5.01.2007

Graduating on the Cheap: The Food (Part 1)

My life has gotten ten kinds of crazy, as I'm waaay behind schedule and desperately trying to finish my paper by today so that I can get started on other things. Needless to say, the blog takes a back seat. Sorry for the sporadic postings.

After the ceremony is over, you have to feed all your guests, right? There are a couple of ways to do it--eat out or eat in. Today I'll discuss the eat out option.

This is a good option if you have a very small apartment and can't entertain guests, or if you just don't have the time to deal with it. It's also the more expensive option. If it were me, I'd treat the guests because this is a "thank you" to everyone for making the time, effort, and many miles of trekking to get out there. But I also realize that not everyone can afford to do this, so the "who pays" part is really up to your financial ability. I don't think there's any shame in letting everyone pay for themselves; people understand we're poor students.

The choice of place to eat might cut down on some costs. Personally, I like family-style places such as Buca di Beppo's--you get a lot of variety and huge portions for a relatively affordable price. Another cost-containing-but-keeps-everyone-full option is a buffet. People get to pick what they want to eat, and you don't have to worry about picking a restaurant that everyone likes, or that someone orders the most expensive item on the menu and you have to shoulder the costs.

Next time I'll talk about options for hosting the party yourself.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good topic, here's my two cents - When I graduated we hosted a dinner in a private room at a nicer Chinese seafood restaurant. Family style rules applied, so we were able to feed everyone and still leave with the shirts on our backs.

Sales Rack Raider said...

Great tip, Kristen. Family style is definitely a great way to go.

One way to make things quick and know exactly what you're paying for in advance is to see if the restaurant have a "prix fix" menu. Most places do. That way you can order it once you get there, no hassles. It's great if the entourage likes all the trimmings (soup, maybe appetizers, and definitely entrees). But then again, the money might be better spent getting an additional entree if there's a lot of people.

Muttersome said...

Another way to save money after graduation is to go to Denny's, which is what I did with my family and friends. It was great. i got the earrings today, and they are much lovelier in person, with added bonus of being work-appropriate and still cute. Thanks for the fast shipping and the cute little Cake tags!

Sales Rack Raider said...

Ah yes, Denny's--the menu has variety and it's easy on the wallet. Good choice!

And Thank You, Bernie, for being a great customer! Glad you like 'em!