Your kid only graduates from high school once so do that party up right. Uhmmm…unless you’re my overachieving child who actually graduated from two, yes 2 schools – a week apart. Ok. So here’s the thing – yes, you’re exhausted from attending double the festivities but it’s all worth it. In the end, you still want to celebrate both and do a little something special because graduation is a big deal! The family wanted to come together to celebrate all of his hard work (affectionately called overachieving) but after all of the festivities surrounding multiple ceremonies – we knew that everyone just wouldn’t have all of the time or energy for a full blown party at a venue somewhere. I decided on an easy going, backyard family and friends reception. People could come by between 3 and 5 and wish the graduate luck, prosperity and a good job after college so he has his own place to live. Calling it a reception allowed people who needed to to feel like they could still attend for a shorter amount of time. Those who could, stayed the entire time and chatted. It was a great compromise that everyone enjoyed. Here are some quick snippets of our easy going set up:
Beginning the graham cracker crusts for s’mores cupcakes. S’mores are my son’s favorite dessert.
S’mores cupcakes are simple. Press a graham cracker and butter crust into the bottom of cupcake baking cups. Add a layer of chocolate cake mix. Next add some marshmallow in the center before adding a final layer of chocolate cake mix to cover. Bake and enjoy!
We kept it simple. Time of day is your biggest asset in doing so. Parties at times like 10am or 2pm do not require “meals”…guests are not expecting food. Instead, you can simply have snacking or conversational grazing food out. We offered light, favorites of the graduate. If it’s evening, it can still be light, but go for a more formal hors d’oeuvres approach.
Finished S’mores cupcakes and Red Velvet cupcakes with a dollop of cream cheese icing piped on.
Can’t go wrong with simple fresh fruit. Melon balls just give a little summer fun to it.
Another of my son’s favorites and the thing that seemed to go quickly – homemade bruschetta.
Oh boy…For fun my son picked out this graduation “photo booth props” kit which included mustaches, glasses, diploma scrolls and other items. We asked everyone to take photo booth selfies and send us the photos later. We ended up with some cute, memorable pictures of everyone who attended.
edit. your. life. 