Discover the essential ingredients of a successful fund-raising bash. Party experts divulge their secrets

Why host a fund-raising party?
We all like to do a good deed, but when we're busy dealing with the stresses and strains of daily life, the thought of hosting a charity event seems like an impossible task. But, imagine if 'giving' was all about getting your friends together for a fun lunch or dinner, drinking champagne, eating delicious food - and helping to raise awareness of an important cause. If this sounds appealing, then get ready to fundraise.

'Organising your own fund-raising party is so exciting' says event organiser Rhyll Dorrington. 'You get to have a great time with your mates and you're helping someone else. In fact, once you start, it's a bit addictive. It can boost your social life, your career and makes you feel super-worthy.'

But for the most of us, organising a party usually means a rather large hole in the bank balance. So just how do you go about arranging a super-successful bash that actually raises money?

Consider your X factor
Every good party has an X factor, however subtle. It could be a dress code, the type of drink you offer (cocktails, champagne), a theme, or a winning prize. In short, it's whatever makes your party a little different. For fund-raisers, the most popular novelty factors are raffles and auctions to raise cash.

Finding great prizes or auction 'lots' is key. The best approach is to start by asking businesses to support your cause and donate a product or service. 'Businesses are often willing to donate something in return for publicity with your charity,' says events organiser Sara Goodburn at Cancer Research UK. 'Asking locally is a great idea. Even if the party is small, it could be worthwhile exposure for them. But always think of things your guests will love. Ask a local hairdresser, a restaurant, your travel agent, a beauty salon - and remember, nothing is out of bounds.'

Make sure you display all your prizes clearly to entice your guests to bid or buy a raffle ticket. Appoint a master of ceremonies for the auction or raffle, ideally someone with a loud and authoritative voice. Silent auctions are less intrusive, where guests make secret votes throughout the evening and a winner is announced at the end of the night.

Invite your own VIPs
'The most important factor in a successful party,' says celebrity party planner Jacky Branch, 'is the people who attend.' But creating a great guest-list doesn't have to mean inviting 'A' list celebrities. 'It's worth thinking through who to invite and always avoid inter-guest politics,' says Jacky. For example it's not a great idea to invite a recently divorced couple, unless of course their relationship is amicable. A good mix of people is best, with some who know each other and some who don't. 'But always remember the introductions,' says Jacky.

Make every RSVP a yes
If someone's worth inviting, it figures you want them to show up. But just how do you get those busier-than-busy friends to turn up? 'A good way to guarantee the guest list you want' says Rhyll, 'is to spell out your X factor loud and clear on the invitation. It gives people a clear idea of what the party is all about. A fun theme, some nice food, even a second-hand clothes sale can all be enough to get guests queuing at the door.'

Fundraise like a professional
'One of the key elements to create a successful fund-raiser' says Sara, 'is finding donations and sponsorship in advance.' It makes sense as the less you have to pay for and the more you have to offer, the more cash you can raise. Ask local businesses to sponsor your bar or the food or entertainment. This is usually in exchange for publicity at the party. 'Although never forget to thank your sponsors' adds Sara, 'and be on hand to help them help you.' Another good way to raise money and highlight your charity is to sell their merchandise. Make sure you have stocks of charity merchandise on offer - charity pins or ribbons, t-shirts, pens, mugs, balloons and any endorsed products.

Be the host with the most
'The perfect hostess' says Jacky, 'is the picture of calm. She's highly organised, unflappable and attentive. She knows everyone's name and thinks in advance. She's behind the scene checking loos, discreetly emptying ashtrays and she's charmed her way round all her guests. It's wise to know who and how many people are coming, and whenever introducing new people, include something about each of them that may interest the other. This always gets the conversation flowing and can be a great decoy for you to move on.'

Get the chequebooks flying
Remember that guests are there to have fun as well as to give, so harassing them for cash the second they walk through the door is a definite no-no. 'The best way to get people to put their hands in their pockets', says Sara, 'is to get them involved with the cause. We usually have the event organiser talk to them about the charity and how the money raised will help, or we show a video. It's a good idea to do this before your auction or raffle beings, to get the audience motivated. Also make sure you have lots of leaflets spread around with information on your cause and how to donate.'

Avoid party poopers!
'Things that don't work at parties', says Jacky, 'are the things that embarrass guests. Games, messy food, buffet meals with no seating, that kind of thing. It's never good to overcrowd a party and is always wise to think of the basics, such as sufficient loos, disabled access, and enough food and drink.'

And the clearing up...
If you don't want to host a party at home, try a local venue who may donate the space for free. Or organise an activity day such as ice-skating, bowling or paint-balling. Activity centres make great spaces for parties, although you may need to sell tickets to make money, as your guests could be too busy to donate. It's harder to convince people to pay in advance, but it could save on the after-party clearing up.