How to Host an Open House

The holidays are the perfect time to reconnect with friends, family and neighbours. Host an informal drop-in (complete with an easy and elegant wine and chocolate pairing station) for a fun and festive way to kick off the season. Devin Connell, founder of food website Crumb and owner of Toronto’s Delica Kitchen, shares her top three holiday entertaining tips.

KEEP YOUR FRIDGE AND PANTRY STOCKED with smoked salmon, cured meats, cheeses, olives, nuts, crackers, and plain potato chips (the latter make an easy canapé base) so that you’re always ready for drop-by guests. 

NO NEED TO SPEND A FORTUNE ON FLOWERS—instead, use your grocery store as a one-stop shop and use bright, festive bowls of clementines and vases of fresh herbs like rosemary to create lush-looking displays and centrepieces. 

CREATE MULTIPLE FOOD AND DRINK STATIONS to encourage guests to spread out and mingle, rather than bottle-necking in one area, like the kitchen. Stocking wine and ice in more than one spot will also help guests to serve themselves and keep the festivities flowing. For gorgeous decor, don’t miss our how-to instructions for the perfect holiday wreath, festive chair tie backs and table runner, and a show stopping LINDOR chandelier. And impress your guests with these chocolate party favours and recipes: Lindt Dark Chocolate-Dipped Treats, Lindt EXCELLENCE Chocolate Eggnog and White Chocolate and Ricotta Crostini.