Write down everyone you know: friends, family, neighbours, co-workers & customers. Even include people you feel may not be interested in Fantasia - you'll be surprised by the response you get from the least likely prospects. Let them decide for themselves: any time you don't ask, the answer is always "no!" But if you write down everyone at first, you don't have to worry about forgetting someone later.

I'll send an information package to you after we book your party date. Read it carefully to get details on our monthly customer specials as well as product information. This information will be handy when you're inviting guests and will help them think ahead about their purchases.

Don't wait until the last minute - call everyone now. Even if your party date is still months away, you want to be sure that your most interested guests have time to plan other activities around your party date. Help them to avoid disappointment by getting your Fantasia party on their calendar early.

When you invite people, tell them that you're having a limited number of guests and ask them for a firm "yes" or "no." Written invitations are OK, but they don't tell you who is really coming. If expected guests don't arrive, you'll have fewer people buying and less credit for you. But having too many guests can also mean lower sales, with more distractions and less time to shop. I find the best number for fun & profit is about 10 - 12 guests.

If you think you need more guests than you're getting, let your committed guests know that they are welcome to bring a friend or two. Some guests will find it reassuring to come with a friend, especially if they aren't in your usual social circle or if they are traveling from a bit further away.

Help your guests get into the party mood and, for those new to Fantasia, help them get over any reservations they might have about "adult" products. Promise them a tasteful, entertaining and informative presentation. Explain how everyone's purchases are done in private and remain completely confidential. Tell them how much fun you have at our parties and about the varied kinds of products I will be showing.

Some guests might not know how a Fantasia party differs from other home parties in important ways, so it's up to you to tell them. They should plan to arrive on time, so as not to miss or interrupt the presentation. It's very important to mention our 'cash and carry' policy ("pay tonight, play tonight"), so they should be ready with cash, VISA or MasterCard - sorry, we can't accept personal cheques. You don't want your guests leaving empty-handed just because they didn't know that they can take away their purchases on the same night. And they need know that I accept up to $20 each in Canadian Tire money, or they aren't likely to bring it with them, are they!

Call everyone on your guest list again several days before the party and have them re-confirm that they will attend. Ask how many friends they will be bringing. I've seen hostesses disappointed when their long list of "invited" guests turns into a lot of no-shows. Requesting confirmations will get you a better turnout and it will also help me to ensure that I have enough stock for everyone.

If you have people who are interested but can't make it to your Fantasia party, offer to put an order in for them. Your hostess package will include Product Information brochures along with a guide explaining how to take orders. It's simplest if you put each outside order, including payment, into its own envelope. Outside orders count toward to the total for your hostess credit just as much as party sales, so the more you sell, the more you earn. ** Tell your guests they can shop ahead on this site; there is a place on the order form where they can credit the order to your party.

Don't go overboard on snacks and drinks. You will enjoy your Fantasia party more if you aren't busy "entertaining" and your guests will get more out of the presentation if it isn't interrupted by constant refills. Please – no food or nibbles during the presentation; the flavours will interfere with the "tasting" part of the presentation, while food oils can be a problem with lingerie and some other products. Save snacks for after the presentation - there will be lots of time to nibble while everyone is making their purchases.