I have been volunteered

[Barmaid]

by my soon to be very beaten up future husband to run a stall at a local charity event. The theme for my stall is "home produce" on the basis that I can cook and I can garden. Beginning of June so I don't have much notice.

I've put in a few herbs which I think will be germinated by then so I could sell some titchy plants. I'm also going to have quite a few flowers left over which will be hardened off and mature by then. How much do I sell them for? Don't want to be too expensive, but also want to make some money for charity.

Given that nothing will be cropping by then, I was thinking of knocking up a few sponge cakes and a couple of fruit cakes or banana loaves - again - how much do I flog them for?

Finally, I was going to do some chutneys - red onion relish, spiced apricot chutney and beetroot relish and a couple of jams too (I clearly have too much time on my hands). These will be in the small (half size jars). Again - how much?

Any other suggestions gratefully appreciated. (I'll do this on the basis he has agreed to be my kitchen slave for 2 days so it will be worth it).

Yours the (soon to be) domestic goddess.

[Bobbisox]

wow, that lot sounds a big task BM, Good luck

[grasscarp]

Just to give you an idea on what people charge I was in Kew Gardens last week. A slice of carrot cake was £3! If it were me I would have a look at shop prices for some of the things like chutney, and charge about the same. There are no rules really.

[scotman]

First you need to be aware of the costs of production, then you can start thinking about a selling price.

[Barmaid]

There won't be anyone else selling this stuff. I'm the only mug up for it!

I think I am expected to absorb the costs of production!!! Luckily, I'll be able to get most the fresh ingredients for free through someone else who has said they will donate them to me.

The plants I don't consider there is a cost because most of them I have grown anyway and will be surplus to requirements so I may as well donate them to charity.

[mazie]

How about making load of scones, cherry, apricot, sultana. Easy and quick to make, 4 in a bag £1.50. put them next to your home made Jam (also £1.50) voilà, cream tea for 4 only £3.00

Good luck Barmaid x

(p.s. How are the Chooks?)

[Barmaid]

Mazie - that's an excellent idea, thank you.

The chooks are fine. Not laying yet but have taken over the garden. I let them free range for the first time yesterday. The absolutely destroyed one border. They are coming out for a wander in a bit (I'm still working and we have resolved only to let them out for a couple of hours in the evening to start with). They were really good though and put themselves to bed!!

[mazie]

sounds good Barmaid, watch out for foxes though. They cleared out all my ducks one year

[Barmaid]

I keep telling the other half about foxes Mazie. he is convinced there are none round here. Just as he is convinced that there are no rats. I, on the other hand, was brought up on a farm and so I KNOW there are lots of both. I refuse to let the chooks out when I am not here to supervise and he says I am being paranoid. I insist on making sure the hen house is shut up and bolted at night and again he thinks I am nuts. I keep telling him that just because he has never seen a fox does not mean there are not lots about. I was speaking to my dad the other night and he said keep an eye on them because if a fox gets their scent he'll be in for dinner!

[scotman]

Barmaid

The reason you need the costs of production is so that you don't sell things below this value. If you do it would have been better to save the time and effort and just give some money yourself to the charity.

Example

A You bake
Cost of production £50; Selling price £30
Result = You -£50; Charity +£30

B You do nothing
Give £40 to charity
Result = You -£40; Charity +£40

Just because it is for charity doesn't mean simple economics goes out the window.

Hope the weather keeps nice and stall goes well.

[Barmaid]

lol Redhelen. I think hog roasting him is a GREAT idea.

Fresh baked bread is easy (bread maker to hand). Not sure I have the patience to decorate cup cakes though. Like the idea of getting the fruit cheap from the market. Excellent ideas - thanks.

[TonyV]

of the top of head and you don't have much time - maybe some spiced / chilli oliv oil - if you can get a gallon or so infuse and decant into some pretty bottles - with some ribbons on and a chilli / herbs inside - just an idea

[TonyV]

here is your bottle supplier

http://www.ebottles.c...familyid=57&havevat=Y

think they do corks as well - you just need to add value

[Barmaid]

Good point Scotman

TonyV - another really lovely idea.

Thanks both.

[tamborine]

Corn chicken feed....make sweet/savory popcorn & bag up @ 99p each. Left overs = chicken feed.

Disposable glasses for lemon juice & 50p ea

http://simplyrecipes....pes/perfect_lemonade/

[albaqwerty]

how about chutneys £5 or nearest offer and so on and so forth ??

[owdhamer]

Be positive, make the most of what you have,stash a secret slurp,smile and try to enjoy it.

[askyourgran]

Sounds great BM, only is it allowed to sell home-made produce now? I heard somewhere (probably the WI) that the 'elf and safety people do not allow cakes and preserves to be sold to the general public, because of fears of food hygiene.

[Barmaid]

Good ideas coming through! I will yet be the domestic goddess!!

Owdhammer don't you think I had already worked out that beneath that crisp white table cloth I might I have my own little supply of "good cheer" lol ;)