Taya's Take: Graduation Celebration

A: It’s very rare I say this, but in this case — less is best.

Although graduations are important events, this isn’t typically the time to order floral centerpieces, trumpet vases or pomander tissue balls. Speaking for all college grads, I’m sure your son would prefer you spend the extra money on a “love offering” than wowing his guests. Also, since this is not a local event, you will have to factor in travel arrangements .

Keep it simple. Spray paint a few old books in gold and top with various pictures of him growing up in navy blue frames. If you can’t find navy frames just spray paint those, too. For an antique look, have the pictures reprinted in sepia to show how far he’s come.

Another option is to show any old toys or books you might have around that will send him back down memory lane. Or, if all else fails, a glass vase with gold Mardi Gras beads and navy candles will do the trick. Congrats!

TAYA’S TIP: STAMP OF APPROVAL Your invitation isn’t the only thing that sets the tone for your event. The invitation begins with the envelope. The color, texture, weight and writing all help determine if your invitation gets accidentally thrown out in the junk mail pile. If possible, hand-write invitations (and thank-you notes, for that matter) and personalize stamps with pictures or monograms using Stamps.com to set the tone for the invitation inside.

Party Ideas by Mardi Gras Outlet: Air-filled Balloon Centerpieces ...

Looking for the perfect centerpiece?  Inexpensive and easy-to-make air filled balloon centerpieces are the answer! Air filled balloons make festive centerpieces with the added bonus that they can be created days in advance of an event. While standard helium balloons only last a few days, air filled balloons last for weeks. This type of balloon centerpieces is also well suited for outdoor events where helium balloons can get blown around by the wind. When creating a table top centerpiece of air filled balloons, the smaller 5” balloon is the perfect choice . To keep the air filled balloons upright like helium filled balloons use  plastic balloon sticks and cups . The air filled balloon is inflated and the stem / knot of the balloon is inserting into a small plastic cup that sits on a 12’ plastic stick. The options for a centerpiece base are only limited by your imagination. Vases, bowls, boxes or glasses will all work. Here are a few different options from Mardi Gras Outlet . A simple bag filled with sand provides an inexpensive weight for the arrangement. Fancier clear and metallic glass vases add a touch of sparkle and weight to the centerpiece. With the vases you will need to use floral foam to anchor the balloon sticks. Mylar tissue is used to cover the floral foam, adding another layer of sparkle as well. This Cajun-French phrase translates to, " Let the good times roll! " This well-known mantra sums up the way we live life in Louisiana. Celebrating is an integral part of our southern culture. From our unique cuisine to the spectacle of Mardi Gras, we know how to spice things up.

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