5 Quick Ideas for a Stress-Free Graduation Party

Do you have a high school senior graduating this spring? Here are 5 quick ideas for an easy, no-hassle graduation party. With a little planning and a little imagination, you can have a stress free party.

1. Choose the location carefully.

There are pros and cons to both hosting a graduation party at your home, as well as holding it at a location such as a park. If you host the graduation party at home, it will be easier to set everything up ahead of time and you can be assured of your guests' comfort. However, if you do decide to hold a graduation party at a township hall or a park, you will save yourself the hassle of cleaning your home before and after the party. If you live in a larger community in which the parks are larger and have a lot of amenities, such as bike trails, baseball diamonds, and the like, you may wish to let your guests know of all activities available.

2. Carefully determine the guest list.

Are you planning on inviting teachers, your child's friends, and many others in the community? Or are you keeping the party to extended family and select friends? Today it is becoming increasingly popular to host a traditional graduation party for extended family and family friends, and later host a smaller party for the friends of the graduate. In this way, it is easier to control alcohol consumption.

3. Consider whether or not you will serve alcohol.

Recently, several parents have made the decision to simply not serve alcohol at their child's graduation party. However, such a precaution is not normally necessary. For instance, if you concentrate all of the alcoholic beverages in one area within eyesight of adults, there should be very few problems. As mentioned earlier, many parents are choosing to host a second, more informal party for their child's friends due to the issue of alcohol.

4. Make the party memorable.

With a little planning, you can make the party truly memorable. Simply think a bit about your child's personality and interests. Then find a way to incorporate them into the party in a unique way. In addition, you may wish to use this occasion to organize your child's childhood pictures, artwork, sports memorabilia, and similar items. You don't have to display it all, but having it organized will make it easier to decide exactly what you'd like to display.

5. Cater, cater, cater.

It is almost always worth the money to have the party catered. In that way, whether you have the party at home or at a different location, you will not have to deal with taking care of all of the left over food. Caterers not only come and set up everything for you, they take everything down and package the leftovers for you as well. If you live in a more rural area, you can get a good caterer for a very reasonable price.

These few tips will help ensure that you have a stress-free graduation party for your child. After all, it is a way to say goodbye to childhood once and for all.