For Easy Holiday Fun,

Have An Open House

The holiday open house — a laid-back party at which guests of all ages come and go as they please over the course of an afternoon or evening — can be a great way to bring folks together with a minimum of fuss. Here are some hints on how to make it fun for guests of all ages:

*Get the word out early. Be aware of people’s busy holiday schedules and send your invitations three to four weeks in advance.

Email invites are suitable for an open house, an event that traditionally runs in a four-hour time frame. If children are welcome be sure to include that on the invitation, as well as an RSVP deadline so that you can shop and prepare accordingly.

*Lighten up inside and outside. Twinkling lights are not only an inexpensive way to decorate, but really set the atmosphere for a fun party environment. Simple white Christmas lights strung outside your door as well as throughout the house can give your party that fancy glow.

*Keep a guestbook open in a convenient location. Invite guests to not only sign the book, but also share a favorite (or funny, or worst) childhood holiday memory.

*To help with crowd control, push back sofas and large furniture to your walls. Place fragile trinkets in a safe place.

Set up folding chairs for extra seating. Separate drinks and food so guests won’t crowd one room of the house. Spread out the food and allow enough walking room to let the party flow.

*Feature a kids-only craft station manned by a neighborhood teen.

*Keep the food simple and easy for guests to eat as they mix and mingle. Consider cut veggies with an assortment of dips.

Set out dishes of such treats as spiced pecans and mini holiday cookies throughout the house. Foods that can be prepared ahead of time let you enjoy the party, too.

Keep in mind, too, that if your open house is going to overlap with a standard meal time, guests are going to expect more than pretzels and candy canes.

*Replenish food offerings often. Make a clean sweep through the party regularly to pick up stray napkins, toothpicks and other discarded items.

*Don’t forget to toast your guests. At some point, when the house seems full, remember to raise a glass and thank your guests for helping you celebrate the season.