Your child worked hard and reached an important milestone, graduation. This pinnacle moment calls for a celebration with a party. Once you’ve narrowed the guest list, it’s time to sift through graduation party food ideas.

A Few Graduation Party Food Ideas

Hosting your child’s graduation party can be a successful, low-stress event where everyone has fun. Of course, early planning is key to creating a memorable event. Moreover, the menu is one of the important elements in creating a positive atmosphere while facilitating socializing. When deciding on food items, keep in mind these important aspects:

1. Budget

Being a proud parent, it’s very easy to overspend. Setting a budget can help you stay out of debt and avoid waste. Typically, the average cost for a graduation party with 60 guests is about $1130 or $19 per guest.

2. Drinks

Typically, a party guest will consume 2 drinks per hour on average. However, consider buying extra in case it’s an overly hot day.  Furthermore, buying bottled water and canned soda eliminates the need to purchase cups.

3. Food

Even though this is a graduation celebration for your child, you’ll want to talk with guests and enjoy yourself too. However, preparing food that requires a lot of work or last-minute attention will draw you from the festivities.

Instead, pick some easy dishes to prepare so you can have fun too. Food bars are popular options allowing each party guest to assemble their meal. Another option is to lay out a charcuterie board with cold cuts, cheese, crackers, fruit, pickles, and nuts. Some other simple graduation party food ideas include:

• Vegetable tray
• Fruit Salad
• Coleslaw
• Pasta salad
• Chips and dip
• Bean salad
• Baked beans
• Pork/chicken sliders
• Hamburgers/hot dogs
• Sub/Sandwich tray
• Wings

4. Cake

Of course, the cake is the centerpiece of the graduation celebration. You can buy reasonably priced ones at your local supermarket or warehouse club. Cupcakes are another sweet option offering simplicity and ease of serving. Whether you choose cupcakes or a sheet cake, your guests will enjoy indulging in dessert.

Catering The Event Is Another Option

Throwing any party is a huge undertaking, especially if the event is at your home. Cleaning and preparation are time-consuming and draining. However, you can lighten your load by buying prepared food or having your event catered. Moreover, pizza is a great choice for many reasons:

• Everyone loves a pizza party
• It’s reasonably priced
• Toppings offer different options
• Easy cleanup
• Portable

One of the best places to buy pizza is your local Tony’s Pizza. Since 1981, our restaurants have been making delicious NY style pizza. Depending on your party and topping preferences, you may need several different sizes. Use the following chart to figure out how many pizzas you’ll need:

• 1-2 guests order a 10-inch pie
• 3-4 guests order a 15-inch pie
• 5-6 guests order a 17-inch pie
• 6-8 guests order a 19-inch pie
• 8-10 guests order a 24-inch pie

Plus, if you want to offer appetizers, other main dishes, or desserts, we have you covered. Tony’s has an extensive menu that includes party trays of your favorites:

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

Subs and wings make great party food too. Luckily, we have those as well!

FAQs About Hosting A Graduation Party

Are you in the party planning stages, and still deciding your options? Below, we answer a few questions to help you create a memorable event.

What Are Some Ideas To Make The Party Entertaining?

Of course, you want to create memories for your graduate. However, you also want to make a pleasurable event for your guests so that they also have a fun experience. Incorporating particular elements sets the mood and encourages interaction.

For example, centering the party around a theme will connect guests visually to the guest of honor. From the major to the college choice, the cohesiveness of a theme will make guests feel included and appreciated.

Playing background music is another idea. You can create a playlist of your graduate’s favorite songs or graduation-themed songs.

How about a photo booth with fun props? Teenagers love to take photos and this provides a fun and interactive spot to create lasting memories.

Where Is The Best Place To Host A Graduation Party?

Often, the best place to host your event is right in your backyard. However, have a plan in place in case of inclement weather. Renting a tent will protect your guest from an unexpected rain shower as well as shade from the glaring sun.

Another idea is to rent a pavilion at your local park. Usually, these are affordable and convenient spaces. It’s a good idea to view the location of your pavilion before renting it.  You’ll want a parking lot nearby as well as adequate facilities. Make sure you book at least 3-4 months in advance to ensure you get the pavilion of your choice.

How Do I Order Party Trays Or Pizza From Tony’s Pizza For My Event?

For a graduation party, birthday party, or any other event, Tony’s Pizza can help you with your next celebration. Simply call your nearest Tony’s Pizza or use our website to place your order. We have 6 convenient locations throughout the greater Charlotte area:

• 688 Bluefield Road, Mooresville (704) 658-1926
• 9548 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Huntersville (704) 394-5677
• 1530 Overland Park Lane, Charlotte (704) 688-6880
• 1605 Galleria Boulevard, Charlotte (704) 708-5111
• 14027 Conlan Circle, Charlotte 704-541-82
• 1832 Catawba Valley Boulevard SE, Hickory (828) 327-6636

Whether you need graduation party food ideas or food for hanging out with friends, rely on Tony’s Pizza.