It is Graduation Season! And one of the easiest ways to celebrate the new grad is by having a Graduation Dessert Party! It is a great way to enjoy the day, but not break the bank. With the Graduation Dessert Party, you can use store-bought desserts and just add a few personal touches to make it special!
Remember: Sometimes, simple is better! Plus, you know the graduate will probably hang around for an hour before they head off to other parties!
Graduation Cupcake Toppers
These were very easy to make! What you need:
- Favorite photo of the graduate, copied multiple times.
- Black card stock paper
- Decorative, colored paper (you can choose school colors)
- Glue
- Flat-backed toothpicks
I found a favorite photo of the graduate and duplicated it on my printer. I used a thick black card stock for the backing, plus a pretty, colorful accent paper. Cutting three different sized circles out of each (black, colorful, and photo), I glued them together. I found flat backed toothpicks at the craft store and glued the circles to the pick. Pop them into store-bought cupcakes in your color theme and there you have it!
Another version: Many specialty bakeries and cupcake stores offer edible, photo cupcake toppers – be sure to check your local bakeries and cupcake stores (but give them enough time to create the toppers-approximately 1-2 weeks!)
Graduation Cap Candy
This is so easy! You need:
- One bag Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures (wrapped)
- Black card stock paper, cut into 1.5″ x 1.5″ squares
- Thin ribbon (color to match your school colors), cut into 2 inch pieces
- Hot glue gun
- A few toothpicks
Place a dot of hot glue on center of black square. Fold ribbon piece in half and stick fold into glue, holding in place with toothpick until it sets. Once cool, flip “cap” over and place another dot of hot glue in center. Place smooth top of Reese’s cup on glue dot and hold in place until it sets. Flip back over and now you have a graduation cap!
Diploma Cookies
I could not believe how simple these were! You need:
- Pepperidge Farms Pirouette Cookies (I used vanilla flavored center)
- Black decorator’s icing (do not use gel – it slides everywhere!) and small, round decorator tip.
Taking one cookie at a time, draw with icing a thin black band around the middle of the cookie. Next, draw a “bow”. Allow to set on a lined cookie sheet to dry before serving.
Serve them on a platter with other cookies and a cute sign that says, “One Smart Cookie”!
Bright Future Gifts
I found these cute light bulb vases at Michael’s Craft Stores for $1.99! Unscrew the bulb top, fill with gift ($$) or candy of choice! Add a little tag that reads, “Your Future Looks Bright!” and you have a unique way to give that grad a special gift or party favor!
Share Your “Keys” To Success!
Let guests share their wisdom with the new graduate! I created a simple instruction card using black card stock, decorative paper and a photo of the graduate. The giant mason jar came from Michael’s, but you can use any large container. Tie a large key to the jar with ribbon and place paper and pen out for guests to write their words of wisdom!
Graduation Tassel Christmas Ornament
Don’t toss the graduation tassel or hang it from the rearview mirror! Preserve it in a clear, globe ornament! Click here for more information.
For more Graduation Party Ideas, Click Here to visit my Pinterest Simple Graduation Party Board!