How to Give a Graduation Open House Party - A 12 Step Program for Success

Getting ready for that special graduate's party?  Here are some helpful steps to take you from preparation to celebration! 

Things You'll Need:

• Invitations
• Menus
• Postage Stamps
• Calendars
• List or Database of guests' names and addresses for thank you notes.

Step 1

Choose a date and time for the party. Remember that there are many festivities and family commitments scheduled at this time of year, so choose a date and time that allow graduates to be flexible. You don't want to choose the same date as your grad's best friend's party.

Step 2

Set an approximate budget. This decision will help drive the others you need to make.

Step 3

Consider the type of party you want. Again, keeping in mind that a lot may be going on, perhaps an open house or drop-in type party might be best.

Step 4

Decide on a menu..* Keep the age of the partygoers in mind when choosing food and drink. Variety and sufficient quantity are essential. Check out http://cookitupbig.gather.com/ for large quantity recipes and some "make ahead" dishes.

Step 5

Make a guest list. You can limit the guests to close friends and family, or you can aim for a broader cross-section of friends or classmates. 

Step 6

Plan decorations if you want them. Consider school colors, graduation year or school sports teams as a theme.

Step 7

Buy or make invitations, and send them out with enough advance warning. Remember to include the date and time of the party, a general idea of the dress ("dressy," "casual") and indicate whether there will be a meal served, or if it's just hors d'oeuvres and drinks.

Step 8

Order a cake. No graduation party is complete without a "Congratulations Graduate!" cake to share.

Step 9.

Take note of too many cars parked out front, or the teen noise level as the party progresses. Moving cars to a parking lot, then shuttling guests back to the party works well.  Just be respectful of your neighbors. Better yet, invite them over.

Step 10.

To save on costs, consider coordinating with a few other parents to throw a joint open house. If you plan far enough in advance it's easy to pool resources by hosting a multi-family graduation party in a local banquet hall or park.

Step 11.

Finally, don't forget to remind your teen to write the necessary thank you notes for all the graduation gifts received.  This is where the printed list comes in handy. The grad can check off each name as the note is written.

Consider a discussion about gift money being designated for their education fund...as your favorite graduate heads off to college.

Step 12.

For links, tips and hints on Grad parties, go to: http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?grpId=3659174697253025&articleId=281474977681164&nav=Groupspace