FUN at the FAIR

’Tis the season for fundraisers, so here’s how to make sure you sell out on the day!

When it comes to fund-raising for your local school, sporting team, club, or favourite charity – whatever you decide to make, rest assured that the rewards will be far greater than the effort. Your homemade fare will always be appreciated for the thought you’ve put into it, not to mention its good old-fashioned flavour.

Walking past a cake or lolly stall without being tempted by the offerings on display is almost impossible. Who can resist the allure of a gorgeous cake or slice, a toffee apple, or a gleaming jar of preserves?

Remember that presentation is everything. Whenever possible, use clear containers so the contents can advertise themselves. Collect interesting jars and old bottles for your jams and preserves. Hide any labelling on jar lids with fabric covers, such as calico rounds, tied with raffia or ribbon.

Or try a double-layered lid decoration with a gingham outer and a pretty paper doily flounce underneath.

Clear cellophane packets tied with coloured ribbon are a great way to present treats such as biscuits or fudge. You can make your own inexpensively by sewing cellophane sheets together using the zigzag stitch on a sewing machine. Brown-paper packages tied up with string are also some of our favourite things, particularly if you have a pair of pinking shears to make a decorative edging and a stamping tool to add an individual motif. You can find Chinese takeaway cardboard containers and a variety of boxes and party-favour packages at bargain shops, which make good containers for sweets and biscuits.