One thing my husband jokes about not knowing what he was getting into is how much I LOVE to host a good and unique party.
This year as we celebrated our 11th Annual Xmas Open House, because we were literally finishing a flooring reno the night before, I was completely unprepared. 100%.
But I am good under pressure. So if you gotta do it, do it with style.
Here are a few tips to breeze through an Open House and still look like you meant to do it all.
DRINK
Years back, a good friend introduced us to Eggnog In Quantity from the Joy of Cooking. We call it Killer Nog and if you aren’t careful it will knock you off your feet. After a few tries, I have modified this slightly to suit our tastes.
Killer Eggnog Recipe
Serves 20-30 people
- 12 Egg yolks
- 3/4 lb. of sugar
- 3-5 cups of dark rum (dark is better than spiced)
- 6-8 cups of whipping cream
- 12 Egg whites
- Nutmeg and cinnamon
Directions:
Night Before:
1) Separate eggs.
Tip: I know it’s a simple concept but separating each egg individually in a small bowl first to ensure no shells go into the mass of yolks and whites has saved me countless fishing expeditions.
2) Beat yolks till they are light in colour. Beat in sugar and add half of rum, beating constantly.
Tip: I use my KitchenAid mixer which makes this step insanely simple.
3) Refrigerate overnight to get rid of egg taste. If you are doing all the morning of the party, let mixture stand for at least an hour.
Day of Party:
4) Add remaining rum and whip cream while beating constantly.
5) Let sit covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 hrs.
6) Beat egg whites until stiff but still moist. Fold egg whites into the other ingredients.
7) Garnish with nutmeg and cinnamon
Tip: This is a boozy recipe so to keep people functioning throughout the day, we only include 1.5 cups of Rum to sit overnight and then 1.5 cups added in in the morning. We use whip cream instead of heavy cream and have a regular egg nog on hand if its a bit thick and needs to be cut.
Twinkling Light Punch Recipe
Serves 20-30 people
2 Frozen Pink Lemonade
1 Frozen Orange Juice
2 Cups of Sugar
2 Cans of Pineapple Juice
2 Bottles of Cranberry Cocktail
2L of Gingerale
1/3 Cup of Lemon Juice
Garnish with all kinds of seasonal fruit
Tip: Night before fill ziploc bags with water. A block of ice melts much slower and doesn’t dilute the punch as quickly.
FOOD
Serves 30 people
Keep it simple.
Open House Menu
Beef Tenderloin served with dinner rolls, special mustard and horseradish
Costco Tortiere served with HP sauce
Shrimp Ring with cocktail sauce
Slow cooked IKEA Meatballs using IKEA gravy
Veggie and Hummus
Curried Devilled Eggs
Charcuterie Plate
Cheese Plate
Nachos and Salsa
Pickles, Olives, Antipasto
Arugula, Cherry Tomato, Boccacini and Balsamic glaze bites
Melted Brie with Maple syrup, Carmelized Onion, Slivered almonds
PRESENTATION
Get creative in how you display your food. Jewellery boxes, tea cups, shooter glasses, potting pails can provide a new look to your fun festive table.
Add vanilla candles around the room and simmer cinnamon sticks on the stove to keep the house delighting senses as people walk in.
MUSIC
Songza’s Holiday lists have been our superhero this whole holiday season. Just concierge up what you are looking for and you are ready to go.
MOMENTS
Taking time to enjoy friends over the holidays could very well be the best gift you can give yourself.
ENJOY!