Gwyneth Paltrow, Barack Obama, and the fundraiser at her place

Wavering on whether to donate to President Obama's 2012 re-election campaign? Perhaps a private dinner at Gwyneth Paltrow's London home will help loosen those wallets.

The Hollywood star launched a new career as a political fundraiser last night when she invited Democrat-supporting American high-rollers to an exclusive dinner at the north London home she shares with Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay.

A seat at the table for the intimate gathering, which began with a rallying speech by Jim Messina, President Obama's chief fundraiser and 2012 campaign manager, cost $7,500 (£4,870). There was speculation that Paltrow, a long-term friend of the President, could attract fellow Democrat supporters Cameron Diaz and Lady Gaga to the dining club.

The President is asking high-value supporters like Paltrow to raise $350,000 each by the end of the year in an effort to top the $750m raised in 2008, to fight the Republicans.

Mr Obama struggled to sell out a $10,000-a-head fundraising event in New York last week and is offering grassroots supporters the chance to win "dinner with Barack" in return for a $3 donation.