My Longaberger Cake Basket in Action

I wrote about my experience in KCRW's 3rd Annual Good Food Pie Contest on my personal blog, but I wanted to highlight my Longaberger pottery and baskets that I used in my presentation.

I love the sage green cake basket that I got last fall, but don't have occasion to use it often. It definitely came in handy on this day! Underneath the riser I had my apron for the Apron Fashion Show, as well as a book to keep me busy in between check-in and the competition itself. It was so easy having everything right at hand!

I've been collecting the Traditional Holly pottery for under a year, and am finally acquiring some major pieces, thanks to the spring sale bringing back retired pottery. I was glad to have Grandma Bonnie's Pie Plate for this year's competition. I think the bright red filling was shown off well by the ivory and holly pottery.

After the contest, the Good Food Blog featured an article on pie transporters. While they mentioned baskets, they didn't use any brands. Of course I left a comment on the post as a testimonial to my love of Longaberger!

What's your favorite basket to transport baked goods? Please leave a comment below.

What's in a Signature?

Here's the email signature I use for my Longaberger correspondence:

Ellen Rosentreter
Independent Longaberger Home Consultant
etrets@gmail.com
323-447-XXXX
GoldenHourGlass.blogspot.com
etrets.etsy.com

Shop with me 24-7 at
www.longaberger.com/ellenrosentreter

View the Wishlist or Flyer at
www.longaberger.com/wishlist/ellenrosentreter

www.longaberger.com/flyer/ellenrosentreter

Like my page on Facebook to get the latest sales, recipes, storage and decorating advice automatically in your news feed!
www.facebook.com/LongabergerBaskets

And follow my blog about Longaberger living for more tips and ideas!
yourlongabergerconsultant.blogspot.com

My signature is long but gives lots of easy links and invites communication in whatever form one prefers. I've heard of consultants using graphics, changing their signature daily or weekly to feature specific products. What small touches do you add to correspondence?

The First Longaberger Party of the Holiday Season

My mom was hostess for my first home party of the holiday season over Labor Day weekend. We had a great turnout of at least eight or ten ladies, some that mom hadn't seen in quite a while! My folks have just returned from a cruise, so it was a fun way to share her trip memories, chatting while looking over the latest Longaberger catalog.

I was excited to share the new Golden Fields line through my Small Flare Basket, as well as highlight the 2011 Christmas Collection Holly Berry Basket and 2011 Tree Trimming Little Holly Berry Basket. On display was the new shape of the Travel Cup in the Sisters Black Medallion design. Several ordered napkins and placemats after seeing the Crimson Hill fabric.

I've also invested in new signage that will be great at other fairs and boutiques. In the invite for this party, I offered to repair Deep Brown baskets using my new stain stick. At the party, I walked everyone through the online "wish list" function and encouraged everyone to think about their own gift lists.

I donated a copy of Entertaining with Longaberger: Celebrating the Seasons as a raffle item. Mom used her hostess benefits of two half price items and $50 in credit towards two lamps and a set of candlesticks that had been on her wishlist for a while, so I know she'll enjoy them.

Mom made Audrey's Chocolate Cream Pie (pictured above ~ recipe on my personal blog) for refreshments, and I made her Chocolate Marble Cheesecake (below) as a practice for an upcoming pie contest, so stay tuned for that recipe!

Let me know if you'd like to book a home or catalog party! It's a great way to catch up with friends.