We are hosting a holiday open house for our 19 of our neighbors this year. Although we moved into our new house last year before Christmas, we just weren’t quite ready to entertain a crowd – especially people we hardly knew. This year we decided to take the plunge, and do it. I still don’t know all of the people we are inviting, but they are our neighbors, and I am excited to meet them. We often wave when they walk or drive by, but we haven’t actually talked to all of them yet. I ordered cute invitations, Mike will hand deliver them; and so there’s no turning back. Why did we decide to do an open house rather than a cocktail party or a brunch buffet? Well, here are five reasons to host a holiday open house.
It’s An Afternoon Get-Together
The reason we decided to have an open house is because traditionally, they are held in the afternoon. Since our party is on a Sunday afternoon, we will still be able to go to church that morning, and there will be time to catch a movie after everyone has gone home. Our get-together is scheduled for 2:00 to 4:00, so our guests will also be able to plan something for their morning and also after the party. They will have time to do some shopping, meet friends for dinner, or just chill out at their homes and watch some NFL.
It’s More Relaxing
An afternoon event is always a little more casual than an evening event. People can wear nice jeans and a nice top and be dressed quite appropriately. There’s no need for a sports jacket or tie, and the sequins can stay in the closet.
The Menu Is Easier
The menu is easier for a lot of reasons. I plan to serve a mixture of sweets like this peanut butter fudge, these bars, and these cookies. Although I love to cook and bake everything from scratch, I am being realistic. I will make some things and buy some foods that are already prepared. For sure, I will set up a charcuterie board similar to this one along with some dips like this hummus, spinach dip, and a seafood dip.
No Need To Set Up A Bar
Rather than setting up the bar with everything one needs to make a mixed drink, I am going to serve two types of punch. One will have a little something extra, and one will be plain. Or I might serve hot mulled wine and a plain punch. I am still trying to decide which way to go on the beverage situation.
It’s More Flexible
Since this is an open house, the timing is flexible. It will last for two hours, and guests will be able to stay for the entire time, or they can drop in for 15 minutes, have a drink, and leave. There’s no obligation to stay longer.
If you have ever hosted an open house and have some tips for me, I am all ears. I will let you know how it goes.
Take care.
Sounds fun!
Love this idea!
Mary, hopefully it will serve as inspiration for others.
It sounds like you have everything under control. We held 3 open houses over the years, as my boys graduated high school. We kept a variety of food and simple drink choices self-serve, which gave us time to socialize with our guests. You have a great plan….I know you will have fun, and get to know your neighbors! 😉
Sounds great! I did a cookies and cocoa open house one year. It was fun and the kids liked adding different types of toppings to their hot cocoa.
That’s a great idea.
What a sweet idea! I’m having two couples over at a time and doing dessert, including fruit and cheese. Maybe I’ll host an open house for the other neighbors too. Are you inviting children? They are some of my favorite neighbors, and they can be a challenge to adult conversation. My idea is to have coloring supplies and puzzles set up where they can see the adults and not be bored by us. They can have their own food table to choose from, and a light colored drink, like 7-up or sprite. It’s always good to have something sugar free for adults too. Wish I was your neighbor, Janette. I know your open house will be wonderful!
Cheryl Ann, since we are in townhouses (although they are very large townhouses) the neighbors we are inviting are all empty-nesters. So, I will not have the issue of entertaining children. Your idea to make a special place for them is a good one, though.
I needed these pointers to encourage me to do an open house for my new/expanded home.
There was a great story in Weds NYTimes food section on preparing batches of drinks ahead of time-e,g. Martinis or manhattans or any, days ahead of time! As easy as punch!
Great! Glad it worked for you, Barry. I will look up those drinks recipes, but right now I am leaning toward milk punch laced with boubon, a Kentucky favorite. Looking forward to seeing you in February.
Love this idea! I have always wanted to do this and even bought invitations years ago, but have not made the plunge. Please take some pictures from your open house and do a blog post about it. Would love to see!