What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
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featured dining guide story Advertorial Feature SPECIAL TO NORTHWEST ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE 26 WHAT'S UP! MAY 14-20, 2023 Plan an A+ celebration The school year is drawing to a close in Northwest Arkansas and graduation party season is here. This milestone accomplishment is worthy of a celebration. Here are some tips for celebrating your favorite smarty: • Set a budget. As with any other party planning, a budget is key to determining the scope and affordability of what you may have in mind. It may dictate whether you're hosting a party at home with some finger foods or hosting something more elaborate. • Personalize it. Graduation parties are are all about the guest of honor. Consult with your grad to help create the party that he or she has in mind. Personalize the party to reflect and honor their wishes and personality. • Get input on the guest list. This day is all about the recent graduate, so let him or her provide input about the guest list. Some grads might want a large gathering, while others may prefer a small family gathering or a less formal get-together with only friends. Make sure the grad is comfortable with who is in attendance. If grads want a friend-heavy guest list, plan a dinner out at a favorite restaurant with family on another night. • Invite teachers. Some graduates form strong bonds with teachers who helped them get through difficult coursework or provided invaluable advice during their academic careers. Make sure these people, who may include teachers past and present, are invited to the party and recognize their role in helping the guest of honor achieve his or her academic and professional goals. • Coordinate with other parents/ planners. Graduation season is a social time of year. Speak with the grad's friends' parents to make sure parties are not scheduled on the same day. This way, all graduates can enjoy their moment in the sun and won't miss out on other celebrations with their friends. Planners and parents can even coordinate parties together if the graduates agree. • Clue in neighbors. If the idea is to have a party at home, don't leave neighbors in the dark about a large group of people descending on the street. Be courteous and let them know you're expecting crowds and noise. Better yet, invite some neighbors to join in the fun. • Provide extra seating. Give guests plenty of places to congregate. Borrow or rent extra tables and chairs to maximize comfort. • Consider catering. Whether you host a party at home or at a venue, professional caterers can take a big load off of your shoulders. Let the experts calculate how much food is needed and then be on call to set up chafing dishes or buffet bars. If your grad prefers fast food, many franchises now offer catering as well.