Graduation Party - Is this enough?

[lovesmurfs]

Okay -- need objective opinions.

We're hosting DS' graduation party (invites had "come-and-go reception") on Saturday night (7 p.m. - 10 p.m.). Renting a yard canopy, round tables and chairs -- expecting around 30-40 people (all non-drinkers). We wanted to keep it fairly simple.

We just had planned desserts only, with the following "menu":

Cookies (homemade - oatmeal raisin, triple chocolate chip, snickerdoodle)
Dirt Cake with chocolate pudding (DS' request)
White Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Fruit Salad
Bakery Cake (whipped cream icing, yellow cake, vanilla custard filling)
Mints and Nuts

Coffee
Sodas
Bottled Water

Is this enough -- should I do more than desserts? The hostess in me is saying "Cheese and Cracker Tray," "Deli Sandwiches," "Chips and Dips," "Hors d'Oeuvres," etc.

I can always count on the DIS to give me thoughts and opinions -- thanks!!!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Okay -- need objective opinions.

We're hosting DS' graduation party (invites had "come-and-go reception") on Saturday night (7 p.m. - 10 p.m.). Renting a yard canopy, round tables and chairs -- expecting around 30-40 people (all non-drinkers). We wanted to keep it fairly simple.

We just had planned desserts only, with the following "menu":

Cookies (homemade - oatmeal raisin, triple chocolate chip, snickerdoodle)
Dirt Cake with chocolate pudding (DS' request)
White Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Fruit Salad
Bakery Cake (whipped cream icing, yellow cake, vanilla custard filling)
Mints and Nuts

Coffee
Sodas
Bottled Water

Is this enough -- should I do more than desserts? The hostess in me is saying "Cheese and Cracker Tray," "Deli Sandwiches," "Chips and Dips," "Hors d'Oeuvres," etc.

I can always count on the DIS to give me thoughts and opinions -- thanks!!!

Most people I know that do not have very young kids don't eat dinner till that time, so I would also have sandwiches. The desserts sound yummy.

 

[sam_gordon]

I think you're fine with just desserts/drinks. Although I usually don't eat dinner until 7/7:30, I wouldn't expect a reception starting at that time to include dinner.

 

[Janepod]

I would expect an invitation for 7:00 to include dinner.

 

[Handbag Lady]

As a guest, I would expect to have some protein at a party that starts at 7 pm on a Saturday, even if it is an open-house situation.

I would do what you are doing and get a Party Submarine and you'll be just perfect.

 

[yoopermom]

All of our family gatherings are potluck, and one thing I've noticed in recent years is that more family members are watching their weight, so more and more desserts are going to waste/not getting eaten.

It's good that you're having a fruit salad, but I would have to go with *some* kind of protein, as well, and maybe a veggie tray....

Terri

 

[YoYoAurora]

Putting on my event planner hat here. If you put dessert party on the invitations, or told your invited guests it was a dessert party, you're all set.

If you didn't say what the food would be, I'd add the sandwiches, cheese and cracker tray and the chips and dip. Your party is starting during the dinner hour. But then you can plan for fewer sweets.

Congratulations to your son on his graduation! Enjoy and have a wonderful party.

 

[shoney]

Honestly, if I received an invite for a grad party at 7pm, I would show up hungry! LOL

I don't see anything wrong with a desserts only party, but I would have it written on the invitation. Something like...

A Sweet Celebration for .......

Join us for cake, cookies and treats


Otherwise, I would have food for everyone.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

We just went to a graduation open house, and it was very similar (no dirt cake, though!). There was one additional thing that gave it a more meal like menu though. She did a simple nacho bar. It was a basket of tortilla chips, a crock pot of melted cheese, another crock pot of taco meat, and then a few toppings like lettuce and salsa. I think she had a veggie tray, also.

 

[Kellydelly]

I have never been to a graduation party that didn't include a meal, so if I were you I would plan on some kind of food besides sweets. Your party time is dinner time to many people. If you are going to go to the bother of renting tents and tables why not go all the way and have a simple dinner? I just went to a high school graduation party two weeks ago with no cake. That was a bummer . I really wanted some graduation cake!

 

[lovesmurfs]

Thanks so much, everyone!! I knew I should start listening to that little voice in the back of my head.

I'm going to order a couple of platters of sandwiches, and will have some bowls of chips. I'll also put together a nice veggie tray with ranch dip (with extra veggies for refilling).

I was just looking for something simple, that can be made ahead of time and doesn't require heating/reheating.

 

[scrapquitler]

Okay -- need objective opinions.

We're hosting DS' graduation party (invites had "come-and-go reception") on Saturday night (7 p.m. - 10 p.m.). Renting a yard canopy, round tables and chairs -- expecting around 30-40 people (all non-drinkers). We wanted to keep it fairly simple.

We just had planned desserts only, with the following "menu":

Cookies (homemade - oatmeal raisin, triple chocolate chip, snickerdoodle)
Dirt Cake with chocolate pudding (DS' request)
White Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Fruit Salad
Bakery Cake (whipped cream icing, yellow cake, vanilla custard filling)
Mints and Nuts

Coffee
Sodas
Bottled Water

Is this enough -- should I do more than desserts? The hostess in me is saying "Cheese and Cracker Tray," "Deli Sandwiches," "Chips and Dips," "Hors d'Oeuvres," etc.

I can always count on the DIS to give me thoughts and opinions -- thanks!!!

As a guest, at 7-10PM on a Saturday night, I would expect something other than only deserts unless the invitation specifically stated that it is deserts only. And if it were deserts only, I'd probably arrive at 8 or later because I wouldn't likely manage to get there sooner if I had to feed my family and then travel to the party.

As a host, I'd definitely serve something (even if it's a veggie platter and cheese/crackers) that isn't desert. I know many many people in my social circle don't eat many (or any ) sweets.

 

[java]

Go with real food. You didn't say Dessert Party- so you should have some kind of savory items.

By the way I don't think I know 30-40 people that don't drink. I don't think I know more than 2 that don't drink Oh wait I know 3.

 

[goofy4tink]

Our graduation party is this weekend...open house type thing from 1-5. I did say in the invitation to come and have a bite to eat. We are doing burgers, hot dogs and chicken and salads, with only cake for dessert. We will have various sodas, flavored waters, plain bottled water. We weren't going to do wine and beer since we really didn't want to worry about kids grabbing it. Most likely not an issue, but just didn't want the hassle. But, we just changed our minds...went with some wine and beer, but not a lot. Most coming might have a glass of wine or a beer, but I doubt they will be staying around long enough to have more than a glass. They tend to come, say hello, eat something and then leave!!
But, if I had the party from 7-10, I would provide more than just dessert. So, it looks like you've made some good choices!!!

 

[mjkacmom]

Go with real food. You didn't say Dessert Party- so you should have some kind of savory items.

By the way I don't think I know 30-40 people that don't drink. I don't think I know more than 2 that don't drink Oh wait I know 3.

I only know 2! I've never been to a party of just desserts - good thing, since I really don't like sweets that much.

 

[lovesmurfs]

Go with real food. You didn't say Dessert Party- so you should have some kind of savory items.

By the way I don't think I know 30-40 people that don't drink. I don't think I know more than 2 that don't drink Oh wait I know 3.

Thank you! I've totally switched gears on menu. I really appreciate everyone's help.

Most invitees are from our church -- alcohol is a no-no in the doctrine (DH and I weren't raised in the church, so we've been known to partake from time to time). Others are my son's friends, none of whom are legal to drink. So no alcohol.

 

[happygirl]

I would do a deli tray.

 

[pigletgirl]

Yeah, you will want heavy appetizers. Sounds fun! I love dirt cake.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

Okay -- need objective opinions.

We're hosting DS' graduation party (invites had "come-and-go reception") on Saturday night (7 p.m. - 10 p.m.). Renting a yard canopy, round tables and chairs -- expecting around 30-40 people (all non-drinkers). We wanted to keep it fairly simple.

We just had planned desserts only, with the following "menu":

Cookies (homemade - oatmeal raisin, triple chocolate chip, snickerdoodle)
Dirt Cake with chocolate pudding (DS' request)
White Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Fruit Salad
Bakery Cake (whipped cream icing, yellow cake, vanilla custard filling)
Mints and Nuts

Coffee
Sodas
Bottled Water

Is this enough -- should I do more than desserts? The hostess in me is saying "Cheese and Cracker Tray," "Deli Sandwiches," "Chips and Dips," "Hors d'Oeuvres," etc.

I can always count on the DIS to give me thoughts and opinions -- thanks!!!

I would add more than desserts and the extras that you listed would be fine.

 

[Janepod]

I would also add a green salad. Simple but healthy. Seems like everyone these days is low carb or celiac.