Throw a Back to School Bash

Back to School is bittersweet. Most Moms are torn between saying goodbye to relaxed summer schedules and embracing the routine the new school year brings. Why not celebrate them both with a fun end –of-summer menu, presented with a back-to -school theme?

Set the tone with the invitation. Create a hall pass, report card or certificate of achievement to invite your friends. Along with the invitation, give your guests an assignment, too. Ask each Mom to bring a photo from her school days, and then use them as part of the décor. You’ll all have fun reminiscing about the styles, trends and friends of childhood. Ask friends to come dressed in their school colors or spirit wear from their alma mater. If you’d like to “party with a purpose” ask each Mom to bring school supplies to fill a backpack to help a needy child.

Keep the school-theme going with your playlist. Greet your group with upbeat tunes that will get the party started:
Be True to your School by The Beach Boys
Principal’s Office by Young M.C.
Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard by Paul Simon
No Such Thing by John Mayer
Grade 9 by Barenaked Ladies
New Girl in School by Jan & Dean
To Sir, with Love by Lulu

When it comes to décor, get creative with simple school supplies. Make a pencil vase for flowers by slipping 2 rubber bands around a cylindrical vase. Insert pencils all the way around then cover the rubber band with ribbon. Add water and flowers and you’re done!

Serve Pinwheel Steak Skewers on small chalkboards. They’re easy to find for just $2-3 apiece. Write a message in chalk on each one and present your friends with a little “food for thought” for the new school year.

When it comes to a cocktail, serve something seasonal. Strawberry Sangria is a perfect party drink. Light, refreshing and pretty, it tastes best after 24 hours in the fridge.

Your dinner menu should be seasonal, too. Why not send off summer with a mouthwatering Grilled Filet with Watermelon and Bibb Salad? With a little pre-prep this main dish salad comes together in a snap. Wash the lettuces, chop the watermelon and make the vinaigrette early in the day. Grill the filet last minute and assemble the salad while the steaks are resting. Serve it with crusty bread and some herbed butter.

Moms know the school year means they’ll be asked to provide treats for bake sales. Give them a break, and a treat with a buffet of bake sale-style treats for dessert. Use cake stands to display brownies, cookies and cupcakes. Top your favorite cupcake with the symbol of the school year, an apple! Sweet little marzipan apples are easy to make.

Finally, send friends home with a simple party favor. Place a small tin of spice rub inside a brown paper lunch bag with a note that says, “Friends are the Spice of Life”. I love Cucina Italiana Rub made with basil, oregano, garlic powder and salt. What a great way for your friends to remember the fun you had at your Back to School Bash!