How do you conduct your parties?

[apples4]

How do you conduct your parties?

Do you do a presentation? If so, how long is it? And, is it before everyone eats or during?

Do you do games? Or, is that too distracting. A game can keep it fun, interactive and informative. But it can also take away if people came for a tasting and are ready to get to the food (as opposed to a non-food presentation where the snacks are not the star).

Do you ask the host for input as far as what she thinks her guests would like? Or do you keep it standard?

Thanks

[LindtsbyLisa]

It really depends on the host and their guests. I typically give the group the first 15-20 minutes to come in and socialize a bit. I give my 15 minute presentation and chocolate tasting. I let them browse the catalog and check out the products. I take orders while they eat, drink and chat some more. If the group/host likes games, lately I've been doing trivia and everyone seems to like that. If it's a large group, they form teams. I give Lindt Lindor truffles to the winners! I choose my questions based on the time of the year. So I've been doing Christmas trivia. If the group is not the "game-type", I just let them socialize and enjoy one another's company. I make myself available for questions and bring more samples of my product around.

[navybluecrafts]

My "typical" party is:

Brief intro of myself, guests names and favorite type of chocolate

Talk about Lindt and history of chocolate

5 senses of chocolate tasting (3 types of chocolate)

Door prize with lead slips
- Lately I've been giving 3 Lindor truffles in an organza bag as door prizes, then talk about the Lindor truffle

Pass out one more type of chocolate, lately I've been doing the orange milk thins. Something they can't get in the store.

Answer any questions, take orders, done.


My parties are less than an hour. It does vary depending on the type of party. I've done brownies, wine/chocolate pairings, and peppermint bark. I haven't thrown in a game yet, but the trivia for truffles is a good idea!

I try to remind the host to serve other food after the presentation. I had one do it before and the guests were more interested in that than my presentation and it was my worst party. It messes up your palate to eat party meatballs and then taste chocolate...