Christmas Holiday Open House

Open your home to friends and family on the holidays. Serve an abundant buffet of hand-carved roast turkey and maple-glazed ham, alongside a dazzling selection of gourmet spreads. This menu is perfect for the easy & elegant gourmet, or the smart host who knows how to pull out all the stops for a party with little effort!

There are few parties that capture the warmth of the holiday Christmas season like an open house. Guests know that they can bring the kids, arrive at their leisure, and enjoy a casual atmosphere. Hosts know that this party is all about spending time with loved ones, so everything from the food preparation to setting up the buffet has to be easy. This Holiday Open House party was designed for those who know that it does not take a lot of work to get a lot of party style.

Simply Elegant Table Display Ideas

A couple of embellishments on tabletop items can turn an ordinary centerpiece into a stunning display. Choose a color scheme and tone, such as creamy whites with
metallic accents, and carry the theme throughout your décor. Some simple ideas to adorn to your holiday table:

• Insert ornamental flowers, like calla lilies, in a medium-sized wreath (12-inch diameter). Lay the wreath on a footed glass cake plate in the center of the table.

• Tie beautiful wide ribbon around pillar candles. Place candles on a dish and surround them with mini gold or silver ornaments.

• Use table runners along the length and width of your table. Attach a holiday trinket, ornament, or a bow to the ends of the runners.

A Cozy Gift for Guests

It’s customary to send guests home with a little trinket to thank them for their company. In keeping with the comfort of this occasion, consider a food gift in a cozy package. Fill cellophane bags with cookies and slip them inside mittens. Put boutique bottles of flavored oils or vinegars in little Christmas stockings. Wrap up dried fruits and nuts and place them in a holiday mug!

An Easy Gourmet Buffet

Creating a holiday feast no longer means hours of preparation in the kitchen. However, most hosts like to whip up a few homemade items for the buffet table. Keep it simple by making the sandwich spread recipes listed below to add gourmet flavor to carved turkey and ham on artisan bread rolls, and order the rest of your food ready to go.

Cooked roast turkey and ham are available at many delicatessens or in grocery stores. Set the roasts on a platter or wooden board, and carve a few slices of meat to encourage guests to help themselves. Place gourmet spreads in identical bowls near the meat and use place cards to label them. Put a basket of artisan dinner rolls, available from bakeries or specialty bread makers, next to the spreads. Round out the menu with fresh vegetable salads, side dishes, and a selection of sweets for an open house buffet sure to please any gourmet.

 

Share your Holiday and Party Ideas with us at Celebrations! We’d like to hear how you enjoy the holidays with your family and friends. If you’re looking for inspiration, visit our Christmas, Chanukah, and Holiday Party pages for festive food and seasonal décor ideas.

 

 

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