For business, retail and private open houses, enjoyable background music is a great way to create excitement and draw attention to your event. Light jazz or light classical background music--played by a jazz combo, a classical group or a soloist--will create a congenial mood and make guests feel comfortable.

For open house events where you'd like to encourage dancing, choose a live band or a disc jockey. Rule of thumb: a live band generates the most excitement and drama--is more of a change of pace. A disc jockey plays a wider variety of music styles, and costs less.

For holiday open houses, novelty entertainers create a playful and convivial holiday atmosphere. If your open house has a particular theme, these interactive performers can help make it come alive for each guest they interact with.