"Bombay" Roll Ups feature marinated London broil, thinly sliced and rolled around juliened carrots, bean sprouts and chives, lightly drizzled with peanut satay sauce.

Celebrate your favorite grad by hosting a relaxed backyard party in their honor.

The Menu
• Iced Mango Green Tea
• Seven-layer Asian Dip with Orange Zest Chicken
• "Bombay" Roll Ups
• Edible Wonton Spoons with Crab Rangoon
• Spicy Thai Chicken Skewers
• Mandarin Cupcakes
Menu courtesy of An Affaire Extraordinaire Catering 254-7684.

Graduation Party Trends
Backyard barbecues are a fun way to entertain. It's casual and allows for guests to feel comfortable dropping by throughout the course of the party, as many graduation get-togethers often overlap.

When it comes to decorations, anything goes. Popular options include the colors of the alma mater and the future career path of the graduate. For high school grads going onto college, their future school colors (and mascot) can also be incorporated.
Signature beverages are always a good idea and don't need to include alcohol. Graduates of Canyon High, for example, may enjoy sipping either green or gold beverages (serve both). Use fruit juice or flavored syrup to achieve your color palate. Lemon-lime soda is an easy, alcohol-free base.

Stop worrying about how many drinks to buy. Plan on two-and-a-half drinks per guest. Yes, you'll end up with a little extra - but you'll avoid a panicked mid-party beverage run.
There's no current etiquette on who must (or must not) be invited to a graduation party. Presumably, close (both personal and regional) family will be invited, as well as school friends (efforts should be made to ensure that parties are not planned simultaneously), exceptional teachers and neighbors.

Many college and graduate school friends are choosing to co-host a single graduation party together. While this makes a lot of the planning easier, it could become confusing for your guests. Consider reserving some seating for older guests who may feel most comfortable relaxing with people they know. Also, be prepared to field questions about gifts for your co-hosts.
Tips courtesy of Myra Harbour, owner of Celebrate - Planning for an Event to Remember 259-8611.

Great Graduation Gifts
"Gifts with meaning really make an impact. Our favorites are the 'Dream' necklace in sterling silver; a sterling keychain with the Thoreau saying: 'Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you imagined'; and a collectable message tile that says, 'Wherever you are, it is your friends who make your world.'"
~Nanette Ferrara of McKenna & Greene 296-0935

"We have terrific graduation picture frames, ink pens made from antique silverware, (there are also matching magnifying glasses and letter openers) and, of course, beautiful jewelry for the ladies."
~ Donnie Coleman of Rooms & Blooms 287-0050

"Useful and timeless gifts include the Lotus™ briefcase, Hartmann™ leather pads and Waterford™ pens."
~Gene Dietzgen of Gene's Luggage & Travelware 259-8513

"Our ideas include luxurious spa wraps embellished with swarovski crystals - perfect to take on a graduation trip! Also, a custom-made photo album with a picture of the grad on the front will become a treasured keepsake."
~ Ede Eichmann of Madalian 799-7983