Include the graduate in the party planning -- after all, it's his party.
Hiring a caterer to serve a graduation party takes the stress of the hosts, allowing them to enjoy the celebration with the new graduate. If the graduate just finished high school, you may choose to have the party at your home by offering an open house where family and friends can drop by to mix and mingle. A party for a college graduate, though, may require a more formal party, such as serving a full dinner menu.
Barbecue
A casual backyard barbecue is an all-American way to celebrate. This outdoor menu requires good weather and is great for summer graduation parties. Most caterers bring all of their own equipments including grills, tents, tables and serving trays. All you need is some picnic tables, your graduate and her friends and family. With a barbecue, paper plates are acceptable, which makes less mess after the celebration.
Brunch
Brunch includes a combination of breakfast and lunch foods in a buffet-style meal.
A brunch is a traditional and popular graduation party meal because it bodes well for an open house. If you have many graduates in the same neighborhood, serving a brunch buffet allows the grads to wander while they snack. Brunch also is formal enough for college graduates wanting a casual before-noon event. A brunch can include items like breakfast sausage, eggs, toast, sandwiches of cold deli meats, fruits and cheeses. If your caterer allows you to keep leftover food, brunch food is perfect to send with a new college student to his first dorm.
Dinner
Formal dinners are great ways to ensure most of your friends and family will attend your party. Many people are busy throughout the day, and planning an evening party allows them to set time aside. A full dinner is expected at an evening party, so work with your caterers to create a diverse menu to satisfy your dinner guests. If the graduate is attending an out-of-town school and your party is small, take your celebration to a local restaurant or hotel, where you won't have to worry about cleanup or the cost of having the caterers come to you.
Cake
A sheet cake is a traditional graduation cake.
A cake is the traditional dessert served at graduation parties. Catering companies rarely include cakes with their meals, so this item must be ordered separately. Allow at least 48 hours, and possibly even more time, for your local bakery to complete a graduation cake. Many bakeries find graduation season one of the busiest times of the year, so don't forget to order early. If you graduate does not like cake, replace it with a dessert centerpiece, such as a cupcake or brownie stand. An ice cream buffet is a unique and visually stunning way to avoid cake and still serve a delightful and sweet ending to the meal.
Tags: cake traditional, evening party, friends family, full dinner, graduation cake, graduation parties, graduation party