How To Choose Appetizers For Your OC Graduation Party
For grads, nothing is better for starting a new chapter in life than tasty starters. After all, “apps” aren’t just what fills up your phone. Whether you call them finger foods, starters, or hors d'oeuvres, few things are as fun and as filling as graduation party appetizers. Unfortunately, even the smallest bites can be the biggest hassle. That’s why so many proud grad parents in Newport Beach, Dana Point, Irvine, and across the region have turned to one company for all their graduation ceremony catering needs. Whether you hire a pro or do it yourself, here’s how to choose appetizers for your graduation party.
Starting Small
The biggest problem with finger foods? All those fingers! So make sure if you have items set out that you have tongs, cups, or other ways for guests to pick up or scoop the goodies. If the last two years have taught us nothing, it’s that you want to share a celebration not the germs. A DIY Popcorn Bar, for example, is easy and inexpensive. The key is multiple toppings and of course popcorn bags! Add to the fun by turning the event into a movie night complete with an outdoor projector.
Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor event, chances are guests will be outside a fair amount of time. Graduation weather is usually perfect in the Orange County, so take advantage of it. For older grads (or their parents) cocktail hours and catered appetizers go together like peanut butter and jelly. You can have outdoor bar service, drinks stations, or just brews on tap. For the younger grads, mocktails add a touch of sophistication. The key is to pair your beverage and food options. The secret? Start with the appetizers then build the drink list from there.
The other consideration is that your celebrants will want room to roam. That means thinking small with everything from sliders to enchilada cups. You can even have apps on the sweet side, like delightful Banana Cream Pie Dessert Nachos. Everything should be easy to hold.
No matter what you serve, the big dilemma is how much to serve. You need to know how many guests will be attending of course. The problem is that unlike weddings, folks tend to be more casual about RSVPing to grad parties. Or they may be attending multiple parties in one day meaning they won’t eat as much. How long the party lasts is also a factor. A good rule of thumb for finger foods is five apps per person for the first two hours. Add another three apps for each extra hour. No matter how carefully you calculate, there’s a good chance you’ll be eating graduation party appetizers as meals for days, even weeks. If all this is getting you stressed, the best solution may be turning to professional catering for your OC graduate.
The Starter Solution
Figuring out finger foods may not top your to-do list. If a loved one is about to graduate, you have plenty of other things on your mind. That’s one reason your neighbors in Newport Beach, Dana Point, and Irvine have turned to Taylor Made Cuisine graduation catering for all their grad party needs. When it comes to catering for your Orange County graduate, they can customize a menu while minimizing the hassle. From afternoon brunch to cocktail hours to nighttime selections of tasty starters, the team at Taylor Made Cuisine are all seasoned pros at graduation party catering in Orange County.
You can look forward to hand-curated platters, elegant displays, and even garnishes that reflect their attention to detail. With so many vegan and vegetarian Gen Zers, Taylor Made Cuisine provides a plethora of possibilities. Of course carnivores aren’t left out –– their many gourmet sliders include BBQ Pulled Pork, Black Forest Ham, and Steakhouse Tri Tip. Other graduation party appetizers include everything from a charcuterie and artisanal cheese board to shrimp cocktail and veggie spring rolls. So start off your grad celebration right and get in touch with Taylor Made Cuisine today.