If you are looking for an alternative to the standard graduation party, how about hosting a Pancake Brunch? Graduates have enough on their mind, and so do their parents.
Usually, the grad wants to attend their friends’ celebrations, held on the same night, while parents would like them to stick around to visit with out of town family members. Having a celebration earlier in the day offers an opportunity for the new graduate to spend a little quality time with family and friends who have traveled far and wide in honor of the occasion.
Start With the Table
Collect your serving trays and cake stands and lay them out on the table. Add a few bowls filled with fresh fruit, nuts and toppings. Make a list of what you will need: strawberries, blueberries, sliced bananas, colored sprinkles, whipped topping, yogurt, granola and chocolate chips.
Don’t forget to pull out your tablecloth and inspect for stains. Toss it in the washer and dryer to get out the wrinkles. Add some pretty plates and napkins. Count your utensils, platters and antique syrup pitchers.
Decorate and Personalize
With so many delicious items on display, decorations can be a breeze. Graduation cap party picks add a nice touch and serve as mini fruit skewers. Or, bake a batch of lemon berry muffins and adorn them with graduation cupcake toppers or wrappers. Add custom table markers (labels) to identify each food item. It’s a fun way to bring in some color and creativity. Either use a label maker and have the kids embellish the label or download a template online. Get crafty and use your imagination.
Keep Dietary Restrictions Front and Center
Always ask your guests if there is any food they should steer clear from eating. Cross-contamination can be a big issue if you are setting out bowls and people use the same serving utensils for multiple food items. If you have a guest with a severe allergy or medical restriction, set their food out in a location where there is no risk. Avoid using the same cutting boards, sponges and serving pieces.
Spread it on Thick
Reach for jars of Nutella, Peanut Butter (if no restrictions), Cookie Butter from Trader Joes (my favorite!), pancake or Vermont maple syrup and chocolate sauce. Aim for room temperature for easy pouring and spreading. Place the thicker spreads in separate bowls and add a spoon or knife.
Stack Up the Fun
On the day of the party, have several burners going to make the pancakes. Add waffles, an egg casserole and whatever else you think your guests will enjoy. If you are limited on time, find a great frozen pancake or waffle and spice it up with the toppings. No one will judge your efforts!
Easy Activities
The beauty of this event is conversation will flow naturally and guests will be comfortable. If you are looking for something low maintenance that suits the tone of the gathering, consider a few rounds of “guess who said the graduation quote.” I came across a downloadable online with everything you need. Another idea is a graduation advice tree (just a few supplies are needed).
Say ‘Thank You’
Use your new stationery! Write out your thank you notes as soon as you graduate. Keep it short and sweet (and from the heart). Mention the gift and how you plan to use it. Finally, sign off with an appropriate closing such as, “Love, Fondly, or Sincerely,” depending on your relationship with the gift-giver.
You may also like Graduation Etiquette for Parents, Guests and Graduates. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow Diane on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life. (The perfect graduation gift, by the way!)
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