Celebrate as a Graduate

You did your time, you walked your walk, you flipped your tassel, tossed your hat. Now its time to kick back, relax, and celebrate the end of high school. The best way to celebrate is with a stress free party.

Set a date and time early and stick with it. Friends are planning their parties, and you don’t want the two to collide. Mutual friends and fellow graduating friends will struggle in deciding which party to attend.

Pick a locations. Your home may serve as an easy place to entertain guest and prepare food, but other locations help. If you live in a neighborhood with a clubhouse, look into prices. Some may offer packages like set up and clean up, but those packages can become costly.

Next write a quest list. Compromise with your parents about inviting friends. You’ll want to celebrate with your friends, and your parents want to celebrate your achievements with their friends. Also, if you allow your parents friends attend your party, you’ll increase the odds getting gifts. At the party, to be sure to spend quality time with each person who comes to the event.

After you finalize the menu, plan the menu for the event. For a formal party, finger foods and appetizers are appropriate. Buy platters of food and boxed sets of food. Or ask a family who can cook well to prepare the food. “My grandmother is a great cook. She made everything for my party,” says Kristen Cornish, an 2008 graduate. For an informal party, grill some hot dogs and hamburgers and have some fries. Regardless of the party, provide a variety of drinks from plain colas to citrus drinks. For guests who don’t like sodas, provide tea, coffee, juice, or water.

With menu plans and a guest list, its time to start thinking about decorations. Don’t be afraid to branch out from the traditional decorations in the school colors. Several area store have everything from plates to wall decals for graduation. Be sure to buy more plates, napkins, and utensils than you have. Also, purchase plastic food containers for an easier cleanup.

Next plan activities for the party. Music is nice, but try to think of something creative to keep your guests attention. “My mom showed off her scrapbook she made of my life,” says Michelle Wynn, another graduate of 2008. An activity that would involve all the guests regardless of age would keep the party going.

When all the quests leave, clean up promptly. Divide tasks among family and friends that may stay to help. Paper plates and plastic utensils make for a smooth and quick clean up.

As for all the presents, try not to revolve the party around the gifts. Open the gifts, and thank the giver with a smile and sincere. After the party, begin your thank you letters. Send them to everyone who came, not just the ones with a gift or money. Send them no later than a month after graduation.