Cool Graduation Party Ideas On Your Artificial Turf

Graduation is a rite of passage that definitely requires a celebration. Whether your grad just finished middle school or finally landed that PhD, they’re ready to move on. And you want to give them the coolest possible send-off, complete with lots of friends and festivities.

Spiff up your surroundings

Naturally, you want your yard to look its best. Thanks to your switch to artificial grass, having a gorgeous lawn is now a no-brainer. What a relief to know you don’t have to spend hours and hours pre-party, trying to make your grass look presentable. But a party-perfect yard needs more than that inviting expanse of green.

One quick way to colorize is by creating some container gardens. You’ll want flowers, of course. But if you focus on herbs for your containers, you can have a rainbow of vibrant color and welcoming fragrances, plus you can use the herbs for fresh-out-of-the-garden flavors.

Make decorations all about your grad. Start in the front yard, with “Way to Go, Susie!” spelled out in signs along the walkway. In the back yard, create a “wall of fame” photo montage about your grad, or hang individual photos on strings from tree branches or a clothesline or on the fence. Use plenty of balloons and pennants, in your grad’s school colors. Or go glitzy, with silver and gold, twinkly lights, and white tablecloths.

Provide a table where guests can set gifts, along with a guest book everyone can sign.

Serve something interesting

You can have your grad party catered, or prepare dishes in your kitchen for outdoor service, or simply make it an old-fashioned BBQ event. Plan your menu to fit your theme, but ask your grad what they want – after all, it’s their party!

Create fun, themed desserts. Roll warm cookies diploma-style, and tie them with ribbon. Make cake pops or cupcakes, then frost them in school colors or give them a cap and tassel made from chocolate squares. 

One thing to keep in mind is that there will probably be many guests who are underage, no matter the age of your guest of honor. And when the weather is warm, adults want refreshing beverages, too. So think beyond the usual iced tea and pop, and offer a selection of unexpected – and unexpectedly tasty – non-alcoholic drinks and spritzers.

Or set out buckets of ice, bowls of ingredients, and a blender, and let guests DIY personalized beverages. For easiest access, provide multiple beverage stations. Use buckets or washtubs filled with ice to keep cans and bottles cold. Set recycling containers nearby.

Plan to play

Your grad will surely be the center of attention, but guests expect activities, too. Especially on your oh-so-inviting artificial grass. So make sure your supply of backyard games is cleaned up and ready to go.

Set up an easily-accessible “protection station” – a basket of help-yourself sunscreen, bug repellant spray or wipes, and lip balm tubes. That way, guests can enjoy themselves to the max without taking home a case of sunburn or mosquito bites.

And don’t forget the photos!

Hand out disposable cameras for guests to use. But designate someone to be the official photographer, because there are pictures that must be taken, such as shots with Grandma, and the entire family. Get lots of shots of guests, and encourage them to take selfies with your grad. Tweet live from your party, using photos of your grad, guests, and all your super-cool food and fun.

Need more inspiration? Check out this compilation of fun-themed ideas for decorations, food, and games to make your grad’s party something they’ll always remember.