A big graduation bash is a great way to celebrate a special event in a young person's life.It is possible to celebrate your grad's achievements with fun, creative decorations and delicious snacks.
Step 1: For more focused decorations, choose a graduation-related theme.
Talk to the grad about what they enjoy, their dreams, or their school's mascot--anything having to do with graduation and your grad in particular!If you want to come up with a simple color scheme, just do it.If you want a more focused theme for a grad who is looking forward to traveling, consider ideas like: nautical or All Around the World.There are sailboats, fish, and other nautical decorations.Oh, the Places You'll Go! is a graduation theme centered around a book by Dr. Seuss.Pictures of characters from the book can be used to decorate.If the grad's school has an animal mascot.You could use stuffed animals and accessories.If they are moving to California with glittery stars and film reels, that is something to do with the city or school.The theme was about their high school life.There are themes for a baseball player and a band graduate.
Step 2: Pick a color scheme based on the grad's school.
If the grad is in high school, you can either decorate in their school colors or use their new college colors for the party.If you want to do a mix of them, choose which one the grad likes the most.It is possible to go with something even simpler, like the grad's favorite colors.If you want to combine the two color schemes without clashing, use one indoors and the other outdoors.If you want to work with a few shades, try to get a mix of 3 colors.White or black is the third color if the school only uses 1-2 colors.
Step 3: They can use tissue paper numbers.
Block numbers can be cut with sharp scissors.Cut your paper into squares.Put a piece of tissue paper on top of a foam number by dipping the middle into a pool of liquid glue.Then let the numbers dry for an hour.You can put your tissue paper numbers on a table or wall.You can put sticks in the bottom of the foam board and stand them up in tall glasses.The glasses should be filled halfway with sand.Get a few different tissue paper colors and dot them over the board.
Step 4: Use bunting on the walls.
Two sheets of tissue paper should be folded twice widthwise.Cut long strips from the bottom of the paper to make room for the fold.Cut the paper in half, then open the sheets.Roll up the paper, twist it in the middle, and make a loop.When the cord has 6-7 tassels, string it up on a cord.You don't need to buy a ton of tissue paper because one sheet will turn into 4 tassels.The bunting will look like the tassels that attach to a graduation cap.It can be hung up on a wall or table.
Step 5: There are balloons in school colors.
You can buy a pack of balloons at your local party supply store.Attach a long ribbon to each and tie them together in big bunches if you get help from family and neighbors.They can be tied onto the ends of tables, chairs, or trees.You can sprinkle a couple pinches of glitter into the balloons before blowing them up.If you want to add glitter to your balloon bouquet, shake the balloon a bit.Make sure that your guests don't have latex allergies.You can buy shiny, latex-free balloons if they do.Some colleges have their logo on balloons.If your grad's college does, check online.
Step 6: There are chalkboards around the party.
You can find graduation quotes online and print them on small chalkboards.They can be put on tables or walls at the party to inspire the grad and their guests.You could choose quotes like from Dr. Seuss' "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"Today is your day.Your mountain is waiting.You could also choose a more serious quote, such as this one from Henry David Thoreau: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams."You can find chalk and chalkboards at craft stores.Pick simple white chalk for a clean look and look for chalkboards outlined in a matching color.
Step 7: A fun background and props are needed for a photobooth.
Hang a long piece of cloth or paper as a backdrop, and string lights around it or hang up bunting or streamers.For guests to wear in their pictures, set out funny props, like graduation caps, fake mustaches, and big sunglasses.Guests can use their own cameras and phones to take pictures, or you can set up a timed camera on a tripod.For added entertainment, glue the Most Likely to Achieve and Class Clown in bright colors onto sticks for guests to pose with in their pictures.
Step 8: The main party room has a decorated table on the edge.
Attach a colored tablecloth to a fold-out table with twinkly lights or ribbons.If you want people to see it, place it to the side in one room and place a balloon bouquet or bunting nearby.Let the grad's accomplishments take the spotlight and keep the decorations neutral.
Step 9: The diplomas and awards are on a table.
You can put up a table with any awards or trophies the grad might have from extracurricular activities.Guests will be able to see pictures from their time at school.If the grad has a letterman's jacket, you can place it on the table or hang it nearby.
Step 10: Put the old photos on the table.
Attach the wallet-sized pictures of the grad to a piece of construction paper or card stock with blue painter's tape and you're done.Guests can enjoy the piece on the table.You can use any photos you want of the grad playing sports, hanging out with friends, smiling with family, or studying.Fun photos will add a bit more personality to the table, which would otherwise be just awards and diplomas.
Step 11: There is a decorated corkboard with pictures and paper awards on it.
A bulletin board is a great way to display the achievements of a graduate.Attach pictures, pins, or paper certificates to it with paper, ribbons, and other decorations in your color scheme.Hang it on the wall behind the table.The bulletin board can be used to hang up pictures of the grad.Some graduates get pins from national achievement organizations.Simply stick them in the corkboard and you have a great place to display them.
Step 12: You can put cards and gifts in a basket or suitcase.
There is a basket with colored tissue paper in it.You can make a label by folding a piece of paper in half and writing something on the front.If you have room, place the basket on a nearby table, or on the same one, for guests to drop off gifts for the grad.The folded label should be put in front.To create a unique, creative alternative, string the word "Cards" across the top of an old fashioned suitcase.If the grad is going away for school, this is great!
Step 13: Pick up utensils that match your color scheme.
Pack disposable plates, cups, and silverware for your guests to use.It's a good idea to choose a few tablecloths as well.If you want to save money, choose plastic ones or linen.For the most put-together look, choose colors in your color scheme.Clear utensils and cups will help you find colors that match your theme.There is a generic graduation theme for dishware and silverware.
Step 14: To make diplomas, tie a ribbon around pretzels or cookies.
Pick a ribbon color and tie it around each pretzel or pirouette cookie.If you want your ribbon to be eaten, use Twizzler or Sour Straw.It is possible to do this with any snack food.Roll your pastries and they will look even more like diplomas.
Step 15: A bowl of ring pops should be used as class rings.
Ring Pops can be laid out on a tray or in a bowl for a simple grad treat.Guests will be clued in on the joke if they write "Class Rings" on a piece of paper.
Step 16: You can make graduation s'mores pops for dessert.
Push a popsicle or lollipop stick into the bottom of a jumbo marshmallows by melting 3-4 blocks of chocolate in the microwave.Place a small square of Graham cracker on top of the chocolate and let it dry for a few minutes.Put an M&M on top of the Twizzler string to hold it in place.When you are done, your pop will look like a graduation cap.You can make a face with sprinkles for eyes, a nose, and red icing for a mouth.Keep the pops upright by placing them in a tall glass or styrofoam.They should be placed on the table to enjoy.
Step 17: To make a grad cap, place a square chocolate on top of cupcakes.
Wait until the cupcakes are cool, then turn them upside down, and put some frosting on the bottom.A large square of chocolate is placed on top.Cut a 1.5 inch piece of Twizzler and use a dot of frosting to secure it to the top.You can place the chocolate cap on the cupcake, but it looks a bit more symmetrical if you turn it upside down.
Step 18: The utensils should be wrapped in a napkin with a ribbon.
Even the cutlery can be made part of the graduation theme by this simple trick.Wrap a plastic fork, knife, and spoon in a white napkin and tie it all together with a bow.Next to the food, put your utensil diplomas in a basket.
Step 19: There is a graduation cap stand.
Place a plate on top of the upside down bowl with a piece of duct tape around it.If you want the graduation cap to hang off the edge of the plate, you have to tape an extra tassel in the middle.You can eat cupcakes, cookies, and other snacks on the plate.The graduation cap serving dish is best when the plate and bowl are the same color.You can buy more than one.