//Design
The Modern-Day
Tupperware Party T
he modern Tupperware party revitalizes an old tradition with a new twist. The first Tupperware party was hosted in 1948, when it was discovered that hosting in-home demonstrations on how to use the plastic kitchenware was more effective than selling in retail stores. As an alternative sales channel that brought together people from the community in a relaxed social setting, middle-class American housewives signed on to become consultants and sold millions of Tupperware products in the homes of their friends. Today, Tupperware is sold through the same direct sales method in nearly 100 countries. Despite the fact that Tupperware remains a popular direct sales item around the world, today the list of products available to sell at home has grown. It’s now common to be invited to a party that features items like makeup, lingerie, jewelry and even sex toys. This time, it’s not your Aunt Barbara who is doing the selling. However, Robert Suchan’s “Aunt Barbara” character is not to be missed, whether in action in her YouTube videos, or in person in Long Island and Tri-State area. You’ll soon find that she is the top Tupperware salesperson in North America for a reason! Aunt Barbara’s success aside, nowadays “hosting a Tupperware party” has become a colloquial term for any such home-based gathering, but one that reflects the changing nature of tastes, brands and products on the market.
We connected with Diana Lipson, a stylist for Stella and Dot Jewelry in Toronto and her host, Katie Stemeroff, to see how to organize a modern day ‘Tupperware’ party. TIPS ON HOSTING: THE SPREAD: Hosting a jewelry party is like hosting a cocktail party. Put out a spread but keep food items bite sized so guests can pick up a snack in one hand and the product in the other. Avoid food that requires a fork and knife if you want to keep guests circulating and shopping. TIME OF DAY: A jewelry party works nicely as part of a weekend brunch, an after work or weekend drinks, or as a late afternoon drop-in. BEVERAGES: Have a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Depending on the time of day, your guests might enjoy having options while shopping. POSITION: Create small groupings of jewelry around the room to encourage guests to mix and mingle instead of hovering over one spot.
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