There was plenty to celebrate this May, and that called for a big fiesta.
I’m the kind of person who believes you don’t need a reason to throw a party, but graduation gave me the perfect excuse to go all out. My three best friends from California and many family members flew to Colorado to watch me move the tassel from right to left, so of course I hosted a soiree. Believe it or not, we set everything up on the patio of my apartment complex. I love transforming an ordinary space into something special—the Cinderella effect is my favorite.
Setting a table is one of my greatest joys. I spend the morning before an event turning my kitchen into a little greenhouse and mixing and matching favorite tablescape pieces. But before we get into the small details, here are some fun, practical ideas you can use to keep your guests entertained and comfortable.
I was fortunate to have a great sponsor for my table design. W&P Design makes incredible pineapple tumblers in gold, silver, and copper—who wouldn’t want a margarita in a gold pineapple? My dad attended the dinner and couldn’t stop enjoying his gold pineapple cup.
The napkins were DIYed with a watercolor ombre effect; I’ll share that post soon.
Gold Pineapples | Plates | Glassware | Flatware | Glass Bottles | Candles
Want to be the hostess with the most? The trick isn’t keeping guests constantly busy—it’s providing activities that let them occupy themselves. That way you can slip into the kitchen for a final touch or handle little emergencies without guests feeling awkward.
To avoid the awkward standing-around moment, offer small bites and premade cocktail batches so hunger and thirst are under control. Chips and salsa, a cheese board, or bite-sized appetizers are all great options. Below you’ll find a simple margarita batch recipe you can make before guests arrive. Also, don’t forget music—whether a favorite radio station or a curated playlist, having tunes keeps the energy right. If you have a friend who’s great with music, let them be the DJ.
I almost always prepare dessert in advance. For this party I made Mexican chocolate cake and key lime cupcakes. Picking up desserts from a local bakery is a smart time-saver and still feels special. Keep desserts in the same culinary family as your meal—for an Italian dinner, serve tiramisu; for a Fourth of July barbecue, a peach blueberry pie is a summer favorite.
The photo booth wall is a huge hit at modern parties. It’s a selfie destination that gets people interacting and keeps them off their phones for a while. My friends loved it. If you’d like, I can put together a DIY photo booth post with step-by-step instructions.
Include fun props like hats, paper mustaches, or feather boas to inspire goofy photos. For an extra touch, create a personal hashtag for your event and encourage guests to use it when they post—an instant, shareable album of memories.
Tip: A photo backdrop is perfect for a housewarming. It can cover an unfinished wall and double as decor.
My friend Katie and her partner Ryan were my right-hand couple for this event. Ryan, a cocktail enthusiast, handled margarita duties—and his recipe was a crowd-pleaser. Serve these half-gallon margaritas with plenty of ice, citrus slices, edible flowers, and salted glasses for a DIY margarita bar.
Recipe for a half-gallon batch:
750 ml silver tequila
1 cup orange juice
2 cups freshly squeezed lime juice
3/4 cup agave nectar
Ice
Combine the juices, tequila, and agave in a large pitcher or half-gallon container and stir well. Keep chilled in the refrigerator until a few hours before the party. Add ice and stir again just before serving. Cheers!
Finally, presentation matters. I wanted a bright, colorful party while keeping the palette cohesive. The table, paper fan wall, and photo booth backdrop were my main decor elements.
I never host without fresh flowers. I love arranging blooms, and vases of flowers add an instant sparkle to any gathering. Keep arrangements simple: choose three primary flowers and colors, then add two accent elements like chamomile and greenery.
Like this gathering? You’ll love these!