DINNER parties are set to spring up across Oxfordshire next month in an attempt to raise thousands of pounds for an Oxford hospice charity.

For the third year, Helen and Douglas House in East Oxford is calling on people to fire up their ovens, switch on their grills and get cooking for Simply Supper.

The idea is that people invite friends and family over for dinner on any evening in March and ask guests to make a donation to the charity.

Head of fundraising Joanna Mitchell said: “In 2011, we raised almost £20,000 and we are hoping to raise over £30,000 in 2012 to celebrate our 30th anniversary year.”

Mandy Hamilton, who works at the hospice as personal assistant to the clinical director, got fundraising off to an early start and made pancakes for 15 people on Shrove Tuesday last week.

She hopes to have raised about £85.

She said: “Lots of people would have friends round anyway, and the fact we can do it and make some money for a fabulous charity at the same time is a brilliant idea.

“Rather than your friends bringing a bottle of wine, asking them for a donation doesn’t seem so bad.”

People can make as much or as little effort as they choose, putting a few jacket potatoes in the oven, or preparing for a four-course candlelit soiree. And if people want to go all-out, they can introduce themes, or invite guests to come in fancy dress.

Lin Beekar, the charity’s PR manager, will be holding her third simply supper and expects eight guests for a retro 1980s-style Dallas and Dynasty themed evening.

* For a host pack with invitations, place cards and a quiz, call the fundraising team on 01865 799150 or email fundraising@helenanddouglas.org.uk