Sunday, April 06, 2008

Tupperware and Antiques

On realizing that my trusty Tupperware cannister set had been lost in the shuffle of the past year, I decided that instead of ordering the set, I'd host an old-fashioned Tupperware party.

It turns out not everyone is familiar with this half-century old ritual. When I asked the boyf if he minded if I had a Tupperware party, he replied, "I don't know what that means, but sure." I think he looked it up because later that evening he looked at me as though I'd grown an extra head and asked, "So... this doesn't mean you're going to have someone come over to sell Tupperware, right?" Wikipedia defines this format as a party plan: "a method of marketing products by hosting a social event, using the event to display and demonstrate the product or products to those gathered, and then to take orders for the products before the gathering ends." My mom hosted regular Tupperware parties, at which her white-haired Tupperware lady, Vera, would hock her (Tupper)wares and my mom would receive an extra pitcher or set of bowls in return for hosting.

And so, yesterday six of my closest friends showed up bearing deviled eggs and ambrosia and a burning desire to buy food storage items that come with a lifetime guarantee. I now have a awesome Tupperware lady (Peggy) and a set of cannisters that's even better than my old ones on the way. I also have leftover SPAM & macaroni salad and an unopened box of delicious, delicious Mallomars, not to mention new insight into my mom's love of Tupperware (the four words I said most yesterday while leafing through the catalog: "My mom has that.").

This morning I wandered over to Fort Greene to check out Brooklyn Flea. I'd expected it to be prohibitively overpriced but most things were priced within reason, and I came away with a few small purchases. While the weather was ridiculously cold (after yesterday's glorious Springness), the overcast skies made the lighting perfect for taking pictures. Amy has some gorgeous photos up, and mine are here:

8 comments:

Lisa said...

the link to your new cannisters doesn't work!

Gillian said...

Fixed!

Candace said...

How many photography classes have you been to? These are seriously good photos, I espcially love "Coffee Clutch" and "Spokes".

Elizabeth said...

Your photos are stunning too! Great to see you today...

montague said...

first off - thank you for the explanation to what a Tupperware party it ;) it was so wonderful to see you today - and your photos are absolutely stunning! your portraits are especially beautiful! i love the one of the woman knitting! it's great!

Anonymous said...

Personally, I was moved to tears--a Tupperware Party--WOW!!
Love you kid!

Anonymous said...

Oh this is funny. I did a search on home party or something and came across your site. I love Tupperware parties! The home party industry is definitely alive and well! Tupperware is Queen I think! LOL! http://www.dswa.org Love your writing!
Karen

Zahirah Tupperware TP said...

I love Tupperware Parties! remind me how much friends i make when hosting a party at tupperwarehouse.com