Here is a video that will help you host a spa party
How To - Spa Party Facials
This week, Madeline concludes her Spa Party. And what better way to do that, than by sharing some favorite recipes for facials? No Spa Party would be complete without them, and you won't have to spend $100 for someone to do it for you! Watch as Madeline shows you How To!
This article on how to Host a Spa Party will give you everything you will need and I mean everything...
Channel Your Inner Spa Girl
this article has been edited by Pennie Mills on 01/29/07
A couple of years ago, this article was written as a guide for hosting a "Holiday" spa party, it has been tweaked and re-written so that you can use it as a guide for anytime and for a variety of occasions.
What began as a trend is thankfully, now the norm. Creating a spa type party gives you and your guests a welcomed change to the more traditionally themed showers and parties.
Think fresh-and delicious, simple-yet elegant, relaxing-with a splash of sparkle on the side, and a sublime serving of creative, contagious fun that permeates a fabulous flair. While visions of friends and family, massages and manicures, food and fun, dance in your head, you're in REM dreaming of pedicures, caterers, appetizers and Zen!
What sort of favors or gifts do you think your guest’s would like? This deserves some meaningful thought, let the gift be useful, something just for them, something to inspire them to relax and unwind, something when they think of, or use their gift, they have fond thoughts of you. Nothing pricey, but pleasingly personable, not mass-produced mindless gifts, and please, they should not have to play that touchy-feely “what’s in the bag” game to get it. Your guests will enjoy "Gifts of Beauty", handmade with love, presented to them with style and a smile.
So you want to host a Spa Party?
Begin by customizing "your" checklist and start penning your plan!
Your Budget
How important is having a budget? Only one of the most important tasks, especially if you’re like most of us who need to keep our cash in check! For a successful party, every chic hostess should take into consideration her needs, wants and must haves, along with a reasonable dollar spending amount and the financial bankroll, to back it up. How many guests will you invite? Before you commit and get your heart set on something, make those phone calls and get prices for professional services that you want to hire out, such as caterers, massage therapist(s) and Esthetician fees-including tips. Don't have a big budget? No worries, we will give you some fun, creative ideas that won't break the bank.
The Event Day
The next most important item on your to do list is figuring out precisely what will be included in your event. This is not too terribly hard to come up with since you already have your budget in place. However, there are several options, and choosing what will fit your needs can be a bit time consuming, so lets get started. You can host the event at your home, a friend’s home or book a private party at your local Salon & Spa, call early for package prices. The Spa Services you will provide at home or in the Salon will depend on your Budget. Some would say that having your party catered at a Spa or Salon is the ultimate; I mean literally everything will be done for you down to the last minute detail. However, there is something to be said for the fun it would be transforming and turning your home into a Spa for a day or evening.
Services to consider are full body massages, or spot massages, such as hands and feet, face and neck, arms and neck, check with a local licensed massage therapist for rates and availability.
Alternatively, you can hire an Esthetician(s) to provide manicure and pedicure services, and don’t forget about the food catering professionals if you decide to go that route. TIP: Do not wait until the the last minute to book your professional services, a chic host will begin planning and booking professionals well in advance.
Affordable creative ideas for your spa party
If your budget is not big and bulky, (and most of ours is not) I can assure you that you can still pull off an amazing spa-together time. Keep in mind, some of the most smashing parties have been thrown on a modest budget, you can do it! This is a good time to tinker with the idea of entrusting an assistant hostess(s). This will lend you more time to enjoy your guests, and once you get treatments going in your house, you will be thankful to have the help of those you jive with to keep events flowing along.
Here, hosting the party at your home or a friend’s home is necessary, decide if you can afford a massage therapist to come for a couple of hours and do spot massages.
On the other hand, making homemade beauty recipes is all the rage these days, make them yourself before your guests arrive, or gather everyone in the kitchen to mix up countless concoctions. These are fresh, fun to make, and good for you, for a vast collection of free and easy to make homemade beauty recipes. Now you can give each other facials, condition your hair, foot and hand scrubs and so much more. Split up into two groups, group one will put down foot soaks for everyone in-group two, then apply the beauty treatments you have made, then switch off. This is one of my favorite things to do, and budgets of all sizes have tremendous fun and meaningful bonding time too.
After you have decided what type of Spa Party, you will be having, make a schedule of events and pick the time of day or evening. Pick your party time carefully considering your guest’s schedules a head of time. This is sure to be the "can't miss" event; everyone is going to WANT to come to this party!
The Invitations
Send your invitations out promptly, 2-3 weeks in advance, and let your guests know what to expect so they can prepare appropriately. If you are crafty, you may like to make your own invitations, or for you computer savvy girls, making great looking invitations on the computer is a snap, a handwritten note inviting your guests is a thoughtful touch, but of course, you can also buy them.
The Menu
Keep it light. You don’t want your guests feeling overly full and uncomfortable, prepare fresh foods presented in a simple, beautiful fashion. Create an appealing setting for your food keeping it all together on one table, this makes it much easier to replenish, as needed.
Use linen tablecloths and napkins, please...no paper plates, plastic beverage bottles, plastic eating utensils, etc. TIP: Budget minded individuals-if in need, take a quick trip to your local dollar store, thrift sore, yard sales, etc., for these items. Don't worry about everything matching (example-dinner plates, silver, etc.), some of the most beautiful settings are done with mis-matched items.
If selecting a caterer, remember, it is so much more than just food, drinks, or both, decide if you will need additional tables, chairs, plates, glassware, silver, linens, etc.
You don't need to spend too much time on food prep, unless of course, you have a lot of time. Here are a few quick ideas:
Cuisine Ideas
Shrimp Platter with Citrus Cocktail Sauce
Purchase a quality platter or make your own using Extra Large or Jumbo Shrimp that is steamed, split and deveined, your Seafood department at your local grocers will assist you. Be sure to have ample lemon and orange wedges.
Cocktail Sauce
1 cup ketchup
Zest of 1 lemon (about 1/2 teaspoon)
1 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
4 teaspoons prepared horseradish, or to taste, drained
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Hot sauce, to taste
Combine the ketchup, lemon zest and juice, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Add hot sauce, if desired. Mix well, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Fresh Vegetable Platter with Lemon Dill dipping sauce
Purchase a quality platter or buy bags of pre-cut veggies at the super market and arrange on a platter lined with fancy colored lettuce with the bowl of dipping sauce in the center.
Lemon Dill dipping sauce
3 shallots
1 tablespoon dried dill leaves (or 2 tablespoons fresh)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/4 cups sour cream
Pinch of white pepper
Mince the shallots. Combine the shallots with the rest of the ingredients. Chill. This sauce may be prepared in advance. Makes 1 1/2 cups.
Fresh Fruit and Cheese Platter Once again, purchase a quality platter or buy fresh fruit at the produce department taking advantage of the pre-cut ready to go fruits, and a variety of sliced cheeses.
Simple Salad Platter with Raspberry Vinaigrette
Use a variety of mixed greens, seeded-tomatoes and cucumbers and top with course chopped flat leaf parsley. Ease this task by using select pre-washed, cut lettuces.
Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing
equal parts of olive oil and raspberry vinegar
pinch of salt & pepper
clove of garlic
Chop the clove of garlic finely and put in the bowl. Add equal parts (about 1/4 cup each) of olive oil and raspberry vinegar. Add the salt and pepper. Mix together and add to your basic green salad just before serving.
If you opt to make an entree, you may like to try this delicious recipe from an issue of Cooking Light Magazine. Much of this can be prepped in advance, and it is fabulous! TIP: Instill the help of your assistants for pre-party help too!
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
1/3 cup reduced-fat peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons yellow miso (soybean paste)
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
Cooking spray
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
12 romaine lettuce leaves
2 cups (2-inch) julienne-cut carrot
2 cups (2-inch) julienne-cut peeled jicama
1 cup (2-inch) julienne-cut seeded peeled cucumber
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
1 cup shredded red cabbage
Method
Combine first six ingredients in a bowl; stir well with a whisk. Set aside. Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 4 minutes on each side or until done. Cut the chicken into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Cut off the raised portion of the main vein of each lettuce leaf. Divide chicken evenly among lettuce leaves; top with carrot, jicama, cucumber, bean sprouts, and cabbage, dividing evenly. Roll up, and secure with a pick. Serve with sauce. Serves 6 (serving size: 2 wraps and 2 tablespoons sauce)
Fondue ~ Chocolate-of course!
If you don’t already have one, fondue pots can be found just about anywhere, melt some good quality chocolate and serve with big fresh Strawberries, fluffy Marshmallows, and whatever else you like.
The Bar
Serve Iced Teas and Fresh or Sparkling Waters in beautiful glass pitchers, with a dish full of lemon and lime slices and wedges. You may also like to serve select Wines, Champagne, Hot Herbal Teas, Fresh Juices or a Coffee Bar. Bring out your pretty teacups and glassware for this occasion.
The Gifts (ideas)
Handmade Beauty Gifts for your Guests. Pick a special moment during your event to hand each guest their gift. Wrap up individual gifts in pretty papers or snuggle items together in a spa or fabric bag.
Bath Teas
Purchase quality organic Dried Herbs from your local Herb Shop to make Relaxing and Beautiful Bath Teas.
Ingredients
Lavender Buds
Rose Petals
Chamomile Flowers
Lemon Balm
Pre-cut sheer tulle circles
Raffia or Ribbon
Essential Oils-optional
Directions
In a large bowl, mix all the dried herbs, and a few drops Essential Oils if you prefer. Put a scoop of the mixed herbs in the center of each tulle circle, gather the tulle up around the herbs snugly, and tie with a piece of raffia or ribbon. You can include a homemade tag for your Bath Tea with directions to toss in the tub and enjoy a relaxing stress-less bath.
Cranberry Lip Gloss
Courtesy of The National Honey Board
Every girl should have a pot of yummy lip gloss with her at all times! Protect sensitive lips from the drying elements with this simple yet rich lip balm. Delightful to wear alone or on top of your lipstick for extra shine!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
10 fresh cranberries
1 teaspoon honey
1 drop of vitamin E oil
Directions
Mix all the ingredients together in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for a couple of minutes or until the mixture just begins to boil. (Bowl may also be heated in a pan of water on a stove top). Stir well and gently crush the berries. Cool mixture for five minutes and then strain through a fine sieve to remove all the fruit pieces. Stir again and set aside to cool completely. When cool, transfer into a small portable plastic container or tin. Apply a small amount onto your lips and remember to smile!
If you can do simple sewing, you may like to make your guests Lavender and Flax-seed Eye Pillows.
Lavender Sachets
Fill small muslin drawstring bags with dried lavender buds; make a little tag and your done. You may like to make several for each guest, do this by making four sachets for each guest, stack them on top of each other and secure with a pretty ribbon or raffia. You could also put them in a clear cello bag with a ribbon bow. Use your imagination and have fun with the gifts!
Create Your Space(s)
Depending on how many guests you invite and what services you will be providing; transforming your home is another task to think about. Move furniture around to create open spaces. If you are having multiple professionals, use all the space you can. If people are having relaxing massages, you may want to include bedrooms in the plan along with all bathrooms. Be sure to have stacks of fresh clean towels, washcloths, soaps or gels.
Present your guests with a new freshly laundered Spa Robe Gift as they enter your party, or ask that everyone bring there own robe and slippers.
Have at least one vase full of fresh flowers and more if possible. If your party is themed or around the Holiday season, you may like to decorate; a touch of sparkle here and there creates a festive and warm feeling.
Dim the Lights. Light candles even if the event is during the day, the glow of a candle(s) relays warmth and beauty.
Set pretty dishes of potpourri in all rooms being used.
Select relaxing/nature music CD’s, and have beautiful music flowing from beginning to end.
Take this opportunity to lavish and spoil your guests, and I don't mean by spending a lot of money on them, but by showing them how much you care by doing the little things that truly shine through. Make a toast to them and let them know how wholeheartedly happy you are that they could all come together to share and experience this time with you. Make this one afternoon or evening a time to remember. Relax, unwind and above all, enjoy!
About the Author
Pennie Mills is the owner of
Ladies Blend, an online store offering natural and organic bath & beauty care products, for health, wellness, special pampering and everyday enjoyment. Visit the Natural Beauty Lounge for resources surrounding All Natural and Organic lifestyles.
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