Graduation > Recipes

It seems like only yesterday that you were changing their diapers, bandaging up their skinned knees and reading them bedtime stories. And now, as they stand before you in their caps and gowns, ready to take on the world, there's really only one thing left to do: cry your eyes out! But first, you've got to celebrate! So throw a graduation party and let your great grad know that you think they're a class act!

	Most Popular Send your guests Grade A invitations by making Diploma Invites! On notecard-sized paper, write all your party details to look like a diploma, prominently displaying the guest of honor's name, of course. Roll the paper up like a diploma and tie it with a ribbon (school colors are best!). If you're celebrating a high school or college graduation, make a color copy of the grad's kindergarten or first grade school picture. Cut out a graduation cap from black construction paper and glue it onto the grad's head! They've come a long way, baby! Attach the photo to the front of a notecard and list all the party details inside! If you don't have time to do your homework, visit Party City for unique Graduation Invitations that really make the grade!
	Most Creative Try some of these fun ideas to help grads enjoy the celebration and remember it for years to come! 1 Forget signing on the dotted line - let them sign wherever they want! Autographed stuffed animals and t-shirts are a fun and unique way to let guests leave their mark and give your grad a one-of-a-kind souvenir from the big day! Encourage guests to sign their names and leave special messages for the guest of honor! If more than one grad attends the event, provide t-shirts for each one and let them sign each other's, using fabric markers and pens in school colors! But don't let them wear them while they're signing - the markers could bleed through onto the clothes they're wearing underneath! You could also frame a photo of your grad with colorful mat and ask guests to sign the mat for a special keepsake! 2 Time flies when you're having fun! So here's a creative way to try and capture some! Create a graduation time capsule! Ask guests to each bring an item for the capsule that either reflects the graduation year or that is a special memento from the grad's school career, including friendships, accomplishments, awards, photos, etc. Give each guest an opportunity to explain why they chose their item and place it in the capsule (use a coffee can, a metal lockbox or even a plastic storage container)! Either present it to your grad as a special keepsake box that he/she can look through frequently or save it for a time several years from now and relive the memories! 3 Make sure the letter is in the mail! Visit Party City for an inexpensive envelope holder (like those at weddings and showers!) and decorate it with photos, school colors, etc. - or even make one of your own from a shoebox! Before guests leave (or as they arrive, if it's easier), make sure they each fill out an index card with their name, address, phone number and email address to keep in touch! Not only is this a great way to be sure friends can keep track of each other, but it will also make sending thank you cards later a whole lot easier! 4 Leave a message! Before the party, either recruit a volunteer videographer or set up a quiet sitting area with a videocamera (and tripod) for friends to leave video messages for your grad! Encourage guests to keep the messages short but sweet - and remember - a picture's worth a thousand words! 5 With that in mind, set several disposable cameras around the party area and encourage friends to take lots of memorable pics! You can even set up a photo area so everyone can take a picture with the grad before they leave! Use either an instant or digital camera so pics can be a fun favor from the party! (Be sure to take two each in case your grad wants to keep a copy too!)
	Most Hungry With tasty treats like these to satisfy your guests' appetites, you're sure to go right to the head of the class! Hot Dogs & Hamburgers Graduation Cake/Cupcakes
	Most "Favor"ite Remember to give each guest a photo of themself with the new grad and send guests home with a taste of school pride! Make lollipop bouquets using pops in either your graduating school or future school colors! Tie corresponding ribbons around the sticks and show off your school spirit! Go team! Small photo albums or decorated acrylic frames also make great favors and can be great ways to capture all the fun! Be sure to check out Party City, too, for fun Hand Clappers, Pom Poms, Mugs and even cool Megaphones to cheer on this year's graduates!
	Most Grateful Show your guests some graditude by sending special Report Card Thank Yous! Use colorful card stock and assign grades for each school subject, setting it up like a real report card! Then, at the bottom, give them a giant A+ for Friendship and thank them for making your graduation party an event to remember! You can also visit Party City for extra-special Thank Yous that are sure to earn YOU an A+!