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Graduation Party Planning

Hi Penelope,
My daughter is graduating from high school on May 30, turning 18 on the 31st and going far away to college in August. I am having a 3 in one party—please give me decorating and invitation ideas. Thanks.
Lori
Watertown, CT

Dear Lori-
That’s quite a lot of celebration in the upcoming months! But kudos to you for getting started early on party planning.

My first bit of advice is to check out MyPunchbowl.com for our great selection of free online invitations for your graduation party. Here's a favorite of mine:

With a party as large as yours, I'd say the simplest (not to mention most affordable) route for invitations is to stay online so you're not wasting time and paper on a large group of people.

As for decoration ideas, I'd say it's best to focus on the journey ahead rather than dwelling on the past.

Of course, it's important to celebrate the accomplishment of graduating from high school, but I'll bet anything that your daughter is more focused on the months ahead and what college life will be like.

To play up the journey ahead, I'd suggest using visuals such as maps and school colors to accent your decoration motif for the graduation birthday farewell party (that's quite a mouthful!).

With your daughter's college location in mind, print out some 8x11 maps of the surrounding area, have them laminated, and use them as waterproof placemats for your farewell-focused 3-in-1 party. 

As for school colors, pick napkins, plates and a simple tablecloth that mimic your daughter's soon-to-be college colors.

One great farewell party favor tip is to give a small packet of pre-addressed, stamped envelopes with your daughter's school address on them to her friends as they leave the party.

Though e-mail is definitely easier, I know nothing makes me happier than getting a nice old fashioned letter from time to time!

With these quick pointers on your side, you should be well on your way to planning an unforgettable 3-in-1 party for your daughter. For more pointers, be sure to check out these graduation party planning tips.

Have a wonderful party and wish her well for me!

Enjoy Planning.
Penelope

Graduation Party Planning and Graduation Party Invitations at MyPunchbowl.com