bear and have a towel hanging from the handle--either "Martha Stewart doesn't live here" or a basket one).  Everyone laughs.  It also looks good on the bathroom counter with toothbrushes in a flower pot and rolled hand towels in back of it.  Put your kid's lunch or after school snacks in it, bagels, ! rolls, onions or potatoes, a dried flower arrangement, cookbooks, or use as a bedside bookcase.  By taking this one basket and visually using props to show them several different ideas for one basket, they justify buying it.

I have many first time buyers that purchase this basket.  I don't want people getting the cheapest basket we carry.  I want them to have something they will use so they will order more.  I always stress how "different or unique" this basket is and that you won't see anything else like it.
When you give a basket as a wedding gift, the couple may not ever use their china or crystal, but they will have that basket out every day and remember who gave it to them.  It never goes out of style and their great-great-great grandchildren can enjoy it's many uses for years to come.  

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MOTHERLY ADVICE SHOW

I know many of you are stressed over what to do for your March shows.  I did this show last year -- not sure who it came from but modified it for this year.  I do a different "theme show" every month.  My guests have had a ball with this!  I pass around my business card basket with the "things Mom might say" for everyone to take -- sometimes they might have to take 2.  I have the guests read what they selected and do my presentation.  I NEVER know what is coming next so it's a lot of fun!  Hope you enjoy!

"At our company we listen to our mothers. That's why we are going to talk about Motherly Advice. What types of advice did your Mom give you growing up?"  My mother always told me to use my manners, so I would like to begin by thanking _________ for having a show tonight and thank all of you for coming.

Don't make those faces - your face will ! freeze like that.  Vanity Basket

Eat all your dinner - there are children in the world that are starving. Place settings

Good night and don't let the bedbugs bite. Bedding and Fabrics

Always wear clean underwear in case you're in an accident. {Divided lid for Small Gathering}

Did you brush your teeth yet?  ! Tumbler / Soap Dish / Soap/Lotion Dispenser

I love you! - Roses in the Large Pitcher or a potted plant in the Measuring Basket

Clean your room!  Waste Baskets for trash, Basket Bins & Wrought Iron Organizer for storage

At least you had fun!  Share the career Opportunity - your story

I'll give you something to cry about.  {Product suitable for tissues}
 
Because I'm the Mother, that's why! {Highlight product suitable for Mother's Day gift}
 
You're going to catch a cold!  Small Catch-All Basket

Pick up your dirty clothes!  {Highlight product suitable for wash} and/or Hostess Hamper

Go ask your Father!  {Highlight product suitable for dad, perhaps something for pens/notepads}

Don't forget your raincoat!  Umbrella Basket & Stand

These are your choices!  Kit Choices

Do you have your chores done?  Chore Basket / Divided Protector / Wood Lid
 
Make sure your homework is done before you go to play!  Company History

Never pass up a good sale!  Save money as a Hostess - Half price item, Hostess Dollars, and Booking Program

An apple a day will keep the doctor away.  {Highlight fruit basket/fabric}

Be home by dark. {Highlight product to store flashlights, candles ie. Emergency basket, such as Spring/Chore/Gathering

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