A holiday open house is the most relaxed way to host at Christmas. Instead of a fixed start time, guests drop by whenever suits them during a window of several hours, stay for a drink and a mince pie, and move on to their next visit. It is ideal for busy December weekends when people have several invitations, and for hosts who want to see many friends, neighbours and colleagues without organising a seated dinner. This 5 x 7 inch invitation captures that neighbourly spirit with a row of snowy houses along the bottom, each with warm yellow windows, under a midnight blue sky.
What Makes an Open House Different
The key phrase on the invitation is Drop by anytime between 2 and 6 PM. It tells guests they do not need to arrive on time or stay all afternoon. That flexibility is the point. Families with small children can come early, friends with evening plans can stop in for half an hour, and neighbours can wander over after their own errands. As host, you get a steady stream of visitors rather than one big rush, and conversations are easier in smaller groups. The invitation’s wording, layout and calm colours all support this relaxed, welcoming feel.
The Village Design
The background is a deep midnight blue with gentle snow falling at the top, sides and bottom, kept clear of the text so every word is easy to read. You are warmly invited to our is written in gold Lora italic. HOLIDAY appears in large cream Cinzel capitals with wide spacing, and OPEN HOUSE sits underneath in gold. A small gold divider leads to the details: the time window and day in Lora, the host and address, a gold italic line about mulled wine, cookies and good company, and the RSVP note.
Along the bottom, five houses stand side by side in brick red, forest green, warm ochre, plum and slate blue. Each has a snow-covered roof, two lit windows and a dark door, and the row sits on a white band of snow. The houses are grouped as one illustration, so the whole village moves and recolours together.
Wording an Open House Invitation
An open house invitation needs a time window rather than a start time, the address, a hint of what you will serve, and whether children are welcome. The sample says: Drop by anytime between 2 and 6 PM on Sunday, December 13, at The Andersons, with mulled wine, cookies, and good company. Kids welcome. RSVP appreciated is softer than a firm request, which suits the casual format, though a rough headcount helps you plan food. Other phrases that work well include Come and go as you please, Stop by for a festive drink, and Bring the whole family.
Planning Food for a Come and Go Party
Because guests arrive throughout the afternoon, choose food that can sit out and be replenished: a cheese board, a platter of cold cuts, sausage rolls, mince pies, Christmas cookies and fruit. A slow cooker of meatballs or soup keeps hot food ready without fuss. Mulled wine or cider on the stove fills the house with a festive smell. Plan for each guest to stay about an hour and eat a light snack, rather than a full meal. Refill platters from the kitchen every hour so the table always looks generous for new arrivals.
Making the House Feel Welcoming
An open house is all about the welcome at the door. Light the path, hang a wreath, and leave the porch light on even in daylight. Have someone greet guests and take coats, so the host is not stuck at the door all afternoon. Play quiet Christmas music, light candles, and make sure there is somewhere to sit in each room. A guest book on a side table is a lovely way to remember who came.
Editing the Open House Details
Click each line to replace it with your own details. Keep the time window clear and simple. If you want guests to bring something, add a short note such as Unwrapped toy donations welcome for the local charity drive. The houses can be recoloured by selecting the group and changing the colours of individual houses. To make the scene feel more like your own street, you could change the number of houses by ungrouping them and deleting or copying one.
Business and Office Open Houses
Many shops, offices and studios hold a holiday open house for clients and the local community. The design works well: change the host line to your business name, add your street address, and adjust the italic line to describe what visitors can expect, such as festive refreshments, a seasonal discount, or a chance to meet the team. Keep the time window within your opening hours, and post the invitation in your shop window and on social media.
Printing the Open House Invitation
Download the PDF and print on 5 x 7 card stock with full bleed, since the navy sky and the snow band reach the edges. A matte card gives a soft, velvety look to the dark blue. For neighbours, hand-deliver invitations a few weeks ahead; for colleagues and friends further away, post them or send the digital version.
Sending the Open House Invite to Neighbours
Download a JPG and send it in your street’s group chat or by email. A short message such as Drop in any time on the 13th; we would love to see you, makes it personal. Because open houses are casual, a digital invitation is perfectly appropriate.
Open House Questions
Do guests need to RSVP?
It helps, but many hosts are relaxed about it. The invitation says RSVP appreciated, which encourages replies without pressure.
Can I change the colour of the windows?
Yes. Ungroup the houses or select the windows inside the group and change their colour.
Which date is the sample?
Sunday, December 13, 2026, two weekends before Christmas, which falls on a Friday that year.
Open the Door to the Season
Fill in your time window, choose your treats, and send the invitation. A warm house, a pot of mulled wine, and a steady stream of friends is the most welcoming way to celebrate the season.
