A Setting for Graduation

Hosting two graduation parties in the same week can be quite exhausting.  For graduation party #1, I hosted, but had help from four other families who contributed toward expenses and labor.  This party was mainly for the friends of #2 child who will graduate from high school this Friday.  We had around 30 kids and maybe 20 or so adults and perfect weather!

The boys helped set up tables, chairs, ran errands, and basically did whatever I asked them to do.  They were a huge help!  School colors are blue and gold, so our color scheme was blue and yellow.  I found these lovely runners online.

Most of the flowers came from the yard.  I needed yellow, so I went to the grocery store, but all the cut flowers were more than I wanted to spend, so I purchased two daisy mum plants, which had lots of blooms, cut them off and used them in the little yellow and blue pots, which I found at Garden Ridge.  Martini glasses hold floating candles, and are tied with blue and yellow ribbon.

The kids enjoyed the pool, and then chowed down on turkey bbq, slaw, baked beans, vegetables and dip, watermelon, chips, and chocolate chip cookies.  Punch consisted of Sprite and pineapple juice--very refreshing drink for the summer.

Adults chat and enjoy 21 juice.

The cake had the boys' picture and was purchased at Sam's Club.

On to graduation party #2, a family party, around 40 people.

Same tables and chairs, cloths, and runners (after washing and ironing).  This time we used the "good" stuff, and the food was catered.  Unfortunately, no one was available to help.

The main table seated 24, and was set up with a basic white plate, and green Bordallo Pinheira cabbage salad plates.  I used my silverplate, a yellow napkin, and iced beverage glasses, Chelsea by Godinger.

Instead of balloons, I used a large arrangement of flowers from the yard.  This was removed before we were seated for dinner.

A table for 8 was set up under the tent near the outdoor kitchen.  Here I used a Haviland Limoge white plate, a yellow salad plate, and yellow napkin.  Same table runner and cloth.

Ok, so that was seating for 32.  I still needed 8 more place settings, so I used the round tables.

Salad plates are a little different, and I used a yellow "flower" placemat.

I displayed pictures, and my son's graduation hat.  Since it was also my daughter's graduation from college, I also displayed her picture (later she added her hat as well!)

Andrew prepares the beverages.  I didn't get a picture of the buffet table.  Here is what we had catered:  Hors d'oeuvres consisted of meatballs, mushrooms stuffed with crab, vegetables and dip, cheese and fruit, and mozzarella strudel.  We began dinner with a garden salad and raspberry pecan vinaigrette and a selection of croissants and rolls.  We had chilled grilled asparagus with grilled red pepper, roasted potatoes, sliced beef tenderloin with horseradish and honey mustard, breast of lemon chicken with lemon caper wine sauce, poached salmon with capers, mustard and chopped onions.  Dessert was cake, brownies, and homemade cookies.  It was all very delicious!

We had a great time!  It was fun to see all our family, who all live within an hour from our home!

Thanks for stopping by!  Next week we are headed to the beach for a much needed break.  As always, I appreciate your comments, as I strive for A Perfect Setting!!