One of the most enjoyable holiday gatherings is the drop-in-whenyou-
want party--ideal for busy guests as well as party hosts. Open
houses often come with lower expectations (guests don't expect a
gourmet meal and can leave without fuss) and a casual, festive mood.
Instructions
1. Set a date that is as far out from Christmas and Hanukkah as possible before calendars book up. Set an ending time as well, or folks may drop by expecting the party to be in full swing while you're in the middle of cleanup.
2. Set the mood and level of formality. Will you hire a bartender and servers and offer a catered menu of gourmet goodies? Or do you prefer a casual, self-serve buffet with 6-foot heros and a cooler full of drinks? Keep size in mind--do you want a small gathering of friends or a hey-stop-by-for-a-drink affair for the masses? See 342 Throw a Party.
3. Create the menu. Time is valuable, especially at this time of year, so consider hiring someone to help with the food. See 315 Plan Party Foods Ahead.
4. Be aware of your guests when you plan entertainment. A nonsecular holiday open house makes guests from many different backgrounds comfortable. If you celebrate Christmas, it's fine to have a tree and decorations. Save caroling and other traditional Christmas rituals for a caroling party, when guests expect it-- or risk offending people of different faiths.
5. Set up a corner (away from ornaments and decorations) with toys and trains for young children to play with. Their parents will be grateful that their kids are happily occupied--then they get to have fun, too.
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