You’re going to love these Graduation Party Ideas with Boxed Lunch place settings. Get inspired by our graduation tablescape, snack table, welcome table, and more. See it all below.
Happy Monday everyone! Today I have the second graduation party I styled for Pear Tree Greetings, and it’s completely different from the modern-classic design here. This time I created a backyard picnic theme with kraft paper accents, and boxed lunches. There’s a little bit of shabby chic and vintage-y details.
Setting up the party outside makes perfect sense for a graduation celebration. I hope this graduation 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?!
Graduation Party Ideas with Boxed Lunch:
Tabletop:
- 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 boxes are some I picked up a while back on sale, but you can order 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. Deli wraps, pasta salad, and fruit is a suitable meal and you can indicate what type of meat is used in the wrap when writing.
- I created a table runner using kraft paper wrapping paper, and attached the Pear Tree Greetings photo circles for extra interest 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 striped straw to go through. The pop of blue adds a vintage touch and is also seen in other areas of the party.
- I stamped the handles of bamboo forks, using a polka dot stamp and black ink.
Snack Table:
- Every party doesn’t need an ornate dessert table. The cake is traditionally the main item so I kept it simple with a specialty cake from the bakery, and a mound of macarons to nibble on. The cake is topped with a diy mini banner {see directions here}.
- 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 my wire gate frame and they become part of the decor.
- For a special activity, PTG has these note cards that guests can write down something they love about the guest of honor. I love that idea! Place pencils in a monogrammed mug that the graduate can take with her, and have an attractive caddy ready to hold the notes.
Gifts and 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.
- You know I love edible favors! More kraft paper bags and polka dot bags hold candies that are in coordinating colors. A thank you note from PTG is framed and plays double duty at this favor table.
- For the easiest decor possible, place a stack of books and a rolled up “diploma”.
Doesn’t this make you want to host a back yard picnic with boxed lunches?! Would be a great idea for family reunions – Happy Planning!
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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!
Thanks Brenda. I thought the bags were so cute – you never know what you’ll be inspired by!
Love this! Nice job as usual!
Beautiful! As always!! You have great ideas!!
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?
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.
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!
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.
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!
Pear Tree Greetings
Im looking for kraft box whit dots where can i find it?
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.
Darling Chris! I especially love the box lunches. And that cake is wow! 🙂