Graduation Dessert Party

Easy but Artful!

• Orange-and-black school colors posed a decorating dilemma. To keep away from a Halloween look, Cindy used white as the main color, accented with orange and black for invitations, centerpieces, food label cards, paper goods, cupcakes, even flowers.
• Here's another way to use cupcakes as a centerpiece!
• Search 'sprinkles' to find more recipes to adapt to school colors.
• To give the serving table a multi-dimensional look, Cindy placed boxes of varying size on the table, covered them with linens and places plates and platters on top.

More Artful Tips

• Cover rented tables with plastic tablecloths, then wrap with length of tulle and tie with bow to keep ends in place.
• Set the table 1-2 days ahead. Put out paper goods, serving platters, food label cards and, serving and eating utensils.
• Set up self-service coffee and beverage tables. If you are outdoors, fill coolers with beverages and label what's on each one.
• Make colorful food label cards for each food. Cindy used half a lime as the food label holder for the plate of Key Lime Bars.
• Strawberries, raspberries, thin slices of lemon or lime and lemon leaves all make super-easy garnishes for just about any platter.
• For a dash of elegance, dust desserts with powdered sugar or cocoa.

Helpful Charts

• All About Cheese
• Amounts of Food for a Crowd
• Guidelines For Cold Storage