Open house invite etiquette

nottelling
Mon, 14 Nov 2016 19:00:21 +0000

I might start it a little earlier --say 3:00 to 6:00. People are less likely to be hungry or to expect substantial fare at that hour. I think if you put “Open House” on the invite, most people will show up an hour late. That’s been my experience in my region, but it could be different in your area. I would definitely put an ending time no later than 7 if you are not having dinner or very heavy hors d’oeuvres.

I personally appreciate descriptive invitations, so I would like an invitation that said “wine and cheese” or “cocktails” or “drinks and snacks” or whatever because I like to know whether to eat a hearty lunch and whether to plan for dinner. “Wine and cheese” would be the descriptor that would lead me to be less likely to expect substantial food.