Open House Menu
With your house decorated for the holidays, and a crisp chill in the air, what better way to spread good cheer than to open your home to friends and family for a festive holiday open house cocktail party. Mix and match a couple of these for a delicious array of appetizers for your cocktail party. Or, for something more substantial, and family-oriented, include a make-your-own sandwich bar, too.
Bar Snacks and Sips:
Place a couple of bowls of spiced nuts around your bar for people to nibble on while they pour their favorite drink.
Roasted Tomato and Jalapeño Salsa
From The Daily Meal
A snack-time favorite with roasted tomatoes instead of fresh. Serve with lots of blue and white corn chips.
From The Daily Meal
A cool cocktail full of fresh flavors that will warm you right up.
From The Daily Meal
Another pear-flavored cocktail, this time served warm. You can also simply spike hot apples cider with a bourbon or whisky of your choice for something more simply flavored.
Warm Appetizers:
Ofrenda's Swiss Chard Wrapped Shrimp Tamales
From The Daily Meal
Instead of wrapping the tamales in corn husks, these Mexican treats are wrapped in Swiss chard leaves and are fully edible.
Sour Cream and Caviar Topped Latkes
From The Daily Meal
Set this on a table, so people can create their own treat-topped potato pancake. For a kid-friendly version, also include a bowl of applesauce.
Salmon Cakes with Honey Mustard Aioli
From The Daily Meal
Top with aioli just as they come out of the oven and serve immediately; the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Cool Appetizers:
From The Daily Meal
These easy-to-make bite sized treats are a healthy offering that will disappear quickly.
From The Daily Meal
The classic cocktail party food goes hi-brow with the addition of rich and flavorful smoked salmon.
Eggplant and Charred Pepper Bruschetta
From The Daily Meal
This rich and flavorful vegetarian option is a heartier twist on an Italian favorite.
Something Substantial:
Cheese Plate
What cocktail party would be complete without an array of cheeses? Follow our tips on creating your own, or take some suggestions from these experienced fromagers around the country. Whatever you choose, make sure to pair your cheeses with a variety of freshly sliced breads, hearty crackers, and light crisps. Include some flavorful accoutrements, as well, like honey, plum or fig jams, fresh grapes or berries
Make-Your-Own-Sandwich Bar
For many, open house-style cocktail parties also substitute for dinner. To satisfy the heartiest appetite – or any children who might be in attendance, prepare a smorgasbord of deli meats, sliced cheeses, garnishes and toppings so that your guests can create their own "perfect" bite sized sandwich.
Fanciful sandwich ideas:
Holiday Ham with Honey Mustard on Biscuits
Smoked Turkey with Cranberry Sauce and Swiss Cheese
Roast Beef with Dijonaise
Sweet Treats:
This decadent dessert is beautiful to look at, and even better to eat. Plus, it is perfect for serving a crowd.
Cookie Plate
A wide array of your family's favorite cookies and bar treats – or these holiday options – is always a good dessert option when feeding a crowd. Everyone can pick what they like and portion sizes are perfect.