A fellow Consultant came up with a great idea at our last meeting: a pantry tasting party.

There's no denying that the economic slowdown is leaving a crappy taste in A LOT of mouths lately. But there's no way I am going to let it get the best of me, my business, and my customers' opportunity to have funtimes together with their friends. Got lemons? Call some friends over and squeeze some fresh lemonade together....Please read on and share your thoughts:

The Spring/Summer 09 catalogue has 3 whole pages of pantry items - seasoning mixes, rubs, spices, killer vanilla extract, blended and infused oils, grindable salt and peppercorns, sweet sprinkles, and now these unbelieveable sauces - one of which I will dip anything in. You could definitely fill in a whole evening sampling everything.

Hosting a Pantry Tasting (not Panty, that's a different direct sales company, I think) Party will be the easiest and I think the most inexpensive Pampered Chef Show you can host. What's on the grocery list? A stick of bread. Or how about a bag of plain pretzels? And water. To cleanse palates between tastings.

And even if everyone who came to your party just bought pantry items, guess what? It's groceries, so you need not fear that anybody's leaving with that imaginary home party hangover. On the same note, there's no PST or GST on any of our Pantry items. And you've still earned free and discounted products for your own kitchen.

I think this is right up there with the Power Cooking Theme Show - putting together 3 meals (1 to eat, 2 for the host to freeze).

Please, please let me know what you think...would you do this with your friends? at lunchtime at the office? Thanks!