Hosting an open house on a budget

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Event doesn’t have to break the bank

A holiday open house instead of a full-blown party is a great way to host without breaking the bank. But that’s not its only benefits.

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“The best thing about an open house is the flexibility it offers guests during the busy holiday season,” say Sebastien and Sheila Centner, authors of Eatertainment (published in Canada by Appetite by Random House®, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, September 13, 2022).

“Between work parties, family gatherings and other obligations, everyone’s calendar fills up fast. With a multi-hour event window, your guests can drop by whenever it’s convenient, whether they stay for 30 minutes or a couple of hours. This way, they can attend multiple events in one day without feeling rushed.”

An open house also creates a low-pressure atmosphere. Guests aren’t tied to a formal start time, and you avoid the stress of hosting a rigid, sit-down event. “Instead, your gathering becomes a casual and fluid affair, perfect for catching up with friends and family at their leisure,” the Centners say.

The entertainment gurus offer 10 budget-friendly tips to help you create an enjoyable and festive atmosphere that keeps both your guests and your wallet happy:

1. Ditch disposable dishes. Skip the plastic plates and paper cups to save money in the long run and reduce waste. Use your own dishes, borrow extras or visit a local thrift store to stock up. Washing dishes might take a little extra effort but it’s a worthwhile trade-off for a classier, eco-friendly vibe.
2. Invite guests to bring a favourite dish. Turn your open house into a potluck. Inviting guests to bring a dish they love adds variety to the menu while lowering your food costs. To keep things organized, suggest specific categories like appetizers or desserts so you know what to expect or ask guests to let you know in advance what they’re planning to bring so you don’t end up with multiples of the same item.
3. Keep the menu simple and grazing friendly. Stick to easy-to-eat, room-temperature items like charcuterie boards, finger sandwiches and dips. This eliminates the need for labourious hot dishes and allows guests to graze throughout the event. Keep platters smaller so they’re easier to replenish, which keeps everything fresh and presentable.
4. Serve one specialty cocktail. Instead of stocking a full bar, prepare a single signature drink such as a holiday sangria or spiked cider in batches. Serving a pre-mixed cocktail in a large dispenser or pitcher makes it easy for guests to help themselves and minimizes your time behind the bar. Remember, adding ice to the batch will water it down. Instead, have a filled ice bucket on hand.
5. Set up a self-serve bar. Create a self-serve bar area with wine, beer and garnishes for your signature cocktail.
6. Include elevated alcohol-free options like sparkling water with fresh fruit garnishes, festive mocktails or seasonal juices to ensure everyone feels included. Plus, it’s a great way to stay on budget, as alcohol can quickly become one of the biggest expenses.
7. Use what you already have. There’s no need to buy new decorations. Repurpose items like fairy lights, candles and ornaments you already own. A bowl of seasonal fruits or a vase filled with evergreen branches makes a festive and free centrepiece.
8. Set a smart schedule to manage food expectations. Keep in mind that if you invite guests through the prime dinner hours of 5 to 8 p.m., they likely won’t have eaten beforehand, and you’ll need to feed them a ‘dinner replacement.’ If you want to avoid that, invite guests for shoulder hours like 3 to 6 p.m. or 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. and note on your invite that ‘light snacks will be served’ so guests know what to expect and you can keep your food budget in line.
9. Offer takeaway options for leftovers. Avoid food waste by having disposable take-out containers if guests would like to take leftovers home. Not only does this save you from dealing with a mountain of food, but it’s also a thoughtful way to send guests home with a little holiday treat.
10. Use free digital invitations. Skip printed invites in lieu of free online platforms like Evite or Paperless Post, which also make it easy to track RSVPs and send reminders.

Tips for a smooth open house

Even the most laid-back open house requires a bit of organization to go off without a hitch. Follow these tips from Sebastian and Sheila Centner of Eatertainment Events & Catering of Toronto:

• Set a clear start and end time. Phrases like ‘Join us between 4 and 8 p.m. for holiday cheer!’ give your guests the flexibility to drop by while setting a clear start and end time.
• Break up your to-do list. Spread tasks over a few days to avoid scrambling at the last minute. Decorate, set up serving areas and plan the menu in advance.
• Prep the night before. Arrange platters, set out decorations and clear clutter.
• Create zones to direct flow. To prevent guests from crowding the kitchen, place food, drinks and seating in different areas. This encourages mingling and helps avoid bottlenecks.
• Empty the trash and dishwasher before the event so you’re not stuck mid-party dealing with overflow. It’s a simple step that makes cleanup easier when guests leave.