Holiday Open House Menu
 Menu and Recipes

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Holiday Open House Menu
 Menu and Recipes

A Holiday Open House is an old fashioned way to entertain that's easy on the host and hostess. It is a fun, easy, and an informal way to celebrate the holidays with those friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers you won't actually be spending the big day with. The idea is for people to come and go to sort of spread out the guest list over several hours, thus avoiding overcrowding and giving the host/hostess more opportunity to visit with more of their guests.

Usually an open house takes place on the weekend and lasts about 4 hours. Send invitations, call or email friends and family to drop by during the hours of your party.

When planning your menu, think about food that will last through the party — with not much fuss. Keep your menu simple. Serve bite-sized party food to eliminate plates and utensils. The style allows for plenty of make-ahead dishes, and allows you to spend more time enjoying your guests. Make any appetizers or sweets ahead of time, so you’ll have time to visit with your guest.

Set the mood with holiday music and decorations. Light a fire in the fireplace. Place simple poinsettias or holiday flowers throughout the house.

Click here for Buffet & Party Safety Tips and hints. Let's have safe and healthy family gatherings and parties! To view more dinner party menus and recipes, check out Linda's Dinner Party Menus and Recipes.
 

Beverage Ideas:
 

Alcoholic Drinks

Non-Alcoholic Drinks


Egg Nog Punch
This is an excellent egg nog recipe for a large crowd during the holidays.


 


Tom and Jerrys
This drink is a Christmas tradition for my family.


Chai Tea - Spiced Milk Tea
The spices in Chai Tea vary from recipe to recipe, but is traditionally consumed hot and sweet. Play with the flavors and make this tea your own! This is a great alternative to coffee.
 


Hot Chocolate
Have you seen the movie, Chocolat? This is like the hot chocolate that was served in the movie.

Peppermint Float Punch
This punch is always a hit at gatherings. It's like drinking a peppermint float. I always make this punch a couple of times during the Christmas holidays. I don't think that you can find an easier punch recipe to make.

 

Note: Since we have a small winery, we also serve a choice of wines. You could also do this.


Cheese, Vegetable, and Meat Platter Ideas:
 

Cheese Boards, Cheese Plates, and Cheese Platters
with assorted breads and crackers
 



Platter of assorted cut-up fresh vegetables, chesses, and meats plus
Dill Dip for Vegetables and/or Shrimp Cheese Ball or Spread
with
Bourbon Pecans, Andalusian Marinated Green Olives,

 

Appetizer Ideas:
 

Check out my large collection of appetizer recipes (includes gourmet and easy-to-make appetizers, hors d'oeuvres, starters & amuse bouche recipes).

Bruschetta, Canapes, and Crostin Recipes

Caviar Appetizer Recipes

Cheese Appetizer Recipes

Cheese Boards, Cheese Plates, and Cheese Platters

Diet Appetizer Recipes

Dips, Spreads, Pates, Salsas, and Terrine Recipes

Egg Appetizer Recipes

Fruit Appetizers Recipes

Hummus Recipes

Meat Appetizer Recipes

Mushroom and Truffle Recipes

Nuts and Seeds Recipes

Olive Appetizer Recipes

Seafood Appetizer Recipes

Sushi, Wraps, and Roll Recipes

Vegetable Appetizer Recipes

Vegetarian Appetizer Recipe Index


Meatballs in Cranberry Pinot Noir Sauce
 These meatballs are easy to make and so good! These are so addictive!
 


Goat Cheese Torta


Caviar/Dip Spread
 


 

Hot Crab Appetizer
This delicious, addictive crab dip will have your family begging for more.

or

Easy Street Crab Dip
This is fantastic looking and tastes wonderful. Your guest will rave about this one. This recipe can be made up to two days in advance.



Stuffed "Deviled" Eggs with Caviar
Stuffed eggs are always a favorite at any gathering. Add some caviar,
and you've added a touch of elegance!
or
Stuffed "Deviled" Lemony Eggs
or
 Uptown Deviled Eggs

 

Dessert Ideas:
 



Northwest Apple and Apricot Candy (Aplets & Cotlets)
 Aplets and Cotlets are a delicious Northwest candy. Aplet and cotlets candies are considered a Northwest delicacy.


Chocolate Truffles
 This chocolate truffle recipe can match even the priciest truffles you can find to buy. 


Additional Christmas Candy Recipes
 

 


Ten Plus Brownies or

Dieters Beware Brownies
These brownie recipes screams with calories. Very rich, very good, and very fattening - but your guests are worth it!
 


Spritz Cookies
 

Additional Christmas Cookie Recipes - Bar, drop, molded, rolled & chocolate cookies.

 


Cream Puffs
Everyone loves cream puffs, but most cooks are afraid to try making them since they are considered time consuming and difficult to make. This is actually false, as they are quite easy to prepare and very impressive to serve.

 


Regal Fruit Cake


Fruit Pizza
A beautiful dessert for brunch or any special occasion. It will not keep well, so plan on using it up. You may also use your own sugar cookie recipe in place of the refrigerated cookie dough.




Panforte Di Siena
An Italian confection that is a cross between fruit cake, candy, and honey cakes called Lebkuchen. It is a wonderful confection and so easy to make. I always make this for the Christmas season.