10 tips for hosting your Longest Table at home

16 Jun 2023

Hosting your Longest Table dinner at home is a great way to help #ForkCancer, bring people together, and have a meaningful and memorable experience with your friends, family and workmates. 

Planning and hosting your Longest Table can feel overwhelming, but with these 10 tips you can create The Longest Table of your dreams! 

Set up your host page 💻

The first step to get started on your Longest Table host journey is to register. Create your fundraising page and fill in the details to let your guests know your motivation, fundraising target and any event sneak peeks! Be sure to make the first donation to your table to encourage your friends and family to get behind your efforts. 


Set a budget 💰 

Once you have set up your fundraising page, it's important to set a budget for your Longest Table. Determine how much you can afford to spend on food, drinks and decorations. If you want to decrease costs, ask your mates to bring a plate of food to share! 


Invite guests ✉️ 

Next, it's time to invite guests to your Longest Table. Consider who you want to invite, and how you will reach out to them. You could send out physical invitations, email invitations, set up a group chat or use social media to promote your event.


Choose a theme 💃 

A themed Longest Table can add excitement and personality to your event. Choose a theme that reflects your interests and use it to inspire your menu, decorations, and activities. Need some inspiration? Check out our greatest Longest Table themes! 


Plan the menu 🍝 

Now for the fun part! When planning your menu, you will need to consider how many courses you will have as well as your guests’ preferences and dietary restrictions. Keep in mind how you will prepare your dishes in the lead up to your event to make your Longest Table as stress-free as possible once your guests arrive. Stock up on any drinks or pantry items in the lead up to your event to prepare so all you need for the day is fresh produce. 


Decorate your home 🎉 

Decorations can add atmosphere and excitement to your Longest Table. Choose decorations that match your theme and create a welcoming and festive atmosphere. You could use streamers, garlands, flowers and balloons. 


Set a fundraising goal 💲 

Having a specific fundraising goal in mind can help motivate you and your guests to raise as much money as possible. Determine how much money you hope to raise through your Longest Table and consider how you will reach that goal. You could ask guests to make donations, hold a silent auction, or sell tickets to your event. 


Promote your event 🤳

Promoting your event is key to attracting guests and raising money. Use social media, email, and word of mouth to spread the word about your fundraiser and encourage people to attend. 


Make it fun 🥳

A fundraiser should be enjoyable for everyone involved, so it's important to plan activities and entertainment that will make your event memorable and fun. You could have a DJ, a live band, a movie night, or a game night to keep guests entertained. 


Show appreciation 💕 

Finally, it's time to show appreciation for your guests and donors! Thank them for their support and let them know how their contributions are making a difference in the fight to #ForkCancer. Make sure to send out thank you cards and post all your photos on social media. 


With a little planning and creativity, you can make a difference in the fight against cancer and have a memorable and rewarding experience! 

Together, let's #ForkCancer!