Your son or daughter is graduating in a month. Normally, graduation is a time to "let loose," especially when it comes to eating and drinking. The usual open house fare consists of pretzels, chips, cookies, hot dogs, and hamburgers, plus plenty of soda. When you have dozens of people coming through your house, it's easier and cheaper to just buy bulk snacks and stand back.

However, you do have a more delicious, and low-cost, alternative that will guarantee the kids, parents, teachers and coaches remember your open house. You'll stand out from all the potato salad/Jello/baked beans/mile-long sub buffet tables. Trust us, the crowd of hungry grads will probably have had hamburgers and pizza at three different houses. Don't worry about the chance you will be "uncool." Your teen is more adventurous than you think, and when it comes to food, you can feel good about letting him or her experiment. Try a vegetable platter with spicy guacamole or avocado dip, or make your own hummus dip in the food processor using garbanzo beans. If you're pressed for time and money, preserve and dehydrate vegetables for the big day.

How about drinks? Normally, you could fill a lake with all the 18-ounce sodas the kids drink. And you will probably limit any alcohol consumption. Try citrus-filled juices, and don't be afraid to experiment with papaya, mango, pear, and strawberry juices. Tell the kids it's your "Tropical Paradise Cocktail." Add some shaved ice, and your guests will be "chilling" happily.

If you don't want to go completely vegetarian, try a fish recipe (just make sure none of your guests are allergic.) You'll stand out, because chicken is traditionally the main dish at graduation parties.

For dessert, instead of the usual graduation cake, use Soysicles--they're great.