A Georgia Southern Graduation

My dear friend's daughter, Natalia, graduated from GSU this past weekend. Unfortunately, I couldn't make the ceremony; however, I sure was there in spirit! Damaris and I had more fun planning the graduation festivities!

The planning began just like Keely's UT graduation party I hosted several years ago. That is, we first brainstormed for foods that matched either the school colors or food items that could easily be re-named GSU-style. For starters, party-goers could have GSU Guacamole or even Georgia Southern Salsa served with Go Big Blue & White Chips.

For the cheese platter, rolled slices looked like diplomas, turning them into Commencement Cheese. Since GSU's mascot is an eagle named Gus, deviled eggs became Eagle Eggs and a bowl of sunflower seeds became Gus' Feed.

For savory items, party-goers could choose GA Southern Chicken & Cornbread Salad or even Milestone Meatballs. No chicken wings served here. . . as you guessed it, they became Eagle Wings.

Italian beef sandwiches were re-named Boro Beef Sandwiches. (Why? Well, GSU is in Statesboro.)

Not surprisingly, there was no shortage of foods to satisfy one's sweet tooth. Damaris' long time friend Anita makes the best thumb print cookies - "You're one smart cookie!"

A bowl of Smarties candy came with the message, "Good luck Smartie pants (not like you need it)." How about Diploma Cookies (wafer rolled cookies) or True Blue Cupcakes?

A healthier option was provided, too: Freedom Fruit, or skewers of pineapple, blueberries, and mini marshmallows.

I must say my personal favorite was Freedom's Flight Cookies. These little guys were just too cute displayed in their nest.

Perhaps the crowd favorite was Southern Pride Popcorn. This recipe is so versatile! It's Keely's Christmas Crunch just modified with blue and gold variations. It's even the same recipe I used for Buffy's baby shower as well as Hayley's baby shower.

Now for the drinks. Of course, any Southern event must have sweet tea. Since one of GSU's well-known landmarks is Sweetheart Circle, we just re-named this beverage Sweetheart Circle Tea. There was lemonade punch, too. We called it Southern Pride Punch.

Since Pineapple Fanta matched the color scheme so perfectly, it made the list as Soaring Eagle Soda. You could even find bottled water cleverly tagged as Class of H2014.

For the party favors, we just made a variation of the Easter s'mores I used for my sister's 50th birthday party. I'll never look at Peeps the same way again. From here on out, these are Baby Gus!

"Wasn't it just yesterday? Wishing you s'more years of love, laughter, and learning. Happy Graduation!" My sentiments exactly.

Congrats again, Natalia! So very proud of you! :)