Graduation--at last!

My younger sister is moving to college this weekend, and I just realized I have not put up the photos from her party-planning this past May! So here ya go...

My family "hired" me on to do my sister's graduation party. And if anyone knows my younger sister, they know she is kind, beautiful and modest to a fault. So, we needed an elegant party to describe her and one that would emphasize all of her achievements.

My Sister and I on Graduation Day

First, we picked out the colors. She has always had a turquoise room, and the color looks beautiful on her. She isn't girly, so we wanted to keep the theme young and fresh, but not overdone or too glam. We used vintage blue mason jars as flower holders, white pillar candles and lace, and lots of wooden picture frames and daisies.



Turquoise M&Ms were placed at each table along with our flowers, candles and a framed photo of my sister!

The Ballerina Wall behind all of our treats

Since the party would be in the early evening, lighting was essential! Not only did we set pillar candles and tea lights at each table, but we also hung white and blue lanterns, hung blue drapes with twinkle lights behind for a soft glow, and fixed a disco ball to the ceiling!!(My sister used to have her birthday parties in the garage, and the disco ball was always hung. So it brought many of her classmates back to grade school memories.)

Lighting...check!

Luckily, the weather was gorgeous and sunny! So we set up a few picnic tables in the back yard for extra seating

Turquoise Treats!

Next, we decided on the food! My sister is also a picky eater, so we let her choose the cuisine. Ice cream desserts were on the menu! We had a soft-serve ice cream machine with all of the toppings, and then reverted back to the vintage feel with rootbeer floats. Of course, we had to paint the bar to match!



Brownies on cake plates. Every detail counts!

Rootbeer Floats with paper straws. Definitely keeping with the vintage soda-shop vibe.

Crushed Oreos, Sprinkles, Coconut, Caramel, Chocolate, Strawberries.....

We wanted our guests to leave with something special, so we created a to-go treat. Marshmallow pops are a simple, cute and tastey surprise for any occassion. We rolled giant marshmallows in almond bark with turquoise food coloring. Next, we dipped each one in white sprinkles or blue-dyed shredded coconut. Then we inserted tongue depressors that said, "Thank you" up one side in silver marker and wrapped them all in irridescent celophane! Gorgeous!

Served on a silver platter, of course!

We also made up popcorn balls--guess what?! They were a vegan treat! This was actually a happy accident...

My suggestions for anyone planning to throw a grad. get together? Plan ahead, think of your guest of honor and what they would like, and make sure to highlight all of their accomplishments. With my sister, dance and marching band took the limelight. We hung dance costumes on the walls, and even wallpapered one section of the garage with her old sheet music from school performances. Have the graduate select photos of their friends and activities, and let them help in the set-up and planning of the party.

Remember: This is a way to remember and cherish who they have become and a chance for everyone to wish them the best of luck in the future.

 Happy Planning!