Financial Times FT.com

North Americans sell valuables at home parties

By Bernard Simon in Toronto

Published: April 20 2009 20:06 | Last updated: April 20 2009 20:06

Move over Tupperware, Avon and Pampered Chef. Hard times have brought a new twist to the home-product demonstration parties that have long been a fixture of North American suburbia.

In some ways the party held one recent Sunday afternoon at Karen Starr’s home in Thornhill, north of Toronto, followed the traditional pattern. About a dozen of Ms Starr’s family, neighbours and friends – including a husband or two – chatted around the kitchen table as they tucked into a goat-cheese dip, bruschetta and fresh fruit.

You have viewed your allowance of free articles. If you wish to view more, click the button below.

Read this