Open House
three simple gatherings for the weeks ahead
With the holiday season upon us, I’ve been thinking about how to host in a way that feels doable.
I very much value a festive moment but I also get that hosting this time of year can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re (I’m) expending most of your energy on keeping two tiny roommates alive.
But oh, how I love a good holiday party! We started an annual tradition back in our Brooklyn days. It was infamous fun! Sparkly dresses, unhinged white elephant gift exchange, overpouring champagne. I’d make fancy holiday apps and the one constant: there was always a ham.
Since moving to the country we’ve done very abbreviated versions of this party (like the time we invited just one couple but still served an entire ham, which I don’t not recommend) but I think this year I’m ready to scale things up a bit.
the friendsgiving-ish potluck
But before we get there, let’s start with Thanksgiving since it’s almost here.
To be honest I’m not sure how I feel about doing a second Thanksgiving-style Friendsgiving. That’s always felt a bit much.
I don’t want to eat Thanksgiving dinner twice and not because I don’t love it but moreso because I do and I don’t want to dishonor it by creating a second lesser version.
I do, however, enjoy the concept of a potluck dinner party in the same spirit of gathering and togetherness with friends-who-are-like-family.
So: a potluck, but make it simple and personal:
Have everyone bring a dish to represent their family
It could be related to their heritage, or just the thing they make on repeat at home
Let it be loose and wild but do try and make sure at least someone is bringing dessert
We all need more kid-friendly ideas and I like the intimacy of it, a little peek into the way we eat and live.
While I would typically abhor the idea of a potluck that feels not-curated and all over the place, in this instance I find it charming.
Someone do this and report back. My November is already spoken for with Dahlia’s birthday.
the cookie party
Another party I used to host way back in my Florida days was a cookie exchange. (Erika, are you reading?)
We would do it up the old-school way where everyone made a batch of 6 or 7 dozen of their favorite holiday cookies and then everyone split up the cookies to take home to give away as gifts, enjoy with their families, etc. This was a girls-only event and partially (mostly) an excuse to dress up and drink too much.
I also hosted a very involved cookie decorating party one year back in the city (Salt House days!). Loads of curated sprinkles, tiny dried edible flowers — it was extravagant.
This party is sort of a simplified combination of the two.
I’m imagining a cozy afternoon with friends and their little ones, part cookie exchange and part [light] cookie decorating. I don’t recommend doing the full-scale royal icing decorating unless you’re in the mood for a big project.
the basics:
Each household brings their favorite holiday cookies (any amount is fine)
Make a pot of tea + something warm/spiked for adults (mulled wine, cider, etc.)
Put out some sugar cookies, frosting + sprinkles on a kids’ table and let them go wild
I’d probably still get some boxes so people can take some favorites home.
the open house
Here’s where I’m landing for our revised annual holiday party, kid-friendly edition.
An easy, breezy, festive afternoon into very early evening. I’m thinking 3pm to around 6/7pm. Festive attire, holiday music, plenty of food to graze on — and the kids are fed without trying before everyone has to head home for bedtime routines.
First off, by simply calling it an open house, you are communicating the relaxed nature of the party. Takes the pressure off you and everyone else! The ham is the star and keeps things easy. From there it’s totally up to you how involved you want to get with other dishes, and you can definitely allow friends who ask to bring things if you’d like.
what to serve:
A ham (sliced with assorted mustards / slider buns)
A cheese board or two
Shrimp cocktail (pre-made by your fishmonger if you’re lucky)
A few bowls of pretty snacks (nuts, olives, clementines)
Something sparkling to drink
A plate of cookies/holiday bark/something sweet
Of course, this can all be gently elevated if you’re in the mood. If you’ve got a punch bowl, a festive sparking punch does well here (try a frozen pomegranate ice ring using a bundt pan).
And for the kids, I’m thinking of a mini book swap gift exchange:
Each child brings one wrapped book
Pile them into a basket or corner of the room
Everyone takes one home
Hope you enjoy these ideas! None requiring new serving dishes, babysitters, or unnecessary stress.
Wishing you a season filled with love and overflowing Crémant,
x Sarah