Abby’s Graduation Party (in Kate Spade Style!)
If you’re following me on Instagram, you know our summer has already been a whirlwind of activity with a graduation, a party, and a girls’ trip to the beach! The graduation party was definitely a hit with our grad, and as promised, I’m sharing some of it with those of you who might be looking for a little party inspiration!
(This post contains affiliate links which help to support this blog.)
Unlike last year, when we had Grant’s grad party in the back yard, the 90% chance of rain had us opting for a semi-outdoor party in the garage instead!
So, using the printables I designed as a starting point, we took the black and white and floral theme and ran indoors with it! We love Kate Spade style, so we used that as our inspiration as well! My husband came through for me with a custom black-and-white striped backdrop to go with the sign I designed, and from there, I just used solid table coverings with striped wrapping paper for runners. (Click here for a similar backdrop. )
We brought in folding chairs, along with furniture from the front porch, for seating for the guests…
And lots of flowers and printables made up most of the simple decorations…
Click here for the free printables for your graduate! (**The 2017 version of these printables can be found HERE.)
Remember my famous ladder bookshelf we had in our office for the longest time? It made a perfect cupcake ladder! Shelves lined with wrapping paper, and paper flowers and string lights draped on transformed it to a sweet display.
And these goblets were the perfect size for the cupcakes!
I think my favorite part of the decor were the black and white striped drapes, which cost a total of $16 for all four panels! It was just the entrance we needed to set the tone for the party…
Want to hear my secret? Plastic tablecloths! We bought 2 black ones and 2 white ones for each panel we wanted, and I put my husband and father-in-law to work hanging them!
They came up with a quick method of assembling them by leaving them folded in a long strip about a foot wide, then taping them across the top with packaging tape.
Next, they taped the top of the striped panel to the inside of the garage door opening, then stapled up the gaps between the stripes as needed.
A long strip of white duck tape, folded onto itself made a great tie-back for each panel…
And they were done! Quick and easy, plus affordable! I love them!
It truly was a great time celebrating Abby and her accomplishments with many great friends and family.
She loved the party and she loved her money chain. Don’t forget it’s a great gift idea for the grads in your life! Click here for the how-to…
I hope this gives you lots of inspiration for the next party you’re hosting! Here’s a little list of supplies and must-haves (with my affiliate links) to make your planning easier…
*My Favorite Party Cups and Lids
**This post contains affiliate links which help to support this blog.
Judy
May 30, 2016 @ 11:50 pm
I knew this party had to be fabulous when I saw "Kate Spade"! Although it will be a while before my oldest grandchildren graduate, I'm pinning lots of these ideas for down the road. My 12 year old granddaughter just "graduated" from grammar school and will be a "middle schooler" next fall….seems like she just started first grade!
Stacey
May 31, 2016 @ 1:53 am
Everything about this is perfect, Julie! You thought of each perfect detail to make it all just right. I love it!
Julie
June 1, 2016 @ 8:07 pm
So kind! Thank you!
Denise Greenwood
May 31, 2016 @ 1:40 pm
What a great party! Congrats to your daughter! I love that you were able to bring it inside – we would not have had room in our messy garage ha! Love the 'curtains' – what a great idea!
Julie
June 1, 2016 @ 8:08 pm
Thanks so much, Denise! So glad you like it 🙂
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles
May 31, 2016 @ 4:12 pm
All so cute and full of great ideas! The only thing I could think while reading, though, was my garage would NEVER be clean enough to host a party in! 😉
Julie
June 1, 2016 @ 8:09 pm
Ha! We did have to do some cleaning and organizing to get this place in shape! Hoping it stays this way for a little while! 🙂
Lincuden Cottage Life
May 31, 2016 @ 8:53 pm
Oh! What a perfect party right down to every detail! A girls dream! 😉
Julie
June 1, 2016 @ 8:09 pm
SO sweet! Thanks!
Object of Maya*ffection
June 1, 2016 @ 5:04 pm
Everything looked GORGEOUS!!!! I never would've guessed it was your garage if you hadn't said anything!!! You did an AMAZING job! Congrats to Abby!!
Julie
June 1, 2016 @ 8:09 pm
Oh! Thank you so much!
Debra Hutchinson
June 4, 2016 @ 2:37 am
You have been a life saver for me! I will be having my granddaughter's graduation party on the 11th of June using a Kate Spade theme and that's how I came upon your wonderful blog. My granddaughter is Abigail Rose and I can't wait to show her the neat party you gave for your gorgeous Abigail.
I was wondering if you could give me some insight on how you made Abigail's sign with her name and the lovely flowers. I've been looking all over the internet for clip art like the flowers you used and haven't been able to find anything. I would greatly appreciate any info you could share with me.
Again, thank you so much for the lovely free pintables you so graciously shared with all of us.
Blessings,
Debbie Hutchinson
Em N
December 5, 2016 @ 7:58 am
Awesome post! Everything is perfect! Will you be able to share the big “Congrats Abby” sign as well? I’m in love with every single detail. And thanks for the printables! =)
Julie
December 5, 2016 @ 2:07 pm
You’re welcome! So glad you like it! The big sign was actually a custom one we made.
Andrea
March 9, 2017 @ 2:59 pm
Wondering if you could tell me how you made the black and white backdrop? What materials did he used for the stripes. Love the theme!!!!
Julie
March 12, 2017 @ 1:20 pm
That is actually a custom backdrop we printed at our graphics company. Unfortunately, I dont offer them for sale, but you can find a similar one here:
http://amzn.to/2nj49Qm
Im glad you like the party!
Marissa
March 31, 2017 @ 5:09 pm
So glad I came across your blog! I’m currently planning my graduation party and want to use the Kate Spade theme as well. I love all of your ideas! Thanks for sharing (:
Julie
March 31, 2017 @ 5:44 pm
Awesome! Watch for the updated 2017 version I’ll be sharing soon! 🙂
Deanna Bulkley
April 5, 2017 @ 7:38 pm
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE for the 2017 version. Also the big Congrats sign would you be willing to custom make for a price? Thanks for your great ideas!
Julie
April 9, 2017 @ 8:23 am
So sorry for the delay– the 2017 version is coming this week! And I am sorry, but I’m not doing signs at this time! So glad you like this design:)
Desiree
April 29, 2017 @ 6:14 pm
Where can I find the drapes ?
Julie
April 30, 2017 @ 6:47 am
The how-to is in the post
Desiree Williams
April 30, 2017 @ 10:12 am
Thank you
Sabrina Hounshell
May 20, 2017 @ 1:31 pm
You did a fantastic job! Did you use a special paper for the water bottle wraparounds?
Julie
May 20, 2017 @ 8:16 pm
Thank you!! I just used card stock for all the printables, including those! 🙂
Patton
December 18, 2018 @ 8:46 pm
You really put a lot of love and effort into this event. You did a great job. Thanks so much for taking the time to share with all of us.
116 Graduation Party Ideas Your Grad Will Love For 2019 | Shutterfly
March 29, 2019 @ 5:12 pm
[…] Photo Credit: Less than Perfect Life of Bliss […]
Tammy
May 7, 2019 @ 11:50 pm
Love the party ideas! Can you share how to make or buy the big Congrats sign you hung on the backdrop?
Julie
May 8, 2019 @ 6:31 am
Thank you! Glad you like it. That sign was actually digitally designed and printed for me. I can email you a contact where you could order one of these if you are interested. Also, just FYI, these printables have been updated for 2019 and they are on the blog now!