As you prepare to share your home with friends at an open house, keep these helpful tips from Party at Home in mind: - Normally an open house takes place on the weekend and lasts roughly 4 hours. Party at Home recommends having yours from 1 to 5 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon.
- Don't limit your entertaining space to the inside of the house. If possible, let the party flow outdoors. This will provide even more room for your guests to enjoy.
- Design a menu that can last through the party with a minimum of fuss and can be prepared and frozen in advance. To show you care, prepare something special that is impressive and tasty yet simple to make.
- To eliminate all those trips to the kitchen, be sure to provide food outside that can be set out beforehand.
- Pick a variety of places -- indoors and outdoors -- to serve refreshments.
Fragrance is a wonderful way to welcome your guests into your home. Party at Home recommends the following: - Fresh flowers
- Aromatic potpourri
- Bowls of lemons
- Simmering cinnamon and clove
- Drops of perfume or essential oil on light bulbs.
It's important for your guests to feel comfortable and completely at ease during the party. A veteran open house host remembers to do the following: - Greet guests at the door
- Make introductions
- Keep mingling.
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