<p>After I bumped these threads (thanks Binx!), I remembered something that I’ve done for the kids for many many many years for non-music events. And therefore, to continue the tradition (and meet their friends’ expectations), I will probably do for d’s senior recital as well. </p>
<p>We dip pretzel rods (short or long) into melted chocolate, place them on waxed paper, and then decorate with sprinkles, jimmies, dots or splattered contrasting melted chocolate (a la Jackson Pollack - very messy). After the chocolate hardens, we transfer the rods to a platter or individual bags, depending on the event.</p>
<p>It’s always a big hit (love that salty-sweet contrast) and can be color-coordinated for the event.</p>
<p>We did the senior recital and then had the graduation party afterwards, so got all the chaos over with at once (although it was murder for three days!). Knew her accompanist well- voice teacher for 4 years- so presented her with a Vera Bradley bag. Others had brought flowers for my D, and she was surrounded by friends and teachers for about a half hour between the recital and the party/reception, so she really didn’t even know I was around…</p>
<p>Bumping this again lol. I don’t have a son with a senior recital but am in process of planning DD’s senior recital reception (the school provides a reception room). We live over 4 hours away and I have never been to one of these so I am trying to figure out what kind of food and decorations to have as well as gift. This thread is very informative! I have realized that a full on hot buffet is not necessary. </p>
<p>We will go with “recital cheese” platter (as DD and friends insist this is a must), fruit and veggie trays, tomato pie (a local fave in our area), cupcakes with little French Horn and music notes perched on top, assorted cookies, chocolate dipped strawberries and pretzels (thanks for the idea), and possibly trays of California Rolls and baguette sandwiches from Wegmans. </p>
<p>I had initially thought of doing a Chocolate Fountain but realized the logistics of that would be too stressful.</p>
<p>MomOf3Stars- now you’ve done it, I’m missing Wegmans again! Grrrr…
What you have planned is pretty much what we served and it was easy and fun. We also bought some of the big packs of mini eclairs and mini creme puffs from BJs and some other little pastries. Tea, coffee, de-caf (don’t forget the cream and sugar), ice water and lemonade completed the spread.</p>
<p>Mezzo’sMama: Thanks for the idea of the cream puffs! Aldi also carries them and there is an Aldi near DD’s campus. I think I may nix the little cupcakes in favor of those and just set out the French Horn/music note shaped chocolates as favors. This is getting easier and easier!</p>
<p>I love Wegmans too! There is no Wegmans near me and so I go any chance I get. It is about a half hour drive from DD’s college town to the nearest Wegmans but worth it!</p>
<p>I asked DD if it was poor form to serve wine at her reception (I noted some on here do) and she laughed and said just stick to water, coffee/tea, and soda because we don’t want to get the Brass Faculty all boozed up lol.</p>
<p>Something I did for D’s recital – I took my crockpot with me, and a bag of frozen meatballs from IKEA. Prior to the recital, I put the meatballs in the crockpot in the reception room, added a little bit of water and a couple bouillon cubes, and turned it on high. After the recital, I put them on a platter and set out a pack of toothpicks. Super easy, and the first thing gone.</p>
<p>I want to know, though, where you found the french horn chocolates?</p>
<p>@MomOf3Stars- check out CafePress for French Horn items.
Alas, the nearest Wegmans is a state, and 2+ hours away, but DS Junior Recital is in 10 days so I make the drive ( she swears there is nothing better than Wegmans cake with whipped cream icing and strawberry filling!).</p>
<p>S is having his Senior Recital this weekend. I have already ordered the requested Cupcakes and will get some fruit and cheese plates from Wegmans. Since we are from out of town we have planned a few extra days to iron out these details. </p>
<p>The big question is did you get your S or D a gift? I don’t want him to be disappointed if he expects something, but don’t want to over do it. Since the recital is in the fall instead of the spring it cannot really be combined with a graduation gift. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>No…at least here, in the west, we give flowers</p>
<p>for her senior recital—flowers and I put out a spread in the lobby.</p>
<p>for graduate recital----flowers and I popped for cocktails and snacks for faculty and students at a local watering hole. (all over 21 of course)</p>
<p>We did not do a gift either. We took him and several of his friends out for dinner. He also graduated without a lot of debt. That was his gift from us :)</p>
<p>Ditto shennie! D knew better than to expect either a recital gift OR a graduation gift!</p>
<p>But now I do remember, I helped her pay for her grad school recital gown.
But I happened to be standing there when she bought it and I guess that just makes me a sucker, rather than a gift giver. ;)</p>
<p>Well, I have to confess we quite overspent for S’s sophomore recital, but it wasn’t something we had planned. Just as our flight was about to depart, dear hubby remembered he had forgotten the video camera (Zoom HD), and we were the designated camera crew for the event. He felt terrible! So terrible that as soon as we landed, he started calling everywhere until he found a place that sold Zoom cameras. Not really something we could afford, but he bought a second Zoom camera to record the recital. And, of course, we didn’t need two! So, afterwards, we gave the entire package to S as a present. He got a recording of his recital, and much more–and he really has gotten good use of the camera since then (for example, he recently recorded himself in conducting class so he could evaluate it afterwards, and he had his brother record his solo performance with the symphony a few weeks ago when we couldn’t be there). So, it was basically a good investment, albeit a very pricy recital gift.</p>