I didn't even realize they were still around. I haven't heard about any parties for probably 15 years. I have one basket, purchased to reward the sales person since we didn't have to sit through a sale talk or company history or pitch to become sales people. She said you know what they are, if you have any questions I'll be over there enjoying the refreshments. I thought how refreshing, I'm going to actually buy something to encourage her sales technique.

I hope, for the employees sake, they can continue to keep the company alive.

I'd love to see some of your collection - esp. ones that are in use.

Daisy, looked quickly in my phone as I'm not home. This is one of 15 that were in my Christmas tree. They make smaller versions of their Christmas basket each year for trees. Of course I have them all.

It is sad. I am really surprised you were able to sell that much at a party since the older ones go for a song, at least around here. The basket building is just down the road from me, and owes my city hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid taxes. We have watched the unfortunate descent of this company, who was unable to flourish after Dave's death. His daughter spent millions building her overdone home, yet continued with layoffs. Dave was a visionary. His daughter was not. He would have made market adjustments. She cling to the old model.

I used to love traveling east to Dresden, with the miles and miles of impeccable white fencing, decorated for each season. When the fence painting stopped, and the property sales started, I knew the writing was on the wall.

Dee, I found the listing for Tami's house. Has it sold yet, because another website said it went on the market in 2012. No wonder the company is hurting.

Longaberger Estate

Oakley, it finally sold for $6 million, much less than the original $15 million asking. The new owners said it was going to be some kind of retreat--haven't heard much since the sale.

This house is so over the top. It makes Downton Abbey look like the servants quarters.

My understanding that the estate sold for a great deal less than asking price and the company has also been bought out.

Today's editorial in my local paper, detailing the problems our city faces with the leftover basket building. (Hope you can see this--I think our paper allows so many free reads per month).

Baskets were part of the country decorating style. People are getting rid of them. At the Goodwill store, you can really see the change in decorating trends. People are getting rid of baskets, Pfaltzgraff stoneware dishes, pewter items, Charles Wysocki prints, etc.

Love the tree basket!

I know that decor has become more streamlined these days, but I still love a good solid basket. Not cluttered, just practical and designed to last. Those baskets esp. look like something that would enhance even a modern decor.

I also disagree that baskets are out of style. I agree that the country decor look with geese with blue ribbons that had baskets everywhere has had its run, but I think a well crafted basket is a timeless home accessory and still serves functionally.

These days they're often used in modular units to store things that need to be accessible but out of sight. IKEA has them in many of their displays and sells a variety of styles in their marketplace. They're style is certainly not old fashion country.

I think a big problem was with marketing. It appears that the leadership became complacent and clung to marketing toward the country style most consider passé instead of doing more to keep it in line with younger customers who are drawn to farmhouse chic. While I don't see them in a truly modern space, IMO, their quality products could easily have been shown to be suitable in today's traditional, eclectic and modern farmhouse homes if they'd had a better marketing strategy.

I always hate to see the end of a quality American-made product.

The reason I never cared for Longaberger baskets was because they were being sold at home parties were there is always pressure to buy.

Attended one party, felt the need to buy one, I did. Hated seeing that basket because it reminded me that I spent money just because I wanted to help the woman who was selling them. She never got rich. I applaud her for trying to make some extra money but home parties are a turn off for me.

ML