Inviting friends and neighbours for mince pies etc on Christmas Eve......

[Jas]

I want to do some brief invitations for the dds to give to friends and neighbours for an open house/ low budget celebration.

What can I call it so it doesn't raise expectations to a full on party, but also not expecting people to bring their own food.

I've left it a bit late as it is

Is,
"You are invited to.....
on.....
for mince pies and mulled wine

ok??

Give a start and end time so people know they will not be getting a full on party/dinner

Good idea, I did include a start time.
Is 3 hours ok for an end time? (Friends probably will stay for tea, but I'm hoping not to have to cater for school friends and their families all day too.)

Oh, I could just say between 1 and 4 and hopefully everyone won't turn up at the same time, then.

Thanks.

Depends how long you can bear it for! When you want them to go emerge from the kitchen wearing a pinny and rubber gloves and start clearing away the glasses

JAs I agree with the between 1 and 3 bit nad also as long as you just put mince pies and mulled wine - I wouldnt expect a full on dinner

Invite for 1 may indicate lunch. I would say between 2 and 4. You will inevitably have some stragglers.

Drinks and nibbles! Indicates something to eat but not full meal buffet.

i think 1 is too early - how about 3-5? that is a usual time for mulled wine?

two hours is good else so they come at a similar time rather than straggle in one at a time?

If kids are coming a plate of sandwiches may be a good idea else they will eat all the pies!

Thanks everyone,

I've done two versions, one "from 1pm" (for the friends I usually meet for tea and a chat on a Wednesday), and one "between 2 and 4" (for everyone else)

I like drinks and nibbles so have changed that bit too (but I said Seasonal drinks....)

I am planning on doing a treasure hunt for children, and making gingerbread biscuits.

I want to come! it's too far...
Our neighbours did this a couple of years ago, and it was lovely... but they moved away last year

I am too shy to organise (and too pg this year anyway )

You'd always be welcome

I am not naturally sociable, but did something similar last year and really enjoyed it. It helped keep all the children busy in the pre Christmas excitement, too.

My neighbours are doing this, I think its a lovely idea. They have put on invite dropped through door "We would love to see you on xxx between 2.30pm and 5pm for mulled wine, mince pies and general seasonal cheer". I think that gives the general idea quite well.

I want to come too and to TurkeyLurky's neighbours house

yes, we're doing a christmassy open house type thing this saturday. 3pm onwards.
for mince pies and mulled wine.

it's a fab idea