In the pink party plan

October is breast-cancer awareness month and throwing a pink party is not only a great excuse to get your friends and family together but an opportunity to celebrate and pay tribute to those who've experienced breast cancer. And, importantly, by raising awareness and funds for research, you're helping more people survive breast cancer.

A pink party can be a coffee morning, lunch party, drink-and-canape affair or relaxed buffet supper, any time in October. All you've got to do is draw up your guest list and start thinking pink

The pink party to-do list
Pink party menu - iVillage's cooking coach, Terry Farris, has prepared a delicious and healthy pink party menu

Dress pink. Everyone should wear something pink, whether it be a wig, pink t-shirt, pink nail varnish or pink slippers

Pink ribbons. Cancer Research UK will provide you with a fundraising pack and pink ribbons for you to offer your friends, family and colleagues

Pink decorations. Dress up your party with pink balloons, banners, flowers and napkins

Fundraising tips
Work as a team. Involving friends and family will help spread the load

Divide the cost. Either split the total cost of food and drink amongst the guests or sell tickets to your event that will both cover the cost and raise funds

Make a donation. You don't just have to give money. Encourage everyone to bring old clothes and possessions and delegate someone to take it down to the local Cancer Research UK charity shop. Find your local shop

Have fun! and please let us know your pink party plans