The banquet dinner is commonly thought of as a way to attract major donors and raise big money for a campaign. However, house parties are smaller and more easily manageable at the community level. These are simply gettogethers in the home of a supporter to help generate some much-needed cash. Weekday evenings are often the best times to hold a simple reception, but a weekend gathering may also work. The determination will be based on the makeup of the guest list and the availability of the candidate, who should certainly be present.

Generally, a committee helps make the arrangements for a house party. Someone needs to open her home to such an event. It is best if this is someone who is centrally located and has the space to host the party. It is important to print and send out professional-looking invitations. Include directions to the party, a reply card, and the host's return address. Or, send out an e-mail inviting supporters to sign up online if they want to attend or even host a house party in their community.

You should request various levels of support so you fulfill the objective of such a party — raising funds. The candidate should make an appearance and speak to the gathering briefly. He should mingle and shake hands with as many guests as possible. In larger towns or cities, such house parties may become impractical, so receptions move into larger venues. The principal idea is the same, but the scale is much larger.