Backyard Graduation Party Ideas with Boxed Lunch

Awesome backyard graduation party ideas complete with picnic-style boxed lunch and outdoor decorations. These DIY tips work for any budget and are really great for daughters, but can also be tailored to sons. Start planning your celebration for the graduate now!

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When it comes to graduation party ideas and themes, I’ve got you covered. This party has a little bit of shabby chic style, but it’s done with a picnic theme in mind.

It’s got kraft paper accents, boxed lunches, party tables and decorations. And it’s completely different from the classic black & gold graduation party or this keys to success theme.

Outdoor graduation party

Setting up the party outside makes perfect sense for a graduation celebration. It can play host to a small or large gathering, and you can make it as simple or ornate as you want.

If you’re party is small enough, or you have extra helpers, serve a pre-packed boxed lunch that can be set out just before guests arrive.

You can place them at each place setting, or set up a central table with all the boxes on it and let guests get their own. You can order the lunch boxes in bulk here.

Use tent cards or name cards to write down what’s inside the box, and tie it on. You can fill them with deli wraps, mini club sandwiches, classic pasta salad or pesto pasta salad, and fruit.

Indicate what type of meat is used in the wrap when writing on the card. Provide vegetarian options too.

Provide bamboo or wooden forks for guests to eat with. They look picnic party-worthy and they’re biodegradable.

Find out what to serve for a graduation party whether it’s in a lunchbox or a backyard cookout. I’ve assembled a whole bunch of recipes and ideas for you.

Table décor

Create a table runner using simple kraft paper rolls. It’s an inexpensive way to add interest and it’s easy cleanup.

Attach custom photo circles to the kraft runner to add a personalized touch. You can incorporate circles and dots as a recurring theme throughout the party.

Serve punch in blue canning jars for a pop of color, and top them with these lids that allow a straw to go through while keeping bugs out. In this case, blue is the main accent color but you can use your school’s colors for more personalization.

Party decorations

Get these vintage-style bags of kettle corn. They make great snacks to grab if you’re waiting for lunch or to take home for later.

Pin them to a vintage wire gate or to hanging twine attached to an empty frame or two posts. That way they become part of the décor.

The cake is traditionally the main item for dessert. Order a specialty cake from the bakery and top it with a diy mini cake banner topper.

Include delicious macarons and golden graduation party punch to the table.

A wire basket makes a fantastic place for guests to place their gifts. Dress it up with themed items like the graduation year, and a graduation pennant.

Frame photos of the graduate and place them on tables throughout the party. You can use photos from when they were a baby all the way up to now.

For the easiest graduation decorations possible, place a stack of books and a rolled up “diploma” on the table. For a little extra effort add a DIY graduation cap.

Party Favors

Toffee candies make great edible favors. Place some in kraft paper sacks so guests can take a bag home with them.

Doesn’t this make you want to host a backyard graduation party or picnic with boxed lunches? Would be a great idea for family reunions too!

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