When people attend direct sales parties, they have certain expectations. There’s probably an expectiation to have a good time. However, you can go further than that. Here are a few easy tips to make your direct sales parties more fun and ensure everyone has a great time.

1. One great way to get the party off to a fun start is to host a contest to get people talking and mingling. For example, you could showcase a layout and have the guests guess how many products were used to create it.  Or select an item, have your guests “call out” different ways to use it. Then show examples of several ways. This will get your guests thinking about the versatility of a product. Plus you might even learn a new way yourself to use in the future. Perhaps an extra prize for the guest who comes up with a new idea.

2. Smile. A good, old-fashioned genuine smile is contagious and it’ll spread like butter on a hot day. Welcome each guest like you would a long lost family member and make them feel welcome and appreciated.

3. Play background music. Parties can lull and when they’re too quiet it can become awkward. Have some festive music playing to set the mood – not too loud, of course, because you want people to be able to hear each other speak.

4. Decorate a bit to make the party feel like a party.  Create decorations with the supplies you sell, this will do double duty. Showcasing your product, creative uses beyond scrapbooking, and even a conversation starter on how you did a particular technique.

5. Feed them! Food has a way of bringing everyone together and it can make an average direct sales party a superior one. A few tasty appetizers and some decorative cocktail napkins is a nice touch.

6. Let attendees use your products. People love to be able to touch, examine and explore products and many sales experts agree that once a product is in the hands of the customer, the sale is almost guaranteed. Let your party attendees handle the products. In fact, if you can afford a small make-n-take, they will have a constant reminder to take home with them.

7. Play a game or two. We already talked about contests; however, a game can also lighten the mood and make a direct sales party more fun. For example, a hostess scavenger hunt is a fun way to get people to work together and have fun.

Parties are common nowadays. Make yours different! A direct sales party can be fun with a little planning and a desire to make each party you hold the best it can be.