Need Ideas for Graduation celebration

[drcmk]

I want to have a medium-sized celebration for my daughter's HS graduation. We expect maybe 20 guests, including us. I don't want to have it at home, because we have birthday parties at home and that just doesn't feel special. I like the idea of taking everyone to a restaurant meal, but 20 people seems like an awkward size for that. It's too many to reserve just a table or two and too few for a private room.

Do you have any suggestions for a medium sized celebration that is more special than just inviting people to my house?

Thank you.

 

[pjlla]

I'll see if I can find last year's "graduation party" thread..... lots of good ideas there.

But basically, there are plenty of places that will let you rent a small hall if you want to do a party away from home (catered or do-it-yourself food)....

American Legion, Masonic Lodges, churches and temples, Grange halls, KofC.... some are nicer than others, so definitely check them out. The nice thing about these is that they usually have a full kitchen (with dishes, glassware, and silverware), and plenty of tables and chairs. The drawbacks is that sometimes they are a little rundown or you have to be a member. But the prices are very reasonable and then you could choose to have it catered or do the food yourself (although if you plan to serve liquor, most churches and temples would be out).

Some restaurants and hotels will give you a private room for 20-ish people, but there is usually a food and drink minimum associated with that.... and most restaurants will not let you bring in ANY outside food (although most I've found will let you bring in a decorated sheet cake).

We have usually had our kids' birthday parties here at home, but that didn't stop us from having DD"s graduation party here. We tried to make it extra special with the decorations. Plus we rented a small party tent (to supplement the back deck area), plus tables and chairs.

The food was done buffet style (mostly in chafing dishes and a few crockpots, although I hate the look of crockpots on a "fancier" buffet ), but I still ran around like a NUT for most of the party and will do things a bit differently in a few years for DS's party.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!.............P

 

[powellrj]

I wouldn't bother to rent anyplace if you are only going to have 20 including your family.

For that small of a group, I would just reserve a table or an area in a local restaurant.

To be honest, I would have it at home if you have the room and then have an extra special meal. With that size group, you could have a wonderful place come and cater it for you!

We are having my DDs at our church and doing a taco bar because its what she wants. I would rather do something other than tacos, but she has her heart set on it. We will be doing cake/cupcakes, tacos, nachos, all the toppings, plus a drink table. She also wants a candy buffet.

When DS graduated 5 years ago we did a joint party with 2 of his cousins and did lots of different hot and cold sandwiches with salads, cakes and a candy buffet. I think we had over 200 for his, but they had a big class. Her class is less than 100 kids so I am counting on 125 or so people at the party.

HS graduations are a big deal around here and people will travel from party to party so everyone tries to stagger the times.

 

[sk!mom]

I'm hosting DD's 18th birthday party at home one weekend and then her grad party the next. The birthday party will be our standard family get together for pizza, cake, and ice cream. Her actual birthday is midweek and she will celebrate that night with friends as she has in recent years.

The Grad party the next weekend will be larger with out of town family coming in. Here, most grads celebrate with family at luncheons after the morning ceremony and then celebrate with friends that night. DD and her friends will attend Project Graduation.

To make the Grad party more special- DH is making a highlight video to loop throughout the party and I am doing different food. An appetizer table with brie in phyllo, shrimp cocktail, bruschetta, DD's fave- spinach dip. A main course table- pulled pork sliders, chicken salad puffs, fruit salad, and chicken pasta Caesar salad. A dessert table with cake, chocolate strawberries, and ???.

We will decorate more for the Grad party- we're gong with her College colors. Balloons- picture collages.

You could do something fancy and catered at home. If it weren't sure to be so hot here already, I would do an outdoor party and hire one of the local food trucks to cater. A country club can be a great place for a fancy catered but small party.

 

[lady9]

We are having DS's graduation party at home. We rented a tent and a few tables and chairs. We hired a student from a culinary school to help cater. My mom, sister and I are doing most of the food. She has her own chafing dishes and is doing a few special foods. She will also be at our house to make sure the food and drinks are always filled. I want myself and my family to enjoy the day, not be worried if the fruit salad bowl is empty. My DS is the first grandchild to graduate on both sides so I am flying solo and trying to get as much info as possible.

 

[pinoke]

We went to one that was really fun- the family rented a 10 lane bowling alley place. The whole thing, for a couple of hours. They were allowed to bring food in. We had a blast! They put pics everywhere and had little contests…It was fun for the grads, cousins, older folks too...

 

[dminnie]

With 20 people, it could be very special at your home. Having it catered, as others have suggested, would free up your time to do some great decorations. You could have the caterer make some things that you wouldn't normally make.

If you do want to have it someplace else, perhaps a park that has canoe/kayak rentals, volleyball courts etc. Many parks have great facilities to throw a party.