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Our final table display for the Anthropologie-inspired graduation party is totally “themed-out” and reinforces our idea more than any. I set up a “Keys to Success” guest table where they could write notes to the graduate, and pick up party favors. It all comes together with the addition of a Key display that’s framed and placed prominently. You can see the coordinating seated table and dessert table here.
Remember, auxiliary tables like this are a place where all guests will gather at some point so it’s important to make sure it matches the rest of the decorated space. This might be set up near the entrance/exit of the party, or off to the side where there’s plenty of room to move about. This was a lot of fun to create and there are a lot of little DIY details.
Get the Look:
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When I first came up with the concept of “keys to success” I knew I wanted to do some sort of display using all those antique-style keys I’ve been collecting. I decided on a display of words that describe successful business leaders, and created a framed board filled with decorative knobs, locks, and hanging keys. The board was made by cutting foam core to fit the frame, covering the foam core with craft paper, then pushing the knobs through {with a screw driver} and securing them. The knobs are a collection of some I already had and some new ones from Hobby Lobby. DOWNLOAD THE GOLD “KEYS TO SUCCESS” BANNER HERE.
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Guests can write notes to the graduate sharing their own keys to success. Notes are placed in a small “drawer” that’s been jazzed up with a metal frame/bookplate and a decorative drawer pull. Gold scrapbook paper is fitted to finish off the look.
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Favors are housed in a small garden tote box that has yet another metal frame attached to the front {using Glue Dots}.
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The favors themselves are placed inside of brown glassine envelopes, and dressed up with a ‘thank you’ tag. See the DIY favor bag instructions here.
I hope you’ve been inspired by my Keys To Success graduation party shoot. The entire party is pulled together using recurring elements like small metal frames, antique-style keys, flower arrangements, patterned fabric, and printed pennants. With a few DIY details you can add style to any celebration!
For more inspiration, follow me on Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook. Cheers!
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About Chris
This is such a sweet idea! Especially because I love hoarding old keys! I’ll have to bookmark this.
Thank you for your sweet comment, Connie!
Simply love the styling and the key’s board with inspiring words. Gonna do this for my daughters graduation party!
Sandra, that’s awesome!
Omg I love this! Brilliant!
Such a clever and fun idea! Love the “Keys to Success” – it’s so inspirational!!
-Dani
Hi Chris – this is simply stunning. I have been searching for an ornate oval mirror just like the one you used – any tips where to find one like this?
Hi Vickie,
I don’t know where you could find a mirror, except at antique malls and thrift stores. This frame is from IKEA (not a mirror though).
Would love to find out where you got the brown glassine.
Hi Charmaine,
I got those at either Hobby Lobby or Michael’s, in the same section as the adhesive “locks” you see here.
Thanks Chris!
Chris- Would you please share where you found the vintage note cards? Thank you.
Erin, I used the free printable frames here: http://blog.worldlabel.com/2011/vintage-ornamental-framed-labels-by-cathe-holden.html
Just printed them on decorative scrapbook paper : )
Thank you for sharing!!!!!!!!!!!
Love, love, love this idea! Where did you find the vintage keys?
Thank you Angela. I actually collected mine over a couple of years, from Michael’s for $1 each {in the dollar aisle}. I was just there a few days ago and found a packet of 6 for $4 in the scrapbook section {where they have lots of metal embellishments}. Hope that helps.
BTW, you can also do a search online for “vintage style keys” and find some retailers. Good luck!
Hi Chris,
How was the banner above the mirror “Key’s to Success” created? Was it stamped or printed?
Thanks
Vicki
Hi Vicki, That was printed out.
I am trying to duplicate that..and can’t get it work…no one knows how to print it… How did you get it done?
Just emailed you.
I am working on this for my daughter’s graduation party 6/1. Can you help me out with how you did the banner?
need help with the banner.. any suggestions?
I’ve just added a free download under “get the look” in the post.
Is there anyway you could e-mail me the text/font or actual document of the “Share your keys of success with the graduate”?
Thanks!
Chloe M.
Very fun idea!! love it for a graduation party theme…i am so curious as to what you put inside the favor bags? i love to have favors for guests.
Thank you for such a wonderful idea,
Robin
Thanks Robin. Check out the bag diy post for suggestions: http://celebrationsathomeblog.com/2012/05/diy-favor-bag-tags.html
Where did you find the assortment of keys, I really love this idea.
Thanks Brenda. I got all the keys from the $1 section of Michael’s. They are actually there now (at mine, so hopefully yours too). They also have some in the crafting/scrapbooking section.