Graduation Reception Food Ideas
A graduation is a time of great celebration, and a party or reception gives the host an opportunity to reflect the tastes of the graduate and to experiment with creative finger foods and desserts. Keep in mind that a graduation reception should have an ample amount of food. A good rule is to prepare enough for the number of guests and then add 50 percent more. At a graduation reception, guests will continue coming back for more--grazing at the food and drink tables over the course of several hours.
Finger Foods
The easiest foods to prepare for graduation receptions are finger foods because they are bite-size. If you are not opposed to warming up frozen finger foods, then consider buying several bags of mini quiches or hot dogs wrapped in bread. Another idea is to make your own finger-food hot dogs by simmering them in sauce in a crock pot. Other healthier finger foods include vegetable and fruit trays. You can buy all of these items pre-prepared at your local grocery store and then add your own touches. Consider making your own vegetable or fruit dip. Melt chocolate for a fruit fondue. Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the top of a mini quiche.
Main Dishes
If you are hosting a graduation reception in the evening, you may want to offer a heartier dish. You do not have to prepare a complete meal, but you can offer your guests a dish that will fill them up more than finger foods. Main dishes that go a long way are chili, soups and pasta dishes such as lasagna. Choose your graduate's favorite food and try to dress it up. This could be as simple as drizzling a plate with pepper flakes or tomato sauce or placing a dollop of sour cream and a cilantro sprig on a bowl of chili.
Sweets
Cookies and brownies are timeless crowd pleasers. Also consider fancier alternatives such as miniature fruit tarts or pies. A graduation cake is always a hit at a reception. Opt for a plain white cake from your local bakery with decorative frosting in the school colors. Or you can dress it up with a ribbon border in school colors.
Edible Favors
If there is any place for team spirit and mascots, then it is in the party favors. Send your guests home with small bags of candies in the colors of your graduate's school. If you can, buy a bag of school-themed candy from online vendors and mix it in with the other candies.
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