Pop-up spa
An ideal event if you have a variety of beauticians, masseuses, hairdressers and wellness professionals in your parent community. Ask them to help create an evening of relaxing mini experiences – such as manicures, pedicures, massages and eyebrow treatments – for mothers and others to enjoy. If this approach won’t work at your school, ask for recommendations and see if you can work out a deal with local professionals to promote their businesses. Aim to secure a calming venue through your contacts or use the school hall. Keep the cost in mind when working out your ticket price so you make a reasonable profit. Ask to see public liability insurance certificates from your chosen professionals. Add in talks and classes to complete the experience, and create a goody bag that includes a few samples – ask if any parents are representatives, or request donations from brands – as well as contact details for the therapists. You will also need volunteers to help create a calming, atmospheric space.
Exercise sessions
Investigate if anyone among your supporters teaches yoga, Pilates, Zumba, tai chi or martial arts and create an evening of health and fitness, at which attendees can try one or more new activities. Ask a local sportswear business to set up a stall selling activewear and equipment, such as yoga mats, Pilates balls and weights. Think outside the box – fun and invigorating exercise doesn’t only have to include activities that are stereotypically popular among women. Poll the mothers and others in your community for unusual ideas. Is there a velodrome, bouldering centre or laser tag venue nearby? Hold your session there instead. Serve healthy refreshments afterwards, such as herbal teas and fruit salad.
Afternoon tea
If you know some PTA-friendly professional bakers or parents in the community who are enthusiastic about baking, collaborate with them to plan a menu. This could include delicate sandwiches, scones with generous helpings of clotted cream and jam (preferably homemade or sourced from a local supplier), Victoria sponge, pastries, biscuits, fruit loaf and other traditional baked goods. Prepare the venue to ensure it is comfortable and tastefully decorated. You will need volunteers to hang bunting and set the tables. Serve the treats on stands, with suitable crockery and proper tea pots. Encourage attendees to dress up, perhaps following a specific theme such as vintage, Victorian or wartime. Ask the parent community what would be popular.
British wine tasting evening
Working with a local wine bar, sommelier or an expert from your school community, host a wine tasting evening. Try to feature locally produced sparkling wines and seek sponsorship to help cover the costs, as these wines can be expensive. This event is an excellent opportunity for supporters to explore the differences between prosecco, cava and champagne, accompanied by tasting notes and discussions. Include a talk or short film to provide structure to the event. Ask a local supermarket for donations and provide simple catering such as cheese and crackers. Even if the wine is included in the ticket price, you will still need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN).
Movie night
Plan a movie night at the school. Use the school’s audio-visual equipment and ask volunteers to help make the space cosier using borrowed rugs, throws, floor cushions and beanbags. Alternatively, find out if any local venues, such as cinemas or hotels, have a small screening room they can hire to you for a sensible price, perhaps on a quieter night. Licensing requirements for film nights can be complex and will depend on the venue. If you are holding the event at the school, read our frequently asked questions on licensing for film events. Serve hotdogs and popcorn with lemonade or wine and beer, remembering to obtain a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) from your local authority.
NOTE: Concerned about upsetting children who don’t have mothers in their lives? Encourage children to use the occasion to thank anyone special to them – it isn’t restricted to mothers. Take advice from your headteacher if you are in any doubt.
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