Throw a Backyard Graduation Bash Your Teen Will Love!

Graduations are beginning and like most parents, you’ll want to give your graduate a proper send off. Today I’m sharing a few ideas you might want to use to throw a backyard graduation bash your teen will love!

Graduations will be coming soon and the time has arrived to start planning a celebration for your teen. The question I hear most often is what is trending this year. The truth is, not much has changed. Food, fun, and the chance to spend the day with their friends is still the goal of the graduates. Providing that without breaking the bank is the main objective for every parent I’ve spoken to recently.

With that in mind, renting a food truck for the day that was all the rage last year, is most likely not in the budget today. The giant rented signs in the front yard proclaiming your child’s accomplishments might not make the cut either. Still, throwing an epic party doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. Providing the basics, along with a little creativity, and… you’ve got this!

Let’s Share the Day

Although you want to give your teen the spotlight for the day, they may prefer to share it with a bestie or two. Today, with costs at a premium on just about everything, throwing a joint party might be the perfect idea. A quick meeting between the “moms” to discuss a plan may be all it takes.

Nailing down the where and when, however, should be an “all hands on deck” discussion. Flexibility is key. Keep in mind there will be other parties the kids will want to attend as well as other commitments you’ve made yourself. Deciding on the when requires everyone’s input.

The where may be the easier decision. Are you the one who takes on the roll of the organizer? Or… the one who will gladly follow instructions and take care of the little details you’ve been delegated to handle? The answer to those questions can help determine the where quite easily.

Most importantly, make sure the graduates have equal representation. Display pictures of both prominently and the words, we, ours, and us must be used generously. It is “their” party so it’s vital to make sure no one feels slighted. If a joint party is the way you choose to go, I’m sharing a printable for all subscribers that might work perfectly for you.

Grad Themes

Choosing a theme for the party is always helpful and makes for easier decisions in the long run. A theme can be as simple as coordinating balloons, cups, and plates with school colors or as specific as the long running favorite, Friends.

I’m sharing a few printable theme related signs for those subscribers who may be finding it hard to choose one. The Create the Look page has links to backdrops and decorations that will work well with each.

Ring the Dinner Bell

When it comes to food for your high school grad… keep in simple. A BBQ , a taco bar, even a big pot of spaghetti is fine. The important thing nowadays is to understand that eating habits have changed. Burgers, hot dogs, and brats are still fine for a BBQ but don’t forget to throw on a few veggie burgers too. Do the same with your taco bar. Keeping meat and plant based options separate will be greatly appreciated. And… salad is a must!

Whatever you do… don’t forget the sweets! Certainly, the traditional graduation cake is always a nice way to go.

However, cupcakes, donuts, or an ice cream cone station is a little more up to date.

This year setting up a candy/cookie dessert bar is extremely popular. Subscribers are welcome to use the labels below or there are several others for purchase online. I’ve linked them on the Create the Look page.

A quick trip to the super market will give you all you need in the way of candy. The list below will work with the labels perfectly!

• Smarties
• Starburst, Brach’s Chocolate Stars
• Suckers (Dum-Dums, Tootsie Pops)
• Payday Bars
• Snickers
• Swedish Fish
• Tootsie Rolls
• Queen Anne Cordial Cherries
• Reese’s Pieces
• Chocolate Kisses

Don’t forget to pick up your favorite cookies too! Putting the labels in a place card holder in the center of the plate or in front of a bowl looks adorable.

This free to subscribers printable is perfect for any treat table!

Pictures are Forever

Have you looked at your teen’s phone lately??? I would bet there are more silly pictures there than you’ve taken in your lifetime. Get creative with a photo booth or a backdrop complete with funny props. ( Balloon backdrops for photos are big this year. ) Nothing means more to kids today then pictures taken with friends.

Give them the tools and they will take it from there!

I’ve added several backdrops and props you can purchase to the special Graduation Create the Look section of the blog. You’ll find some great grad gifts, party favors, and signs there as well. However, if the theme of your party is “You’re on your way” or any version of that, a bunch of boxes may be all you’ll need!

Have your teen create a hashtag for party pictures to be posted on Instagram as well. Of course a printable is called for here too!

Who’s Got Game?

Your teen has probably told you… absolutely no games! However, if you can twist their arm just a little, I guarantee they will have fun in the end! One of the most popular graduation game has always been the “Who Knows the Graduate Best?” For that reason, I’ve included a version in this year’s printables.

Scavenger hunts which were big prior to 2020 are back this year as well. There are several companies online that do nothing but create the perfect hunt. Of course, this is an incredibly expensive way to go. However, you know your town, your kids, and the safest way to set up the game.

You can decide whether they walk or drive. Set perimeters on where they can go, warn neighbors and friends they may be stopping by, and utilize those cell phones cameras!

Tip: A picture is worth a thousand words. Send them out to take a picture rather than finding a physical thing to bring back with them. For instance the clue may be a simple “It’s your time!” They may head to the town square for a picture in front of a large town clock while others will head to the grocery store for a pic with a bunch of Thyme. The kids can vote on each clue to see which group nailed it!

If you’re not feeling particularly creative, a few lawn games will keep them busy as well. The Create the Look page has links to several.

Make Your Own Kind of Music

Music is a must for any get together but especially for teens! You can let them create their own list or I’ve shared one in my post, Class of 2020. It’s a mix of the most popular grad songs from the past on Spotify.

Party Decor

Finally, in a backyard setting, it’s best to keep the decorations to a minimum. My favorite has always been a simple arrangement of flowers from the yard. Add a few to a ball jar and not only will they brighten up each table, but they are a great “thank you” for other grads to take with them when they leave.

The labels for the Ball jar flower vase are free to all. You can access them at the bottom of last year’s post, 8 Simple Steps to a Fabulous Grad Party. The rest of the printables seen in this post are loaded in the library for subscribers of My Home of All Seasons. Simply click here for the Printable Library, choose your favorites, add your password, then download and print!

If you haven’t joined us yet, I sincerely hope you do! Your email in the form below will put you on the list. You’ll receive the password that will give you immediate access to all of the graduation prints above and so many more for the coming seasons!

Pin it!

If you’re a last minute gal like me and you’re not quite ready to start preparations for a party a month away, I get it. However, take a minute and pin one of the images below so you can find it again when the panic sets in! Oh yes… that is experience talking!

Before you leave today, be sure to check out the Create the Look page for links to graduation gifts, decorations, and backdrops. If you’re planning on a memory book, the post, How to Put Together a Graduation Memory Book, will take you through the process I used for my kids.

Congrats to you and your graduate! My final tip today… remember to just BREATHE! And… keep the Kleenex close!

See you soon!