With unemployment a current epidemic, gas hovering near $4 a gallon, and food prices soaring, it’s no wonder so many families are being forced to scale back on graduation parties.
Fortunately, you don’t have to dig yourself deeper into debt in order to celebrate your son or daughter’s big day. There’s a way to have fun with a budget-friendly party, as long as you follow these simple tips:
1. Skip the fine china and opt for disposable plates, bowls and utensils.
2. Consider a potluck and ask friends and family to bring a dish to pass.
3. Double up on graduation-themed desserts (such as “Class of 2011” cookies) and use the leftovers as party favors.
4. Create an alcohol-free party menu. Not only will this reduce your beverage budget, but it won’t tempt high school students to experiment with alcohol.
5. Use simple crafts as party favors. For example, you can cut plain cardstock into bookmark shapes, then punch a hole in the top and tie string through the hole to make a tassel. Add a few graduation-themed stickers to the front of the bookmark and pass them out at the party.
6. Keep the party menu simple by serving finger foods and appetizers. Here is an inexpensive recipe for a tasty taco dip:
Ingredients:
1/4 cup black beans
1 1/2 cup nonfat refried beans
1/3 cup taco sauce
1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 cup salsa
2 1/2 cup salad greens, shredded
1 cup tomatoes
1/4 cup green onions
1/2 avocado, diced
Directions:
Blend black beans, refried beans and taco sauce. Spread mixture on large platter.
Blend yogurt and taco seasoning, then layer mixture over beans.
Layer salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, green onions and avocado.
Serve with tortilla chips or cut-up vegetables.
Finally, don’t spend big bucks on graduation-themed wrapping paper. Instead, decorate small white boxes or bags with glitter, stickers and ribbons and use them to present your graduate with his commencement gift.
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