A Sweet Celebration of my hostesses

I've been BUSY this week, but it's been mostly centered around one of my favorite Stampin' Up events of the whole year–my annual Hostess Appreciation Event. We always hold it at a local pie shop, the Upper Krust, and everyone can order their favorite pie and beverage on me.

I don't advertise this event, so only the hostesses themselves know about it when they get that magic hand-stamped invitation in the mail. This is the only event I hand-make all the invitations for, and they love it!

Ready for a sneak peek into this exclusive event?

We stamped three cute projects (can't beat this year's candy theme!) with sets like Build A Cupcake and Sweets for the Sweet, and we made this big cupcake with the Scallop Circle die from the Big Shot. We also play several games to win prizes–and I always have consolation prizes for the people who don't win, because I hate to lose, myself!

I had to laugh when I saw this photo–it looks staged, but it was totally spontaneous! They were filling out an ice-breaker bingo where they had to get each other's signatures and it was really funny.

These are some of the cute little favors and gifties I gave out through the evening, and their name tags, made with Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets and the labels from the Matchbox die on the Big Shot, with the Charming stamp set. Several of the hostesses warned me that I will be hard put to top this year's decorations!

I give out awards for the highest total workshop, and for anyone who held more than one workshop in a catalog year (three this year). This year, 26 people were eligible to attend (two have since become demonstrators themselves, and one moved away). And of course, this is where they book their parties for the coming year, if they haven't already!

As a special treat this year, I brought my entire Convention 2011 presentation along just for them. I think they left feeling a taste of the appreciation I truly have for them. Without their opening their homes and inviting their friends, I don't have a job! And what a year the last year has been! I can't do it without my hostesses, so I really enjoy the chance to just spoil their socks off once a year.

If you'd like to be part of this exclusive party next year, be sure to book your yearly Stampin' Up workshop. We have a brand new Holiday Mini Catalog that is hitting mailboxes this week, and ordering starts September first. It's the perfect time to have a show, and an invitation to this fantastic annual event is just one of the many perks of being one of my hostesses.