The 2008 Global Dinner Party (GDP) took place on Saturday 23 February 2008.

Here’s how to organise your own GDP event:

Once you have filled out and returned an Event host registration form confirming your interest in taking part in the GDP, you will be sent a GDP Host Pack which will include:

• GDP Information for event hosts
• GDP Invitation & donation card (to send out to your guests and for your guests to confirm/make their donation)


• GDP Poster (to promote your event)


• GDP Event host donation form (to record information about your event)


• What is MS? (an information sheet on MS – you may want to include it with your invitations or display it during your event)


• A letter of support from Sarah Philips, MSIF President and Chairman)

• Keep it simple. Organise something that you know you and your friends enjoy doing for example a quiz, fancy dress party or meeting up to watch a sporting event on television.


• Have fun creating the event. Think about: venue/location, food, drinks, theme, music and entertainment. How about having all your dishes begin with an ‘M’ or an ‘S’?


• Why not incorporate some party games?
• Decide how you are going to collect your guests’ donations. Find out more


• Send out the invitations 4–6 weeks prior to your event to give your guests plenty of notice.


• Don’t forget to ask your guests about food allergies or special dietary needs.


• Shop ahead: There’s nothing worse than missing a vital ingredient and racing round the shops desperately trying to track it down.


• Don’t feel you have to cook everything yourself.


• Ensure your guests are aware of the contribution they are making to such an important cause.


• Most of all have FUN!