When planning a party for your high school graduate, picking a theme can help simplify the preparation. One of the following four themes may be perfect, but if not, they will give you some ideas to go on when deciding on the right one for your high school graduation party.
Drama Party
If your graduate was in all of the school plays or simply loves flash and drama of Hollywood events, a red carpet party theme may be just the ticket. Of course, an actual red carpet near the entrance is a must (you can use a roll of red craft paper), but don’t stop there.
Create a photo booth area with movie star props, such as a variety of sunglasses, a clapboard and an Oscar (try covering a Ken doll in papier mache and spray painting it gold). If you are hosting in your backyard, consider creating a Hollywood sign out of cardboard painted white, as well.
For food, rent a popcorn machine and set up a concession stand with boxes of movie theater candy, hot dogs and soft drinks.
Music Theme
Perhaps your teen was in band or choir throughout school, or maybe you never see your graduate without headphones. A graduation party based on music could be ideal.
Hit thrift stores and grab a bunch of old LPs to use as platters for finger foods and snacks. Bake cupcakes in ice cream cones. Decorate them with frosting and black sugar, and string a length of black licorice through the bottom to make edible microphones.
Set up a karaoke machine or go all out and rent a DJ. Make sure there’s room for dancing, as well.
Artistic Party
If your graduate will soon be off to art school, the party should be bright with color. Set up a table filled with jars, bowls and platters of colorful candies, cookies and cupcakes. Cover a wall with a large sheet of white craft paper and lay out paints, markers and other supplies so guests can design a masterpiece of congratulatory words and wishes for your teen.
Hire a caricaturist to doodle drawings of family and friends or employ a local artist to teach an impromptu painting class so that everyone can take home a memory of the event.
Sports Theme
Celebrate your athlete with a party based on his or her favorite activity, or go with a general sports theme for the teen who loves them all.
Food ideas don’t get much easier: think sports arena concession stand goodies, such as hot dogs and burgers, peanuts and popcorn, nachos and jumbo cups loaded with ice and soft drinks.
Pass out foam fingers. Set up a target on an exterior wall where guests can test their arms tossing balls or Frisbees. Make a life-size cardboard cutout of headless athletes for fun photo ops, as well.
Taking your graduate’s passions, pastimes and personality into account can help you choose a theme that your teen will remember for a lifetime.
