Holiday Open House Etiquette

Whenever you invite a big group of people into your home, you are challenged with being in several places at the same time. During the holidays, an Open House is a great way to entertain and see friends you haven’t visited with in a while. Make it easy on yourself and your guests by following a few simple etiquette rules:

Send Out Your Invitation Early

With so many parties going on during the holiday season, you will want to make sure to get your invitation in the mail asap. Ask for an RSVP and give them a deadline so you can have an accurate headcount.

Mix Up the Guest List

Instead of sticking to the tried-and-true few you always invite, branch out and invite different people from your various groups. It will result in a more stimulating conversation. Getting to know people who your guests haven’t met or aren’t that familiar is always a plus when making festive banter at a party.

Greet Everyone at the Door

You might also have a few designated friends take turns answering the door and leading guests to the bar and gathering areas of your home.

Self-Serve is Simplest

A fully stocked bar and buffet table make it easy for guests to help themselves to what they would like to eat and drink. It’s also an excellent opportunity for them to mix and mingle with people in line.

Designate a Gift Table

Your guests may bring you a hostess gift and want to know where to set it down. As they enter the door, set up an area for coats, boots, umbrellas and a place to leave their gift.

Outsource the Food

Your time is limited, and your attention should be on getting your house decorated, stocking the liquor cabinet and renting enough extra seating for your guests. When possible, find a caterer or a neighbor who is a fabulous cook and spend your dollars on food delivered to your door. Costco is a fabulous source when you are looking for appetizers, finger foods, casseroles and baked goods.

Take Allergies Seriously

Offer a variety of food options and don’t underestimate the potential danger in a food allergy. Ask your guests if there is anything you should be aware of when planning your menu. Be cautious of cross-contamination in your kitchen and alert your caterer or baker if you know of a particular dietary hazard.

Set the Mood

Lighting, music and temperature are all factors when it comes to making your guests more comfortable. Create seating areas in corners and out of the path of busy traffic. Add comfortable pillows to oversized chairs and sofas and turn down the thermostat. It gets hot quickly when there are multiple people in small spaces. The music should be upbeat but not overbearing. If you plan to have a DJ, position them in a place where people who want to enjoy louder music and dance can congregate.

Keep the Kids Busy

If you are inviting kids, have plenty of activities to keep them busy. Hire a college kid or high school neighbor to watch them and make sure they are safe and entertained. Put some thought into cookie decorating, art projects or board games you know they will enjoy.

Savor the Moment

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, and that includes you, the host! Once the festivities begin, make a point of relaxing and spending time with family and friends. People will feel more at ease when they know the host is having a great time.

You may also like 5 Ways to Add Holiday Cheer to Your Home. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.