Hosting a Successful Raya Open House
Leave a memorable impression on your guests with these essential tips.
These days, hosting a corporate open house is no longer a chore. While some companies may opt to organise their own in-house events, many now prefer the convenience of hosting it at an established hotel. Usually held one month after Hari Raya, the spotlight of these events often fall upon one crucial factor – the food.
Buffet offerings
Traditional delicacies have been proven to be extremely popular among guests – from classic Malay dishes to humble street food options, hotels can never go wrong with these quintessential offerings. Tap into the nostalgia with a dazzling variety of rendang, curry and soto items that’s bound to leave the guests craving for more. Finally, top that off with free-flow cordial punch and soft drinks for a thirst-quenching finish.
Preparing for a buffet set-up is a tedious task in itself, so one solution to ease the burden of planning on both the customer and the hotel is by offering set menu and package options. This is undoubtedly easier compared to selecting the dishes one by one, and it helps your back of house maximise the existing inventory of ingredients. Highlighting the benefits of such packages by offering a nominal discount or cash rebate will surely encourage preference towards such an arrangement.
Decorations
When it comes to festive decorations, a thematic display is often a favourite among guests. Some of the more popular options pay homage towards traditions such as kampung houses, Arabic architecture, and luxurious batik fabric for the stage backdrop.
There’s also the option of decorating the buffet line-up in an individual setting, each with their own stations for added exclusivity. Otherwise, a common longline buffet table can be used to encourage mingling among guests.
Entertainment
Standard AV and entertainment equipment are often inclusive in buffet packages. Additional services like outsourcing an emcee or arranging live performances can be offered for an additional rate.
This festive season, focus on Raya-based offerings such as kompang musical performances and live singers belting out Malay oldies for a homage to the yesteryears. Guests are generally more receptive towards familiar genres of entertainment that reminds them of a familiar cultural experience.
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