Open House Made Easy Recipe

How to make it

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• This is an easy party because, all you need to do is be organized and alert! Choose your menu according to your skill level. The easier the better. You want to be out in the room enjoying your friends and family...not stuck frantic in the kitchen!
• Pick foods that are low maintenance during the party and easy to replenish.
• Make sure hubby close friend are keeping an eye out along with you. 4 or 6 eyes are better than 2!
• The sky is the limit when it comes to what is appropriate food to serve for your open house.
• The easiest and most simple way to entertain guests is with a buffet.
• A general rule is that everyone will not eat everything. People normally will eat more starches and meats than vegetables.
• Remember leftovers are better than a sparse spread.
• Here is a guide for you when you are estimating your food quantities for your buffet.
• For individual meats, fish, poultry: 5 - 6 ounces per person If the cuts of meat have bones in them, consider adding more weight per person.
• For pasta dishes: A pound will serve 8-10 people.
• For appetizers: Estimate about 10-12 items total per person. Make 3-4 of each item per person, keeping in mind that everyone may not take all of the items.
• For desserts: Calculate one full portion of dessert per person. For multiple desserts, people will taste smaller portions of each item.
• Set the bar up AWAY from the food or you will have gridlock. Think of the flow of people and access to ice. Fill a bathtub or sink with ice and shove all the wine and sodas into the cubes. Works great! Beverages:
• Consider having a couple of the following seasonal beverages to fit the festive occasion:
• Eggnog
• Mulled Cider
• Cranberry Cocktail
• Hot Chocolate
• Coffee Bar - set out a few flavored liqueurs, brandy, whipped cream, and grated chocolate.
• If you plan on setting up a basic bar, plan to have the following on hand for every 10 adult guests:
• 1 case of beer
• 2 liters of seltzer
• 3 liters of soft drinks (diet and regular)
• 2 quarts of fruit juice
• Plenty of chilled bottled mineral water (sparkling and still)
• 2 bottles of wine - one red, one white
• Hard liquor - a fifth makes aprox. 14 drinks Lemon and lime wedges and twists, olives and other garnish
• Lots of ice - plan on 1 lb. per adult guest for the evening.
• Dip pear, apple, banana slices, etc. in cool water with some lemon juice in it so they don't turn brown from the air.
• There you are! Have a stress free, enjoyable evening!