Throw a memorable bash for your grad. Credit: AP
Rice isn't the only thing getting thrown over the next few weeks -- graduation caps will also be taking to the skies. Alongside brides, high school and college seniors will be planning parties with multigenerational guest lists. What should you keep in mind when the party goers range from small children to grandparents? Holidash talked to experts -- including etiquette guru Lizzie Post, a descendant of Emily Post herself -- and compiled five simple tips on making your guests comfortable.
1. Buffet is best. When you're dealing with many different appetites, dietary demands and arrival times, a buffet meal is best. Cousin Sheila showed up early with a cranky three-year-old? Steer them to the finger sandwiches. Your great-aunt Betsy only wants a dainty morsel while uncle Bob could eat a horse? Everyone can fill their plates as they please.
Lizzie Post offered a buffet at her own college graduation party -- but first kicked things off with some hors d'oeuvres, since people tend to show up at different times. "My family came back right after the ceremony and we had something like a cocktail hour," she told Holidash. "We had a stretch of time when people were arriving, getting settled, getting drinks and nibbling [on snacks]. An hour in, the buffet was ready to go."
2. Find a happy medium for music. Post advises hosts to "try to find a middle ground when it comes to music. You don't need to go too classical because your grandparents are around, but find a mix of 'oldies but goodies' like Ray Charles and Johnny Cash, stuff from the 1950s and 60s that's fun yet not blaring." And keep in mind that by now, pop hits from the 1980s count as party-friendly vintage, too.
Modern bands with a slightly retro or world-music sound are another good bet, like Pink Martini, Norah Jones or Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. If you're putting together a dancing play list, ask yourself, "Would Tom Hanks listen to this?" (If you're wondering about "Single Ladies," the answer is yes.)
3. Prepare a toast or two. Plan on a few minutes to thank your family and friends -- not only for coming to your party but for their support and love over the years. This is especially important if your graduation ceremony only allows a few attendees per student, so that other close family and friends weren't able to see the official pomp-and-circumstance event.
As with a wedding, toasts should be appreciative, sincere and short. The toast is a wonderful opportunity to thank people who may have contributed to your education in special ways, like the roommate who kept you sane during final exams, the teacher who sparked your love of math or the godparent who got you your first library card.
Such toasts also help as icebreakers for a multigenerational group. Post explains, "a nice toast by the parents and the graduate is really what will help everyone feel connected." Friends of the graduate may hear a touching story about older guests -- and vice versa.
4. Be considerate about seating. With a diverse crowd, you'll need different kinds of seating to accommodate various needs. Picnic benches or cushions on the lawn might be fine for younger people, but older guests will likely want seats with backs. If you're expecting someone who's expecting, make sure there's a steady chair with arms so she can get up easily.
5. Consider providing a babysitter and/or a play area. If you'll have more than three or four young children at your party, carve out some space and a bit of your party budget for a special play zone. This could be as simple as a low table stocked with basic, low-mess craft supplies like stickers, crayons and colored paper, or a part of the lawn set aside with bubble-making sets and hula hoops.
Expecting an entire pre-school's worth of kids? Having a babysitter on hand will give the parents a breather. Of course, the children don't need to be tightly chaperoned or taken to another room, but having a designated person to watch over the play area, lead some games and hand out the juice boxes will give the rest of the guests a bit more peace of mind.
