BIRTHDAY SUITS (no, not that kind)
A Red Hatter gains special attention by wearing the Red Hat colors in a unique way during her birthday month. She wears a red outfit with a purple hat. We call this tradition "Au Contraire" (French for "to the contrary"). Why do we do this? Because we feel like it and because we can. We are always on the lookout for ways to make life fun.
CHARITIES
If an individual chapter wishes to participate in charitable events, we encourage them to do so in their chapter name. The RHS as a whole does not see itself as an appropriate forum for fund raising. The RHS is a play group for women -- we're into FUNraising, not fund-raising.
CHAPTER OUTINGS
The task of planning events should not fall on the Queen alone. The easiest way to arrange events is to have each member pick a month and assume responsibility for planning the time and place and notifying fellow members by invitation, phone, or e-mail. Members are encouraged to mind their manners and RSVP in a timely manner. If a member decides to plan a meal at a certain restaurant, she will be in charge of making reservations (hence the importance of the RSVP).

Although RHS chapters often prefer to make public appearances, it is a good idea to ocasionally plan a potluck, or perhaps a pajama breakfast, at someone's home. This can serve the purpose of deepening friendships and discussing ideas and philosophies regarding the future of the chapter and keeping everyone in close touch.

Besides tea and parades, Red Hatters have been known to stomp grapes at a winery, tour bread factories, host hat-making parties and perform for community groups. Get-togethers can last for one hour or an entire weekend, and they don't have to cost a cent.