Do you need help figuring out what and how much graduation party food to prepare? This page can help. Graduation party food will be as varied as the graduates and their families. Whether you're planning a cookout for family, or a large buffet for the entire class, this page can help! Read on to learn how to make graduation party food.

• A graduation party can be a small event for aunts, uncles, and grandparents, or a large party co-hosted by several families. Whatever the nature of the event, careful planning of what and how much food to serve can help you to have a successful party.

Make sure the cake fits the occasion!(Creative Commons photo by CarbonNYC)

• When determining how much food to buy, you'll need to carefully evaluate your guest list. There will probably be two categories of guests — the definites, and the "will probably stop bys." Add in 30-50% of the "will probably stop bys" to the definite total, and shop for that number.

1. Plan on 6 ounces of meat per serving.
2. You'll want to have one cup of side dishes for each expected guest.
3. 15 heads of chopped lettuce can make 75 individual salads.
4. Because of the uncertain head count, purchase non-perishable items that can stretch the meal if needed, and be saved for another occasion if not. Foods like nuts, chips, frozen chicken wings or mini quiches would all be good choices to have on hand.

1. If you're serving a meal, limit the selections to five to seven menu items.

2. Consider a pizza party, if the crowd will be primarily graduates.

3. A dessert buffet later in the evening can be fun and cheaper than a main meal.

4. Cut your school logo out of a watermelon for a great centerpiece.

5. If you're grilling, precook the meat so it will just need a quick heating on the grill.