'Tis the Season for Graduation Parties

I grew up in Western New York and sure, there were graduation parties. But not like how they are celebrated here in Michigan. 

Of course, I graduated 20 years ago (yikes…do I dare admit that?) and with most things over time the motto has become “bigger is better.”  Yet, as I speak with friends that grew up around these parts and graduated long ago like me, they tell me not much has changed with these graduation open houses. 

Most graduates have them and it becomes an elaborate dance to pick out a date so as not to compete with friends’ parties so these parties are held all summer long.  The next task is to figure out food—cater or make something homemade?  What about entertainment?  All these decisions are enough to make any parent cringe especially when you consider the price tag.

Well…you know I love to talk about food.  So my advice is to keep it simple.  Don’t worry about having a full meal…kids will likely have other parties to go to and may not be hungry. 

When you focus on smaller foods you open up a whole new world of possibilities. Consider a sweets table with bite-sized desserts.  Use tablecloths in your
child’s school colors or purchase some inexpensive and attractive fabric.  Add some balloons in similar colors and glass jars filled with M&M’s, pixie sticks and other colorful candies. 

Why not forgo the traditional cake and opt for cake pops, mini cupcakes, and more?  Serve small water bottles, mini size pop cans and/or yummy punch in fun plastic fluted glasses (can buy at Party City or other party supply store). 

Or consider an ice cream bar.  Keep ice cream in a cooler with dry ice
(safety note:  do not handle dry ice with bare hands).  Dry ice can be found at our
local Meijer.  Have assorted toppings in pretty dishes like maraschino cherries, chocolate chips, nuts, M&M’s, whipped cream, chocolate and strawberry sauce, etc. You could also have the ingredients on hand to make root beer
floats. 

One final idea is that you could rent or buy an inexpensive chocolate fountain and have several items for dipping—bananas and rice krispie bars are my personal favorites but the possibilities are endless with any of these ideas. 

Good luck with your party planning and congratulations
to the graduates of 2012, high school, college and beyond!

Lisa Scott is a White Lake resident and owner of Tiny Treats, which provides a variety of miniature desserts for clients throughout Southeastern Michigan. Check out her website at www.tinytreatsbylisa.weebly.com and find Tiny Treats on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tiny-Treats/196429780401854.