DIY Graduation Party Ideas

It’s time to round up some of my favorite tips and suggestions for hosting a graduation party at home. Around here most people celebrate graduation in one of three ways:

1. They go to a restaurant for a small intimate gathering with family.
2. They host a small family dinner party.
3. Or they create a fun and festive mid-size party for family and friends.

How to Plan

You can apply the ideas here to options two and three. There are food suggestions that can feed a small crowd, and graduation themes that are perfect for girls or boys looking ahead to the future.

Most of these ideas can be applied to high school or college graduation. You can always tweak something to suit your needs, and you can always customize the party with school colors and personal photos.

Where to Host

Depending on where you live there are a variety of option for you as a host.

• Check your neighborhood community center if you have one. Of course a rental fee will likely apply.
• Some churches may offer space to hold your graduation party.
• You can set up a party in your own backyard. This is usually the most desirable choice since it’s free and you can set up at a leisurely pace. Of course this also brings on the need for folding tables and chairs, and a party tent so guests can get out of the sun.
• I’ve also been to graduation parties that are set up in the garage. This is usually due to rain when the party was planned for the back yard.
• If you’re lucky enough to have the space, you can host the party in your home. A clean basement is also a great option if you have it.

Tips to Keep in Mind

• You can host a graduation party in a similar way that you would host a birthday party. Make the graduate the central focus and you can include some of their favorite things like food, music, a photo collage, etc.
• Most graduation ceremonies take place in the middle of the day. They start in late morning and last a couple of hours. Guests will be famished by the time it’s over so schedule the party soon after.
• The party will likely last about two hours. This gives everyone ample time to eat, drink, chat, and offer congratulations.
• Host the party ‘open-house” style. There may be other parties that guests need to attend. And don’t forget, the graduate will probably want to hang out with their friends later on to celebrate together.

Host a party for the graduate and celebrate their accomplishment using a fun theme. Let that be your guide for food, DIY projects, and decorations.

Keys To Success Theme

This is my most popular graduation party theme, and it’s really well suited for college graduates. Create my keys to success decoration for this original key design that’s easy to DIY. It includes a welcome table and party favors too.

Create a Keys to Success themed tablescape with a fabulous Anthropologie look. You’ll get budget-friendly ideas you can do yourself, and it’s a beautiful look for an intimate dinner party.

Set up a coordinating key themed dessert table with cute and tasty key details added to the treats.

Add these delicious and whimsical Nutella puff pastry rolls to the dessert table. They’re easy to make and they look like diplomas when tied with ribbon.

This Keys to Success balloon display is a great addition to the Keys to Success graduation theme.

Backyard Picnic Theme

This shabby chic backyard graduation party with boxed lunches is perfect for a family and friends soiree. You can pre-fill the boxes with sandwiches, salads, fruit, and chips.

Whether your hosting a small or large crowd you’re going to need recipes that can go the distance. Here’s what to serve at a graduation party with a focus on backyard gatherings.

Classic Black and Gold Theme

If you love hosting with a traditional style then you’ll love this black and gold graduation party. This celebration compliments any theme or school, and it’s ideal for middle school graduation or high school graduation.

Create a themed tablescape, a festive dessert table, and more!

Everyone will adore these cute DIY graduation caps. Use them as bottle toppers to make the party more festive, and you can make them in any color to match your schools colors.

A graduation party serves guests of all ages. Make sure you have a family friendly punch that does the same. This golden colored punch is a winning combination of flavors.

Create a focal point with a balloon backdrop where everyone can take a selfie.

Give your guests a festive first impression with this outdoor balloon decor. These ideas welcomes guests from the walkway all the way to the front door.

A Bright Future Theme

Look ahead to the possibilities with this Bright Future themed graduation party. The focus is a creative dessert table with great ideas to incorporate. This is really cute for a younger kids celebration.

Black and White Theme

A classic black and white party is made for any celebration. It’s perfect for the college graduate who wants an intimate gathering with refined details.

Serve black and white mini desserts for a lovely touch. Everyone gets their own single serving cup.

Whomever you’re celebrating, I hope you’ll incorporate some of these graduation party ideas into the festivities. Whether it’s a grade school graduation or a college graduation, there’s sure to be something for everyone!