TUPPERWARE and Avon may have started the trend, but now the party theme that's all the rage is to throw a pampering massage bash in the comfort of your own home. If you're familiar with Virgin Vie and Ann Summers you'll already know the score but if not, the idea is basically to invite a few of your mates round and host an Indulgence party with a range of massage treatments to suit your guests.

All treatments are carried out by a Champneys accredited therapist who will travel to your house and bring along all the ingredients for a relaxing evening. The theme is entirely of your choice.

"Indulgence parties offer you and your friends the perfect opportunity to pamper yourselves, alleviate stress and invigorate a sense of wellbeing," explains the lady from Indulgence.

"It's all done within the comfort of your own home, so it's just like bringing the spa straight to you. I've found that people tend to host it at one another's houses on a monthly basis. Indulgence themes are very flexible and can be tailored to an event such as an afternoon garden party, baby shower, engagement or a social gathering with cocktails or a chocolate fountain," she says.

"Recently, I was asked to come along to a divorce party. There was lots of alcohol on that occasion and it went on into the early hours."

Needing no excuse, I thought I'd try out the service. After ringing round I gathered a modest group of friends together and planned the party for a Friday after work. I then hared around the supermarket to grab some nibbles and wine, shooed the children out to the cinema with their dad and frantically threw things around to make the place a bit more inviting.

As it turned out I needn't have bothered too much as my home was soon transformed into the equivalent of a smart boutique salon. There were candles everywhere with soothing music playing and aromatherapy scents to waft your cares away. At around 7.30pm my friends started to arrive and shared a glass of wine before one by one taking their place in the treatment room. Each one came back looking utterly blissed out.

Even one of our staff photographers, who popped in to take pictures at the start of the evening, was treated to a much needed foot massage.

I left the experience till last and succumbed to the firm but invigorating pressure of a head and shoulder treatment. By 11.30pm it was time to wind things down and in minutes my living room was back to its original state albeit smelling a little sweeter for the experience. I said my goodbyes and went up to bed and slept more soundly than I had in ages. Although the massage had only taken 20 minutes, I left as if it had gone on for hours and the effect of it lasted for days afterwards.

There are a whole range of treatments on offer from mini facials, shoulder and neck or shoulder and scalp massage, lower leg and foot massage or hand and arm treatments.

Apparently, the idea is really catching on. Indulgence have noticed that groups of friends are taking it in turns to host a party once a month. Landmark birthday parties or hen nights are also becoming popular events for pampering treatments, but you really don't need an excuse to enjoy a relaxing time with friends. My Indulgence party friends all reported back that they felt great afterwards with an added spring in their step or glowing skin.

Each treatment costs £15 and lasts twenty minutes and you can choose to have more than one treatment. Pregnant women can also benefit as staff are trained to carry out a range of gentle treatments. Indulgence sessions also available for charity events and school fetes.

Details: 07902 234448