menu ideas for a graduation party
Menu Ideas for a Graduation Party
Planning a graduation party for your child or for yourself? Check out these non-fussy, non-pricey menu hits.
A graduation is a momentous occasion, both for young adults and their parents too. So what better way to celebrate this landmark by throwing a party. It is a big event, so you need to decide about the guest list, theme, and obviously the food. You need not bring out your expensive wine and cheese for such a party, as it is more of a casual get-together of family and friends. Remember that the food should be what the grads like.
Graduation Party Menu on a Budget
Throwing a party is always an exciting prospect. But you need not break into a bank for throwing such a party. Here is a menu idea that goes easy on your budget, but will still ensure an amazing grad party.
Drinks
Limeade
Beer/Root Beer
Watermelon Margarita
Appetizers
Cantaloupe and English Cucumber Salad
Peel and Eat Hot Pepper Shrimps
Crab Cakes
Fried Asian Dumplings
Herb-stuffed Deviled Eggs
Main Course/Entrée
Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings
Grilled Pita with Tomatoes, Olive, and Feta Cheese
Pulled Pork or Chicken Sandwiches
Mini Beef or Portobello Burgers
Dessert
Berries with Buttermilk and Honey
Frozen Chocolate Bananas on Sticks
Coconut Crusted Marshmallows
Impromptu Graduation Party Menu
Sometimes, the best parties are the ones that are not planned well in advance. For an impromptu party, all you need are a few pantry staples and a lot of imagination.
Drinks
Watermelon Punch
Cranberry Sparklers
Mango and Pineapple Rum Cocktail
Appetizers
Piquillo Pepper and Cheese Toasts
Pigs in a Blanket
Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Chili-Glazed Sticky Ribs
Cucumber Mint and Watermelon Tsatsiki Salad
Main Course/Entrée
Hawaiian Grilled Chicken
Mini Triple Cheese Pizza
Oriental Shrimp Kabobs
Grilled Flank Steak
Chili
Dessert
Fresh Fruits and Vanilla Wafers
Sauteed Peaches with Shortbread Cookies and Ice Cream
No-bake Cheesecake
Vegetarian Menu
If you have vegetarian guests coming over, then here is an all-vegetarian menu, which is not only easy to put together, but healthy as well.
Drinks
Beer
Watermelon and Basil Margarita
Pomegranate Soda
Limeade
Appetizers
Watermelon and Ricotta Skewers
Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Deep-fried Parmesan Cheese Puffs
Potato and Olive Salad
Main Course/Entrée
Pasta with Ricotta and Tarragon
Grilled Vegetables with Artichoke and Mint Dip
Bean and Cheese Enchiladas
Vegetarian Club Sandwich
Dessert
Rocky Road Brownies
Berries and Cream Tartlets
Tropical Fruit Salad with Vanilla-scented Ice Cream
The above were just a few ideas that you can look into. However, you can also use these as your base idea and tweak your menu around as per your liking or needs. You can have a DIY taco or pizza station or even fondue. Just remember to plan the party keeping in mind the type of guests you are inviting. If the food is arranged by a caterer, make sure you meet him to discuss the menu items and the budget well before the scheduled party.