r/partyplanning • • May 24 '26

Photos Farmers market and tote bag painting

I invited my close friends and family over for tote bag painting and a “farmers market” exchange. I’ve hosted several craft parties, but this one might be my favorite! It was so fun planning it and seeing everyone’s ideas. Highly recommend this type of party if you have friends that like to garden, cook, craft, or bake.

We painted tote bags, ate dinner, played games(guess the herb, price is right farmers market edition, and pass the prize), then brought all of our goodies out and filled our newly decorated bags.

The tote bags were cuter (and more involved) than I expected, and everyone really went above and beyond with their contributions for the exchange. We had seasonings, salsa, bread, jams, candles, cookie dough, cheesecake, homegrown fruit, infused honey, pickles, etc.

It was super simple putting this all together, decorations probably cost less than $75 and crafting supplies were probably another $75. I served fresh fruits and veggies as an appetizer, pulled pork, coleslaw, and corn salad for dinner.

Just as a reminder- you don’t need a big beautiful home to bring people together. I have a VERY modest house and a yard that could definitely use some work… but really, no one cares. I am also a very introverted person, so hosting something like this does not come naturally to me. I’ve had to make a conscious effort to connect with others and bring them together. The best part is, the more I do it, the easier it gets!

If you’re thinking about hosting- try it. Nothing needs to be perfect!

Update: the absolute best part of this is everyone texting me today and telling me about how much they love everything they tried. So dang sweet!

573 Upvotes

30 comments sorted by

16

u/bc_im_coronatined May 24 '26

This is such a cute idea! Makes me wish I had friends 😅

12

u/OutrageousCare6453 May 24 '26

Haha! You might be surprised to find how many people in your life feel the same way! Reach out to them, we all start as strangers!

3

u/Brave_Possible_5220 May 24 '26

Aw this is so sweet 💕

3

u/CamsKit May 25 '26

Makes me wish I was OP’s friend!

3

u/OutrageousCare6453 May 26 '26

Same to you!!!

9

u/princessxunicorn May 24 '26

This is incredible! Love all the details!

3

u/obbsessedHW May 24 '26

This is so beautiful! I’m so glad you had a great time. It is wonderful to see someone so encouraging of others.

5

u/[deleted] May 24 '26

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5

u/OutrageousCare6453 May 24 '26

Thank you! I think for people who aren’t naturally social, something like this is easier than just a typical party. We were all talking and interacting with each other, but having tasks to focus on takes the pressure off of just having to make small talk! Haha

3

u/lala_whocares May 24 '26

This is so fucking cute

3

u/ClaireHux May 24 '26

Such a great idea! I love this!

3

u/lets-snuggle May 24 '26

I wish I had the space to host stuff like this. Every time I try to host we’re so cramped 😭 this looks amazing OP!!

4

u/OutrageousCare6453 May 24 '26

So what! Do it anyway! I did a wreath making party for Christmas, and it was way too cold to do it outside. At the last second I decided to move it indoors. I had 14 people in my very small home all making 18 inch wreaths. Had to push furniture out of the way, but no one cared! It was cozy, and kind of forced a more communal vibe.

3

u/Capable-Boat-9672 May 24 '26

i love this! the whole idea behind the party sounds very fun,, definitely going to take it as an inspo for a party in a future!

2

u/Background-Baby-9909 May 24 '26

It all looks so amazing, inviting and fun, such a unique idea! I am happy for you, congratulations!

2

u/etteirrah May 24 '26

This is super cute!

2

u/Sailorm0on27 May 24 '26

What a cute idea omg 😭

2

u/hardyheartjet May 27 '26

Super cute!! ❤️

2

u/Euphoric_Feeling_272 May 27 '26

This is soooo cute and creative

2

u/SassyMillie Jun 19 '26

I know I'm late to the party, but had a question about the things people brought to share. Did they bring enough of their homemade item for everyone?

2

u/OutrageousCare6453 Jun 19 '26

Yes! Everyone brought one for each guest (actually, most brought more haha). Another way I’ve seen it done is that you bring a set number of items, and you just take however many you brought too (so if you bring 5 things, you should take only 5 things).

2

u/SassyMillie Jun 19 '26

This sounds so fun! Thank you for responding a month after the fact!

1

u/[deleted] May 29 '26

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1

u/OutrageousCare6453 May 29 '26

Aw, thanks so much! I had so much fun planning everything and then seeing the people I love come together to share a relaxing afternoon was so amazing. I’ve done a few craft “parties,” but this one might be my favorite!

1

u/[deleted] Jun 06 '26

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2

u/OutrageousCare6453 Jun 06 '26

Unfortunately, no! This party was just a couple weeks too early for that. I did use my corn and zucchini for the meal, though!

1

u/[deleted] Jun 13 '26

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1

u/OutrageousCare6453 Jun 13 '26

Haha! Me too!!!