subject: Gearing up for Graduation - Planning a Posh Party [print this page] Gearing up for Graduation - Planning a Posh Party
It's that time of year again - when graduation gowns are donned, caps are jubilantly cast upwards into the sky and graduation parties abound. But what if you're looking to plan a more posh party for your sophisticated graduate? Here are our best tips for planning an upscale graduation party. For starters, every elegant gathering begins with beautiful invitations. To plan a truly posh graduation party, you can expect to spend a fair amount of money on custom invitations (no evites!) The size of your guest list will most often be determined by the size of your available budget. Next, you'll want to consider the venue. If you can afford the spend, a rental location or event hall would make an excellent spot for your swanky soiree. If your budget is a bit tighter, you can certainly still plan a rather refined gathering to be held at your home for a fraction of the cost. The next step is the food. This is where "posh" really comes into play. Unless you're throwing a college gradation party where guests are all of legal drinking age, champagne is probably not a good idea. However, there are many recipes to be found online for elegant non-alcoholic punch and other such beverages. Finger food should be bite-size, upscale and beautiful. Some examples may include: - toast points spread with cream cheese and topped with caviar - cheese tray with assorted cheeses and crackers - a cold plate featuring fresh and dried fruits, nuts, pickles and cured meats - puffed pastry bites stuffed with sweet or savory fillings - mocktails (sparkling cider with orange juice and perhaps a splash of pomegranate juice with a twist of lime)Alternatively, you may wish to stick with known crowd pleasers (jambalaya, hearty soups, cocktail meatballs, finger sandwiches), in which case you can easily elevate the appearance by using your finest serving trays on a beautifully set table, complete with a stunning centerpiece. You can complete the mood with a photo montage of images and video of the most memorable moments throughout your grad's life. What better way to present this magnificent montage than with a rental projector? You can showcase your slideshow on a blank wall, a hung sheet, or a rental screen. Above all else, keep in mind the personality and spirit of your graduate - if he/she prefers to dance to rock music, then a posh party probably isn't the best fit. If your grad is a ballet star, then keep the decorations, the food and the mood as elegant as possible to match.
