Host a Home Pop-up Market With Local Goods

Photo: Chris Emeott

Our community has a bounty of farmers markets, and we can’t be alone in wishing the outdoor market season could extend a bit longer. But why can’t it? How about hosting a pop-up market at home with goodies, crafts and a bountiful gathering of friends and neighbors? Enter: Home to Tote.

Invite around a dozen guests to your home. Start with 12 guests (13 including the host) to gauge interest. Similar to the ubiquitous cookie exchange parties during the holidays, ask guests to bring 13 of one item, which will be exchanged with other attendees. Have guests RSVP with their exchange item, ensuring that the pop-up market features a host of items, rather than all cookies!

Ideally, host the market outside, setting up a few banquet tables to showcase the items. Decorate tables with a seasonal covering, battery-operated candles and scattered autumn-leaning décor items. (Keep it simple. The items will fill up the tables and set the stage.) Set up another table with light refreshments near outdoor seating, using outdoor pillows and throws to create welcoming and cozy vibes. Place a portable speaker near the gathering, setting the music on low to support, not squash, conversation. If you have a firepit, complete the scene with a lovely fire.

What to Bring

Coming up with an idea is easier for some guests than others. Suggestions can help put guests at ease while making the market a success. Pull from these ideas, or let them ignite a creative spark. Don’t forget to support local artists and makers by showcasing their products.

• Autumn-leaning snack mixes are appreciated for movie nights, school-day lunches, sporting events and more.
• Candles can set the tone whether you are spending an evening alone or gathering guests around the table, so grab a few mini versions of your favorite scents to share.
• Depending on the timing, some home cutting gardens are still yielding flowers, including hydrangeas and zinnias. Bring several stems from your home garden or local garden store, sheets of craft paper and twine. Guests can pick their blossoms to create their own take-home bouquet.
• Granola serves up breakfast or snack time. Bake your homemade recipe, tuck it in sealable bags, and you have a hearty goodie to share.
• Lavender sachets go a long way in providing a calming essence, especially during the holidays.
• Satin- or velvet-covered foam pumpkins rank low on the difficulty scale to make but are high yield when it comes to outcomes!
• Testing out savory recipes for the upcoming holidays can be fun with the help of a new spice blend.
• ’Tis the season for tea. Prepare packets of your favorite loose tea blends and include coordinating fresh fruit (lemon or orange) or spice (cinnamon stick or fresh nutmeg, for example) to complete the flavor profile.
• Word on the street is that a fair number of home gardeners make amazing tomato sauce, using homegrown basil and oregano. Spill it! Rather, bring it!—to the party. (Recipe sharing optional.)
• What should the host offer? Provide canvas bags or reusable totes for guests to gather their pop-up home market goodies. (Crafty? Embroider or paint stamp them with a catchphrase or anything related to the group.)
• Lastly, start planning the next pop-up market—a holiday pop-up, highlighting hostess, teacher or I’m keeping these for me gifts.