What Should I Serve At The Graduation Party?

     Page Seventy-Seven.
     'Tis the season. For graduation parties, that is. And as usual, the big question is: "what to feed all those pesky guests"? (Or, "with Lord's grace, do you think he'll actually graduate"?) Well, if he actually fooled  all those teachers into thinking he deserves to receive that valuable piece of paper, just exactly what will you feed all those people? Here are some suggestions:
     1) Burgers and dogs always sell. Plus the outdoor grill is really quite low maintenance. And they can be made to order. 
     2) Cold pasta salad works. Plus you can eat it while stranding up. This, as opposed to mac 'n cheese which works better in colder weather.
     3) If your income is strong, beef tenderloin sandwiches (on really good bread) will be savored. Serve with good mustard, horseradish and mayo. Of course, if you serve this or the burgers and dogs, you also want to have veggie burgers for those irritating vegans.
     4) Cole slaw.
     5) Ribs are wonderful. Be prepared though, with ribs you need to have seating for everybody. You don't need seating for sandwiches.
     6) Chicken... depends how you prepare it. Good old fashioned fried works for this type of party as does baked if it's in reasonably sized pieces. This really is the key to any type of informal party food: can it be eaten comfortably while mingling, standing and talking?
     7) A salad bar is refreshing, original, delicious, creative and healthy. But again, just make sure that all vegetables are cut up into small enough pieces.
     8) Fancy little tea sandwiches are a fun and retro throwback which will elicit copious positive comments. Use good bread and a variety of fillings. Perhaps four or five different varieties.
     9) Go international. Hummus or tabouli salad served with pita bread, falafel sandwiches, lox or cream cheese with bagels, beef teriyaki or chicken teriyaki - both on bamboo skewers, tacos, burritos, Hawaiian grilled chicken with grilled pineapple over white rice.. all works outside in warm weather. And if you go international you can then decorate appropriately.
     10) Corn on the cob is the ultimate warm weather, outside food, but I'm not sure why. It really doesn't lend itself to being eaten under these circumstances, but people always do it anyhow.
     11) Three bean salad is great. Just make sure to purchase bowls in addition to dishes.
     12) Potato salad works, but has no nutrition whatsoever.
     13) Steak really doesn't work unless there's seating for everybody.
     14) Baked beans, either hot or cold definitely work. Again though, bowls, bowls, bowls.
     15) Shish-ka-bobs on the grill are different. Use lamb, chicken or beef with red peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms. They can be served with rice.
     16) I think pizza and pasta are too heavy for this type of affair, but let's be honest: "if you build it they will come". That goes for pizza and pasta at a graduation party also. (If you cook it, they will eat it and love it."
     17) Shellfish is expensive and requires seating. Be prepared. But some parties would welcome this tremendously.
     18) However, grilled salmon always sells.
     19) Tomatoes and chopped basil leaves with blue cheese in oil and vinegar is a wonderful, little refreshing side dish.
     20) Sliced cucumbers and thinly sliced onions prepared Pennsylvania Dutch style. Vinegar, sugar and water as the marinade for a few hours or overnight.
     21) Melon-based fruit salad. Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew and any other melon, with a surprise of blueberries.
     22) Berry-based fruit salad. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and any other with a surprise of chopped dates and flaked, sweetened coconut.
     23) Tropical fruit salad, Bananas, mango, papaya, pineapple and any other tropical fruit with a surprise of marachino cherries.
     24) A thousand desserts and sweets.
     25) I think that's enough food for one graduation party.
     If this is a kindergarten graduation, have fun. If this is a middle school graduation, have fun with all the impending high school drama. If this is a high school graduation party, have fun paying for college. If this a college graduation party have fun supporting him 'till he gets a job. Good Luck and Mazel Tov!