How To Host A Fabulous Holiday Open House!

So what is a Holiday Open House? A Holiday Open House is an old fashioned way to entertain during the holiday season that allows you to open your doors to many people because there’s no specific time for dining and other activities. An open house is a casual approach to having friends and family over. Here are a few tips on how to host a fabulous holiday open house that your friends and family will love!

Tip #1:  Choose a date and time range. During the holidays, it can be difficult to find a date that works for everyone!  People are so busy going to parties and preparing for the holidays that not everyone will be able to attend. This is another reason that hosting an open house with a time range like 2-6 p.m. or 4-8 p.m. allows folks to stop by whenever they can. This makes it easier for your busy guests and less stressful for you!  The basic rule is to expect approximately  50-70% of your guests to actually attend, so invite a lot of folks for a nice crowd!

Tips #2:  Send your invitation at least two weeks in advance or a month ahead if you can! The sooner folks can put your event on their calendar the more likely they will be able to attend. I like to use Punchbowl Invitations. They have such cute themes that you can send via email or I also screenshot the invitation and send it via text. Facebook invitations also work great to get the word out!

Tip #3:  Plan your menu with a variety of tasty appetizers and perhaps a signature cocktail! I like to set up food and beverage stations around the house so people can flow through and grab what they want!  I try to have options for vegetarians, non-alcoholic beverages, and fun treats for the kids as well! Presentation is everything!  People eat with their eyes first!

In keeping with my cute frosty blue invitations, I served a Jack Frost Cocktail I found on Pinterest. I also decided to add a Cranberry Blood Orange Martini for my Martini fans…that would be me, lol!

Tip #4:  You don’t have to spend hours cooking and baking! Jazz up store brought items, pick up some chicken wings at the grocery store or your favorite chicken joint. My personal favorite is C.W. Chris & Fish and Chicken on Western it is reasonably priced and tasty!  Link to their website, here. Cut up some veggies, add a festive cheese tray and you are in business! Just make it look fabulous with beautiful flowers and a nice set up!

These Santa Hat Brownies are just store brought brownie bites, white frosting in the pre-made piping bags and fresh strawberries! So cute and easy!

Tip#5:  Have music playing and a fun activity or games to keep the crowd entertained. I decided to do Karaoke and it was a hit! Just connect your laptop to your T.V., go to YouTube for so many karaoke style videos, add a microphone if you can, and let the show begin!  Who knew my family and friends were so talented…LOL!

Tip #6:  Have fun and enjoy your guests!  Remember the reason for the season and enjoy every minute with the ones you love!  I hope you have enjoyed this post!  Happy Holidays!

Stay busy being fabulous,

Kery B.