Planning the Menu For a Graduation Party

( part 1 )

What are your graduate's favorite foods?

Keep it simple. Make it easy on yourself and serve five to seven different menu items. The most common mistake made at a graduation party is serving too much food. Read on for advice on quantity.

Dare to be different! After going to too many graduation parties where the same food was being served you will understand. We encourage you to be imaginative! For example, if your graduate is a pizza freak, serve pizza. It is an unusual open house item, and yet the number one most popular food amongst teenagers. Mix it up by serving some unique gourmet pizzas in addition to the standard favorites, cheese and pepperoni.

If your graduate loves desserts, have a dessert party that starts at 7:00 p.m., and specify “dessert party” on your invitation so people know to eat dinner earlier. Desserts can be made ahead and require little serving time. The bakery is an easy way out. Or how about make your own sundaes and banana splits?

Ask for help in the kitchen. Hire a caterer if you can, this is one party you don't want to miss! If you can't afford a caterer, ask friends and neighbors to help. See Ask for help. If you’ve agreed on a theme, be sure to maximize the opportunity to find foods that fit the theme.


Brunch ideas: A Weekend brunch is a great time of day to have a graduation party. You will get a great turn out and your guests will be hungry.


Graduation Brunch

* Make it simple - offer a variety of fresh baked bagels and a selection of spreads.
* Cook pancakes on a big griddle and serve them with different toppings/syrups. You can hire a professional to bring their own griddle.
* We all love frosted doughnuts! Order ahead for a quick stop at the bakery. You can even request frosting in your school colors. Be sure to have lots of napkins!
* You can prepare hard boiled eggs with your graduate’s name and the year on them and place them in a beautiful basket. Great for people on the low-carb diet.
* Coffee bar kiosk: Check with a caterer or the local coffee shop for service or supplies. Or create your own with rental equipment and supplies.
* Serve exotic juices, or use your juicer to prepare custom beverages.
* Serve fresh fruit in a watermelon boat. Cut your school logo out of the watermelon.

Afternoon and evening menu ideas:

* BBQ sandwiches, ribs or chicken served with cole slaw and chips, baked beans and a fruit salad. Tip from the professional caterer for the BBQ: If you want to use the grill, reduce your stress and precook your meat.
* Mexican taco bar: Serve spicy ground beef in a crock pot, and put the cold items (lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, olives, onions) in bowls floating on ice to keep them cool. Arrange the taco shells in a Mexican serving bowl or basket.
* Buy large bread shaped like the graduation year. Serve it with spinach dip or do a big submarine sandwich. Plan ahead on how you are going to keep the hoagie cool while it sits out for several hours. We recommend setting it on ice. Rectangle shaped flower pots can be bought in various sizes. Or a wallpaper hanging trough will do the job.
* Hoagie or Sandwich Bar: let your guests assemble their own sandwiches. Stop by your local submarine sandwich shop for inspiration. Or order a big variety to be sliced and served as needed. Keep the back up in your refrigerator.
* Cotton Candy Rent a cotton candy machine or popcorn machine. It adds a festive flair and the kids love to serve themselves.
* Salad bar and fresh fruit for the health nuts
* Oriental Food - See Hiring a Caterer
* Baked Potato Bar
* Pizzas – order them from a local delivery service.
* Swedish or Barbeque Meatballs
* Tortilla Wraps – ordered from a local restaurant
* Lasagna
* Veggie Tray

Source : http://www.graduationparty.com/graduation-party-menu.htm