Well, technically the party was almost 2 months ago, which was about the last time I posted. What is up with that? I think with all the excitement and festivities during the month of May, I needed some time to decompress. Yeah, that's it. We'll go with that! So to play a little catch up, I need to post about Madison's Graduation Party!
We held the party in the backyard of my brother's gorgeous house, the Friday night before her Sunday graduation, and it worked out perfect. We did have a few rain sprinkles, but for the most part the weather held.
First up, the decorations. Madi's favorite color is purple, so I knew that would have to be on of the colors in the color scheme. Since yellow seems to be "in" right now, I thought that make a nice choice to add to the purple. I made the usual tissue paper flowers that you see all over blog land, and added some paper lanterns
We strung some white Christmas lights from the fireplace to the trees, over the stone patio.
I made a purple and yellow bunting banner from scrapbook paper to drape from the covered patio
I also used my trusty Silhouette to cut out some vinyl in a celebratory message for the wall of the garage, under the enclosed patio. I surrounded the message with a bunch of pictures of Madi throughout the years
I also strung picutres of Madi witht he friends from the last 4 years of high school Lot's of dance pictures, cheerleading photos, etc. It's hard to tell, but they are hung from ribbon with tiny clothes pins.
I bought two large bouquets of flowers from Costco that morning, and split them up in to several different vases. One on the food table, the stone fireplace, the wine table, and the entry table. They were gorgeous yellow and purple flowers with some white daisies too!
I also had a small entry table as guest arrived in the back yard. It had Madi's yearbook, for friends that hadn't signed it yet, as well as advice/memory cards for friends and family to fill out for Madi. Giving her advice for the years to come, or a favorite memory.
The menu was pretty simple and easy, which worked out great. We had pulled pork and roast turkey from Sugarhouse BBQ Company which was delish! Along with rolls, a yummy pasta salad, fresh fruit, chips and salsa, shrimp, and cupcakes for dessert.
The cupcake toppers were made from scrapbook paper, my giant scallop punch, and were glued to toothpicks. Super easy!
We also rented a cotton candy machine (Madi loves cotton candy), that was a HUGE hit with the kids AND parents!
At about the time the party actually started, I put my camera down and never picked it up again! What was I thinking? Too busy hostessing and visiting, I guess. Thankfully Madi took a few photos!
It was a super fun night, and we all had a great time! We had the fireplace going, another firepit lit, and dancing in the garage! Just wish I would have taken more photos!
Thanks for hanging in there through all the photos! And for being patient with my blog-vacation! Guess, what? It's friday! TGIF! Hope you have a great weekend!
it was so beautiful and so much fun and such an honor to be included by such a wonderful family and BFF
Posted by: lisa | July 15, 2011 at 05:13 PM
What a perfect backyard to start with, then to add all of your creativity just made it gorgeous!
Posted by: Pam | July 15, 2011 at 05:24 PM
What a beautiful party! I love all the attention to details...the pictures that you displayed above the table...fabulous idea! I love how you included her favourite colour~purple~ and a favourite food~cotton candy!!I will have wonderful inspiration when my daughter graduates in a few years! Excellent job Mom! Angie xo
Posted by: Angie | July 19, 2011 at 04:20 PM