Confirmation Celebration: What to Serve at Your Gathering
When a young person confirms their faith, loved ones of every generation come together. The occasion often calls for a more formal meal, but with kids present, a relaxed, family-friendly setup may work better. You can opt for a seated dinner, a buffet, or an outdoor cookout. The key is to plan and prep ahead.
By Drew Ward
Gathering for a meal after confirmation can be as formal or informal as you like.
A confirmation marks a young person's public affirmation of their religious beliefs. Relatives spanning all age groups typically attend. Since this is a formal church rite, you might lean toward an elegant gathering with a served meal; however, because children will be there, a casual, family-oriented event could be more suitable. When space is limited, an outdoor barbecue on a patio or deck, or a laid-back indoor buffet, are options worth considering. No matter which route you take, early planning and advance food preparation are essential.
Formal Seated Meal
For a sizable crowd, turkey works well as a main dish. Pair it with classic accompaniments like mashed potatoes, stuffing, squash, and cranberry sauce to create a simple, family-style dinner that's easy to serve. Another solid option is baked ham. Serve it alongside a scalloped potato casserole, with yams, green beans, and deviled eggs on the side.
Buffet Spread
Self-serve buffet tables are convenient for entertaining large groups.
A buffet offers flexibility, with a range of dishes that can satisfy diverse tastes. You could set out sliced baked ham, turkey, and lasagna, along with chafing dishes of Swedish meatballs and shrimp scampi. For sides, consider rice pilaf, mashed garlic potatoes, and a steamed vegetable platter featuring carrots and broccoli. If your budget is limited and seating is scarce, small finger foods might be the answer: pigs in a blanket, chicken teriyaki, pasta salad, pesto couscous, a cheese and cold-cut plate, and a raw vegetable platter with carrot and celery sticks, broccoli and cauliflower florets, cherry tomatoes, and julienned red and green peppers. Be sure to have plenty of napkins and toothpicks on hand.
Outdoor Barbecue
If space is limited, move your party outdoors.
Depending on what you can spend, a barbecue can go beyond burgers and hot dogs. For a large gathering, a pig roast or a clam bake with lobsters and steamers could be options. Deep-fried turkey is another favorite that pleases a crowd. If funds are tight but you still want a memorable party, grilled pizza with a selection of toppings might work: pesto, tomato sauce, tomato slices, pineapple slices, spinach, olives, sliced onions, pre-cooked eggplant, bacon, buffalo chicken pieces, meatballs, sausage, and various cheeses. Add a few salads, such as Caesar, fresh garden, pasta, and fruit salad. Garlic breadsticks could also be a nice addition.
Desserts and Drinks
A decorated cake is the typical dessert for a confirmation party. These cakes can be made or bought in shapes like Bibles, crosses, or praying hands. Cupcakes or individual mini-cakes, each adorned with a religious symbol such as a cross, are another possibility. Set out bowls of punch (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for guests to help themselves, bottled water on ice, and tea and coffee.
