2nd Annual Hunkiedorië Harvest Party At A Glance

Last weekend was the 2nd Annual Hunkiedorië Harvest Party and it was proof once again that throwing the perfect fall dinner party is much easier than you might think. I have found a way to throw a Bohemian Chic dinner party while sticking to a tight budget by utilizing my local Goodwill. What started out as a bunch of high school friends coming together for a potluck and bonfire has now transformed into a full-fledged five-course dinner party with almost 40 guests. For the past couple of years, I have thrown my own fall dinner party called the Hunkiedorië Harvest Party, and each year it gets bigger and more fabulous. All the décor at my party I have either made myself or bought/refurbished from Goodwill. I could make a complete place setting with plates, salad, and soup bowls as well and two glasses all for under $10 per person. This year I was able to bring in my friend Danielle, owner of OhSoNeat, to stage my party. Having a professional come in and stage the perfect scene was such a huge time saver on my party and I am still in awe that Danielle was able to make sense of the dozens of boxes filled with mismatched Goodwill chaos and recreate the dozens of Pinterest inspiration photos I had shared with her the week before. The dinner had the most beautiful Bohemian Chic vibe with mismatched dishes, jewel-tone glasses, and layered flannels. For years, I have relished the times when I get compliments on pieces of furniture or gorgeous dishes and am able to tell my friends “Yeah, I got that at the Goodwill for like $9 and refinished it. Since I have taken up the hobby of reusing items found at the Goodwill I have been able to get my friends on board and teach them all about re-upholstering, bar-cart decorating and dinner party organizing while all on a very tight budget.

The two biggest additions to this year’s party were my charcuterie table and seating area where everyone could lounge around while playing games. The only thing I would change is starting the party earlier so my guests could utilize these additions a little bit more.

I had around forty guests at this year’s party and served a five-course meal. All I asked of my guests was that they bring their own beverages and a donation for the Goodwill. I was so impressed by the generosity of my friends, they really took my request for donations to heart. Following the party, I could completely fill the back of my truck with donations and it took me three trips to get it all there. Nothing feels better than having a good time while doing good at the same time. Not only was I able to collect a ton of donations, but I also had a chance to educate my friends on what the Goodwill really does with their donations.

Goodwill has always been very near and dear to my heart, and Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is nearing one hundred years of providing services that eliminate barriers to work and independence. Their programs and services help place 4 Minnesotans in the workplace every day. Anytime I can donate items, round up at the register or spread the word about Goodwill I jump at the opportunity.

For images and details of my Goodwill pieces and to learn step by step how I put together my Hunkiedorie Harvest Party check out my other posts www.hunkiedorie.net or facebook.com/hunkiedorieblog