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Graduation Refill Wave Planner
Plan the open-house table in three waves: first, peak, and late. Each row records the item, backup location, and trigger or note so the table stays fresh for staggered arrivals without putting the full inventory out at opening time. Use separate rows for food, drinks, desserts, and disposables when their refill timing differs, rather than treating the whole buffet as one wave.
Write the three service waves
Use first, peak, and late columns to decide how much of each item belongs out during each part of the open house.
Keep backup location visible
Knowing where the next batch waits makes refills faster and keeps helpers out of the host’s way.
Plan final-hour consolidation
Use the note area to decide what stops being refilled and what remains available as attendance tapers.
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Plan food and drink backup by time window so an open house stays fresh without exposing the full quantity for hours.
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Using this printable
Do I need three waves for every item?
No. Stable items may stay out, while perishable or high-demand items benefit from planned waves.
How do I choose the peak window?
Use the arrival pattern you expect from ceremony timing, invitations, and local travel rather than assuming traffic is even.
Should late guests see the same quantity as opening guests?
They should see a welcoming, fresh selection, but that does not require displaying the entire remaining inventory.