Graduation Party Planning Guide

It is that time of year again where families are getting ready to see their loved one, friend, parent or son/daughter walk the stage to accept their diploma signaling a new chapter in their life journey.

Foxborough seniors will take that next big step in their life on Graduation day held on Sunday, June 12.

Graduation, whether from High School, higher education, military services or another career specialty, is a treasured time for every graduate.

At this point in the year, many families are beginning to think about graduation parities. Whether you plan on attending multiple parities or are throwing your graduate one, it appears that caps and gowns are on everyone's mind.

Throwing a graduation party can seem like a daunting task at first. You may find yourself asking questions such as, "where should it be held - at home or an event venue?" and "should I rent a tent in case it rains?"

Party planning can sometimes get too bogged down in worrying about situations that cannot be controlled, such as the weather. However, by planning a party that includes "flexible" aspects, will make for a more enjoyable and memorable experience.

Here are some helpful tips for a planning a great graduation party for your graduate:

1. Venue. When it comes to choosing a venue there are a few key things to keep in mind. A graduation party differs on many levels from other planned parities. For example, when planning a wedding, the party invite list is carefully planned out with every seat accounted for. A graduation party on the other hand is less controlled, with many unaccounted for guests showing up. In High School, word travels fast when good food and cake is involved.  If you choose your home for a venue, always account for extra people when ordering/planning your food and drink menu.

2. Weather. You never know what Mother Nature will bring here in New England. The day of your party could be a warm, 75-degree day, with a slight breeze or it could be unbearably hot outside with temperatures reaching 105 degrees. If your party day turns out to be overly hot, the last thing that party guests want to see is food sitting outside melting under the hot sun. If you are planning an outside food buffet, make sure to have a "plan b" in place. Plan b consists of making sure you have room inside your home to set up food in case it rains or it is simply too hot to be outside. 

3. Menu. Don't over plan your food menu! When planning a wedding or another affair food choices, presentation and details are everything. Hours, even days are spent combing over the perfect choice of entree for guests of a wedding. Graduation parities are different, especially when thrown at a home venue. Most likely there will be a good mix of adults and kids. Teenagers, for the most part, do not appreciate a perfect presentation of mini burger sliders. Instead, keep it simple. Regular sized burgers, grilled chicken, and a vegetarian option will please any party-goer. Grilled corn, cold orzo salad and fruit salad all make for great side dishes that taste good whether the temperature outside is perfect or not. 

4. Drinks. Keep the martini shaker locked in the bar. Some parents who are throwing a graduation party at their home choose to forgo any alcoholic beverages because of the high volume of teenage attendees. However, if you are planning on serving drinks, I would recommend sticking to beer and wine only. Mixed drinks can become messy and time consuming. If you choose to forgo alcoholic beverages all together, then pitchers of cold lemonade and ice tea would make for a great crowd pleaser.

5. Have fun! If you are celebrating with your graduate at home, remember to enjoy the day. Planning a party, especially at your own home can be stressful, but it is important to always remember the reason that you are having the party in the first place!