June 3, 2021

Menu ideas for BBQ party

Barbecue Graduation Party What are your grad's favorite foods? This is the best place to start when planning your menu and it will make your food choices a lot easier. Pizza lover? Do pizzas. BBQ lover? Plan a bbq. Italian? Pasta & sauces. Mexican? A taco bar. Dessert lover? Desserts & ice cream. The choices are endless.

Keep it simple

Make it easy on yourself and serve five to seven different menu items. The most common mistake made at a graduation party is serving too much food. Read on for advice on quantity.

Dare to be different!

After going to too many graduation parties where the same food is being served you will understand. We encourage you to be imaginative. For example, if your graduate is a pizza freak, serve pizza. It's an unusual open house item, and yet it's the number one most popular food among teenagers. Mix it up by serving some unique gourmet pizzas in addition to the standard favorites, cheese and pepperoni.

French's Tabletop Cooler If your graduate loves desserts, have a dessert party that starts at 7:00 p.m., and specify “dessert party” on your invitation so people know to eat dinner before they come. Desserts can be made ahead and require little serving time. The bakery is an easy way out. Or how about make your own sundaes and banana splits?

Ask for help in the kitchen

Hire a caterer or server if you can, this is one party you don't want to miss! If you can't afford a caterer, ask friends or neighbors to help. Maybe you can offer to do the same at their party if they're having one. See Ask for help. If you’ve agreed on a theme, be sure to maximize the opportunity to find foods that fit the theme.

Keep hot food hot & cold food cold

As you plan your menu think about how you're going to set up your buffet table.

Chafing dishes are available for rent and make an excellent presentation. If you're planning to serve hot food, you may want to borrow one or two from a friend. Or you can rent them at your local rental company.

To keep cold food cold we recommend setting up an ice table. Your local rental company may have them for rent or check out this inflatable tabletop cooler that can be purchased at a reasonable price. It's a great investment if you see more parties in your future.

French's Tabletop Cooler

French’s Tabletop Cooler is a great way to serve your cold foods. It's designed with inflatable sides and a unique 1” air-insulated base, made with heavy duty plastic so it can be used again & again. Set up before your guests arrive so you can enjoy the party without running back & forth to the kitchen.

Just inflate the cooler, place it on a 6 foot banquet table, fill with several bags of ice & place the food containers into the ice. The cooler can be covered with a plastic tablecloth when food is not being served to keep the bugs out & the cold in. It can also be used as a beverage table. For best results, it should be kept in a shaded area away from direct sunlight.