How to Plan a Graduation Party at 12 Hawks in Ephrata

Book your table at least two weeks before graduation week, pick a Wednesday through Sunday slot since the spot is closed Tuesdays, and plan for 90 minutes if your group is under 15 people. Graduation season in Grant County runs late May into early June, and every restaurant in Ephrata gets busy on ceremony weekends. Here's how to lock in a good celebration without the stress.

Pick a date that avoids the crunch

Ephrata High School and Grant County school graduations tend to cluster on the same two or three weekends. If your grad's ceremony is on a Friday or Saturday, call ahead the Monday before. Sunday afternoons and weeknights (Wednesday and Thursday) are easier to book on short notice and usually quieter, which matters if you've got grandparents who want to actually hear conversation.

Since the restaurant is closed Tuesdays, don't plan your party for that day. If you're not sure why or want to work around it, there's a straightforward explanation in this guide to the Tuesday closure.

Know your group size before you call

Groups of 6 or fewer can usually walk in and get seated without a reservation, even on a busy weekend. For 8 to 15 people, call ahead so staff can push a couple tables together. For anything over 15, ask about a private or semi-private space. Larger graduation parties, especially multi-family ones with 20-plus guests, need at least a week's notice so the kitchen can plan.

• Under 6 guests: walk in, but arrive before 6pm on weekends for best seating

• 8 to 15 guests: call 3 to 5 days ahead

• 16 or more: call 7 to 10 days ahead and ask about group menus

Time it around the ceremony

Most graduation ceremonies run 1 to 2 hours, and families are usually hungry and ready to celebrate within 30 to 45 minutes of it ending. If your ceremony wraps around 6pm, book your table for 6:30 or 7pm to give people time to change clothes and drive over. If you're doing an earlier lunch celebration instead, happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2 to 4pm, which works well for a smaller afternoon gathering before evening plans. There's more detail on what that includes in this rundown on happy hour.

Plan the menu ahead of time

Don't wait until everyone's seated to figure out what to order. Look over the full menu online before the day of the party so you can steer picky eaters and figure out what fits your budget. A mixed group of teens and adults usually does well with a mix of appetizers to share plus individual entrees. Budget roughly $15 to $25 per adult for a full meal with a drink, less if kids are ordering off a kids' menu. You can check exact pricing and current items on the full menu before you go.

If your grad's crowd skips around between finishing homework and heading to summer jobs, consider ordering appetizers as a shared course first, then letting people order entrees at their own pace. It keeps the table moving without rushing anyone.

Think about drinks separately

If the party includes adults who want a cocktail to toast the graduate, decide ahead whether you want a full bar tab or if everyone's paying their own way. Splitting checks for a party of 15 or more takes extra time, so tell your server up front how you want it handled. Craft cocktails run higher than beer or wine, so factor that into your per-person budget if the toast matters to your group.

Don't forget the game

If your celebration lands on a weekend with a big game, check ahead which screens will show what. Families often split attention between celebrating the grad and keeping an eye on a Mariners or Seahawks game, and that's fine, just don't assume every screen will show your matchup. Ask when you call to reserve.

Day-of checklist

• Confirm your reservation the morning of the party

• Tell the host if you have a banner, cake, or decorations to set up

• Let them know about any food allergies before you arrive, not after ordering

• If some guests are running late from the ceremony, say so at check-in so your table isn't given away

A graduation party doesn't need to be complicated. Pick a day that isn't Tuesday, call ahead if your group is over 8 people, and decide on food and drink logistics before you sit down. Twelve Hawks has hosted plenty of these celebrations in Ephrata, and a little planning ahead makes the difference between a relaxed night and a scramble.