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From party frocks to invites and Christmas cocktails, we've got everything you need to throw a fabulous party
From party frocks to invites and Christmas cocktails, we've got everything you need to throw a fabulous party
How to host a fabulous fund-raising party
continued from page 2
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.
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.
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iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB