Class of 2020….ugh, where do I start? From the kids in kindergarten to those in high school and college, my heart aches for all the graduates who have to miss out on this right of passage. While commencements certainly won’t look the same this year, we hope you still plan on celebrating your accomplishments with your friends, family and teachers even if it’s from afar! 

I know I sound like a broken record but something that continues to bring me the greatest joy during these tough times has been helping our followers continue to ‘party-in-place’ and make memories together at home. We could all use some positive rays of sunshine to break up our weeks, especially our 2020 grads. Have you seen this virtual commencement celebration featuring the Obamas, Lady Gaga and more? I’ll be tuning in with the kids when it streams live on YouTube on June 6th - cannnot wait! 

In the meantime, let’s talk about commencement parties at home, shall we? Our All Out Grad Little Miss Party in a Box makes it foolproof to honor your grad...whether you’re planning a virtual video party with friends & fam near and far, coordinating a drive-by parade, or having a more intimate celebration with your quarantine crew.

If you caught my Instagram Live last week you know I’m gearing up to host Gavin’s virtual graduation party soon as he’s graduating from elementary school. I figured we’d do a trial-run and share some tips for those of you in the same boat! I transformed my sunroom using the box and it couldn’t have been easier. This box comes with tableware and decorations that work both inside and out. My favorite items are the star balloons and Gavin’s fav was definitely the sparkler! 

I sent out a virtual invitation encouraging guests to join us on Gavin’s big day via video chat wearing his school colors, and asking them to fill out the ‘Words of Wisdom’ card (also included in our party box) and to email them to me before the party. If you caught our Instagram Live you know I already received some from my family, and tried reading a few, but I couldn’t control the waterworks! I’ve been collecting them all and will be putting into a book for Gavin to save as a keepsake. 

In the invitation I also shared a link for guests to play the graduation playlist that Gavin put together in the background (PSA: it’s not ‘clean’ but it sure is good). Gavin’s planning on decorating the graduation cap (included in the box) and we’ll pump the playlist for a virtual cap toss to close out the party! 

Even though this was more of a trial-run, we still wanted to indulge in some treats, so I threw together a delicious bagel spread and Luke made cupcakes. From diploma hot dogs to graduation cap cake pops...there are SO many cute and easy ways to bring in the theme through food. In addition to our gift guide for grads that we shared last week, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite treats and other graduation party inspo on our Pinterest page. 

Happy planning and CONGRATULATIONS to the class of 2020 from all of us at Little Miss Party!