Looking for a fantastic tea party idea? Why not try a “Shrinking Tea Party?” This is a wonderful fund-raising party idea that will bring your friends and family together to support a well-deserving charity. All you need to make this party a rousing success is seven generous friends, some tea and pastries and some time. Here’s how it works.

As the original host of a “Shrinking Tea Party,” you invite seven of your closest friends and family members to your home for a leisurely afternoon tea. Each guest pays five dollars and comes in to enjoy some tea, delicious pastries and each other’s company. After your tea party is over however, the fund-raising efforts begin to grow.

Each of your original seven guests must commit to hosting their own “Shrinking Tea Party” within two weeks from the date of your party. The only difference is that they only need to invite six guests each. Then that group of six must host a party and invite five friends and so on until the last group has invited one guest over for tea. If the chain of parties is not broken, there will have been about five-thousand people involved in the fund-raising effort and close to $25,000 raised for your charity.

Here are a few tips to help make your tea party idea a success:

On your invitations, let your guests know that you are hosting a fund-raising party and tell them a little bit about the charity you have chosen. Most importantly, tell your friends that a five-dollar donation is requested. Don’t catch people off guard.

Let your guests know that if they attend your “Shrinking Tea Party” they will be asked to host their own party within two weeks. That way, if a guest cannot commit, they can simply say “no thanks” to your invite.

The party works best with a minimum of seven invited guests, but you can do a larger or smaller party if you wish.

Since you will be the original host of the “Shrinking Tea Party,” you are responsible for all of the fund-raising organization. Contact the charity, tell them your idea and learn all you can about their policies and procedures regarding donations.

Tell your guests to copy your original invitations for their individual parties. That will ensure that all of the necessary information is provided to party hosts down the line. Include your contact information in case anyone has questions.

Ask the charity if they have any informational brochures that you could hand out at your party. Your guests will love to know how they are making a difference.

Below are some sensational centerpieces for any tea party.