Incorporate your child's favorite foods into the party menu.
It's your child's 8th grade graduation and you want to make the party as fun and memorable as possible. Since food is a big part of any celebration, go for unique displays such as a "salad pool" or candy buffet. Mix favorite kids' party foods with gourmet options for the adults.
Pizza
Pizza may seem like a standard party food; however, there are numerous ways to get creative with this staple of favorite kids' foods. In addition to serving plain cheese and pepperoni pizza, put out a few gourmet options, including margherita; Mediterranean with sun-dried tomatoes, wilted spinach, artichoke hearts and olives; and other meat and vegetable pizza options. Serve different style pizzas, such as thin crust and deep dish, mini pizzas and pizza rolls.
Salad in a Pool
Purchase a kiddie pool (go for smaller sizes), place it on a patio table and fill it with ice for use as a creative salad bar. Fill the pool with containers of romaine lettuce, baby spinach and other greens, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, red, green and orange peppers, chickpeas and any other salad ingredients you would like to use. Create a section for assorted dressings and other toppings. If there is room you may also place the flatware and silverware in the pool to keep them nice and chilled.
Gourmet Snack Options
If you have the funds, make your child's graduation party extra fabulous by ordering gourmet versions of classic party foods. Create a "dipping station" with assorted gourmet olive oils and breads, which adults at your graduation party will also enjoy. Browse sites like Gourmet Food Mall and Gourmet Gift Baskets for gourmet pretzels, popcorn, potato chips, tortilla chips, vegetables and fruit options, such as apple crisps. Arrange items in individual baskets on a picnic table or display on a buffet table.
Dessert Ideas
Kids will go crazy for one or more chocolate fountains, which you can purchase on sites like Sweet Fountain. Use a tiered display holder to stack assorted cupcakes and stick candy in between the cupcakes for kids to eat at the party or take home with them. Candy such as gum drops can also be used to spell out "Congratulations" or other desired words on a graduation cake. Allow the children to make their own party favors by creating a candy buffet table and giving each child a small bucket for filling with candy.
Tags: your child, buffet table, candy buffet, favorite kids, gourmet options