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Holding an ‘At Home’.

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merlotgran Mon 08-Sept-25 09:37:39

You’re very brave. I thought ‘At Homes’ died out with the dinner party.
If my experiences are anything to go by you need a big house because once they arrive the blighters won’t go home. 😂

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Pantglas2 Mon 08-Sept-25 09:21:57

I did this on the weekend of my 60th (almost a decade ago) simply invited folks round any time from Friday evening to Sunday evening.

There was a steady stream in that period with no overlap which meant I got to enjoy everyone’s company without anyone feeling neglected.

I offered champagne, tea or coffee with a few crostini, sausage rolls and Bara Brith which kept the tipplers and drivers happy!

One of my bestest birthdays 🤗

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Grandmabatty Mon 08-Sept-25 08:48:05

I wouldn't ask lots of visitors to remove their shoes as that could be problematic. If you have quite a few arriving at the same time, where would the piles of shoes go? Might they cause accidents?
I would serve canapes that are already prepared and have reserve plates made up in the fridge. Avoid warm dishes because you will be constantly in the kitchen.

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Cabbie21 Mon 08-Sept-25 08:42:22

Has anyone done this? Any tips? Pitfalls?
I am thinking about doing this on my birthday. It is on a weekday, so I will be celebrating with my family at the weekend, but I am wondering about inviting friends to drop in between certain hours, avoiding meal times.
I don’t have a big house, but there is a flow of rooms from sitting room to dining-kitchen to conservatory.
What food and drink do you offer?
How do you cope if there is a huge influx at one time?
And controversially, shoes on/ off?
I don’t want gifts either.

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