Graduation Parties Made Simple

It's hard to believe your little one is now graduating. Whether it's high school or college, it's time to celebrate your child's accomplishment and even all your hard work through the years to get them there.

But where do you start? Who do you invite? What do you serve?

It's not the 70s anymore when everyone served cold ham sandwiches and punch. Graduation parties have stepped up a notch to some pretty extravagant gatherings. Stores offer all kinds of decorations in school colors. People hire party planners and caterers to put on a great celebration.

But if you want to do it alone, then understand that you really don't have to do everything from scratch or reinvent the wheel.

First of all, talk to your student and ask him or her what they want to eat, who they want to invite and what day they want to have it on. Also, if your child is nearing their junior year now, it would be a good thing to call up some places about their availability next May and June. Call way ahead of time - just like for a wedding - to reserve the town hall, the American Legion building, the golf course banquet room or wherever else is convenient for your family and friends. This way, you don't have to worry about cleaning your home or having enough chairs or table space.

If you feel your home or garage is big enough to accommodate your group of friends, then that's fine, too.

It's time to plan the menu and figure out how much you will be cooking and how much you will be buying pre-made. Go to the big stores such as Sam's and price the food packaged in big quantities. That will help out a lot for preparation time if you can buy things already done for you.

Go with something simple and just a few items. Remember that this probably won't be the only graduation party many of the people are going to that day or weekend.

Many parents are opting for a brunch before the graduation ceremony. They serve cinnamon rolls from the local bakery, an egg casserole that has ham or sausage in it, and orange juice and milk. It's simple, satisfying and gives people another option besides a nighttime party.

Other interesting menus have included an ice cream sundae bar where everyone gets to choose their own toppings; a taco bar with a nacho cheese machine; an all-dessert theme; Hawaiian theme; all-American theme with hot dogs, hamburgers and chips. Food managers at grocery stores, bakeries or other places can help figure out how much food you need for your estimated crowd.

Some high schools have established after-graduation parties so the seniors don't go out and get drunk and get into accidents. So plan around those events so that everyone is fresh and awake. You can even plan the party a week or two after a graduation or even the week before. It's all about convenience and availability.

Keep it as an open house type event with three or four hours for guests can come and go at a leisurely pace. You wouldn't want 100 people descending upon the party at once.

If you are planning a nighttime event in your backyard or garage, make sure to have plenty of lighting, seating and bug spray.

Have a table for any gifts that arrive and a box with a top cut out for those who want to give the graduate a card or money.

Set up a big cooler or bin with cold drinks. Have the food chilled with ice underneath or kept warm with crockpots to keep the temperatures right. Have a couple of friends, neighbors or relatives in charge of restocking the food and drinks during the celebration so you don't have to keep worrying about it.

Have music playing softly in the background, and remember to introduce your guests to those who don't know each other. Have your son or daughter do many of the introductions so they can feel part of the process.

And always remember to have your graduate write out all the thank-you cards themselves so they can show their appreciation.