I do cupcakes from my home here in Ohio. I operate under the cottage food law. I was thinking it would be fun to have a cupcake tasting party, but I'm not sure how to go about doing this or if it is even allowed.

I do not want strangers coming to my home. So, I was thinking on renting a space somewhere, like a banquet hall or community room.

Has anyone done this before? Is it allowed? Would I be allowed to charge for the party?

It sounds like a fun idea. Is this for pleasure or profit? If it's for business, I suggest you first check with your inspector to see about any restrictions. If it's for pleasure, you should not have to rent a gathering place. Maybe a library, school, or church would allow you the use of a room.

Or, do this as a fundraising benefit for a local charity. In our poor economic times there are many agencies that need help. Last year In my area we began a baking society and all our fundraising efforts go to the foodbank.

It would really just be to promote my business and have fun. I've also thought about doing a fundraiser but I'm not quite sure how to go about doing that either.

I held a cupcake tasting party last year and it as alot of fun. I put the word out on my facebook page and had a small group of people. The way I did it was to charge a fee to get in and offered a to go box of cupcakes as well as a small coupon for a future order. I offered 8 different flavors and asked for feedback as well.