DIY Network

does anyone have any ideas for lo cost food (no grilling) and/or decorating ideas for a grad with constr engineering degree? party stores only seem to have what i consider corny - want to use blk, wht, silver theme with possibly balloon centerpieces --thanks

Visit your local hardware store/department. Large nuts, bolts, washers, electrical, pipe fittings...sure to find something cool to use or construct. And if you keep them in new condition and no display damage, you may even be able to return them for credit in the store?

My husband is a retired chef and we are having a grad party for our daughter. Maybe you can use some of our ideas:

italian sausage with peppers & onions
no mayo red potato salad (made w/ italian dressing)
fruit salad - primarily cantalope, honeydew, pineapple & strawberries
baked rigatoni in sauce with meatballs
pasta primavera salad (pasta/veggie salad)
baked chicken
tossed salad

can you bake? how about a ginger bread house,
with icing that looks like painted colors on house. buy a bath tub [then take it back]
to use to put the iced drinks in. use 5 gallon buckets chairs, a wheel borrow turned around,is very comfertable to sit in. 2inch pvc with a cap on it is a glass. 12 inch vinyl tiles are plates, 2 saw horses and some wood is a table

hey molly in your fruit salad, have you ever tried sprinkling vanila instant pudding over the salad when its done. try it its goooood
oh just the granules,not the mixed pudden

I just planned a party and use a DIY website called TheParty.Net and it was a big help. You can find everything you need close to you with one search. Hope that helps!