Throw a Spa Party

home remodeling articles and tips

By Kathy Hester

How can you find your bliss in the midst of shopping, decorating, cleaning, and just feeling guilty that you weren't born Martha Stewart? By planning one more party. It seems unintuitive, but I promise you'll be excited about it. This party will be a gift of relaxation to you and your friends. Pick a weekend day or night so that no one has to rush off to fulfill any obligations. For the ultimate indulgence you can hire a few professionals to come to your house to work on everyone. If you have a small space you can talk to your favorite spa, they probably book parties all the time. Short on cash? Have all the girls pitch in. They can either contribute a few dollars, or you can simply give each other facials and manicures.

If you are doing this at home, make a list supplies that you need ahead of time. You may find that you (or your friends) already have manicure tools, polish, and even facial masks. Hopefully someone will have a foot bath, so you can soak the tiredness out of your feet while getting a service. If you have the space, create a separate meditation room. Each person will be 'scheduled' for some time in there. Furnish it with a big pillow on a cushy rug. Have it facing out if you have a great view, or tape a beautiful nature photo to the wall for guests to gaze at.

While you're at it, give your house a 'spa' makeover. Setting up the spa atmosphere is almost more important that the treatments themselves. It should be calming and inviting to everyone who comes over. Remember people pay good money to go to a top notch spa, just to relax in the nap room by a fire. We all crave that quiet space that is ever elusive.

Create a beautiful area for snacks. Use your best dishes. I love my Blue Noritake Colorwave accent plates just for times like these. Making spa food is easier than you think. Have fresh cut organic veggies arrange with a dip made from fat-free Greek yogurt. Make a platter of fresh cut fruit, or even a bowl of whole washed pieces. Make big glass pitchers of filtered water and add in fresh springs of mint and thyme. Have hot teas available with honey and lemon. Stick to caffeine-free relaxing herbal blends, unless your friends will have caffeine withdrawal.

Lower the lightening, and rely more on candles. Light your fireplace if you have one. Try burning incense or an essential oil blend to have your guests focus on their sense of smell. De-clutter the party space, and have big comfy pillows all around. Fresh cut flowers or your favorite house plants will bring nature in the room. To do flowers on the cheap, buy one bouquet and stretch them into every room if you can. Use clear bowls with some river rocks on the bottom, and float petals or a whole flower head in it.

You can also use floating candles and petals in your bath tub. It will bring a sense of beauty and peace into the bathroom that your guests can enjoy. This party is all about being away from the outside world. Have new age or spa music playing. You'll be surprised how everything adds up to calm you and slow your mind. Once the party is over, you may just find yourself planning the next one!