I organized a cocktail party for friends and was determined to send out handwritten invitations to each of them. I decided to use classic white paper cocktail napkins. On the front, I sketched the event details. They were mailed in recycled brown kraft envelopes.

It was a hit! People seemed delighted to receive these invites. Writing on napkins seems like a great DIY option that could be used in so many different ways.

Sidewalk directions.

Keeping in character with the atmosphere of this shindig, we used chalk directions on the sidewalk to let guests know to come on in and join the fun there.

Instant Hors d’oeuvres.
These store-bought morsels go from package to plate in mere minutes. A few items on our menu: Grissini with Parmigiano-Reggiano, Sopressata with grainy mustard, Pâté with cornichons and sliced baguette. Voila!

Food images: Real Simple

Steer yourself toward the proper order with this “bread, meal, water/wine” memory cue.

In a pinch remember the acronym BMW: bread, meal, water/wine. Starting at your left, you go “Bread, Meal, Water.” Bread is to your far left, the meal is in the middle and the water or wine is to your far right.

Keep It Simple. Use short, understandable words in short, understandable sentences. Best to write on a 5^th grade reading level.

Follow the formula. The first sentence should grab the readers attention, then move to presenting a problem, next offer up a solution- be sure to include how your reader is to play a part in that – and finally, close.

PS. Always include a PS to restate your request. Remember the PS is typically read first.

No need to explain. If the reader isn’t familiar with your cause, you’re not going to explain it enough in a 2 page letter to get a contribution.

Confused people say no. Again…keep it simple.

Personalize. Write to 1 person, not to 100. Use “I” and “you.”

Ask for money, don’t educate. Your goal is to raise funds, not to underscore a message.

Use bold and underlines they should act as a synopsis of what the letter says.

Make the reader reach for a pen. Your letter should inspire the recipient to act and react. It should give them a sense of ownership to your campaign.

Dead donors don’t give. Keep your mail lists updated.

Mail it. Don’t get bogged down on creating a perfect mailing. Time is money.

Follow-up. Always follow-up and if need be, remind them you haven’t heard from them in a while.

Start by sending out great invitations. Ours were printed at home with the “Jack Fisher”  font. The custom Senior sombrero stamp was added to the top in red. The envelopes were adorned with a white doiley, tied with twine, and hand delivered.

Margaritas were served in mason jars with salted rim and lime garnish. Here’s our recipe:  6 cups tequila, 2½ cups triple sec, 2½ cups fresh lime juice, 2½ cups fresh lemon juice, 2 cups simple syrup.

Mix ingredients together and refrigerate. Pour mixture into a 16-ounce mason jars with ice. Salted rim is optional. Garnish with lime. Makes 1 gallon- 21 margaritas.

Sombreros and a moustache on a stick make for great fun… and memorable photos!

We served a variety of Mexican munchies; fresh guacamole and chips, cheese quesadillas and homemade salsa, a warm buffalo chicken dip, stuffed peppers, and a “assemble your own” taco bar. For dessert…margarita cupcakes.

How do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo amigos?

]]> http://www.donehueagency.com/2010/05/19/cinco-de-mayo/feed/ 0 http://www.donehueagency.com/2010/04/14/carolina-cup/ http://www.donehueagency.com/2010/04/14/carolina-cup/#comments Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:38:05 +0000 elizabethdonehue http://www.donehueagency.com/?p=1082 Think southern fashion and horse racing… bringing the two together is a South Carolina tradition known as the Carolina Cup. The Cup is an annual horse race held in Camden, South Carolina-it’s our Kentucky Derby in the South. This year’s event did not disappoint. Beautiful sunshine, ladies in colorful sun dresses and wide brimmed hats, men in bowties, pastels and paisleys.

Here are some clips of our Carolina Cup 2010.

Might I suggest  marking your calendar for next years Cup- Saturday, March 26, 2011?

]]> http://www.donehueagency.com/2010/04/14/carolina-cup/feed/ 0 http://www.donehueagency.com/2010/04/06/table-talk-numbers-game/ http://www.donehueagency.com/2010/04/06/table-talk-numbers-game/#comments Tue, 06 Apr 2010 01:11:36 +0000 elizabethdonehue http://www.donehueagency.com/?p=1012

Wondering where the utensils go? Count the letters in the words  ”knife,” “spoon” and “fork”  to remember their placement.

The word “right” has five letters, as do the words “knife” and “spoon.” The word “fork” has four letters – just like the word “left.”

Knives and spoons are always on the right, forks on the left.

10 points to consider when writing a fundraising letter…

1. Write a letter to the appropriate audience- know who that is before you start writing.

2. Write a letter to one person – not to “Dear Friends” or “Dear Fellow Conservatives.”

3. Write a letter – not an essay.

4. Write a letter that looks like a letter- indent, break up long paragraphs, use white space in margins.

5. Write a letter that is friendly and informal.

6. Write a letter that uses emotion not logic.

7. Write a letter asking for a specific gift … for a specific purpose…. give a specific deadline.

8. Write a letter praising repeat donors for their past support.

9. Write a letter that include a P.S.- always.

10. Write a letter remembering that it will be read: P.S. first, then the first paragraph, then  underlined, bolded, or italicized lines.

Disoriented at the dinner table? Visualize the letters b and d to locate your bread plate and drinking glass- not your neighbor’s.

With each hand, touch the tip of your index finger to the tip of your thumb while extending your remaining fingers- creating the “OK” hand sign.

Your left hand creates a lowercase b – designating your bread plate.
Your right hand creates a lowercase d – designating your drinking glass.

You’re welcome.

So, how many people have you offended by not adhering to proper Sushi Etiquette?

via clusterflock.org

Related: A humorous how to eat sushi video