Girls' Night In - January 2004, Essence Magazine

It's about midnight on a Friday, and the party at Glorice Sanders's house is in full swing. Wine, champagne and shrimp are spread out on a table. One sister is feeling so good she's got her head back, her eyes closed and a silly grin on her face. Another is lying in semidarkness in an upstairs bedroom, enjoying a strong pair of hands working over her body. The rest of the women are sitting around the kitchen table with their hair wrapped in towels and their feet in basins of warm, scented water. "Mmm," one sighs. "This is wonderful." Full Story with contributions from SpaIndex.Com

    Admit it.  You've attended enough shower parties with corny games and cheesy prizes to last a life time.   You secretly wilt at the thought of one more interminable afternoon slumped back in lumpy furniture watching the guest of honor open her gifts of tea towels, cake stands, and Tupperware®. You despair at the thought ingesting one more spoonful of the omnipresent marshmallow and mandarin orange Jell-O™ salad, followed by the "fruit punch" chaser, which looks alarmingly nuclear in origin and consists of a rapidly melting brick of Easter colored sherbet floating in ginger ale.  

   Now, the Summer wedding months are upon us and we bet there is another shower in the works.  Fortunately for everyone involved, it's your turn to host this gig and no one is eating Jell-O on your watch.  You vow to plan something creative, fresh, tasty, and FUN, and we are here to help you do just that.

    Spa at Home parties are gaining popularity because they buck the curiously tenacious rituals associated with musty and unimaginative party planning. There is a new audience of women who would much prefer a pot of homemade cranberry lip gloss instead of a purchased party favor she won because she was the last guest to cross her ankles (who thought up that torturous game? Slap her.)

    We have some Spa Party ideas that both assure you the title of Hostess with the Mostest, and guarantee you'll stay within your budget.  No matter what choice you make, you and the guests will go home exfoliated, massaged, and soothed to silky perfection.

    THE DAY SPA EVENT

    First, decide where you want to host a Spa Party.  You don't necessarily have to host it at your own home, or another guest's home.  In fact, it doesn't even need to be at a residence.  Many Day Spa facilities will host a Spa Party for your guests provided you have a minimum number of guests, and reserve both the treatments and the facility in advance.  The facility may close up shop for an evening and let you host your Spa Party after hours, giving you discount rates for the group, or, set aside certain treatment rooms just for your use. 

    The TallGrass Aveda Spa and Salon in Evergreen, Colorado, offers just such a service.  The "Taste of TallGrass" Spa Retreat package includes attention from a Personal Spa Host, five hours of private treatment room time, a catered spa lunch, and your choice of two "Replenishment Rituals" which may be an Aromatherapy massage, Scalp Treatment w/ Hand & Foot Massage, Body Polish, Salt Glow Scrub, Aromatherapy Facial, Antioxidant Facial, or Men's Grooming Facial.

    At  Dorit Baxter's New York Day Spa, you'll find a Spa Party option which, quite literally, showers the guests (up to a dozen of you) with pampering spa treatments of your choice. Dorit Baxter suggests you "Munch on lunch while talking up a storm, then chill out as your muscle tensions are massaged to mush, your skin is scrubbed to glow, your face turns to radiant and your nails shimmer with fun shades." 

    For the cream of the crop in Day Spa events, visit the Giuliano Day Spa in Boston, Massachusetts, voted one of the 2002 Top Day Spas in the United States by Style Magazine.  Giuliano Day Spa offers the ultimate package -- a series of three spa visits which start a month before the wedding and culminate with a Wedding Day cosmetic and hair styling appointment.  For the bride to be, Giuliano provides "caring professionals to bring out your radiance on this most important day of your life with our Three-Part Bridal Spa Package, which begins with a trial run scheduled a few weeks before your wedding. Then, on your wedding day, we'll welcome you and your party with plenty of pampering and a light lunch, if you wish."

    Use our comprehensive Day Spa listings to find a list of Day Spas in your area, and begin getting some estimates for what is sure to be the best "Shower" you've ever attended.

    THE "MOBILE SPA PARTY" EVENT

    If your party is a bit too large to take into a Day Spa for the afternoon, consider the Mobile Spa Party, which comes to you in a variety of ways, ranging from a hired Spa Professional at your residence or, to make the afternoon a little more glamorous, in a hotel suite. 

    Consult your local yellow pages for Massage Therapists willing to "cater" to your party.  Check references carefully.  We're talking legitimate Massage Therapists here, not "out callers."  If your massage "therapist" shows up with no massage table or supplies, or even worse, if he or she is attired in a rip-away Velcro costume, something has gone dreadfully wrong. On the bright side, you may still have a heck of a party, but it won't be a spa experience.  Consider calling a local massage school or training facility. Not only can they give you some ideas for hiring a Spa Professional, but may be able to recommend their best students or soon-to-be graduates for rates less than what you'd pay at a Day Spa.   Finally, consult your local Health Food Stores or Natural Foods Co-Ops.  Often, they will have references to Holistic or Homeopathic Health Practitioners who make "house calls."

    If you have the enthusiastic support of your fellow guests, consider a shared party fee which covers the cost of a hotel suite, the spa professional, and the supplies.  A top of the line hotel suite divided between fifteen people makes for a reasonably priced day getaway. A special bonus?  The hotel may well provide you with an onsite Spa Professional as part of the package, eliminating the need to search for someone on your own.

    You can also hire a Mobile Spa Party giver that comes to you via the Party Plan. Think hand lotion and body scrubs instead of Tupperware! Many Spa Party businesses are cropping up, and they bring the entire spa with them, in many cases. From candles to massage oils to tables and linens. You simply clear the space, and they set the scene.   

      For our East Coast readers, mobile spa parties can be booked through mobileSPA, founded by Devika Mukherjee.  Since it’s inception in 2002, mobileSPA has gained significant success in catering to clients who want the pampering of an upscale Day Spa with licensed and seasoned spa professionals in the comfort of their own home, office, or hotel. 

     “We identified a serious need in the spa industry for this type of service. I know, personally, after getting a 90 minute treatment at a spa, the last thing I would want to do was to dress, pay and have to drive home. The mobile spa enables you to continue that relaxed and rejuvenated feeling in the convenience and comfort of your own home.” says Lisa Smith, Partner at mobileSPA. “We also have a competitive advantage - no overhead, allowing us to keep our prices reasonable and the ability to hire top notch consultants” Ms.Smith added.

        Another type of Mobile Spa Party plan is retailed based, such as one which rewards the hostess with either products or discounts, much like a home candle party or crystal party (and we've all been to one of those at one time or another).  Kangaroo Blue based in Naperville, IL offers just such a Spa Party plan. To host a Kangaroo Blue party, you have to do some ground work. You need to round up a minimum of six guests, provide the meeting or party place, the table and chairs, your own refreshments, and the names and addresses of each guest. Kangaroo Blue will send a personalized invitation to each of those guests.  The Spa Party Plan does have its Kangaroo Blue bath product sales pitch, but the hostess enjoys rewards which include 10% of total sale at the party to apply against purchases of Kangaroo Blue products, a $5 gift certificate per referral resulting in a booking of a Spa Party, a Hostess Spoil Me Rotten Basket for only $10 (ok, you have to buy it, but they say it normally costs $25), which includes the following goodies of your choice: Two (2) bars of soap, one (1) lip balm, one (1) jar of bath salts, one (1) jar of milk bath, and a Mystery Gift for one of the attendees. 

    Again, check your local yellow pages under "Party Planners" or ask around for referrals to Mobile Spa Party Planners, or search your Internet browser for "Spa Parties" and "Mobile Spa Parties."

    CREATE A HOME SPA PARTY

    Finally, if renting a Day Spa or hiring a spa caterer isn't in your budget, do the favors chez toi.  Or, if you're the type who actually enjoys the idea of turning your house into a Spa for the afternoon, and you want to relish the attention which will surely be lavished upon you when you open the doors and your guests see your newly created Spa Environment, the Home Spa Party is for you.

    You'll need to decide how much time and energy you have.   You can take the easy route by buying a spa party kit readily available online and in stores.  If you're a crafty person, you can set the stage for your guests to craft their own spa products under your watchful eye.  If you are apt to say something like "I made these Pine scented eye soothers myself, by weaving the cloth on the handloom I honed from a birch tree I planted last fall, using threads from the wool from my small herd of sheep" ... you are a crafty person. 

     If you have a wreath on your front door which you made from eucalyptus leaves you collected in a basket, berries you collected and dried on your blueberry picking vacation to Maine last year, and twine you crafted from a vintage burlap rucksack you found in your grandmother's attic... you are a crafty person.

    Crafty people will want to allot enough time, materials, and work stations for the guests to craft and make their own spa treatments and party favors, which can range from homemade lip gloss to salt rubs to hair conditioners.   In fact, our own popular newsletter, Spa Index News, has offered many Spa at Home treatment recipes over the past year.  Scroll through our archived newsletter page for easy reference to spa recipes, or, use some of the links we've provided here.

    First, set the scene and make a schedule using the following pointers:

• Candles—assortment of large ones to use as centerpieces, and votives and smaller candles placed around the room. Don't underestimate the power of sunlight fading into evening in a room full of votive candles. You can get a lot of mileage from that simple trick.

• Have soothing music CDs or tapes available.  Say, you can visit the Spa Index Mall and choose from our selection of Spa Music! What a great idea!

• Scents—fresh flowers, scented candles and oils

• If you are a not a crafty person, purchased or assembled spa kits, as listed below

• Masseuse/Spa Professional—or you and your friends could trade duties for facials, manicures and massages

• Manicure/Pedicure supplies

• Towels, robes—fresh from the dryer and folded into lofty cubes (use your best towels, of course)

• Refreshments

• Pitchers of water or chilled bottles of water (particularly attractive bottles are a plus  ... splurge at your local gourmet store for pretty bottles and leave the plastic sports bottle in your pantry).

• Selection of herbal teas or juices

• or Lunch if you are up to it (recipes provided below).

• Make a schedule of activities—11 AM to 4 PM is ideal for daytime events; 6 PM to 11 PM for evenings.  11 - 11:30—guests arrive, change into robes, 11:30 - 12:00—stretching and yoga, 12:00 - 12:45—facials, 12:45 - 1:30—light lunch, 1:30 - 2—manicures or hand treatments, 2 - 3—pedicures; 3-3:30--body massages, 4:00 tea time; or departure

• Send out invitations or emails, and call for a Spa Professional at least 2-3 weeks in advance

• Make appetizers/salads night prior or morning

• Move most furniture out of a large room and create an open, uncluttered space, with only comfortable seating and select tables remaining

• Arrange items around the room—possibly create a "station" for specific spa activities

• Set the lights low and light the candles, light or spray scents, arrange robes and towels

• Arrange music

• Enjoy!

    One of our favorite Spa Treatment recipe sources is www.Honey.Com.   Honey is both a food product and beauty product -- one of nature's most perfect substances. For example, from  www.Honey.Com comes a recipe for Cranberry Lip Balm:   Mix in a microwave safe bowl one tablespoon of sweet almond oil, ten fresh cranberries (you can use defrosted cranberries from the freezer aisle), one teaspoon of honey, and one drop of vitamin E oil.   Microwave for two minutes or until the mixture just begins to boil. (Bowl may also be heated in a pan of water on a stovetop). 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. Give out to your guests and listen to "oooh!"  and "aaah!" with a sly smile, like you do just this sort of thing all the time.   Be sure to see our entire collection of spa at home treatments.

    What if you're NOT a crafty person?

    No problem. There are several great Spa Party kits available for purchase.  We've listed some of our favorites below, or, raid the local pharmacy, discount, or department store for an array of polishes, files and masks.  Don't rule out the local "Dollar Stores" for campy and quirky products, as well.  Go for the camp factor when your budget is a concern.  I once found a bottle of Elvis Presley Love Me Tender Lotion for one dollar.  You can also go the Spa Potluck route.  Come up with a list of categories (lotion, soap, perfume, lip balm) assign each guest a category, and ask each guest to bring TWO identical items.  One item goes into the group pile and everyone shares, and one item goes into a gift basket and the honoree takes home the entire booty, leaving the rest of to squabble over the used products.

    You can also put together a very reasonably priced party favor simply by visiting BulkSalts.com. 

BulkSalts will let you select your salt's color and fragrance, and then a size, ranging from very small, to large.  We order the wedding favors ourselves (pictured at left), and give them out randomly as calling cards and at trade shows.   Be creative ... replace "Dick and Jane" and the customary wedding bells with "Jane's Spa Party 2006."    We use our business name and our URL.  By purchasing in lots over 100, we pay just .45 cents each.  Fear not -- you can order in lots from 1-99 at only .49 cents each.    Each mini packet of salts will come with a coordinated ribbon and paper wrapper. You may also go straight for the mini bags of bath salts, selecting your own fragrance and color, and purchase in lots for as low as .39 each, with no minimums.  Don't miss this terrific resource.

    SPA PARTY KITS

    Here are some of our favorite "Spa Kits a Go Go":

    LOST ARTS FOUND PAMPERING PARTY KITS

    Michelle Harrington of Lost Arts Found in Wyoming crafts some wonderful handmade cosmetics and body products using natural ingredients, many of which are grown on her property.  If you were lucky enough to receive one of Spa Index's lip balms last year, it was made by Lost Arts Found.  Lost Arts Found has something for both the "traditional" shower party giver, and something for the non-traditional Spa Party giver. That means if you are a tried and true party giver who enjoys spirited games during a shower party, you can get that, as well as some pampering products, in one place.   For instance, Lost Arts Found offers  The Pampering Party kit for groups of three, six, or even more, which includes their most pampering products. Michelle says "We were thinking of those friends that help each other through anything when we put this combination together. The Lavender Rose & Chamomile Light Body Oil can be used to soak nails in, or, if you don't mind your guests washing their hair in your sink, it can be used as a warm oil hair treatment. Next is the Oatmeal Herbal Facial with lavender elder and rose petals ground with oatmeal and cornmeal to bring out the roses in your cheeks. Finish the facial off with a toning Lavender & Rose Spritz to tighten pores. For hands you can use the Lavender Rose & Chamomile Light Body Oil to soak nails in or use the Sandalwood & Cardamom Bath Tea to soak hands and feet, if your guests feel comfortable enough. The Bath Tea can also be just used as a potpourri to set the mood for the intermingling of higher thoughts and good chatting. The Lavender Rose & Chamomile Lotion will moisturize and sooth hands and face if desired. Six assorted balls of our handmade soap are included to wash up nicely with. "

    If a Spa Party with actual games and murder mystery hijinx is more your style (or your guests' style), Lost Arts Found offers a variety of Theme Games including "Bumped Off at the Beauty Spa, or, who Waxed the Highbrow?" and additional Vincent Murder Mystery Game packs.

    Finally, some of the more appealing offerings on the Lost Arts Found Party Page are the Spa Party Favors.  You can pick and choose from a variety of very reasonably priced party favors, even customized with names, dates, or specialty wrappers for your party.  Forget little matchbooks with "Dick and Jane Forever" embossed on them.  Get a bar of sweet smelling handcrafted soap with a commemorative wrapper, and actually USE the party favor. 

 

   
      NAILBUFFS™ MANICURE PRODUCTS   

    Now, we don't want to bring the mood down suddenly and give you a lecture about how bad home manicures and pedicures can be for you in a group setting, but they can be -- a pedicure tub is not something you want to share at home with 10 other pairs of feet. 

 

    A natural, healthy approach to manicure nail care is at your fingertips -- NAILBUFFS.

 

    NAILBUFFS is a manicure kit endorsed by Spa Index -- not because we earn a commission (we don't), but because it's the best, healthiest and most economical manicure you'll ever give yourself.  Even for the die-hard faux nail and nail polish wearers in your group (you know you have some), NAILBUFFS is still a win-win situation, as it's the fist line of defense against nail polish and remover damage, provides a completely natural base coat, so to speak, and a tough, protective shield of shine to protect nails from the harmful chemicals in nail polish and remover.  NAILBUFFS uniquely replaces and maintains the crucial oil moisture balance within the structure of your nails, preventing splitting, peeling, and layering.  In fact, once you use NAILBUFFS regularly, your nails will never split, peel, or layer again.  The popularity of this both healthy and economical product continues to grow -- NAILBUFFS is now being offered at finer Day Spas and Resort Spas nationwide, including Canyon Ranch.

 

    One NAILBUFFS kit lasts such an incredibly long time it will be more than sufficient for your party.  However, read our comprehensive review of NAILBUFFS and then visit the NAILBUFFS website to put together a special manicure kit for your party.  A group of girlfriends in spa robes is the perfect setting  for watching a pretty miraculous transformation in the appearance of your finger and toe nails.  Everyone will want a kit of their own, we guarantee it.    Donna Taras, a co-creator of NAILBUFFS, will help you out in advance by email or telephone with all the expert nail care advice you'll ever need.  If you're fortunate enough to live near Massachusetts or Connecticut, Donna will occasionally schedule personal visits to your Spa Party for in-home demonstrations of NAILBUFFS.

 

   THE SPA MENU

   

    You can't have a home spa party without soothing and delicious refreshments.  While it's easy to pick up salads and vegetable trays and beverages from the store, this is the perfect opportunity to make your guests a both delicious and healthful lunch.  We have an entire collection of recipes, from herbed water to decadent desserts, courtesy of some of our top Spa Members.  Make them all yourself, or assign them out, potluck style. See our entire collection of spa recipes.

 

   

    We hope we've provided you with enough ideas and tips to create your own Spa Experience at home.  In case we haven't, here are even more links to Spa Party planners. Have more ideas you want to add? Write to us!  -- Kristina Fitzhugh, Editor

 

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USA and Everywhere:
  
Amazon.Com "Have a Spa Party." 
I don't think you can have a list which doesn't include Amazon's ever present "things to buy from us" link.  Here it is.

Host a Silk Body Spa Party™

Teen Spa Party by Sealed With a Kiss

The Bridal Party Spa Kit by My Beauty Farm

Canada:

AROMA SPA PARTY

PORTOSPA PARTIES IN QUEBEC AND ONTARIO

 

 

 

 

 

 

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