I wanted to throw a little graduation party for my son, but he had his terms… “keep it relaxed, keep it small”. He is eighteen now, and I really wanted to throw him a party, so I took the orders and marched! Here are some of the details, with plenty of links to recipes and products so you can easily incorporate any of these notions for your spring celebrations.
Over the years I have enjoyed the graduation parties a neighbor, friend and reader has thrown for her 3 children when they graduated, they have all been sweet and simple, very personal and special.
One of the sweetest elements is that she displayed articles of their clothing around the house, so all were reminded of how the child had grown. Here are some of my sons jackets he wore growing up that I put on display.
Above the jackets are a couple of boards covered with photos of him over the years, including this shot of him wearing his Giesswein jacket {I have one that matches!} at Christmastime when he was three.
Of course, I couldn’t resist displaying his robe
and mortar board.
I potted up a garden of orange Zinnias and Marigolds in random clay and metal pots I had on hand,
as well as a few of these sweet little tomato plants, already bearing fruit.
Collections of the pots looked striking grouped with blue glassybabies. These “arrangements” should last for weeks outdoors, though I think I’ll plant the tomatoes in my potager.
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Included in each grouping was a reminder of how wee his hands and feet once were. When the kids were little, I took them to a local pottery painting shop, painted their hands and feet and pressed them up against these tiles. Who knows? Maybe these will be a part of a bathroom wall someday, but for now, they make cherished coasters.
We moved to our current house the day my son finished first grade. Before we went, I took them to the neighborhood park, in which they had played for years, with a pail of Plaster of Paris. After they pressed their hands and feet into the sand, they were free to play, and I poured the concoction into the molds.
Keeping with my “orders”, what is more relaxing for a party than having someone else cook? My son’s favorite lunch spot {Taco del Mar} delivered a taco bar to my kitchen, as well as a couple of trays of six-layer bean dip. We kept the meat, rice and beans in the oven, then displayed them in Cazuelas I picked up at the Spanish Table. Everyone loved making their own tacos in hard corn shells or soft flour tortillas.
To start things off, we had sliced chorizo sausages and Manchengo cheese, also from The Spanish Table. I also made my favorite rumakis, duck and jalapenos wrapped in bacon and homemade Thousand Island dressing.
Don’t you love these napkins? Borrowed this idea from the friend as well, I picked them up at Paper Source, click on the name to have them shipped to you, or click HERE to order them from Amazon.com.
Frosty bottles of “Mexican Coke” {it is sweetened with cane sugar instead of fructose and is supposed to taste more “natural”} were on hand to wash it all down.
To finish off the meal, I made plenty of these addicting Key Lime bars {click on the name for the recipe}, they are SO easy to make and you can use lemon juice or lime juice instead of key lime juice if you prefer.
Mr. Splendid brilliantly stretched a sail across the courtyard so the kids could hang~out and play ping-pong, even amidst a few sprinkles, well into the evening.
relaxing, celebratory, easy, small and enjoyable…
Congratulations, my darling boy!
Congratulations, my darling boy!
You are such a sweet mother! I know that your son and everyone attending had a blast. I am definitely making the key lime bars tomorrow.
Thank you for sharing.
Teresa
xoxo
What a fabulous party idea, still in keeping with his wishes but so much sentiment and your special touches were present too. Love the taco bar idea! Key lime bars..my absolute favorite, almost afraid to try them think I could inhale the entire batch!
I love the plastered hands and feet, what a special keepsake. And the napkins…are too cute. Thanks for sharing these wonderful highlights of a pivotal moment in your famlies life….and congrats to your son!
Looks like a wonderful celebration Emily!! Congrats to you both! Since my daughter went to boarding school, we had the party up there at a restaurant. So many great ideas here though – love the sail over the courtyard and I am definitely trying the key lime bars!!
What a fun party and love that you added clothing as he grew up…such a cute idea!!
Hi Emily,
Congratulations to your son and what a wonderful party you hosted! The menu looks perfect – the Spanish Table is delicious! Your Key Lime bars look yummy and I'll look forward to making them soon.
Enjoy your week.
Leslie
Emily what a great party, with all of your super mementos, plantings, and menu!!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
lovely party… very loving home and family… treasure! xx
Lovely, Emily. What a touching tribute to your son. So much love in those little details. I'm sure he had a fantastic time and will carry the memories wherever he goes! XO
Congratulations to your son on his graduation!!! I love how you incorporated his clothing from childhood to convey how he had grown!! I know it goes fast. My oldest "graduates" from Lower School tomorrow and my little guy finishes 1st grade. I sort of wish I could freeze time right now….but I know there is so much ahead of them.
Love seeing your son with his friends. I know it was the perfect party!!! Great job!
xoxo Elizabeth
Thank you for all of the nice comments! I DO recommend the key lime bars, I had to bring the leftovers to a Sunday night supper, because I couldn't stop eating them. I may have to make another batch!! xo ebh