The Hari Raya open house is one of Singapore’s warmest traditions — doors open, tables fill with food, and family, friends and colleagues drop by to celebrate together after the fasting month. Whether you are hosting an intimate family gathering or a corporate open house for staff and clients, this guide covers food, decor, activities and venue ideas, plus a planning checklist to keep the day joyful rather than stressful.
What makes a great open house
At its heart, an open house is about hospitality and togetherness. Guests come and go throughout the day, so the format is relaxed and flexible. The essentials are simple: good food, a welcoming space, and enough seating and flow for people to mingle comfortably. Everything else — decor, activities, entertainment — builds on that foundation.
Food: the heart of the celebration
No open house is complete without a generous spread. Popular dishes include:
- Ketupat and rendang — the classic centrepiece pairing.
- Lontong, satay and sambal goreng — well-loved festive favourites.
- Kuih and cookies — pineapple tarts, kuih makmur and an assortment of sweets.
- Cold drinks and syrup bandung — refreshing in the Singapore heat.
Since guests arrive at different times, a buffet or grazing format works best. For larger or corporate gatherings, halal catering handles the volume and keeps the host free to greet people. Order early — caterers get booked out during the festive period.
Decor and setting the mood
You do not need to overdo it — a few thoughtful touches create a festive feel:
- Ketupat decorations and pelita-style lights for a traditional accent.
- A warm colour palette — greens, golds and soft neutrals.
- A styled food and dessert table as the visual centrepiece.
- A welcome corner or backdrop for family and guest photos.
For a corporate open house where you want a polished, on-brand look, our styling and decor team can dress the space and create a photo-worthy setting that reflects the occasion.
Activities and entertainment
Open houses are lovely without any programme, but a few light touches keep guests engaged, especially at bigger gatherings:
- A photo corner or booth so guests leave with a festive keepsake.
- Traditional games like congkak or gasing for a nostalgic touch.
- Live music or a kompang performance for a celebratory arrival.
- Children’s activities — colouring, a caricature artist or simple games.
Keep it low-key and optional so the relaxed, come-and-go spirit of an open house is preserved.
Family vs corporate open house
| Consideration | Family open house | Corporate open house |
|---|---|---|
| Guest count | Smaller, come-and-go | Larger, staff and clients |
| Venue | Home or void deck | Office or event space |
| Catering | Home-cooked or light catering | Full halal catering |
| Formality | Casual | Semi-formal, branded touches |
Corporate open houses are a wonderful way to strengthen team bonds and client relationships. Our corporate events team can handle catering coordination, decor and entertainment so the day runs smoothly.
Choosing a venue
Homes and void decks are traditional for family open houses, but many hosts — especially companies or those with large guest lists — prefer a dedicated space. A function room or event venue offers air-conditioning, room to mingle and easier logistics for catering and setup. Browse options suited to gatherings in our directory of corporate event spaces, and check capacity, catering rules and parking before booking.
Open house planning checklist
- Set the date and window — open houses often run across several hours.
- Confirm the venue — home, void deck or an event space.
- Book catering early — festive slots fill fast.
- Plan decor and a photo corner in a festive palette.
- Arrange any activities — booth, games or music.
- Prepare for flow — seating, drinks stations and clear walkways.
- Send invitations with timing, address and parking details.
Managing the come-and-go flow gracefully
The charm of an open house is also its logistical quirk: guests arrive in waves across the day rather than all at once, so plan for a steady rhythm instead of a single seating. Keep the food topped up and fresh throughout rather than laying everything out at the start, which leaves early dishes tired by mid-afternoon. Set up a clear drinks station guests can help themselves from, so you are not tied to serving. Arrange seating in small clusters to encourage mingling, and leave clear walkways near the entrance where arrivals and departures naturally bottleneck. A simple welcome sign and a spot for shoes and bags keep the doorway calm. If you are expecting a large turnout, a couple of helpers to greet guests, replenish food and clear plates make all the difference — freeing you to do the one thing the day is really about, which is spending time with the people who came.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Hari Raya open house last?
Open houses are flexible — many run for several hours or even the whole day, with guests dropping by as they please. A buffet or grazing food format suits this come-and-go rhythm.
How much food should I prepare for an open house?
Because guests arrive at different times, plan for a steady flow rather than everyone eating at once. For larger or corporate gatherings, halal catering is the easiest way to manage volume and variety.
Can I host a corporate Hari Raya open house?
Absolutely. A corporate open house is a great way to celebrate with staff and clients. An event space with catering, decor and a photo corner keeps it festive and professional.
What decor suits a Hari Raya open house?
Ketupat decorations, warm greens and golds, festive lighting and a styled food table create the mood. A welcome backdrop or photo corner adds a lovely keepsake element.
When should I book catering and a venue?
Book several weeks ahead, as caterers and popular venues get reserved quickly during the festive season. Early booking gives you the best choice and time to plan decor and activities.
Host a warm, welcoming celebration
A great Hari Raya open house comes down to good food, a comfortable space and genuine hospitality — the rest is a bonus. Whether it is a family gathering or a corporate celebration, tell us your guest count and venue and we will help with catering coordination, decor and entertainment. Explore our corporate event services, browse suitable event spaces, or request a quote to start planning.