Sharon Says Relax
Life can be so stressful at times. What with work, kids, spouses, parents, you feel like all you want to do is get away from it all, if only for a few minutes. So why don't you?
Calgon, Take Me Away!
While the idea of going to a full service spa is enticing, costs may be prohibitive. So why not set up a spa where you are? Better yet, why not get together with friends and set up a day away without leaving your place? If you're the type who 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. In any case, you'll need the following"
- 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.
- Scents—fresh flowers, scented candles and oils.
- 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)
- 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
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 and Enjoy!