How to Plan a Non-Traditional Graduation Party

It's graduation time, and you're just itching to throw a party for your off-to-college teen. It's a great idea! And you don't need to blow your budget or create havoc with your schedule to pull off an extraordinary event. Instead, make the evening memorable with a non-traditional graduation party.

Instructions

1. Involve your soon-to-be graduate in the planning. Teens have firm ideas about parties. Even though you're in charge, the party is for your child, not you.

2. Let your teen invite some other graduating friends and their parents to share in hosting the party. You'll reduce your expenses and workload while adding to the fun.

3. Skip boring hamburgers, deli sandwiches and chips. Plan the food around a theme. If your kid loves Mexican food, offer enchiladas and quesadillas made to order. For Italian, do make-ahead lasagna, antipasto and garlic bread.

4. Put out old yearbooks, especially if many of the guests have grown up together. They'll enjoy reminiscing about teachers and pals from elementary school. Yes, it's tempting to bring out the baby pictures. But don't do it without checking with your child first. Some teens can get embarrassed by the naked baby in the bath tub classic photo.

5. Hire some local talent if you can afford it. An artist could paint t-shirts for all the guests. There's probably a local garage band that would love to entertain for a small fee.

6. Create a memory for your child. Many stores sell picture frames with write-on mats. Guests can pen a funny or sweet goodbye to their friend. Or buy smooth rocks or large sea shells. Have each guest write his name and a short message. Your child can take them to college and display them in a bowl or on a tray. It's a unique decoration for a college dorm room or apartment.