The Spa Party: Give guests the spa treatment

We seem to mix manicures and martinis quite frequently. And that's a good thing.

When we women find something we
L-O-V-E the first thing we do is share it with our friends. The way we see it, the Spa Party was born when a woman who, while indulging in some incredible treatment, realized that the only thing missing was a best friend and a martini. Here, here!

So, we've rounded up a how-to guide for all of you who, like us, believe that a goodie bag, a spa treatment and a sweet libation are the must-have ingredients for every celebration.

Credentials, please...

We've hosted dozens of spa parties, from New York (Carmindy of TLC's What Not to Wear was on hand doing makeovers) to Chicago (hundreds of women lined up on the infamous Rush Street in sub-zero weather to get in) to Los Angeles (at a plastic surgeon's office in Beverly Hills) to Miami (anti-cellulite treatments at a medical spa in South Beach). Here's what we've learned and what you need to know.

First themes first

Every good party begins with a theme.

For us, the next blockbuster idea is often brought on by a piece of stationary or a cut of fabric.

Here are a few party ideas we have used (and loved).

Steal away...

• Oh La La: Gather your girlfriends together and go as bare as you dare. Book a mobile spa service to perform on-site Brazilian waxes and bikini waxes (done individually, of course). Bathing suit or lingerie shopping is an obvious add on, plus goodie bags that include products such as Tend Skin, a must-have post-wax treatment. To drink? Dirty martinis of course: 3 ounces of gin, 1 ounce dry vermouth, 1/2 ounce olive brine and two olives.
  
  
• Eastern Escape: A Zen-like party that calls upon all things Asian. Hire a reflexologist to pamper guests where they sit. Nibble sushi and Asian chicken salad packed in pink Chinese takeout boxes. Serve guests green tea mock-tails or saketinis. Chocolate covered fortune cookies are take home favors that guests will not soon forget. Customize each one with the fortune of your choice: "Confucius says 'You are blessed with a good friend.' "
  
  
• Clean Break Bash: Celebrate your new single status with a bash designed to toast your freedom. In honor of your ex, serve up sour appletinis and drink to your good luck ... and his loss! On the tube, play the First Wives Club or The Breakup. Serve low-fat snacks - hey, you're single again - on kitschy cocktail napkins that read, "She could no longer pretend that he wasn't an idiot."
  
  
• Foot Fetish: It's not half as naughty as it sounds, although when you gather a group of girlfriends for pedicures and shoe-shopping, things could quickly get out of control. Serve gourmet cupcakes topped with mini high heels (chocolate, of course.) Book pedicures followed by a serious shoe shopping expedition. Be prepared to handle an onslaught of RSVPs when you send out these adorable striped pump invites with real feathers and rhinestones (pictured above).

Tricks of the trade

A successful party is all about budget. That said, you don't have to break the bank to pull off a beautiful bash.

Save on flowers by purchasing mini wire dress figures and adorn them simply with ribbon or a few fresh flowers. You can also create mini spa wraps with white wash cloths and pretty ribbon.

Martinis are de rigueur but if budget constraints are an issue (or if you and your friends plan to take this party on the road) serve up healthy spatinis: fruity concoctions served in sugar rimmed cocktail glasses.

Light loads of candles. Your local craft store sells inexpensive bulk candles in self-contained votives.

Get the goods

• Mobile spa services: Sparty, mobile spa services in NYC and beyond, 646.736.1777 .
• Chocolate heels: $8.40 for 3 pieces at ChocolateVault.com.
• Mini dress figures: $9.95 per 15-inch dress form at Stampington.com.
• Shoe invitations: $120 for 50 at Impressinprint.com.
• Chinese takeout boxes: $5.50 for 12 at PaperMart.com.
• Chocolate covered fortune cookies: $99 for 100 at Fancyfortunecookies.com.
• "No longer pretend..." cocktail napkins: $4.50 for 20 at PlumParty.com.

Need help planning your own Spa Party? Whether for corporate events, bridal showers or just an excuse to gather with friends for some first-rate pampering, we've got you covered.

We'll help you find the right spot, supply complimentary goodie bags*, send e-vites to your guests and even help select food and drinks for your beauty bash. Not only are we experts but our party planning services are free! Simply fill in the below form and we'll be get back to you within 24 hours.

*Complimentary goodie bag offer is valid for parties of 6 or more who book at one of our partner spas/salons.

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