So, you've probably heard of a Tupperware party before, but have you ever actually been to one? And for that matter, does it even sound appealing to you? A Tupperware party sounds like something your mother or grandmother would have thrown. But that's not at all what a Tupperware party is, especially not in the early millennium. In fact, it can be a lot of fun and really quite beneficial to you as a Tupperware party attendee. So here's what a Tupperware party is all about...

The reason Tupperware is capitalized is because it isn't just a word, but a brand-name, a trademark. Tupperware is a company that was founded in the 1940's; and as you might expect, Tupperware produced a variety of plastic containers for refrigerated foods and the like. Eventually, much like Kleenex, the term “Tupperware” became synonymous with all plastic ware of its kind, even those made by other companies much later.

The Tupperware party was essentially, a marketing scheme. Essentially, a social event, or a Tupperware party, was thrown together with the end goal that those invited would buy products showcased at it by the end of the night or at least, later in the week or month or year and also, word would spread about them too.

Today, a Tupperware party is technically any party that's put together for commercial purposes, not just to sell Tupperware. In the 1950's, a female saleswoman would encourage another woman, and potential customer, to host a party in which a certain product or products would be demonstrated. In return, the woman holding the party would receive gifts and/or financial compensation and all her guests would usually be given tokens, too, of a monetary value of some sort, so as to influence them to attend the Tupperware party and of course, buy the product on display.

The Tupperware party has gone through a bit of evolution, but the essence of it has remained in many social events to this day. The Tupperware party is not yet dead but if you're invited to one, don't expect it to be a dull gathering of domestic wives.

It used to be that kitchen utensils, plastic ware (Tupperware), bath and body products, and other innocuous items with a special appeal to women were marketed at such parties. These days, however, the heat has been turned up as a 21st century Tupperware party usually will include the appearance of sex toys and adult lingerie in addition to that set of kitchen forks! What would June Cleaver think?

Tupperware parties certainly aren't the craze that they once were in the 1950's, but there is still a small number of them that creep up across the United States. Women simply aren't in the kitchen as much as they used to be, and thus the appeal of a Tupperware party has worn off.

Tupperware parties, these days, will only survive if they continue to feature creative themes and products that are up to date with the times. And they probably will survive, as companies can benefit a lot from throwing Tupperware parties.

A key ingredient of many Tupperware parties is alcohol – typically wine. Not only does this make the party fun and interesting and help to liven the conversation, but it encourages guests to be open to product ideas and feel generous with their pocket books.

So, depending on what side of the Tupperware party you are on, there are some tips to keep in mind. If you are a business or a business representative, in order to sell your product, you better throw a party to remember and keep things as light and fun as possible, without forceful selling. Only the most charismatic sales representative can put together a profitable shindig.

In fact, here's a little advice for any professional party thrower: Do not just stand there, with the product on display, asking to demonstrate it and giving every guest your best sale's pitch. You should not approach a Tupperware party the same way that you would a door-to-door sales job. The concept of a Tupperware party is that you become part of the crowd, part of the party, and even better – the life of the party! You shouldn't put any pressure upon your guests to buy your product but instead, casually introduce them to it and keep the mood of the party warm and comfortable. You must be entertaining, first, and convincing, second.

For the hostess and her guests – take advantage of the free samples and party gifts, but don't be swindled! There's nothing wrong with attending the party and not buying a thing.

So shake away that image of the traditional Tupperware party and definitely give a thought to attending one if you ever are lucky enough to get invited to one!