From party frocks to invites and Christmas cocktails, we've got everything you need to throw a fabulous party
Inventive ways to cash in on Christmas!
Fancy being a mystery shopper, dressing up as Santa Claus or passing yourself off as the next Mrs Beckham? Instead of the usual overspend this Christmas, find out how to jolly up your bank account with these fantastic festive money-spinnersThere are various ways to make some money before (and after) Christmas - if you're willing to put in a bit of effort and creative thinking.
Firstly, check your benefits and tax credits. This is free money, so make sure you're getting everything you're entitled to. Check out www.entitledto.co.uk to see if there could be a special payment that you didn't know about before.
A spot of free shopping?
As a mystery shopper you could be asked to have dinner at a restaurant, buy drinks in a bar or simply get some groceries at a supermarket, then fill in a simple questionnaire about it afterwards.
The great thing about mystery shopping - particularly at this time of year - is that you can be paid to shop and, usually, get goods for free at the same time. Fees per visit vary between companies, but are usually between about £6.00 and £20.00. Expenses are paid so your food, drink and any travel are all paid for.
To work as a mystery shopper, you will need to register with mystery shopping companies. There are several of them including IMS, NOP, Mystery Shopping Agency (020 8325 8974) and TNS
Get paid to party
This being the party season, entertainers and party organisers - both for children's and adult's parties - are in high demand.
- Entertaining - there is a massive market for children's entertainers and if you have an act that is especially seasonal (Father Christmas, Mrs Christmas or a magic elf, for example) you could offer your services for Christmas parties. In London the going rate is around £15 per child with a minimum of, say, 15 children. Outside London it's about £10 per child. Magic tricks, clowning and artistic skills are all helpful but primarily a sense of fun and a willingness to make a fool of yourself are the main requirements!
If you are good at singing, dancing or comedy, get in touch with local entertainment agencies and offer your services for corporate Christmas do's. Put 'entertainment agency' or 'corporate entertainment' alongside your area into search engine and see what comes up. You can earn £100s or even £1,000s a night, depending on how popular you are.
- Be a 'lookalike' - there is a fair amount of work for 'lookalikes' to do 'meet and greet' work at Christmas parties. If you look like Cherie Blair (poor you), Marilyn Monroe or Posh Spice for example, hot-foot it to your nearest lookalike agency such as Susan Scott Lookalikes (020 7387 9245) or Splitting Images (020 8809 2327). You can make around £250-500 a night just standing around looking like a celebrity!
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