We often refer to graduation to as “commencement,” which means “beginning.” It’s not the end of school, but the beginning of a graduate’s future—and that’s something to celebrate. Why not do it up in style? Find everything you need at your local Strack & Van Til: The graduation destination.

After the caps and gowns, the procession and the pomp and circumstance, present your favorite graduate with flowers and balloons. The Strack & Van Til Floral Department has fresh bouquets available for grab-and-go in their school colors or bright and colorful options including the grad poms bouquet, single roses or the gorgeous graduation bouquet.

“Order ahead of time in-store or by phone and a trained designer will handcraft a custom presentation bouquet for your favorite graduate,” says Floral Department Director Jen Knoche. “Other floral arrangements and balloon bouquets are available online at strackandvantil.com/shop-floral, with free delivery on orders over $30.”

Graduation-themed balloons in assorted sizes, shapes and colors add a festive touch. Choose stick balloons to add to a plant or fresh bouquet or a statement floating balloon. Graduation-themed plush stuffed animals are available, too.

Decorate graduation party tables with custom centerpieces from the Floral Department.

Then, cater it with delicious delights from the Deli Department. Start with the “Entertaining Made Easy” brochure online or in stores and choose from party platters, pans of famous hand-breaded or grilled chicken, party packages and a la carte entrée trays.

Platter options include the new Pita Sandwich Party Tray, with smoked ham and oven-roasted turkey. Other premade sandwiches are available on King’s Hawaiian rolls, pretzel rolls or submarine style. Select from boneless wings, chicken tenders, snacking cheeses, fruits and vegetables and cooked shrimp trays from the Seafood Department.

The Deli Department’s party platter and a la carte entrees serve 10-20 people, with party packages priced at a minimum of 25 people. Packages include the Chicken Party, American Favorites or Party Feast. Advanced notice is required, and pickup in-store or delivery options are available.

“Some of our customer favorite entrees include mostaccioli and meat sauce or meatless mostaccioli, Italian sausage and peppers in marinara sauce, Polish sausage and kraut and baked ham with pineapple glaze,” notes Deli Director Kristin Snow. “Other popular entrée choices are barbecue rib tips, roast beef au jus and, of course, Strack’s famous Fried or Grilled Chicken and our mashed potatoes.”

Deli Department side dishes are the perfect complement to party platters and entrees and ideal for a barbecue. “Try our macaroni and cheese, baked beans, potato salads in a variety of styles from American to Steakhouse, and an array of pasta salads including our spinach and bow tie pasta salad,” adds Snow.

Of course, no graduation party is complete without a cake, and a custom cake from the Bakery Department is the tassel on the cap. Made from scratch, these cake creations are not only delectable, but they’re also beautiful.

“For something really special, we can customize a cake with an edible photo of your graduate,” notes Bakery Director Tony Knight. “We also offer graduation-themed cupcakes. There is no limit to the creativity at your local Strack & Van Til Bakery.”

The bakery carries a wide assortment of graduation-themed cakes, or you can choose from a wide variety of custom designs in-store or online at strackandvantil.com/catering/order-cakes-online.

Don’t forget to pick up other bakery treats. Try Our Homestyle cookie platters, famous signature butter cookie platters and brownie and cupcake platters. Large cookies that can be customized with a message by the Bakery Department’s expert decorators.

Your graduate earned their diploma at commencement. Now, let the celebration commence! It’s easy when you shop for all your party essentials at Strack & Van Til.