Unlike parties for traditional home-based products, such as Tupperware, nothing is sold. What's expected is talk. Usually, several hundred House Party events are held on the same day around the country. Sponsors spur conversation with suggested activities. For instance, guests will gather to cook frozen pizzas or watch an event such as the Oscars and try a new drink.
The gatherings Kiwi organizes aren't really parties, Smith says. "A lot of these moms are already part of a group that meets regularly, like a play group," she says. Mothers simply tote their coupons and samples, distributing the latter for feedback.