The perfect ending to high school life would be a successful graduation party. A high school graduation party represents 12 years of hard work and should be celebrated as such.

Graduation may be months away still, but it’s never to early to start planning. It represents the time to get together with family and friends to plan one last “hurrah” before venturing out into the world. The first step is to figure out what type of party would be best: a backyard bash, a graduation feast, fun in the sun by the pool, or a red carpet event.

Food & Drink

Put those baking skills to the test with graduation-themed treats. Here’s a fun and easy pinnable recipe.

Graduation Caps:

• Sour candy belts, cut into strips
• Bag of miniature peanut butter cups
• Lollipop sticks
• Melted candy coating
• Godiva chocolate squares (or any other kind, as long as they’re squares)
• Rainbow chip sprinkles

Unwrap a package of Reese’s cups and place onto a sheet of wax paper. Dip the ends of the lollipop sticks in candy coating (that’s been melted) and insert into the candy cups, about halfway. Next, take the chocolate squares and place a thin line of candy coating on top of each of the squares. Place a short piece of sour candy on the line and place them on top of the peanut butter cups.

Along with these treats, serve your favorite foods. Burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches make great party food.  And don’t forget something to drink! Throw some fresh strawberries, pink lemonade and 7UP together for some out-of-this-world fruit punch.

Decorations

Depending on the vibe of your party, your decorations could be from subtle to over-the-top. There are, however, common decorations that should be found at any graduation party: mementos of high school life, favorite sporting activities, cap and gown on display, and a variety of graduate-themed supplies found at any party supply store. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, try using the Cricut machine to cut out “Congratulations,” “Graduate” and “2013” in thick paper that you can then use as a banner.

Clear an area to show off all those goodies! Decorate the table with track and field shoes, basketballs, awards, trophies, musical instruments, cheerleader outfits.  Make it a diorama of your graduate’s high school career.

Pictures

Jazz up the party with a photo collage of the graduate’s life: from bare baby bottoms to award-winning projects. Arrange photo collages over banisters and doorways or between chip bowls and punch bowls. Use paper lanterns to show off some photos. To make them is simple: use scrapbook paper and cut a little larger than your photo. Attach the photos to the paper and use twine or ribbon, attach the paper to the end of the lantern. You could hang two to three pictures per lantern. Use lanterns that match your color scheme, the colors of the high school, or even the colors of the college he or she will be attending.

Although one chapter is closing, another exciting chapter is beginning. In between searching for the best party decor or the tastiest treats, get inspired to improve your own education when you research some accredited online education programs through a variety of sites online.