Hosting a Holiday Open House: Tips and Advice

[kristyjab]

Hello Everyone. I was thinking of having an Open House/Grand Opening/Holiday Cooking Show w Power cooking w Chicken, December 13 at my new home. On these threads it seems like everyone's Open House experiences around the holidays have not been that great. I have 3 upcoming parties in the area I am moving to so I am hoping to snag a couple of invitees there and ofcourse some of my family will most likely come.

I just wanted to see if anyone has had a postive Open House experience that close around the holidays. I can not solicit in my neighborhood and I have only met one of one of my neighbors. I have the trick r treat bags for the kids with my contact info on them that I am handing out for Halloween.

Any past experience advice is appreciated.

 

[ltkacz]

I personally would not do it that late into December. I also have never done a demo at mine (this will be the third year row) and people have commented on how lovely it was. It gives it a more personal connection which, I feel, solidifies the relationship.

 

[stefani2]

I did an Open House last year and it was a $1,700 Show. I handed out invitations for the Open House/Mystery Host AND FOLLOWED UP WITH PHONE CALLS a few days before. I ran it on a Sunday afternoon RIGHT before the CHristmas Shipping Deadline (It was around the 9th of December for Alberta, Canada). I demoed a pizza, I think. I had a few extra prizes laying around that I raffled off to people in attendance.

I also had emailed out the 12 days of Christmas in the beginning of December - and got 3 quick catty shows out of it.

I am thinking of doing it again - but at the end of November instead (for SAT).

Just know ahead of time, that Open House/Clinics can be hit and miss. So even if it doesn't go over well - doesn't mean you did anything wrong.