PARTY WITH A PURPOSE

1. Select a Recipient

By Dina Zelden WITH A PURPOSEParty Party

This may be the most difficult part since there are many worthy and admirable causes. Choose a charity close to home or close to the heart, whether it be an animal shelter, nursing home, or military troops. Everyone can benefit from being shown a little extra love.

2. Choose an Activity

Find an activity that will be fun for your guests, while being beneficial to the recipients. One idea is to have guests bring two dozen cookies, bought or homemade. Guests can enjoy samples, while the spare dozens will be delivered to an elderly facility or other location that accepts baked goods. Be sure to check ahead of time. You could arrange for guests to prepare care packages for the homeless or write holiday cards to send to military troops away from home. Another option is to ask guests to bring a re-gift or gently used item, wrapped and ready to “sell”. At the party, auction the gifts to the highest bidder, with all the proceeds being donated to your charity of choice.

3. Party!

Plan the time of day that best fits your chosen activity.

Add food and a festive atmosphere that complete the theme. Breakfast on the weekend can include a pancake bar with all the toppings. Lunch may be a sandwich board, while dinner can be light with appetizers and cocktails. Kid-friendly cookies and cocoa would be a fun way to gather families. Keep it simple and focus on the reason behind the gathering. With a purpose to the party, guests will be able to both enjoy and share the warmth and good cheer of the season.