How to Throw a Spa Party

Photo: Artisan Events

Pamper Your Friends

Spa parties are the perfect way to celebrate with girlfriends, whether it's a birthday party, bachelorette party, baby shower or just because. Debi Lilly, party planner and owner of A Perfect Event in Chicago, threw this South Beach–inspired spa soirée in an urban loft space, but she says your home can also be transformed into a relaxing oasis. She shares her fabulous party planning tips.

Photo: Artisan Events

First Impressions

Welcome each guest with a freshly steamed hand towel presented on a plate or platter. To keep the towels fresh and smelling great, layer mint leaves between each. Lilly says an at-home hostess can roll and soak inexpensive hand towels in a shallow dish and then microwave them. Keep the towels warm by covering them with plastic wrap until guests arrive. "This packs a big 'wow' factor and gives your guests something fun and interactive to do as they walk into the door," Lilly says. "It makes a great first impression, and first impressions really set the tone of a party."

Photo: Artisan Events

Special Touches

Most guests arrive with sunglasses in their purses; why not treat their sunglasses to a quick shine and polish? Lilly used a special sunglasses washing machine at this party, but you could just use eyeglass cleaner and little cloths to give each guest's glasses a quick cleaning. "Everyone gets such a kick about having sunglasses tended to when they arrive!" Lilly says.

Photo: Artisan Events

Calming Centerpieces

Use flats of wheat grass, which can be bought at health and grocery stores, to create a relaxing atmosphere. Large calla lilies also make beautiful and peaceful centerpieces, but Lilly says if you want to save money, forgo flowers altogether and use candles with a soft jasmine scent to set the mood. "You want relaxing and soothing and minimalistic centerpieces," Lilly says. "It kinds of transports you to a more relaxed and positive state."

Photo: Artisan Events

Spa Services

If you want to splurge, hire well-known aestheticians from a local spa or local cosmetology students to give your guests professional spa treatments. Lilly says you can also set up spa stations around your home and your girlfriends can take turns pampering themselves and each other. Here are some treatments you can provide:

Manicures/pedicures
Store-bought microabrasion treatments
Scalp/hair conditioning treatments
Paraffin wax treatments
Hand and shoulder massages
Facial masks: Whip up an easy mask beforehand with inexpensive ingredients. Lilly suggests mixing 3 tablespoons of yogurt, 2 teaspoons of honey and half a lemon's juice, per guest. Make it the day before and chill overnight. Apply and allow to dry for 15 minutes. Remove with a warm towel.

Cantaloupe Lollipops with Crispy Prosciutto

Photo: Artisan Events

Fabulous Food

A light and simple spa menu of healthy appetizers and cocktails is just the fuel your guests need to enjoy an afternoon of pampering. Here are some of the recipes Lilly used at her spa party, created by Food for Thought Catering:

Photo: Artisan Events

A Parting Gift

An afternoon or evening of spa treatments will leave your guests feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, but as they leave, Lilly suggests giving them a little goodie bag of inexpensive spa items. "I love doing a favor and a takeaway, because it really does provide the finishing touch," she says. You don't have to spend a lot of money on the parting favor. Here are some of Lilly's suggestions on what put into a small white paper or canvas bag:

A scented candle
Bath salts
Trial-size beauty products from drugstores
Beauty/perfume samples from department stores
Small jars that you fill with lotions and bath salts bought in bulk

"I think people love to take something home," she says. "When you go to a party like this and then you leave and there is yet another surprise, it leaves an impression that the host or hostess had thought of everything."

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