Simple Graduation Party Ideas for Adult College Graduates

No matter the age of a graduate, the event is worthy of celebration. If you have an adult friend who is graduating from high school, college, graduate school or technical or specialized program, then consider hosting a graduation party for the graduate. You can incorporate simple, thoughtful ideas that will make the party both sentimental and that will honor the graduate for achieving such high honors.

Host a potluck at your house. This is a friendly and easy way to throw a party. You can provide the main dish, drinks, ice and utensils. Ask all of the guests to bring a side or a dessert. Gather at your house or in your backyard. Decorate your space with card tables covered with white tablecloths and napkins in the colors of your graduate's school. Tie a few balloons--also in school colors--around folding chairs nestled under the tables. Use a few bud vases or wide-based candles as centerpieces.

Invite guests to bring cold hard cash to pin on a money tree for the graduate. You can provide dessert and drinks and make the party an "open house"-style party so that guests can drop in whenever they can during the afternoon. Set up a faux tree at the front entrance along with a basket of clothespins. As guests walk in, have them add their bills to the "money tree" with the clothes pin. At the end of the party, that graduate will have a gift of cash to help with expenses along the way.

For the graduate who likes wine and cheese, hold a "graduation soiree." Invite guests to dress up and drop by to drink a glass of wine, eat cheese (and a little dessert) and congratulate the graduate. This is an elegant, adult-appropriate gift that should be held in the evening after 5 p.m. Your invitations can be simple yet elegant--think black and white and a script font. Decorate tables with rose petals.