Keys to hosting a holiday open house from the heart

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. -- Many people hold a holiday open house each year because their house simply couldn't accommodate all the friends and family if they all arrived and left at the same time.

So during a four-hour window on a Sunday afternoon during the holiday season, invite people to have a glass of wine, snack on cheese tart and watch scores of children generally run amok.

An open house, which originated as a New Year's tradition in Europe and has been held in the U.S. since George Washington was president, also has a low-key vibe compared to a "party."

People don't have to dress up, but they can if they want to. They don't have to bring a dish, but they can if they want to. Honestly, they don't even have to RSVP, but it's nice when they do.

There are a few dos and don'ts when it comes to hosting an open house.

• Don't waste a lot of time and effort on passed hors d'oeuvres.

Since you're serving food over a period of time that goes from brunch to early dinner and to a group of rotating guests -- some had a meal before they came and some didn't -- spreading out the food on the dining room table allows people to eat at their leisure.

You may also want to serve some foods in a slow cooker: It keeps mini meatballs and brisket warm without burning them or overcooking them. There also are a fair amount of foods that taste good whether they're warm, room temperature or even cold. Just remember, the USDA recommends leaving room-temperature food out for no more than two hours.

As for dessert, think finger foods like brownies and cookies. Cakes and pies don't hold up their appearances for a long period of time once the first slice or two are cut.

• Don't waste money on top-shelf alcohol, especially on an afternoon open house.

Most people seem to either drink a mixed drink or wine. Warm apple cider or red wine with mulling spices do wonders for making a house smell like the holidays. These drinks also can go in a slow cooker.

• Plan a craft for the children.

Because people will be constantly coming and going, it's hard to get a game going. But children also aren't as entertained by chatting and nibbling as their parents. An art activity can be done in shifts.

It's also important to serve food that children like, but that doesn't necessarily mean "kid food." Homemade macaroni and cheese or chicken fingers dredged in a mustard mixture before breading can be crowd pleasers for multiple generations.

And you'd be surprised how many children end up reaching for an item in a crudite.

• There's no need to take a post at the front door and be a formal greeter.

An open door goes with an open house. People walk in and out without an escort -- it just adds to the casual, friendly feeling.

You may want to try to get to your guests within the first few minutes, but they will quickly outnumber you. By leaving the door ever-so-slightly ajar, guests walk in, find a place to stash their coats and even pour themselves a drink.