Last-minute Details: Divide and Conquer for your Grad’s Party

Do not get caught setting up for your graduate’s party when the doorbell rings.  Plan ahead so the moment the guests arrive, you can enjoy the party, too. 

Create a countdown checklist:  “Two days ahead, One day ahead, Morning of party, and Hours before party.”  Write everything down so nothing is forgotten.  With each nitty-gritty task checked off the list, you will be one step closer to hosting a great party.   

DAYS BEFORE THE PARTY

Borrow, do not rent, extra tables, chairs and coolers from neighbors and friends.  If refrigerator space is limited, ask neighbors if they could store some foods.

Knock out cleaning as a family a day before the party.  Work at the same time for 60-90 minutes.  This lightens the load, and no one is stuck doing all the dirty work.  Write down jobs and ask for volunteers to do them.  Or, pull job assignments from a jar that are written on strips of paper.  Setting a time limit helps everyone focus and finish jobs quickly.

Things will need to be done during the party, too:   answer the door, check the ice, replenish drinks, play with the little ones a bit, change garbage bags, and walk around with food trays offering seconds.  If everyone does one or two jobs, the party will run smoothly, and there will be time to mingle with guests.

Buy flowers for one nice bouquet.  Produce Junction offers an array of flowers at great prices.  There are a number of locations in the area. 

ALDI offers grocery store bouquets for $3.99 each.  Grab a few to make a nice centerpiece.

Consider buying name tags.  They are a visual help for guests as they talk with people they do not know.

Set out a basket or box for graduation cards near the front door.  When guests arrive, they ask where to place cards and gifts.

DAY OF THE PARTY

Sweep the driveway, sidewalk and porch.  Get rid of spider webs.

Rinse, or wash if necessary, outside trash cans.  After they dry, place several trash bags in the bottom of each can.  This little step saves time in changing trash bags.  Ditto for indoor waste baskets.

Wipe clean chairs, tables and coolers stored in basements or garages, and set them up.

Group jars and vases on tables in odd-numbered groups, place votive candles in them. ()

Get ice.

Touch up bathrooms quickly with glass cleaner, and set out extra toilet paper and guest towels.

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Set out permanent markers so guests may write names on cups, to avoid cup confusion. Keep a roll of paper towels by the drinks to mop up spills.

Place sidewalk chalk and bubbles on the porch where younger guests can see them as they arrive.  Ask kids to draw pictures or leave messages in chalk for the graduate.

Apply backyard insect repellant like Fogger shortly before party time.  Also, have a can of insect repellant guests may apply if the bugs are relentless.

Let your music be background music.  Make it easy for guests to hear one another, rather than shouting or faking responses.

PARTY TIME

The hard work is done.   Relax and enjoy guests, and celebrate your graduate.  Job well done for all of you.