The holiday season is in full swing and when it comes to holiday parties I love them all! BUT when it comes to hosting, there is one style of soirée that reigns supreme in my hosting playbook…and that’s an open house. It’s relaxed, informal, and sets the stage perfectly for festive fun. We’ve been hosting a family-friendly New Year’s Eve open house at our home for over a decade, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Here are my 5 tips to host an open house like a seasoned pro!
Set Expectations
Give guests a clear idea of what to expect with a great invitation that says it all. Whether you go digital or old-school paper (love it!), an invitation is an important first step to any party. Be sure to spell out the time frame, what you’ll be serving (in this case cocktails & hors d’oeuvres), who’s invited (adults only or the whole family), and the overall tone. If little ones are coming, carve out a kid zone with activities and, if possible, enlist the help of a neighborhood babysitter. Entertained kids mean happy parents who can relax and enjoy your beautiful party!
Set Up For Success
This is key for any type of hosting! A smooth open house starts long before the doorbell rings. Designate a spot for coats (a rolling rack is the MVP of house parties!), add fresh flowers, festive décor, and lay out all serving pieces ahead of time with post-its so you know what goes where in the heat of the moment. For parties like this, I stock up on attractive, disposable tableware so I don’t end up with a sink full of dishes as the night rolls on. PRO TIP: Keep a discreet trash nearby and be sure to sweep the room often for discarded items to keep the house looking fresh as you welcome more guests.
Set The Vibe
Dim the lights, spark the candles, and cue music that feels warm and sparkly. As for décor, keep things festive, fun and cozy! A mood board can help you stay on theme and keep your shopping on track so everything coordinates. And as always, the music is crucial! Bonus points if you surprise your guests with some type of live music for that “I just walked into a Hallmark movie” kind of moment. Last year, we hired a local pianist for our annual party and it made the night extra magical!
Set a Grazing Table
Open houses were made for nibbles! And who among us doesn’t love heavy apps? It’s honestly my favorite way to eat. Skip the formal meal and embrace small bites that hold up well over time with no reheating. Choose hearty appetizers and finger foods that guests can easily enjoy as they mingle. Plan for dishes that don’t require constant attention like charcuterie boards, crudités, antipasti, shrimp cocktail, finger sandwiches and an array of low-mess desserts like cookies, nuts and chocolates.
Set a DIY Bar
Cocktails are king! A self-serve drink station is the secret sauce to a stress-free soirée. Set up the bar area with wine, bubbles, mixers, garnishes and one signature batch cocktail or punch bowl so guests can easily help themselves. It keeps spirits bright and frees you up to enjoy the fabulous party you’ve thrown.