Party for a Good Cause

What a great idea! May have to do this for my too-rapidly approaching birthday! Hope this finds everyone well. Drop me a line!

xoxo,
Leigh

Cause for Celebrating
from Yahoo.com

Everyone loves a great party, especially around the holidays. This year, give guests an irresistible reason to attend your VIP gathering -- turn it into the perfect opportunity to give by throwing a festive charity bash. Whether you're hosting a low-key dinner for eight or a cocktail hour for forty, there's no better time to invite guests to share in the generous spirit of the season. Whatever cause is closest to your heart -- kids, animals, environment -- mix up a batch of eggnog, crank up the holiday tunes, and entertain with good cheer and good will!

* Ask guests to bring unwrapped toys and clothing in new or good condition. Create a festive table for the goodies -- a red tablecloth, a few holiday decorations (berries, greens, votives)...and print up a sign to let everyone know where their donations are headed. Post-party, drop off the gifts at your charity of choice. Call around to family shelters or orphanages ahead of time to find out what they need and whether they have special requirements. Fire or police departments often organize toy drives as well. Or check out SecretSanta.com, a wonderful online resource that allows you to enter your zip code and find the nearest drop sites.

* Get creative by supplying guests with markers, rubber stamps, and colorful paper to make holiday cards for orphans. Then spend a few minutes writing cheerful wishes in them. Visit a local orphanage or children's hospital in advance to coordinate a plan and get a list of names so you can personalize messages.

* Host a pet fashion show to entertain your animal-loving friends with the latest in couture designs for Fido and Fluffy. Convince a local boutique to loan you stuff in exchange for some great PR. Compile a holiday soundtrack that "models" can strut down the "runway" to -- and hand out small goody bags. Ask guests for a small donation as their "entrance fee" -- even $5 a person will add up and go a long way at a local charity.

* Invite guests to bring an ornament or a stocking that can be used to decorate at a local shelter, hospital, or halfway house.

* As an ideal follow-up to a gourmet dinner party, ask guests to bring an assortment of canned and dried foods so that those in need can enjoy a hearty holiday dinner as well. Cover a big box in wrapping paper and leave it by your door to collect the goodies. Contact local food banks and shelters to get a wish list of food and personal care items -- and be sure to include suggestions when you send out invitations.