Mocktails
If a lot of children or teens are attending your party, serve a delicious mix of signature mocktails in festive glassware. Kids love any opportunity to appear just a little more adult, especially when it comes to parties.
And for the over 21 crowd, these mocktails can always be turned into cocktails by simply adding vodka, rum, gin, or your favorite flavored liquor.
Mango-Cherry Slush
4 cups chopped fresh mango
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons Maraschino cherry juice
Garnish: Maraschino cherries
Directions
Place all the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Pour mixture into a pitcher for guests to serve themselves at the party with Maraschino cherries on the side for garnish.
4 cups water
2 1/2 cups fresh lime juice (from 25 limes)
1/2 cup superfine sugar
Directions
Combine water, lime juice, and sugar in a large pitcher.
Décor and More
Turn your grad's photo into real US postage with PhotoStamps and use them to mail your graduation party invitations and thank you cards.
Incorporate the graduate’s favorite hobby into the party décor. Cross country runner or track star? Paint sneakers in the school colors and slip a plant in the shoe to make a unique table decoration. For a football player, use helmets to hold peanuts or other finger foods. An art student will enjoy centerpieces made from metal paint cans and butcher paper and markers on the tables so guests can create their own masterpieces as they eat.
If you're looking for a special gift for your graduate, why not create a time capsule? In your invitation, encourage guests to bring something to include in the time capsule such as photos, newspaper clippings, memorable objects, magazines like People or Newsweek, a supermarket receipt listing prices, or a current top 40 music chart. Guests could also be invited to write their hopes and dreams for the graduate on note cards. Seal all the items in a sturdy container that will protect the treasures and keep them cool and dry.
When your graduate opens the capsule in 10 or 15 years from now, he or she will truly appreciate your thoughtful gift.
Featured Recipe - Peanut Butter Cup Graduation Caps
The recipe for these cute mini graduation cap desserts couldn’t be easier! Serve them on a tray or use them to decorate graduation cakes or cupcakes.
Ingredients
24 miniature peanut butter cups
6-oz. tube of decorating frosting in your graduate’s school color
24 After Eight thin mints
24 milk chocolate M&M's in your graduate’s school color
Directions
Place unwrapped peanut butter cups upside down on waxed paper. Place a small dab of frosting “glue” on each peanut butter cup and top with a mint square. Use the frosting to make a loop for the cap’s tassel and place an M&M on top of the loop.
