How to host a coffee morning or tea party

Before your coffee morning or tea party

• Find a venue: this could be your own home, at work, at school, or in your local community, such as the village hall. If using a public venue, make sure to check on any licences you might need.
• Timing: depending on who you plan to invite to your fundraiser, think carefully about an event date so not to clash with any major sports or cultural events.
• Brainstorm ideas for your coffee morning: give lots of thought to how you can make your fundraiser enjoyable while raising as much as possible. Feel free to get creative! For example, you could spruce things up with anything from arts and crafts workshops to quizzes, book swaps and fancy dress.
• Snacks and treats: delicious food is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at a coffee morning or tea party. Whip up some tasty treats with the help of family and friends. Need inspiration? Check out some of our delicious heart-healthy cake recipes.
• Promotion: if you’re having a community tea party or coffee morning, contact your local newspaper and radio to advertise your event. You could also share coffee morning posters and leaflets around the area.
• Community support: as it’s for charity, maybe your local supermarket or bakery would donate some delicious treats or other goodies? It’s worth asking!

You can also download a PDF version of our guidance.

During your coffee morning fundraiser

• Inspire: plan a moment to say a few words about heart and circulatory conditions and BHF’s work so people understand the difference their support makes. Or, if you have the technology, you could play one of our videos. Make sure to have one of our collection boxes on display to encourage donations.
• Fundraising: include fun activities and competitions like ‘guess the weight of the cake’ or host a bake off and have guests vote for their favourite. Why not see if local businesses will donate some prizes? It is a charity event!

Top tips

• Food and drink: as you’re likely to be selling treats, it’s essential to label any allergens clearly. Head over to the Food Standards Agency for further advice.
• Social media: spread the word by setting up a Facebook event page and let us know how your fundraising activity is going with regular updates. Remember to tag us so we can see what you’re up to and say thank you!
• Double your money: ask your team of helpers if they work for a company that offers Matched Giving for charity and encourage them to apply if they do.
• Licences: check what licences will be required. For example, selling alcohol and playing music both require a licence.
• More support: if you have any queries please call our supporter service centre on 0300 330 3322 or email us.

Keeping it safe and legal

It’s important that you are safe and legal while fundraising in aid of BHF. Please follow our ‘keeping it safe and legal’ guidance.

After your tea party or coffee morning

• Banking: count, record and send us the money you raise as soon as you can. It’s a good idea to share responsibility for this among more than 1 person. You might also want to get some money bags from the bank well in advance.
• Thanking: remember to follow up with guests, sponsors and volunteers, to thank them and let them know how much was raised to help fund our lifesaving research.