THE BEST THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS PARTY:
- Casual theme
- Outdoor cleanup is easy
- Games keep everyone busy and entertained

TYPE OF PARTY: Graduation
DATE/TIME: Saturday after graduation 4p.m.-midnight
LOCATION: Back yard
GUEST LIST: Friends, relatives, total of 45 guests
INVITATIONS: Email or mail invitations out three to four weeks ahead with an RSVP

MENU:

Soda & Beer	Water & Coffee	Vegetables & Dip
Cold cut platters	Condiments	Ice
Green salad	Rolls	Fruit
Cole slaw	Pickles	Chips & salsa
Potato salad	Potato Chips	Graduation Cake

DECORATIONS/THEME: Graduation/ Casual

Balloons	Diploma	Textbooks
Streamers	Paper Products	Chalkboard/Chalk
School Banner	Plants/ Flowers	Christmas Lights
School Colors	Baskets	Citronella Candles

-Use a chalkboard to display the menu on the buffet table.
-Use textbooks as a base for baskets of chips and rolls


College Dart Game- Use your dartboard and substitute a college name that means something to the graduate. Put these college names in every other space on the dartboard. Construction paper works well for this. Play darts as usual. To use this for a college graduation substitute job opportunities in place of colleges.

Memory Album-use a scrapbook and an instant camera (such as a Polaroid).Have guests take candid shots and then paste them in the scrapbook with a short note. The album is done at the end of the party.

ENTERTAINMENT: CDs and CD player, volleyball, college darts, memory album

ORGANIZE PARTY DETAILS: Serving utensils and platters, glassware, dishes, silverware, tablecloths and napkins, or if you prefer use paper products, Candles, Organize the music CD's.

SHOPPING LIST:Everything from both the menu and the party items lists

SCHEDULE OF TASKS:
This is the time to have your entire family help. List what needs to be done and have everyone decide what they will do. This reduces your workload and helps teach your children how to organize a party.

One to Three Months Ahead

• If renting items, book them well in advance and then check to confirm
  
• Have all rental agreements in writing
  
• If applicable, have septic checked - do this 2-3 months ahead if possible
  
• Mail out invitations 3-4 weeks ahead

One to Two Weeks Ahead

• Clean and organize backyard
  
• Plan the logistics of where everything will be placed
  
• Check responses for the party, if needed call those you haven’t heard from
  
• Order food items, buy nonperishable food items
  
• If cooking, prepare and freeze any food made
  
• Check and shop for all items listed in your party items list, check on rental items
  
• Check with neighbors about parking and be clear with guests about where to park when they arrive
  
• Schedule delivery for any items ordered
  
• Check electrical outlets and extension cords
  
• Plan how everything will be set up and how guests will enter
  
• Plan where they will put their coats, pocketbooks, gifts
  

One to Two Days Ahead

• Plan a buffet for the food, decide where, on the food table, each item will go. Make sure the food is protected from the sunlight. Set up the beverage area, this should be separate from the buffet area
  
• Shop for any perishable food items
  
• Take anything prepared ahead and frozen out to thaw
  
• Plan where you will set up the games, dancing, and eating. Make sure the eating area and the game area are separate so there are no collisions while people are eating
  
• Check all lavatory facilities for toilet paper, soap and towels
  
• Have trash barrels and trash bags handy

Day of the Party

• Set up the kitchen to accommodate your needs if you are cooking. Have the oven ready for heating and the refrigerator ready to keep things cold
  
• Make or buy ice. Have glasses out for the beverages and set up the bar
  
• Set up the games, have a place for gifts and set up the CD player
  
• If needed, spray for bugs an hour before guests arrive and never have food out while spraying
• Light citronella candles and keep them in containers. Never have an open flame. Always have candles in containers
  

Buy the Book