Summer is coming, and for many of our readers this may be their last summer of freedom- it’s graduation season! Along with the season of course comes graduation parties, a chance for you to not only celebrate with your friends and family, but to mark the beginning of your transition into adulthood. Leave behind the solo cups and kegstands with these 5 tips for throwing a gorgeous graduation party.

1. Bye-Bye Beer Pong, Hello Horseshoes

Welcome you and your friends to the real world by ditching the freshman classics, and take your party activities to the next level. Really get into the spirit by decorating your horseshoes in your school colors, or have your guests take a swing at it themselves. See how with this chic DIY from design.love.fest.

horseshoes-blog-img

2.  Get Twisted with Lawn Twister

If you leave school having gained only one thing, let it be an appreciation for lawn games (and a diploma, perhaps). Simple and endlessly fun, this DIY lawn Twister from SheKnows requires minimal set-up time and will more than likely be the hit of the party (especially after a couple of the classy jello shooters up next).

yard twister - sheknows

3. Jello Shooters Go Classy

This is a school celebration, and per tradition, student celebrations just aren’t complete without jello shooters. If you are currently cringing thinking of cheap vodka and red gelatin, hear us out! Portable, beautiful, and easily made ahead of time, Jello shooters done right offer some great tasting and aesthetically pleasing alternatives, like these Orange Dreamsicle shots from A Beautiful Mess.

orange-ABM-jello shots

4. Set the Stage

Never underestimate a first impression, and there’s no better way to set the tone for the party than to send out beautiful themed invitations. You already have all your friend’s emails, and going digital will save so much time addressing envelopes, and RSVP tracking will make it easy to know exactly how many of those jello shots to make.

Blog Graduation Invite and Announcements - Confetti

5. Adult Goody Bags

Finally, you don’t want to leave your guests empty handed! While you may not be handing out diplomas, you can definitely create adult goody bags to send off with your guests. From gift cards to mini champagne bottles, leave your guests with a chic reminder of your perfectly posh celebration.

The big day is coming up, and that in itself should be enough reason to celebrate! Tell us on Twitter @Greenvelope, what makes your graduation celebration unique?