Calling all cards

Southern Living, Jun 1997 by Campbell, Dana Adkins

You may have been asked to bring some unusual things to parties before, but how about stacks of business cards from your favorite hairdresser, house painter, and home decorator?

Deborah Wuerslin from Peachtree City, Georgia, shared her idea for a neighborhood "referral coffee," when she asked guests to do just that.

She invited friends and newcomers over on a Saturday morning to mingle and enjoy a cup of hot java and coffee cake, breads, and quiche. ("All Southern Living recipes, of course," Deborah wrote to us.) Then, after a little nibbling and gabbing, she handed out pads and pens. One by one, neighbors introduced themselves to the group, told a little about their families and interests, and then touted their favorite doctor, florist, decorator, baby-sitter, etc. Eager listeners took notes. Each neighbor jotted her name, address, and telephone number on the back of the business cards before handing them out so that anyone interested could call later on for additional information.

Dana Adkins Campbell