Party in Pink! How to host a Cook for the Cure cocktail party

Rummage through your cupboards and set off your blushing buffet with pink serving pieces. If your theme colour is a scarcity in your cupboards, white or silver will provide a neutral backdrop and work well with any pink pieces you have. Use your imagination and look to items around the house as vessels to serve food -- wide-mouthed vases can be used for Spiced Nuts on your bar for example. Nestle tea lights into a small pile of sand or pink peppercorns poured into small bowls or votives. Flowers are a natural for a pink theme, since there are so many varieties in every hue imaginable; pink roses, peonies, snapdragons or tulips come in many shades to complement your décor.
 
Make sure to entertain your guest -- it is a fundraising event, after all, and you want them to open their wallets. Get them in the right frame of mind when you send out your invitations; a Pink Ribbon makes it clear you are fundraising. Suggest a donation on your invitation or let your guests know that you will be having a silent auction, roulette wheel or 50/50 draw so they'll be prepared to donate. Roulette wheels and other casino supplies can be rented at your local party rental company. Make all of the proceed from your fundraising go to charity and have prizes for the top winners such as a bottle of champagne, a gift certificate, or a donation from a friend or local business for a gift or service.

Thank your guests for coming with a party favour to take home. Pink Ribbon Cookies are a cute and delicious treat for your guests. The cutters for these cookies can be purchased online and they can be coloured to suit any "ribbon" themed charity. Have a basket of them wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon on your buffet or at the front door for your guests to pick up on their way out.

Finally, slip into your pink sandals or roll up your pink sleeves and enjoy yourself while doing good!

Read our tips on How to host a silent auction