Graduation is a significant achievement for your child, marking years of hard work and dedication. This milestone deserves a fantastic celebration, and what better way to honor it than by hosting a memorable party? After finalizing your guest list, it’s time to explore various graduation party food ideas that will elevate the celebration and ensure everyone enjoys themselves.

Key Graduation Party Ideas

Organizing your child’s graduation party can be a joyful experience, provided you plan ahead. Early preparation is crucial for creating an event that everyone gets to enjoy – including you! Below, we’ve put together some tips for décor and graduation food party ideas to serve.

Party Décor

First, consider fun graduation party decorations. When planning decorations for a graduation party, create a festive and celebratory atmosphere that reflects your child’s achievements. Plus, add a personal touch and incorporate colors from their school. Additionally, here are a few other decorating ideas:

• Banners and Streamers: Speaking of using school colors, hanging banners is a great way to do that.
• Balloon Arrangements: Likewise, balloon bouquets in assorted sizes and school colors make fun centerpieces. Plus, they’re often great for an impromptu game of keep-the-balloon-from-touching-the-ground. Trust us, even adults get giggling as they get in on the fun.
• Table Centerpieces: Other centerpiece ideas include items like diplomas, caps, or photos of the graduate.
• Photo Display: Similarly, create a photo wall showcasing the graduate’s journey through school with a timeline of cherished moments.
• Graduation Caps: Decorate tables or candies with miniature graduation caps to reinforce the theme and provide fun visuals. Or, use caps for a fun photo booth.
• String Lights: Hang twinkling lights around the venue to add warmth and a magical ambiance.

By carefully choosing these decorations, you can create a memorable space that celebrates this significant achievement and sets the mood for a fun party.

Choosing Fun Food for Your Party

Next, think about the best graduation party food to serve. In addition to fun decorations and a great atmosphere, the food selection plays a vital role in encouraging socializing and enjoyment among your guests. For instance, finger foods encourage people to walk around and socialize. Here are some essential factors to consider when figuring out your menu:

1. Set a Budget

As a proud parent, it’s tempting to go all out. However, setting a realistic budget prevents overspending and potential financial strain. It’s easy to lose our minds a little when it comes to our kids. However, you don’t have to lose everything in your wallet too. On average, a graduation party for around 60 guests costs approximately $1,130, translating to about $19 per person. By sticking to a budget, you not only save money, but you also reduce waste and stress.

2. Choose Refreshing Drinks

Guests consume about two drinks per hour on average. To avoid running short, consider purchasing additional beverages, especially if the day is hot. Opting for bottled water and canned soft drinks eliminates the need for cups and helps simplify cleanup. However, if you’re trying to cut costs and be gentle on the environment, consider 2-liters or larger and filtered water in jugs or straight from your fridge.

3. Opt for Easy Food Options

While it’s essential to celebrate your child’s achievements, you also want to enjoy the party yourself. Choosing food items that require minimal preparation will allow you to mingle with your guests without feeling overwhelmed. Food bars, for instance, provide a fun and interactive way for guests to customize their meals. A charcuterie board featuring cold cuts, cheese, crackers, fruits, pickles, and nuts is another appealing choice.

Here are several easy yet delicious graduation party food ideas:

• Vegetable platter
• Fun Fruit salad
• Slaw
• Pasta salad
• Chips and dip
• Bean salad
• Baked beans
• Pork or chicken sliders
• Subs
• Hamburgers and hot dogs
• Chicken nuggets, tenders or wings

4. Let There Be Cake!

The cake serves as the centerpiece of the graduation celebration and is a must-have. You can purchase a reasonably priced cake from your local supermarket or warehouse club. Alternatively, cupcakes are a delightful option, offering both simplicity and ease of serving. Regardless of your choice, guests will surely delight in the sweet addition to the celebration. Or, read below for some of our dessert ideas!

Catering for Convenience

If hosting a party at home seems daunting, consider catering or pizza as a viable option to lighten your workload. Preparing food can be time-consuming and exhausting, and serving pizza or pre-prepared food allows you to focus on your guests. Pizza is a classic choice for parties for several reasons:

• It’s a crowd-pleaser.
• It’s reasonably priced and budget-friendly.
• Guests can select their preferred toppings, catering to various tastes.
• Clean-up is simple.
• Pizzas are easily transportable.

One of the top spots to order pizza is your local Mario’s Pizza. Since 1981, Mario’s has been serving delicious NY-style pizza, ideal for any gathering. Depending on your guest count and topping preferences, consider the following guide to help determine how much pizza you need:

• 1-2 guests, order a 10-inch pie
• 3-4 guests, opt for a 15-inch pie
• 5-6 guests, select a 17-inch pie
• 6-8 guests, go for a 19-inch pie
• 8-10 guests, choose a 24-inch pie

Additionally, if you wish to offer appetizers, main courses, or desserts, Mario’s extensive menu can cater to your needs. Their party trays include:

• Garlic knots
• Garden salad
• Greek salad
• Spaghetti with marinara sauce/meatballs
• Lasagna
• Baked ziti
• Chicken parmigiana
• Ravioli
• Eggplant parmigiana
• Cannoli

Speaking of that cake…we also have a delightful limoncello mascarpone cake.

Keep in mind, while we do offer party trays, we currently do not deliver and set up. Plus, be sure to call ahead so that we can prepare all of your food and have it ready when you are!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hosting a Graduation Party

As you plan your celebration, you might have more questions. Here are answers to a few common inquiries about graduation food party ideas that can help you create an unforgettable event.

What Entertainment Ideas Can Make the Party More Fun?

Creating a memorable experience for both your graduate and the guests is crucial. Incorporating engaging elements can set a lively mood and encourage interaction among attendees. Consider choosing a theme related to your graduate’s major or college choice to visually connect the guests to the guest of honor. Doing so will also help you come up with décor and possible related games.

Likewise, set the mood with background music. Craft a playlist featuring your graduate’s favorite songs or opt for popular graduation-themed tracks. For added entertainment, consider setting up a photo booth with fun props, as kids and adults love capturing moments, and it adds an interactive aspect to your celebration.

Where is the Best Venue for Hosting a Graduation Party?

Many find that a backyard is an ideal location for hosting a graduation party. Nevertheless, having a contingency plan for inclement weather is essential. Renting a tent can safeguard your guests from unexpected rain and provide shade on sunny days.

Another option to consider is renting a pavilion at your local park. This setup is often affordable and offers a convenient space. Before making a reservation, inspect the pavilion’s facilities and nearby parking options to ensure they meet your needs. It’s wise to book the venue at least three to four months in advance to secure your preferred location.

How Do I Order Party Trays or Pizza from Mario’s Pizza?

When hosting a graduation party, birthday celebration, or any event, Mario’s Pizza is here to assist. Simply call your nearest Mario’s Pizza location or visit our website to place your order. We have 9 convenient locations throughout the triad:

• 1469 River Ridge Dr., Clemmons
• 266 Harvey St., Winston-Salem
• 2205 Cloverdale Ave., Northwest Winston-Salem
• 1066 Hanes Mall Blvd., Winston-Salem
• 3354 W. Friendly Ave., Suite 142 Greensboro
• 4215 W Wendover Ave., Greensboro
• 1575 New Garden Rd., Greensboro
• 5824 Samet Dr., High Point
• 2645 N Main St., High Point

Whether you’re looking for graduation party food ideas or just some great food for a casual gathering with friends, Mario’s Pizza has you covered!

Moreover, if you’re looking for some fun birthday party ideas or themed party tips we have those too!