Graduation is a milestone worthy of celebration. Even though many graduates and their families may have to make some concessions this year to maintain public health, that doesn’t mean that celebrations must cease. Special dinners are a great way to honor newly minted graduates.
Planning a graduation dinner can take some resourcefulness, especially in 2021. With these tips, the process will go much more smoothly.
Decide on a date
Graduation ceremonies tend to take place within a relatively small window. That means that you’ll be competing with neighbors for the same restaurants and other resources. The adage that the early bird gets the worm is never more true than when booking a vendor around graduation time, particularly a local restaurant. While your first choice may be the graduation date, have one or two other options, particularly if you have your mind set on a popular restaurant.
Consider an early or late meal
Traditional dinner time in North America falls between 5 and 8 p.m., and will vary based on work and extracurricular schedules. An early or late meal may make it easier to book a table or tables at a restaurant that is typically filled during peak dinner hours. However, considering a graduation dinner may include people from outside the household, choosing a meal time that will be convenient for all should be a priority.
Opt for a catered affair
If booking a restaurant is proving difficult due to local restrictions regarding in person dining or other obstacles, then catering a dinner at home may be a smart option. Speak with a favorite restaurant or caterer well in advance of the proposed party date and host a catered event at home. Buffets often are conve nient because there will be different foods that meet a variety dietary needs.
Stagger invitation times
Flexibility and ingenuity have become hallmarks of the past year or more. Concerns about coronavirus transmission may still be making headlines around graduation time, and graduation dinner hosts should keep this in mind. For home or backyard parties, keep guest lists on the small side and divide them according to specific time slots to maintain social distancing and reduce the number of people who will be mingling at one time.
Graduation dinners are a time to celebrate new graduates. With ample planning, they can be joyous occasions during a busy time of year.