Open House Soup Party

Hosting a holiday open house is an easy way to entertain friends, family or neighbors.  Best part is you can use make ahead recipes to save time.

They can be made in and served from slow cookers.  Three or four varieties of soups are nice offerings.  Spicy chili, a chowder, a minestrone or vegetable, and a creamy soup are a good selection to choose from.  Borrow slow cookers or rent. 

Have a toppings and bread area set up so your guests can individualize their soups and select a bread side of their choice.  Croutons, sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions and parsley are nice toppings choices.

Who doesn't love a hearty bread to soak up that last bit of soup in your bowl?  Sourdough is classic for creamy soups like chowder or tomato.  Another popular choice would be a crusty baguette, sliced before guests arrive in a beautiful or festive basket.

Set up a small coffee bar.  Set up a single cup coffee maker like Keurig and put your K cups in a basket so guests can make their coffee as they please.  This time of year I always make sure I have Starbucks Christmas Blend .  It taste delicious and looks so festive!  Let's not forget the great creamers offered in grocery stores for Christmas.  Peppermint and Eggnog!  I keep them in my fridge throughout the entire holiday season.  

Dessert offerings should be simple.  Fresh fruit, brownies, cheesecake or ask friends and neighbors to bring a small variety of Christmas cookies they have baked.

 Set aside a bedroom or closet for your guests coats and purses.  

Make a play list of holiday music to go several hours.

Light candles, turn on outdoor Christmas lights, dim the inside lights.

Keep drink selections simple.  Prosecco, is a nice bubbly offering, always delicious and festive. 

Is plastic acceptable?  Well made, sturdy bowls and plates can be found in party stores, such as Party City and they ship and deliver.  Consider serving soup in coffee mugs (easy to carry).

Leaving the soups in the slow cookers on "warm setting" allows people to wander in to the kitchen and gather.  Set up small eating areas if you can with snack tables and chairs or guests will mingle and talk while sipping their soups.  

  Find a few minutes each day for yourself and enjoy time with your family, friends and neighbors.