Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Stage Fright




Does your mouth ever open up and words pop out that you WISH you could take back, but they're out there for all the world to take note of?

At a meeting at work a couple of weeks ago my mouth allowed the words, "That would be fun." to slip out. Somehow those words put me in charge of the gift exchange at the party this Friday evening.

And now I'm afraid. Afraid they won't like it. Afraid no one will participate. Afraid I'll just want to go home after working ten long hours, and not want to go to the party at all.

Here's the deal. Everyone is to bring a wrapped, unmarked gift, and take a number from a darling decorated oatmeal box. This bedecked oatmeal box will be on a similarly bedecked card table, wearing a charming red plaid tablecloth with white eyelet around the hem.

Person #1 selects a gift and opens it for all to see.

Person #2 does the same, and can decide if he wants to keep what he opened, or trade with #1.

Each subsequent person can trade with anyone who has an opened gift in hand.

The last person to open a gift can trade with anyone at all.

These are not supposed to be new gifts. Something you had, or found, or made, or as a last resort bought for less than $10. This charming ceramic lettuce bowl was supposed to go to the church rummage sale, but was too perfect for this to give up. (Thank you, Betty. I LOVE this bowl and hope I end up with it.)

I'm taking several gifts in case someone forgets to bring one. It was fun to forage around the house for likely candidates.

What do you think? Is my stage fright justified?

8 comments:

Connie said...

I think you have nothing to worry about! We do a gift exchange like that with our church fellowship group--it is lots of fun! Love the decorations you've made for the gift table too. You've done a lot of work to get ready, and it sounds like you are prepared for anything to me. I bet it will be a big success! :)

ladydi said...

Thanks, Daisy! (The cat is not part of the gift exchange, he just likes to be part of anything going.)

Suzanne said...

At this stage of the year Stage fright can easily get out of control. I am sure the evening will be a wonderful success.
Good luck and have a wonderful time.
BTW love how your cat likes to help out.

Locket Pocket said...

I think it sounds like a fab idea Diana! Good luck! Lucy x

ladydi said...

Thanks, Suzanne and Lucy. Fortunately Larry is going too, and he's a good sport, and can help keep things moving. I just wish I didn't feel so nervous. :>} One thing about it, I'll remember not to let words like that slip out of my mouth again anytime soon. ;0)

Gingerbreadshouse7 said...

Anytime I'm in charge of something I worry too! I want it to be successful and I think everyone does too.but may not admit it...
The more I worry to make it good, more idea's pop up and it works out fine :o) you will do exceedingly well :o) Ginny

ladydi said...

Thanks, Ginny! Tonight's the night, and then I can rest easy. :>}

Jodie said...

I'm sure everyone will get into the spirit of the evening...