Want to entertain this holiday season without the major stress? An open-house holiday party is the way to go. Not a sit-down dinner for just a handful of friends, and not a frenzied cocktail party either — but rather, a leisurely stretch of time with people coming and going as they please, enjoying a self-serve bar and an array of tasty treats. Everyone’s time is so stretched in the final month of the year, and this kind of party allows people to stop by when it works for them and stay as long as they wish. It also allows you to host a lot of people in one day (e.g., knock off all those IOUs for the times you’ve been their guest) without trying to cram everything and everyone into your house at once.

Pick a date and a stretch of time that works for you. If you are planning this for a weekend, you might think about an afternoon party, perhaps 2 to 6, especially if you are including a lot of families with kids; for the evening, 4 to 8 or 5 to 9 is a good option. A four-hour time frame allows for a nice flow of people coming and going, and hopefully means that you will be able to spend some real time with each guest. Send an invitation — either paper or online — with all the details.

Start by thinking about buffet-style food that can be served at room temperature — or, if served warm, can cool to room temperature and still be appealing. Don't feel the need to have an enormous menu — four or five offerings are just fine, but consider making more than one platter of each dish. You can swap out the picked-over plate as the party goes on, and switch in a fresh new plate. And of course, everything needs to be made ahead. You don't want a house full of people while you dash around the kitchen sauteing salmon or whipping cream. Think about color, things that make sense together on a plate, and make sure you have something from all the food groups. Don't forget to have an offering for those who are vegetarian and gluten-free, if you know some of your guests will be looking for these options.

Think in terms of bite-sized options, since all the food will be served at once. You may decide that all the food should be served as finger food, or at least in individually sized portions. Make a hot dip the day before, and heat it as guests arrive. Or, use your slow cooker to make savory meatballs. (You could even serve them and keep them warm in the slow cooker.) Old-school pigs in a blanket are always a safe bet. Make them ahead, freeze and heat in batches as your guests roll in.

See: Make-Ahead Appetizer Ideas