How to Host a Christmas Open House

If you'd like to entertain during the holidays, but having a formal holiday dinner party overwhelms you, then why not have a Christmas Open House? Much simpler than a sit-down dinner, a holiday open house is an excellent way to share your home with friends and relatives during the Christmas holidays.

Holiday Food for Your Christmas Open House

Unlike a formal dinner party, an open house allows you to offer a wide variety of holiday foods, which you simply arrange on something such as a buffet table. You don't have to worry about place settings or any of the other details that go with dinner parties. All you need is a buffet table, complete with an assortment of easy-to-make foods. I prefer to prepare as much food as possible ahead of time so I'm not rushed the day of the party. For example, for appetizers you could prepare finger foods such as pimiento cheese sandwiches, cut-up veggies, dips, buffalo chicken wings, etc. Also, make your desserts such as Christmas cookies ahead of time. Other snacks you don't even have to prepare are nuts, crackers, chips, candies,etc. Choose foods that can be left out for at least two hours, as open houses are a "come and go" affair. Or, if you want to make it even simpler for yourself, have an open house where you ask your guests to bring in their favorite Christmas snacks, or winter soups.

Setting a Time for Your Holiday Open House

Another advantage of a hosting an open house (rather than a dinner party) is that you can set a specific time frame for your party. Many open houses are held in the afternoon, such as from 2 PM- 5 PM on a Sunday. This way parents feel free to bring along their children. When it's after 5 PM your guests will know it's time to leave, so you don't have to wonder when the party ends.

Also, keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to plan your party to be held before Christmas Day. I've been to many a Christmas party or open house that were held after Christmas.

Entertaining Children at an Open House

If you know ahead of time that several children will be attending, set up an area just for them. For example, have toys, games and puzzles on a table for them to use. Or, if you have an extra TV in the children's room, play a Christmas video for children, such as "Christmas Veggie Tales" or another popular Christmas video. Also, be sure to include foods that children enjoy (that you know won't wreck your home if an accident should occur. Cut-up hot dogs, chips, and Christmas cookies are favorite foods for kids for all ages.

As a final note, remember that although it's decorating and providing holiday foods are part of your open house, the most important aspect to making your party a success is making your guests feel welcomed and loved. They would much rather feel comfortable in your home by you focusing the party of them, rather than preparing the most delectable holidays foods or having a Christmas house that is decorated so splendidly it could win an award.