Ideas for First Open House/Hostess Appreciation Show

[75317]

I'm planning to do my first open house but am not sure of the difference between that and a hostess appreciation show. Is there a difference? Anyway, I'm planning on hosting something at my house later this fall and pretty much invite everyone I know, former hosts and guests, etc. I know that these can be very successful shows that involve lots of work, so I'm wondering if you can share some tips....Specific questions are: How many recipes should I prepare? Should I plan on a demo or on demo stations? How do I handle cash & carry, door prizes, bookings incentives, etc. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[dawn424383]

Basically, you can make your open house any way you want it to be. As far as how much food to prepare, it all depends on how many people you expect. Have your guests RSVP so you know how much food to prepare. If you decide to do a demo, make it a quick and simple one. Put on your invite "Recipe demo at XX o'clock". You can set up "hands-on stations" for people to try products. Get some potatoes. They are cheap and can be used with lots of products. (i.e. US&G, AP/CS, Crinkle Cutter) Do a search on this site for "The Amazing Potato Demo". Door prize drawings can be done at certain times throughout the open house or you can just do one at the end. It's all up to you. There are a ton of ideas on here about booking incentives. Again, just do a search on this site. There is so much info already on here, and I don't want to be redundant, but I hope this helps spark some ideas.

Dawn Trudell
Independent Kitchen Consultant
Fort Wayne, IN

 

[Admin Greg]

Hi there! I've done a few open houses and hostess appreciation shows myself, so I can share some tips with you. The main difference between the two is that an open house is more of a casual, drop-in event where guests can come and go as they please, while a hostess appreciation show is more structured and focused on thanking your past hostesses.

For an open house, I would recommend preparing 3-4 recipes. This allows for a variety of options for guests to try, without being too overwhelming for you to prepare. As for demo, it really depends on your preference and the type of products you are showcasing. If you have products that require a demo, then you can set up a demo station. Otherwise, you can have a few products on display for guests to try out on their own.

When it comes to cash & carry, it's always a good idea to have a few items available for purchase on the spot. This can be a great way to make some sales and also give guests the option to take home something they love right away. As for door prizes and booking incentives, you can offer these throughout the event or have a specific time set aside for them. You can also offer discounts or special deals for guests who book a party during the event.

Overall, my biggest tip would be to have a plan and stay organized. Make a checklist of everything you need to do before and during the event, and don't be afraid to ask for help from friends or family. Also, have fun with it and remember to interact with your guests and make them feel welcome. Good luck with your event!