Cetti's top tips

I had my first Afternoon Tea just a few months after I finished my breast cancer treatment. Hosting the event and looking after people on the day helped me regain my sparkle. 

A neighbour of mine suggested I make it an annual event. Here we are 4 years later! 

I'm trying to make it bigger and better every year. I love looking after people and it’s my way of saying thank you to everybody that looked after me, including Breast Cancer Now for all their support. 

Here are some of my top tips that I’ve picked up over the years: 

• Get a date in the diary! Make sure it’s on the calendar and everybody knows as soon as possible. 

• Get a list together. Make a list of everything you want to do and keep checking stuff off.  

• Get your friends involved. Don't be afraid to ask people to lend a hand. Your friends will want to help, but they don’t always know what to do.  

• Talk to the tea team. They’re there to support you and guide you, whether it's your first tea or your 15th – so do contact them! 

• Freeze ahead. I didn't even know you could freeze cakes until I started doing these afternoon teas. Freeze your cakes, get them all out and everybody thinks you've been up all night baking.  

Organising a tea is so easy. You can bake it or fake it – it doesn’t really matter. The main thing is you’ll be raising money for breast cancer research and support, which I think is hugely important.