Celebrate For Charity

Welcome to Our Shopping Party!
We are in the thick of the holiday shopping frenzy. This year lists may have been shortened and budgets reduced, but it's just downright Scroogey to forego presents altogether. But are you feeling a guilt attack approaching? One popular solution: Organize a shopping party where a portion of the proceeds goes to your favorite charity. That's what a group of friends, including model Maggie Rizer, pictured, did recently in New York City. We've heard of similar soirees in Houston and Chicago. Check out some tips on how to make your party a success for your friends and your philanthropy.

Sell The Highest Quality Products
Altru candles: The perfect gift for anyone on your list

Altru candles and home fragrances are packaged beautifully in copper, smell heavenly, and half the proceeds benefit the children's charity In A Perfect World. The company is owned by Manuela Testolini, who happens to have been married (until recently) to Prince!

Convince Your Friend To Host At Their Home
Partygoers Emma Snowdon-Jones, Tracy Stern, and yours truly

Never pay to rent a space! Tracy Stern is, mark my words, the next Martha Stewart. She is a guru when it comes to throwing a party no fuss, just fun, easy recipes and interactive ideas that bring people together on a small budget. She is also an artiste when it comes to tea. Her apartment is spacious, but her entertaining ideas will work in smaller areas just as easily. Proceeds from the sales of her books went to New Yorkers For Children.

Do Your Own Public Relations
Party host Mina-Jacqueline Au and Alex McCord

Invite a bold-faced name from your area. Alex McCord of The Real Housewives Of NYC, attended this event and that helped bring in more people. The more the merrier-and the more money you and your charity rake in.

Offer One-Of-A-Kind Items
Some gorgeous gift ideas

Bon-Luxe, founded by party host Mina-Jacqueline Au, brings luxury to all. These items are a sampling of what's available on the site; from baby booties to jewelry (lots of choices below $100) to monogrammed purses and evening bags lined with pristine vintage material. Bon-Luxe contributed 100 of their proceeds to Guardian Angels Animal Rescue. Use the code STYLE20 to get 20 off any purchase at Bon-Luxe.com until 12/31/08.