Preparing for Open House: Advice Needed!

[pcjulie]

Okay, I know December is a few months away, but I need some advice on what to do for this open house I'm doing.

Here's the situation: A member of the historical society for a community near mine is having an open house one weekend and a Christmas tree tour the next weekend, and they are both being held in an historic house they wish to renovate. They wanted a PC consultant to set up a display in the kitchen and if possible be on hand to answer any questions. I am able to give them something to include in the packet of info. they give to each person who buys a ticket, but the good news/bad news is that they don't know how many to expect but wouldn't be surprised to get 500-700 people to come through!

I think for my display I'm going to make it look like I'm baking Christmas cookies in there (it's a very small galley kitchen) and decorate with some of the linens and SA pieces in the deep window sill available. There is a place where I can have them fill out survey forms and I can draw one for a prize (I'm buying a stone with the special this month).

I need suggestions on if or what I should serve for food as they come through, and what I should include in the packet of info. they hand out. I'd like to get started on this ASAP so I don't have to worry about it at the end of November.

Thanks for reading my rambling and for any advice you can give!

 

[sarahmarie]

I have never made them but are oreo Truffles easy? make something small before hand. With that many people you dont want dips or anything. You could also do little baggies with the festive bark (i dont remember the name, it is in All the Best) and tie them with a cute ribbon. that way people are not touching everything. i would do a flyer with host benefits and website promotion.

 

[sarahmarie]

ooo! also, have out a food chopper and some nuts, and a few other little gadgets (that you dont mind people using) have on your apron and whatever you made for people, pretend to make it there. have stuff in mixing bowls, buy a "Christmas cookie" candle from Yankee Candle! let people be hands on with the products but not with the food!

 

[VeronicaW]

Open House Samples IdeasKeep it simple! Make it look Great! Draw them in!

Here are some ideas:

The Wine and Cheese set-up, non-alcoholic of course.
A baked apple dish, have the APCS ready w/bowl or WS of apples.
Cinnamon/Apple Cider in our Carafe, coffee too!
Gingered Harvest Nuts. (I like this idea of placing the nuts in a baggie with your b.card and a tip)

 

[lisacb77]

Cookies are always good, b/c you can show how nice they look on the bottom since you made with stoneware. You can also cross sell the cookie press, EAD, the new decorator bottles, baker's roller & mat. Serve them off the cooling rack with the mini spatula. Everyone loves cookies at Christmas so show them how to make it easy!

At my last open house, I had recipes already made with signs in front of them saying what tools I used. Can't hurt!

Oh and put on your door prize drawing you are also drawing for free cooking shows! Then no one is surprised if you call with that