Hosting a graduation open house and need easy, budget-friendly tips? Use this party planning guide
to throw a cheap, nice backyard bash for your graduate! Here are recipes, tips shopping lists for
groceries, supplies, decorations and equipment. DIY alternatives save you money and hassle!
Graduation open house menu: Buy enough food for one serving per guest. Shop dollar stores, Aldi's,
Walmart, Sam's Club, Costco, Gordon Food Service and Target. Don't fuss with outdoor electrical
outlets. Prep ahead, chill or warm, and serve. Here's a cheap graduation open house buffet menu
under $100.
* Diploma roll-ups appetizers--flour tortilla shells --cream cheese --sliced ham --spray cheese
Spread cream cheese on tortillas, Place ham on top. Roll thin. Slice in half lengthwise. Draw "tie" with
spray cheese (or use licorice ropes). Arrange on serving tray. Chill.
* Watermelon basket: Cut watermelon in basket shape. Make two cuts two inches apart in center. Cut
one-third of the way down on each side. Cut a horizontal line around each side (connecting with the
vertical. Remove cutaway portions, leaving handle. Clean out fruit with melon baller (save melon
balls). Cut a scalloped or zigzag edge if desired. Carve "Congratulations Class of ____" on side. Mix
melon balls with partially thawed 4# bag Walmart frozen tropical fruit (reserve two cups). Fill basket.
* Hawaiian meatballs. Blend and heat in large disposable foil pan:--16 ounces ketchup --5# frozen meatballs --16 ounces grape jelly
--reserved tropical fruit
* Veggie tray:--baby carrots --celery stalk --cucumbers --green peppers --dip
* Mac and cheese: Mix in large disposable aluminum pan and bake:--3# cooked mini seashell pasta --2 large cans mushroom soup --2# Velveeta cheese (cubed) --French friend onions (top with)
* Mortarboard graduation hat cookies (in lieu of cake).These went over crazy-well at our youngest
son's open house. Here's my tutorial and recipe for graduation cap cookies. You'll need:--peanut butter cups (Reese's, Palmer, generic) --chocolate covered graham cookies --M&Ms (school colors) Set extras out for party favors. --spray frosting (in one school color)
Additional groceries and supplies: For dual purpose decorations/ utensils, buy serving supplies and
paper products in school colors.--assorted chips/pretzels --assorted 2-litre bottles of soda (clear, cola, fruit-flavored, diet, caffeine-free) --water --instant coffee --tea assortment --creamer --sweetener --2 disposable rectangle aluminum pan (turkey size) for meatballs and mac and cheese --2 large plastic serving trays (for veggies and Diploma roll-ups) --large plastic bowls (for chips or pretzels) --2 plastic tablecloths (for buffet and gift table-guests don't need to sit at tables) --plastic spoons and forks --napkins --paper plates --congratulations banner
--streamers (hang in trees) --balloon bouquet (cheap at Dollar Tree)
On-hand or borrowed supplies--2 picnic or outdoor buffet tables --folding chairs (campfire chairs work great) --portable awning or large umbrella (for food) --30-cup coffee pot or large carafe (for hot water) --2-gallon insulated beverage cooler --2 coolers (for ice, pop)
Decorations:
Make a memory table of your graduate. Arrange memorabilia, artwork, photos, projects, mementos,
awards, instruments, sports equipment, ribbons, trophies, scrapbooks, baby pictures. Place box
discreetly for cards.
And now, you wonderful parents you, relax, visit and enjoy. You've earned it!
