The Perfect Graduation Party

With May comes college graduations and with them come parties. The best are the old fashioned kind done in the backyard. They can go a number of ways , from elegant to super casual. The bottom line is to celebrate the graduate and honor what he or she wants.

If your grad likes an elegant affair, then think casual formal  with some catering involved.Many restaurants can offer a wide range of dishes, from shrimp scampi  to bruschetta. Some also offer carving tables with roasts like London Broil and turkey. Cheese and cold cut tables can be set up if the grad thinks that hot dishes may be too much for guests.Favorite restaurants also can figure in as well, as the honoree picks out beloved dishes. If money is tight then think maybe just champagne and hot hors d'oeuvres. Luckily there are less expensive brands of sparkling wine such as Asti Spumente if a large crowd is expected. Sparkling non-alcoholic cider can be served to those who can't have alcohol along with the littlest guests. The nibbles can be anything from toasted Brie and apple slices to shrimp pate on toasted baguette rounds. Desserts can be petit fours iced and decorated in the university's colors or small plates of miniature pastries. You can also buy a chocolate fountain for the event. This may seem like an extravagant but it can be used for other gatherings like showers and holiday parties. They can also be rented too for a cheaper deal.If this is too messy then consider making homemade truffles to serve. It's an easy recipe using a simple chocolate and cream ganache.

Most college graduation parties are usually backyard affairs.Again consider what the graduate wants and likes.It could even be a pot luck kind of deal where friends and relatives bring the grad's favorite dishes.Mom and Dad can be in charge of the hamburgers and hot dogs while grans and aunts along with godmothers can bring the chili or potato and macaroni salads.This is the time for celebration so you can even go whole hog - literally - with a pig roast.Some rib joints can roast it for you or it can be roasted at home in the back yard, however remember that the set up is labor intensive and dealing with an entire animal is not for the faint of heart. Consider buying a few racks of ribs instead These are easy to handle and dole out to guests.Fried turkey is another outdoor party favorite. Serve it with a cranberry chutney  and grill roasted sweet potato halves along with grilled veggies. If your grad has eschewed all meat, then think of vegetarian or vegan barbecue.Morningstar Farms has some excellent sub ins such as soy dogs and black bean burgers along with chicken patties and even nuggets. Soy bacon and soy cheese can be added for a healthier , more humane bacon cheese burger. Salads can be made with a non egg mayo called Nayonaise that can do the same trick as the real deal. It can be used for salads and dressings. There are vegan bakeries that can make a dairy and egg free cake as well.

Let the college graduation parties begin. Celebrate that degree with a party that the grad will remember for decades. he or she deserves it.

Party Time What Works For You

It's mid May and that means one thing - the start of the warm weather party season! This is the season for celebrating whether a new grad or an impending wedding or child. Each gathering should be special and unique.It's easy to do, all you need is imagination and creativity.

College graduations abound right now. What would make any stand out? Customizing it to the grad;s tastes. If he or she like chili', then think about a Texan do . Serve up the dish along with chili burgers  with sides of freshly roasted corn and corn bread.Put up large pots of baked beans and potato salads. A Mexican themed one is not only easy but fun.. Taco and fajita bars can be set up, featuring, beef, chicken and tofu. Bowls of homemade guacamole - super easy to make and tortilla chips can be set up on the tables.drinks could range from Coronas with lime to virgin margeritas. Dessert can be a chocolate  mole cake or cupcakes, spiked with  ancho peppers.Another idea is an international theme. Pass around trays of Indian samosas and Chinese spring rolls along with bruschetta and gravlax.If the ex-student spent a semester abroad , then center the grad party around the food of the country visited.If the grad spent time in Greece, then make sure there is spanakopita, spinach pie and moussaka. For someone who studied in Madrid or Barcelona, then think paella and tapas as a nice reminder of both the food and the culture.

May is the month for bridal and baby showers too., Most of these are usually brunches served in a local restaurant.This is OK, but really nothing special. .If it is a small affair then think about having it at home. Nothing beats a small, intimate party where everyone can take their shoes off and relax. It can be catered but a better idea is designating two cooks who can whip up omelets and Eggs Benedict. These alone along with a small salad make for a lovely and light late breakfast. As for dessert , think a small cake and maccarons. .If it's a baby shower bake a reveal cake. This new phenomenon involves  contacting the doctor or midwife first for the baby's sex and then baking a pink or blue cake with white frosting.The mother to be finds out as she cuts the first slice. Another idea is baking vanilla and chocolate cupcakes and icing them with pink and blue icing. The party thrower can go the folksy route with everyone bringing designated dishes such as main dish, sides, salads and desserts. Each has to be a family recipe with a written version attached. Not only is this a sweet throwback to a more innocent time, it also is a handmade gift of various recipes.This would be perfect for a kitchen shower where all the gifts are related to cooking.

May is the time for planning all sorts of parties, Make them stand out with good home made food, and themes. They will be throroughly enjoyed - and remembered for a long time to come.