It's Graduation Time!

You've watched them grow...from the first time you held her as a baby, oh, the possibilities of her success were endless. The first step, you think "I have an Olympian holding my hand. She's really early to walk, don't you think?" The first time you walked her into school, the scholar who's hand you were privileged to hold, walking through those big double doors, tears of joy, I tell you, tears of joy.

Now your sweet, little infant child is graduating from high school, and like every good mother, who takes personal satisfaction from the successes of their children, you're probably freaking out. "SHE'S GRADUATING!" you shriek, like a 2 year old toddler who's ice cream just fell on the pavement. You panic..."People will come. Oh yes, they will come. The house needs to be cleaned, the cake needs to be ordered. Oh no, I'm not ready. I'm not ready!"

OK, Stop! Take a deep breath, slap yourself in the face, and walk away from the liquor cabinet (yes, someone DOES notice a sip or two here or there). Here are 10 easy steps to planning and hosting a successful graduation party that even your child's friends will enjoy (without talking about you behind the rhododendrons.)

1. Set the budget. This isn't a loosely based number that changes minute to minute. Spend some time really thinking about what disposable income you really have and can part with. By doing this, you will be able to answer the other questions, "Where will the party be at?" "Who will we invite?" "How much do I need to rob from the bank?" Important questions that will fall into place once the budget is determined.

2. Make a guest list. Divide your list into two distinct sections, the "guests" and the "floaters". The guests are easy--these are the people that will spend the most time with you, the family and the graduate. Sometimes, they never go away. (Sorry...I digress). The floaters are the people that pop in and out of the parties...the friends of the graduate, the parents of the friends of the graduate...you get my point. These are the snackers. Plan for both types of guests.

3. Decide on the date and time. Don't be cavalier about this little detail. Keep in mind out of town travelers, work schedules, soccer games, etc. Involve the graduate for his/her input so they can have their friends and guest present.

4. Choose a location. This is a direct connection to your budget. If you have a large budget, then you may want to consider a rental hall, or a nice restaurant or hotel. (These are the more expensive options, so keep in mind #3, date and time to make sure you maximize your guest list.) If the budget isn't exactly set up for a mini wedding, consider your home or a local park as a venue. Backyard BBQs are a casual way to have a fun, informal party while not breaking the bank. Plus hosting a party in your home or backyard may leave room in the budget for other things like entertainment.

5. Send out the invitations. Invitations can be purchased or you can make some nice invitations on your own. Places like Office Depot have what's called an "Announcement Kit" where you can just write in the name and dates of the party and graduation. If you are especially crafty, you can make cute invitations with scrapbook embellishments, stamps and ribbon. Make sure you send out the invitations well in advance for the travelers. Keep a record of who you invited..you may not want any surprises (or maybe you do?)

6. Plan the menu. If you're having this party at a hotel or restaurant, make time to sit with the caterer or party planner to review cost and options. Many restaurants will design and print a special menu with a few menu selections just for your event, so be sure to ask as this assists with controlling costs. If you're hosting the party at home, plan for the guests and the floaters. Keep in mind, the party is for the graduate. Make sure you have some items the graduate likes to eat. So often you get caught up in the guest list, you forget your sweet, hungry high school graduate still likes chicken nuggets. It's his/her party, have their faves on hand. Some things to consider, places like Sam's Club or Costco sell ready to buy items for large numbers of people. It's a great ide to keep costs down, and still have good food.

7. Buy the decorations. This is really the fun part; where you get to really shine. For hosting a party outdoors, consider

•Signage: People need to know where the party is.  A cool idea is to place a banner on your home or lawn, celebrating your graduate. You could go to a little place I've come to know and love called HappyDayBanners.com. HappyDayBanners.com takes the guess work out of buying a banner by offering several hip designs that can be personalized with your graduate's name, school an/or date of graduation. The prices are affordable (most 2'x4' banners are only $24.99) and it's really a nice keepsake.

• Tables, chair and tents: Consider the number of guests and floaters. You want to have an informal, casual feel, but you don't want your guests sitting on the lawn while chewing on a chicken bone. Have plenty of seating and tables, and plan for inclement weather.

• Be ready for a photo moment when the graduate's friends come to visit. Save a place in the backyard where you can have balloons, or "Class of 2009" banner (also found at HappyDayBanners.com) for the graduate and friends to pose in front of. (Try to have the camera charged...it really helps when taking pictures.)

• Other idea for decorations: balloons, pens, personalized candy bars, graduation frames are just some of the other ways to spice up the feel of a party. Keep it happy and festive...it's not a funeral.

8. Don't forget the music. Silence is a party killer. Have plenty of music on hand that can be easily changed and switched out quickly. Your graduate is not going to be listening to Barry Williams, so be prepared to liven and soften the mood as the guest demographic changes. Be careful of the volume, unless of course Aunt Mary is talking (and talking, and talking...).

9. Setting up for the big day. All your planning is coming to fruition. Put it together in a timely and organized manner so you won't look like a crazy person. Confirm the reservations and rentals. Start setting up the table and chairs the night before. Paper decorations should go up just before the party starts. Prepare and double check the food. Make sure you have plenty on hand. (Desperation frightens the guests). Worse case scenario, have the pizza phone number close by.

10. Have Fun! If you followed all the other steps, you can't mess it up that bad. And now it's OK to hit the liquor cabinet (once...OK twice). You earned it.