A friend called me the other day asking for help to create a luau for her nephew’s upcoming high school graduation party. Apparently, the boy is planning to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa in the fall and to celebrate his family is throwing him a Hawaiian-themed bash.
I love the idea of theme parties, especially for occasions that don’t really call for them. After all, grad parties have a pre-selected theme and come equipped with a slew of ready-made decorations. You can buy just about any type of graduation party supply with the words “Congratulations” or “Class of 2011” emblazoned on them, and not have to worry a lick about coming up with a different theme.
However, if you are looking for ways to personalize the party without loosing too much sleep, then consider the following ideas:
Sweet treats: You don’t have to be an expert baker to whip up customized sweet treats to serve at your grad’s party. Simply visit a party supply store and purchase cookie cutters in the shape of caps, gowns, and diploma scrolls. You can also select from a variety of cutters that feature the year 2011 or select letter-shaped cutters and spell out the words: “Brad is a Rad Grad!” Bake the cookies, and then decorate them with frosting tinted in school colors. Another option is to make homemade candy. Target has graduation-themed molds, so you can make chocolates in the shape of diplomas and mortarboards.
Party favors: Keep the school color theme going by making or buying candles that can be given away as party favors. If you don’t like the candle idea, then make inexpensive beaded necklaces and bracelets in the school colors and hand those out to the grads before they leave for the night.
Photo keepsakes: If you have the means, you could opt to rent a photo booth for your grad’s party. However, if your budget is tight, then make a mock booth serviced by a friend who has decent photography skills. Have the camera person snaps posed pics of your grad and his BFFs, then create personalized items with the images, including collages, mouse pads, totes or t-shirts.
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