‘Platinum Pudding Competition’ finalist and baker extraordinaire, Shabnam Russo, has been sharing her top tips for hosting a fun and easy Macmillan Coffee Morning.

Shabnam’s stunning Rose Falooda cake was chosen from over 5,000 entries, to be one of only five desserts in the final of the prestigious Platinum Pudding Competition, judged by Dame Mary Berry and featured on BBC 1.

Shabnam from Finchley has long been a supporter of Macmillan Coffee Morning, having volunteered within the NHS and seen first-hand the difference that Macmillan can make to the lives of people with cancer.

Shabnam explained why people should get involved: “Macmillan in London is doing whatever it takes to make sure every person with cancer gets the help they need – be it financial, practical, emotional or psychological. But they need our help to do this.

“Macmillan Coffee Mornings are a great way to give back while also being a good excuse for a get-together – be it with family, friends, or colleagues. And it can be a breeze to organise!”

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Shabnam’s Top Tips for hosting a Macmillan Coffee Morning:

Tip 1. Setting the scene

“Most of us in London have limited amounts of space for entertaining, so be creative. Clear a space in the kitchen, workplace, or even a garage. Then add a fun theme, an uplifting playlist, plus plenty of cake, and people can’t help but have a good time.

One of my favourite themes is ‘Venice’ – fresh lemons as the centrepiece, an Italian musical soundtrack, Tiramisu cupcakes and other dolce vita-inspired treats. It will truly transport your guests!”

Tip 2. Everyone’s invited (and catered for!)

“Make sure you have some ‘free from’ options on-hand for people who have specific dietary requirements. I’ll never forget manning the cake stand at my son’s school for the Macmillan Coffee Morning last year when a child asked me for a gluten-free cake, which we didn’t have…it broke my heart! You can buy gluten-free and dairy-free cakes, plus milk substitutes, at the supermarket. Or try a gluten-free sponge cake mix to bake your own and decorate it with fresh fruit, rose petals or oat milk chocolate icing. And clearly label-up anything that may have nuts.”

Tip 3. Coffee or Champagne? Let’s start with a drink!

“Sparking conversation can be more challenging than getting my sponge to rise. So, I always have some bubbles, served in vintage teacups, to break the ice. And there are no rules to Coffee Morning…it can be a ‘Canapé Evening’ instead! Whatever suits you and your schedule best.

“And if you’re sticking to cuppas, set up a drinks table with a kettle or hot water flask, plus tea bags and instant coffee, so guests can help themselves.”

Tip 4. There’s no such thing as a free lunch…or a free Lamington!

“Once the conversation and coffee are flowing, it’s time to remind everyone the purpose of the get-together. It’s can be tricky to ask for money, but not when it is for such an important cause – we have all directly or indirectly been touched by cancer and this is where I talk about my own personal experience of losing my Aunt Mubina to cancer last year. On the day, encourage people to bring cash, have collection boxes placed prominently, and for those who are cashless, clearly display the Coffee Morning QR code (which comes in your free sign-up pack).”

Tip 5. Community Action

“My most successful Macmillan Coffee Morning fundraising has been through the school PTA and parents’ guild. Everything is easier with teamwork, and selling cakes to children is…well, a piece of cake! Parents donate the cakes and volunteers help to sell them at break time and home time. Kids are reminded to carry cash, while older students and teachers can process card payments. The most popular items for children are fridge cakes, brownies, and chocolate chip giant cookies. Not to mention anything with lots of sprinkles!”

Last year, generous Londoners raised over £1million at Macmillan Coffee Mornings across the capital.

Macmillan Cancer Support’s Coffee Morning is an annual event dedicated to bringing people together over a cuppa to raise vital funds for people living with cancer.

This year the official event date is Friday 30th September 2022, but a Coffee Morning can be held at any time.

Credit: Sign up now at macmillan.org.uk/coffee to host a Coffee Morning.

If you have been impacted by cancer, contact Macmillan for support and advice on 0808 808 00 00. Open 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm. Or visit the website: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/