I love any excuse to throw a party and I’ve had plenty of practice lately with both of my kids’ high school and college graduations. For all of you last minute planners out there, it’s not too late. I’ve got your back.

My party planning always begins with a search of Pinterest and the final design is based off the location of the party. I have grand plans, try to do it all myself and inevitably run out of time to complete everything I had hoped. But as long as there is good food and a few balloons, you can’t go wrong. There is still time to pull off a great party.

Start simple with balloons. They make a big statement and anyone can pull them off whether it be balloon garland, balloon centerpieces or just a few helium filled balloons tied on the mailbox with ribbon. Party City and Amazon are good resources for all types of balloons and accessories. A simple balloon pump is a MUST. You won’t regret that purchase! Balloon garland/arches are simple using balloon arch strips and glue dots. Balloon centerpieces can be made using table stand kits. Foil number balloons are great, as well.

DIY big head cutouts by printing photos of the senior’s head on cardstock, cutting around the head and gluing to a popsicle stick. They can be used as picks in flower arrangements, props in a photo booth area or guests can use them as fans if it’s hot.

Let your guests know where the party is and celebrate the graduate with a vinyl yard banner. After the party, hang the banner in the basement, garage or barn and haunt your senior for years to come.

Use the senior’s memorabilia as decorations. Display that cap and gown you had to buy, a letterman’s jacket, the diploma, awards, jerseys, senior photo books/albums, senior banners, school/sports t-shirts, etc.

A Cricut machine is is a lifesaver when DIYing decorations. I have made glittery grad. confetti, picks for flower arrangements, added text to a globe, cupcake picks, and a senior inspired saying to a chalkboard.

Be sure to have a basket for those that give cards. Another fun idea is to have guests leave advise for the graduate on custom advice cards.

Display all of the photos – as a baby, growing up, sports photos, high school experiences, etc.

Spray paint cardboard letters to spell out grad, the senior’s name, school or graduating year.

Set up an area showcasing where the senior will go to collage or what they will be doing after high school/college.

Now to make sure the guests are happy – finger foods and treats to fill their bellies. Whether you just serve a few sweet treats or opt for more filling bite-sized goodies, thank the guests for coming with a little home cooking (or store cooking; no one needs to know).

I incorporated school colors in the sweet treats served. Sprinkles on the cake, cupcakes, chocolate covered pretzels and rice krispie treats. Cream cheese mints with food coloring. Oreos covered in colored candy melts chocolate.

If you opt for more filling food in addition to the sweet treats, finger foods work well for guests to grab while they mingle. Here are a few things I’ve made:

Meatball Crostini // Veggie Pizza Squares // Cucumber Sandwiches // Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket // Bruschetta // Bacon Crackers // Pulled Pork Pastry Puffs // Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies

Line salad makings on a serving board for guests to make their own salad.

Customize water bottles by covering the original label with strips of scrapbook paper in school colors and adhere with glue dots. Make punch in school colors.

Fortune cookies with custom grad. related fortunes are a fun touch.

Stuffed Tomatoes // Pinwheels // Mini Taco Bites

The only time I wish I had more than two kids is when it comes to reasons to plan grad. parties. I love it! I wouldn’t love paying for college for more kids so I’ll accept the fact that I’m done planning graduation parties. I’ll just share ideas for my internet friends to try from here on out. Best of luck to all of your last minute planners. You can do it!