As the end of another school year approaches, a new crop of graduates don their robes and mortar boards. No matter what follows, graduating high school is a big deal, which is why it is so often celebrated with a party.
[the invite]
Graduation get-togethers are all about friends and families. From the grad’s high school pals to adults who have watched him or her grow up, the more the merrier! Many choose an open house-style affair; backyards, parks and community clubhouses are popular setting choices.
Tug on guests’ heartstrings with a photo invite featuring your all-grown-up grad’s photo from a younger ‘first day of school’ snapshot.
There are tons of resources—both local and online—for customized invites. Check out tinyprints.com and minted.com, or peruse Etsy for hand-crafted invites. Locally, Hi Ho Helio in Creve Coeur does custom designs, and Vellum in Kirkwood carries a large variety of designers.
[the menu]
Backyard barbecues are always a hit, but for a more memorable spread, use the graduate’s new school or state as inspiration. Heading to Mizzou? Serve some Shakespeare’s Pizza, available at local grocery stores. Flying south? Set out fried chicken, sweet tea and hummingbird cake. If your grad is staying closer to home to attend Washington University or SLU, consider a Pappy’s Smokehouse spread with cupcakes from Jilly’s.
For a more relaxed meal, create a hot dog bar. Include toppings like bacon, hot peppers, pineapple, slaw, sauerkraut, relish, chili and veggies.
[the table]
Graduation is just one milestone of many! Commemorate the passing of the years with a photo display of old school portraits or adorable moments from your kid’s life. Hang the photos on a clothesline with clothespins, or cut ‘2014’ out of foam board and make a collage.
Artfully arrange glass dishes, canisters and cookie jars with sweet treats in the colors of the grad’s college. Sweet Be’s Candy & Gifts on Manchester Road offers a variety of color-coordinated sweets and Miss M’s Candy Boutique on Delmar Boulevard provides candy catering, including a custom candy buffet. For an elegant twist, consider a custom macaron tower from La Patisserie Chouquette in Tower Grove.
[swag]
On the gift table, prominently place a large mason jar or glass canister labeled ‘Laundry.’ Ask guests to contribute spare quarters, nickels and dimes.
In the invite, include a College Survival Kit wish list. Ask people to bring things like laundry detergent, first aid kit items, pens, pencils, hand sanitizer, granola bars, and even gift cards for coffee and pizza. You could also incorporate these items into a small guest gift for other grads attending the party.
Photo by Kudry Ashka