Graduation Celebration

Q: Do you have any centerpiece ideas for my son’s college graduation party? The colors are navy blue and gold, and I will be traveling to another state to make this party. —Susan

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 APPROVALYour 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.

If you are planning an event and have no idea where to start, send an email to me at Celebrations@timesdispatch.com, subject: Taya’s Take