Toothpick Game

Begin by giving each guest (and yourself) 8 toothpicks. The Hostess starts the game by stating something that she has NEVER done (ie: been to DisneyWorld) -- but believes that everyone else (or at least a lot of them) in the room HAS done. Each person who HAS done it gives her a toothpick. Play then proceeds around the room until everyone has had a turn. (Your toothpicks are to give out - you don't actually take a turn.) At the end of the game the one with the most toothpicks wins.  This is a great icebreaker!

Serving Tray Memory Game

Introduce yourself and give each guest a sheet of paper. You'll have the Serving Tray Basket loaded up with products and covered with a napkin or two. Uncover the Basket and walk around the room (1-2 minutes) showing each guest what's in it. Re-cover the basket and give them 2 to 3 minutes for them to write down everything they can remember on the Tray. Then uncover and go through everything on the Tray using each product to do your show presentation! A small prize can be given to the one who has the most correct answers.

Suggested items for the Tray: Wish List, Tea Liner & Protector, Collectors Club Miniature Basket and a copy of Signatures Magazine, Dessert Bowl, Show Invitations (this can lead into an explanation of the benefits of holding a show), Booking Basket (explain booking incentives), assortment of protectors and wood dividers that fit into a variety of baskets (ie: 3 tea protectors with 2 bread dividers for the Bread Basket), Napkins, Grippers, Garters, Tie-On, Mug, and the Hostess Serving Tray Protector.

Smartie Idea Game

When showing each basket, give one idea for a good use for it. Ask the guests to give you another good use. Give each guest who offered a suggestion a roll of Smarties candy for their smart idea. You can also have little packets of cinnamon red hots available for those especially "hot" ideas!

TV Show Game

Give each guest a sheet of paper. There are 40 TV shows mentioned in the story below (You may want to change the wording to fit your own story). You would read this at a normal pace and the guest who has written down the most TV shows wins a small prize.

One Day at a Time, I always tell myself. Looking at My Life, I realized I wasn't Twenty-One anymore. Not that these weren't Happy Days, but we all only have One Life to Live. It isn't like I was Living Single, I do have strong Family Ties. I am Married With Children. I have 3 Rugrats as a matter of fact and a husband who thinks he is King of the Hill. That makes us a Party of Five. All My Children are often involved in a Family Feud that I fear will put us in Jeopardy of making us call the Paramedics and end us in the E.R. at the local General Hospital. Buy hey, these are their Wonder Years.

Anyway, it was about 3 years ago that I was introduced to Longaberger Baskets. At first I thought, what are the Unsolved Mysteries? After all, they're just baskets. But my motto has always been Shop Til You Drop, so I went to the party. Well, one look and I was in 7th Heaven. Bewitched -- you might say. I became addicted and wanted all the latest baskets available.

I entered a Different World -- the basket world where I went to parties and met the nicest people. It wasn't long before I became a Collectors Club member. About one year ago, I was Touched by an Angel. I met a wonderful consultant who asked if I would be interested in Moonlighting as a Consultant myself. I looked at the information and thought, The Price is Right. After all, I wasn't born with Silver Spoons in my mouth and the Facts of Life were that this was a great way to get the baskets I love at a discount and keep me from going into Debt. It didn't take a Quantum Leap for me to make my decision. I signed up in March of this year and have been having fun ever since. My husband, the Wiseguy, still doesn't understand my obsession with baskets, but I look at them as a Home Improvement -- and he's thrilled with the extra income! They are decorative as well as functional and they make This Old House of mine look like a home. This business has become a Family Affair with my children helping to stamp flyers and send mailings. Who's the Boss? I am. Today, I feel Charmed. I get to spend about 60 Minutes with you, showing you these beautiful baskets, having fun, and enjoying some adult time away from my gang, also known as The Young and the Restless. Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Okay, maybe not a millionaire, but you can certainly enjoy an increased income. Later Today I would be happy to give you information on having your own show or becoming a consultant like me.

Right Left Game (read by the Hostess)

This game is to be played near the end of your presentation and is to be read to the guests by the Hostess. Before she starts, hand a small (wrapped) gift to a guest near the middle of the room (if you have a large crowd, you might want to start with 2 gifts). Every time the word right or left is mentioned in the story, the gift is passed in that direction. The person who ends up with it when the story is over is the winner.

When I booked this show (Consultant's Name) knew right away that working with me would make her day.  I made up my list of who to invite and went over it twice to make sure it was right.  As replies came in, I checked them right off my list until no one was left and no one was missed!  I chose the right game for you to play and left it to (Consultant's Name) to do it the right way.  I had done all the right things and waited to see what I would get from my Wish List for free.  As (Consultant's Name) packed up her samples for the show tonight, she hoped that everything would go just right.  She looked through her home with the thought in mind that often she's left some product behind.  With everything packed, she left right away, thinking about the show and the right things to say.  She arrived right on time and set up her things and spoke of the joy that Longaberger brings.  You've learned that with Longaberger Pottery, meals cook just right and a whole lot more you didn't know 'til tonight.  The right basket for the job is what you have found. You can't wait to organize everything and anything around.  The baskets, the pottery, what's the right thing to choose? Buy them all! You've nothing to lose!  The show felt right, the night was quite fun. There were no questions left, not even one.  There's much left to show and lots left to say. So why not book a show of your own right away?  And, if you're looking for the right position, Longaberger's definitely the right decision.  You've seen and heard what Longaberger can do. Now the right choice is left up to you.  That's all I have left to say for tonight. Except for the winner is left on the right.

Wish List Word Search

There are over 40 Wish List products mentioned in the story below. This game can be played in two different ways: You can either read the story and have the guests write down as many Wish List products as they recognize, or you can give each guest a printed copy of the story and give them 1 minute to circle all the Wish List products that they recognize. The person with the most wins a small prize.

Let's face it - wives, mother's and grandmothers work hard around the house . . .  There is always a chore waiting; emptying waste baskets, going through the mail, and on wash day, your overflowing hamper usually has at least one shirt missing a button.  You choose a recipe for dinner, check the pantry for ingredients and make a list of things to pick up at the market. While gathering vegetables for the casserole, you think of your pen pal. You find the envelope with her address in your purse and have a cup of tea as you write a quick letter on your note pad.  You notice the fruit is almost gone and the pottery lamp needs a new bulb. You add these items to the growing list of odds and ends. That done, you whistle for the dog, grab the leash off the leash hook and take a brisk walk, picking up the newspaper on the way in. Love this spring weather!  The oven is still hot, so you decide to make a pie. Soon you're busy measuring ingredients into your mixing bowl. The utensil crock keeps your small, medium, and large spoons handy.  Now it's time to set the table: placemats, napkins, dinner plates, salt and pepper shakers, and a large pitcher of ice water. Don't forget to use your kitchen mitt and trivet . . . that pie plate will be hot when it comes out of the oven! Light a candle and sit down to read a magazine until you hear that familiar jingle of a key turning in the lock. Your family is home - it's time to eat!

Basket Uses Game

Give each guest a different basket, a sheet of paper, and a pen. Give them one minute (or two) to write down every possible use they can think of for their basket. Have them each read their uses. The guest with the most wins a small prize.

This game is a great ice-breaker and you may discover some new uses for baskets, yourself!

Superstition Game

Each person gives themselves a point when they can answer "yes" to a
question. You can then give the winner a small prize.

1. Is your birthday on the 13th of any month? (give yourself a point)
2. If it was Friday the 13th (give yourself another point! )
3. Are you married thirteen years?
4. Were you married on the 13th of the month?
5. If it was a Friday the 13th give yourself another point!
6. Do you have thirteen cents in your wallet or coin purse?
7. Does your credit card have a 13 in it? (consecutive #s like 4133)
8. Does your checking account number have a thirteen in it?
9. Does your phone # have a thirteen in it?
10. Does your address have a thirteen in it?
11. Do you own thirteen baskets?
12. Will you buy an item on page 13 of the Wish List?
13. Do you own an item on page 13 of the Wish List?
14. Will you book a show for the 13th of next month?

Candy Quest Game

Decorate brown paper lunch bags with colorful markers, stamps, stickers, etc., and write all our product lines on them: pottery, baskets, wrought iron, fabrics, protectors, etc.

Give everyone paper and pen and one of the decorated bags before you begin so they can write down their answers. Ask all the questions first, then go back to #1 and give the answers one at a time. As you give the answer, discuss a Longaberger Basket (suggestions shown below).  Each basket should have a variety of candy in it. Be sure to pass around each basket so they can choose a candy bar to put in their bag!

You can of course substitute whatever products you may wish to showcase. Be creative with the candies you use too - a trip to the store to check out their selection will give you plenty of ideas for different questions.

This show is great because it gets a LOT of product into people’s hands - and everyone goes home with a bag of goodies to share with their family (or hide for themselves!).

1. WHAT IS SUPERMAN’S FAVORITE CANDY?

Clark Bar . . . A KEY CORE BASKET
Longaberger story - Tami and Rachel are 3rd generation to continue to keep this American craft alive.

2. NAME THE “MOST VALUABLE” CANDY.

$100,000 Bar. . . SMALL GATHERING BASKET

You can become a Longaberger MVP - join our team and see how easy making money and having fun can be!

3. NAME THE MOST INTELLIGENT CANDY.

Smarties . . . RECIPE BASKET
A Longaberger career has been my recipe for success - it could be a smart
move for you too.

4. WHAT IS E.T.’S FAVORITE CANDY?

Reese’s Pieces . . . SMALL GATEHOUSE BASKET
can hang anywhere; great idea for Xmas stockings

5. WHAT IS A SAILOR’S FAVORITE CANDY?

Lifesavers . . . SMALL COMFORTS BASKET
A lifesaver in every room in your house

6. WHAT IS A FUNNY OR SILLY CANDY?

Snickers . . . BAGEL BASKET
Friends and family will get lots of smiles out of our cute little tie-ons,
like the 2001 Holly and Star Tie-ons

7. WHAT IS A FOOTBALL PLAYER'S FAVORITE CANDY BAR?

Crunch Bar . . . MEDIUM KEY BASKET
To help your armchair quarterback organize his remotes; or to help organize wherever there is a space crunch in your house (hair accessories or makeup in the bath)

8. WHAT IS THE CANDY THAT MAKES WORKING WORTHWHILE?

Payday . . . SMALL SERVING TRAY
You’ll find being a Longaberger consultant worthwhile as you enjoy free
products, great discounts and new friends (Bag a new career)

9. WHAT IS THE BASEBALL FAN’S FAVORITE CANDY BAR?

Baby Ruth . . . ANY HOSTESS BASKET
Our hostesses are MVP’s in any league! And we treat them that way. (HOSTESS BENEFITS) SIGN BOTTOM!

10. WHAT IS THE ALPHABETICAL CANDY?

M & M’s . . . MEDIUM MARKET BASKET
An all purpose organizer: collects items for errands, holds 8-1/2x11 file
folders or even magazines and catalogs (the “Big Basket”)

11. NAME THE CANDY JUST FOR KLUTZES.

Butterfinger . . . LARGE MILK PITCHER
pottery is chip/crack/craze resistant; perfect marriage of form and function

12. NAME THE CANDY THAT CAN’T MAKE UP ITS MIND.

Now or Laters . . . CRACKER BASKET
Whether you schedule a Longaberger party now or later, it’s guaranteed to be a good time for all!

13. WHAT IS YOUR FELINE’S FAVORITE CANDY?

Kit Kats . . . CROCK
Also a great place to store pet treats, gravy and dressing mixes, etc.

14. NAME THE CANDY THAT’S NOT TOO BRIGHT.

Dum Dum Lollipops . . . TEA OR BUTTON BASKET

15. WHAT IS THE OVERWEIGHT CANDY?

Chunky - SMALL WORKLOAD BASKET
solid board bottom, solid wood block handles

16. NAME THE CANDY FOR LOVERS.

Hershey's Kisses . . . any small basket.

GIVE YOURSELF ONE POINT IF YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS. THE GUEST WITH THE HIGHEST SCORE WINS THE GAME.

SHOW INVITATION ~ Thank you all for coming.

A PENNY ~ (give yourself 5 extra points if you have one dated 1973). The Longaberger Company was founded in 1973 by Dave Longaberger, whose family had been weaving baskets for nearly a century Dave started the company on a shoestring budget with just him & his Dad weaving a few baskets. Before long, And after seeing the quality craftsmanship that went into each basket, everyone wanted a Longaberger basket. Today the company employs over 8,200 employees, over 70,000 consultants like myself, and is a billion dollar company that also carries a diverse product line including pottery, wrought iron, fabric accessories, and much more for all of your home decorating needs.

ANYTHING WITH THE COLOR RED, OR BLUE ~ (commemorating our American Flag~ All of our Baskets are 100% American made. None of the basket materials are imported. The maple trees that are used to weave the baskets are American born!

HAND CREAM ~ All of our baskets are handmade by a Longaberger craftsman.

NAIL FILE ~ Even the nails or tacks that you see on the basket trim strip and the bottom are put on by hand.

ANYTHING WOODEN ~ (maybe, the handle of your hairbrush, etc). All of our baskets are made of 100% hardwood maple.

A PEN (a point for each pen) ~ Each and every one of our baskets are signed and dated by the weaver, a tradition that has been in the Longaberger family since the beginning.

LEATHER ITEM ~ Several of our baskets are fashioned with leather loops.

BUSINESS CARDS ~ (give yourself a point for each business card you have). Give yourself 10 points if mine is one of them!) Have you ever considered having your own business? One of the things I enjoy most about my Longaberger business is the flexibility I have with my family. A part time business with a great income that I can work around my own busy schedule. And with 3 children, you know how busy that can get sometimes. Something that is fun, flexible, profitable and an opportunity that is available to all of you; that is what Longaberger is all about.

ANYTHING BREAKABLE ~ (except a mirror). Along with our baskets, we also offer a full line of pottery. Our pottery is crack, craze, and chip resistant and is great for daily use or for special occasions. It is also dishwasher, oven, microwave, and freezer safe and stands up to the test of time. Your pottery will look just like it did when you 1st purchased it, time and time again.

AN UNPAID BILL ~ Our products are great for all of your organizing needs. Need to clean up a cluttered area? Let me know your need, and I will be more that happy to find a product that will suit your need.

ANYTHING YOU RECEIVED AS A GIFT ~ Longaberger products are great for gift giving. We also provide a bridal registry service. Want a Longaberger product on your holiday, birthday, anniversary, or Valentines Day wish list?? Let me know, and I would be more that happy to let that family member or special someone know how they can take the guess work out of shopping!

A SANITARY PRODUCT ~ Although the majority of our customers and consultants are woman, we also have many men who enjoy purchasing and even selling our products. How about your husband hosting a Baskets & Beer Monday Football Show! I'd be more that happy to offer my home for the event also. This is a great (& easy) way for them to do their holiday shopping without dealing with the crowded malls. And you are sure to get what you really wanted!! Free wrapping included! Now how easy is that!

TISSUES ~ One of our popular baskets is our tissue basket, now in 2 styles. No matter what your age, the tissue basket comes in handy in the baby's room, bathroom, kitchen, or even in Grandma's house. A great gift for any age.

MIRROR ~ Picture yourself with a job that you love. As the saying goes: If you love your job, you never have to work a day! I truly enjoy what I do and would love to share that same opportunity with all of you! Let me know if you would like more information on starting your own Longaberger business. I'd be more than happy to send you home with some information today!

PICTURES ~ (Give yourself a point for each picture you have of people that are important in your life.) There are 3 little reasons why I do what I do. Their names are James, Katy, & Grant! Longaberger has offered me the flexibility that I did not have in my previous career.

ANYTHING MADE OF FABRIC ~ Besides baskets & pottery, we carry an exclusive line of fabric accessories. All of our fabrics are treated with a stain protectant, and most are washable in a cold water wash. As many of our fabrics are 100% cotton, line drying is recommended.

ANYTHING MADE OF PLASTIC ~ Our plastic protectors are available for all of our baskets. We also have divided protectors, providing you with even more organizing and entertaining options for specific baskets.

A CREDIT CARD ~ Credit cards, as well as personal checks are accepted for purchase payment.

A DATEBOOK OR CALENDAR ~ After seeing our products, isn't it time to schedule your own show?? As a hostess, you are entitled to receiving a product of your choice, including a selection from our hostess only line at a 50% savings. As a hostess you are also eligible to receive hostess dollars to spend on any items you desire. A great way to acquire those products you love for FREE!  Consider scheduling your show today. By doing so, _______ receives the credit also and is able to select a product from our special hostess booking program.

Show Closing Right/Left Game
(from Bee 2 Janie C)

Put a door prize in a basket and give it to one of the guests. He/She passes it left or right according to when left and right directions are read in the show closing.

If you left home with the intention of shopping for gifts, remember we have the right gift for everyone. Review your shopping list. We wouldn’t want anyone to be left out. You may have found something for you to help you decorate your home or help you to be more organized. If you’ve learned something new about any of our products, raise your right hand. As you know, the Longaberger Company has wonderful hostess benefits and income opportunities. I hope I have left you with the desire to know more so you will want to have your own show or become a consultant like me.

When your order comes to (Hostess) in about 3-4 weeks, please check it right away and if something is not right please ask (Hostess) to call me. You can be sure I will take care of it right away and make it right. You don’t want to be left with something you are not 100% satisfied with, right? If you would like to earn free merchandise as a hostess, or if this is the right time for you to explore joining Longaberger as a consultant, please talk to me right after the end of the show.

I’ve enjoyed being here with all of you and I hope that you have had fun too. Please look at all the products left on display as I sit right over there and help you place your order for the right products to fit your needs. You pay for your order right now or if you left your money at home, you can give (Hostess) the money right before she closes her show and (Hostess) is planning to close her show on ____________.

You may pay with cash or a personal check made payable to me. My name is right on the top of your order blank. If you don’t have enough money left in your account right now, you can charge with Discover, MasterCard or Visa.

Make sure you consider marking one of the blocks right at the bottom of the order form. At least one of them should be right for you. The first block on the left lets me know you want to join the Longaberger team and the 2nd block on the left lets me know you want to be able to get half-price items like (Hostess). If you want all the right information about new products, the 2nd block on the right is what you should mark. If you would like to create your own “wish list” for your family and friends to shop for you, then the last block on the right is for you. If you always want a discount on Longaberger, there is a right block for you.

Thank you (Hostess) for inviting me right into your home. One of the greatest compliments each of you could give me would be to invite me to help you with your show right when it fits your schedule best. We want to be sure (Hostess’) booking gift doesn’t have to be left off of her order, right?

Right as soon as no one is left looking at the products on display, I will pack it up right like it was when I left home. Since there is nothing left for me to say except Thank You, let’s congratulate our winner right now!

Right/Left/Across/Over Game (History)

Here's a fun way to present history - especially to a repeat group! Guests pass a small door prize gift around (right or left or across and over) as they listen to you read this history piece. The winner is the one who has the gift at the end of the story.  At the word OVER the item continues the same direction it last went but goes OVER the person next in line (it skips that person). When the story says ACROSS it goes to the person most 'across' the room from the person who has the item presently.

OVER 100 years ago RIGHT ACROSS the United States in Dresden, Ohio, there lived a boy name J.W. Longaberger. He LEFT school at 17, to become a full-time basket maker. RIGHT after the depression was OVER, J.W. bought a basket company. After thinking it OVER he and his wife Bonnie, decided to live RIGHT next to it.

There he made baskets for farmers and their wives all ACROSS the region. They depended on him to make the RIGHT size basket for all their needs. He knew it was important to choose the RIGHT maple tree to be cut into the RIGHT sized splints. And of course weaving them just RIGHT -- OVER, under, OVER ... , until they fit just RIGHT, tacking the strips just RIGHT LEFT them looking just RIGHT. Sometimes he attached a splint RIGHT OVER top from the RIGHT to the LEFT side, making a handle.

Often when he finished, his 12 children would come ACROSS the lawn from the house and play with the LEFT OVER splints.

As they grew, he showed them OVER and OVER the RIGHT way to weave a basket. After the children LEFT school each afternoon, they would hurry RIGHT home to help weave baskets.

As time passed, it seemed the days of using baskets for work was OVER. They were LEFT at home because stores began using paper bags. J.W. now only made baskets for special occasions. At Easter - the neighborhood children would come OVER and wait RIGHT on J.W.'s porch to get just the RIGHT sized basket to be LEFT out for the Easter Bunny to fill when he hopped ACROSS town with his Easter candy treats.

In 1973, his JW's son Dave couldn't get OVER noticing baskets were making a comeback ACROSS the country in department stores.

One day he LEFT the store with the idea to reintroduce his father's baskets. He went RIGHT OVER to his father and told him of his bright idea. They began weaving baskets RIGHT away, weaving one splint ACROSS the other and then back ACROSS ...and, as anticipated, he had the RIGHT idea - the baskets were popular. LEFT with the sense of value and family heritage; they were on the RIGHT track.

Today, Longaberger baskets are RIGHT at the top of home shows all ACROSS the United States. They are in demand and RIGHT-ly so, having become known OVER the last 30 years  for the RIGHT amount of quality; for how the family heritage LEFT people feeling good about making the RIGHT purchase; for details RIGHT down to decorative tacks and colored weaves. They are known for having the RIGHT size basket for organizing, and the RIGHT look for decorating.

All ACROSS the states people have the RIGHT Longaberger products doing jobs that other containers LEFT undone.

There are many uses I will share or ideas that can be LEFT to your imagination.

There are baskets made by RIGHT-handed weavers - these baskets have the splints woven from RIGHT to LEFT with the last splint ending on the LEFT side. And LEFT-handed weavers weave baskets from LEFT to RIGHT (ACROSS and OVER and RIGHT again - OVER and ACROSS) with the last splint ending on the RIGHT side.

Each basket is unique and still hand-woven, with just the RIGHT maple splints, weaving OVER and under, RIGHT and LEFT, tapping just RIGHT, until all that's LEFT is the staining. The weavers sign each basket RIGHT on the bottom and it is shipped RIGHT to the hostess. So don't be LEFT without one. Order your basket RIGHT away.

Do you feel LEFT out because there are so many products that seem just RIGHT for your home? Did you know there are special monthly feature baskets for holidays and baskets for all the RIGHT occasions? Of course as you look OVER your books you will see that by using hostess benefits and special Hostess bonuses you can save OVER 1/2 off the regular retail price when you host a show. I see that idea LEFT you with a smile!! We'll talk right AFTER the show and schedule the RIGHT time for me to come OVER to your house.