You’re going to love these shabby chic Graduation Party Ideas with Boxed Lunches. We’ve got a graduation table setting, a snack table, a welcome table, and more. Add this to your list of graduation party ideas and start planning now.
It’s graduation party time and I have a great idea for you that’s completely different from the modern-classic graduation party design here. This time I created a backyard picnic theme with kraft paper accents, and boxed lunches. These are my shabby chic graduation party ideas with boxed lunches!
Find out what to serve for a graduation party whether it’s a boxed lunch or a backyard cookout. I’ve assembled a whole bunch of recipes and ideas for you.
Setting up the party outside makes perfect sense for a graduation celebration. I hope this backyard party with boxed lunch inspires you to celebrate your graduate, or any guest of honor for that matter. Are you ready to see the design?!
Shabby Chic Graduation Party Ideas with Boxed Lunch
Set a Shabby Chic Tabletop with boxed lunches
- For this party I felt compelled to do something a little more casual, like a boxed lunch that can be pre-packed and set out just before guests arrive. Since the announcement set is black and white with kraft paper accents I chose to decorate with black, bringing in kraft paper elements, and one pop of color. The lunch boxes can be ordered in bulk here.
- I used the black set of tent cards as name cards and wrote down what’s inside the box on the inside of the card. Boxed lunches contain deli sandwich wraps, pasta salad, and fruit. Indicate what type of meat is used in the wrap when writing on the card.
- I created a table runner using kraft paper wrapping paper, and attached the custom photo circles for extra decor and personalization. You can also see that circles and dots are a recurring theme throughout the party.
- Blue canning jars are topped with these lids and allow a straw to go through while keeping bugs out. The pop of blue adds a vintage touch and is the main accent color in the party. Use your school’s color to be your accent
- I stamped the handles of bamboo forks, using a polka dot stamp and black ink.
Set up a shabby chic graduation party snack table
- 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.
- I found these vintage-style bags of Trader Joe’s kettle corn and had to incorporate them because they just fit into the design so well! They make great snacks to grab if you’re waiting for lunch or to take home for later. I pinned them to a vintage wire frame and they become part of the decor.
- Include delicious macarons and golden graduation party punch to the table.
- For a special activity, provide note cards where guests can write down something they love about the guest of honor. I love this idea! Place pencils in a monogrammed mug that the graduate can take with her, and have an attractive caddy ready to hold the notes.
Graduation party Favors
- 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.
- Toffee candies make great edible favors. Place some in kraft paper bags so guests can take a bag home with them.
- Frame one of the photo thank you cards as an added decoration on the table.
- For the easiest graduation decor possible, place a stack of books and a rolled up “diploma” on the table. For a little extra effort add a DIY graduation cap.
- Add one last decorative detail that’s also a gift with these graduation money filled balloons.
Doesn’t this make you want to host a back yard picnic with boxed lunches?! Would be a great idea for family reunions too. Happy Planning!
Kim Byers @ The Celebration Shoppe says
Darling Chris! I especially love the box lunches. And that cake is wow! 🙂
Chris says
Rousse, I found these in the $1 aisle at either Target or Michaels a couple of years ago. I haven’t seen them since. I’ve seen the solid kraft, or the black and white polka dot boxes online though.
Rousse says
Im looking for kraft box whit dots where can i find it?
Lorna Foelber says
What a fun party! Can you tell me where you printed the round photos? I am unable to get a successful google search on those!
Chris says
Pear Tree Greetings
Ann says
my daughter’s graduating from 8th grade in june and when we saw your post on instagram she fell in love with all of it. may i ask where you got the kraft wrapping paper table runner? thank you so so much for the inspiration and for being so generous in sharing your talents!
Chris says
Thanks Ann. So glad to hear she liked it. I picked up the wrapping paper from HomeGoods. You can find it at most places that sell wrapping these days. I think I’ve even seen this one (with the dots) at the Dollar Tree before.
Darlene says
Hi Chris,
Love all your ideas! I am having a HS graduation party for my daughter. Approx 80 people possibly more. I am looking for food buffet ideas, something simple and how much food per person? The party will start in the afternoon and people will come and go especially the kids. Any thoughts?
Chris says
Hi Darlene,
While I can make food suggestions, the amount for that size crowd is a bit outside of my realm of expertise and more of a catering question, unless you have people bringing potluck style.
I would stick to foods that can be made and served in large batches, like pulled pork, beef, or chicken bbq {with buns}, hot dogs, hamburgers, even a fajita station. These would appeal to both younger and older guests.
If you want to do it more ‘open house’ style wtih people coming and going, I would suggest party trays from your local grocer, caterer, or restaurant. Those are nice, too, because they’re usually already sold in quantities for 20 people, 50 people, 100 people, etc.
Sandra says
Beautiful! As always!! You have great ideas!!
Natasha of Fete Fanatic says
Love this! Nice job as usual!
Chris says
Thanks Brenda. I thought the bags were so cute – you never know what you’ll be inspired by!
Brenda says
I love every detail about this party. The one that really stands out to me though is the fence gate with the bags of pop corn pinned to it. That makes a wonderful background for the cake table and brings your eye up. Well done!