Graduation Table Decorations
Based on the color scheme that you have chosen and the atmosphere you wish to create, we have several options available for your table coverings.
* For a fairly informal look, choose either a paper or plastic table cover. We carry round, rectangle and large roll sizes for banquet decorating, and have 16 different colors to select from. These table covers are perfect for kid's parties, teen parties, classroom parties, reunions, picnics, sports and recognition banquets, "backyard" graduation parties, and other less formal occasions.
* Another option for decorating to achieve a fairly informal look is to cover tables with rolls of
Seamless Paper (9' X 36' roll) , or Decorative
Flat Paper (4' X 50' roll). The paper comes in a stunning array of colors, and patterns...stars, marble, brick, checkered, cobblestone, and water. Add a basket or jar filled with markers or crayons to the tables and let guests doodle to their hearts' content. The guest of honor can then selectively cutout and save some of the most meaningful scribbles when the party is over. A fun scrapbook keepsake! For a more formal effect, we have several options. Add skirting to match the plastic or paper table cover outlined above. Another option is to add
Metallic Skirting to white plastic or white linen tablecloths (we have some terrific metallic skirting with stars), or try our "Super Shine" metallic table covers and skirting for a night that will shimmer and shine in the memories of your guests.
* To highlight the buffet table, hang several
Graduation Caps from the ceiling above it. Hang them at different angles to look like they were tossed up in the air in celebration.
* Make your tables special with one of the following Graduation Centerpieces. Any of these choices look even better with a few sprinkles of sparkling Confetti scattered across the table!
* Try our
Congrats Grad Ensemble for a brilliant and festive table!
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Order
Personalized Napkins and have them imprinted with your party slogan and the design of your choice. The napkins will serve several purposes – great decorating in disguise and a treasured memento for the guest of honor’s graduation scrapbook.
Cake Idea
If you will be celebrating with a smaller crowd, maybe just a few friends and family members, try out this fun homemade
Mortar Board Cake.
Bake a double layer round cake in your choice of flavors. Add a few drops of black food coloring paste to your frosting and frost the entire cake. Next add graham crackers to the top of the cake making sure that the squares hang over the edge of the cake in all 4 corners. Frost the graham crackers black as well. Make a tassel out of skinny rope licorice and lay it so it is hanging off of the cake. If desired, write "Class of 2006" across the top!
Graduation Tableware Ingredients
Roll out paper table covers.
Line them with complementing plastic table skirting.
Add graduation centerpieces (Consider the Stand Up Photo Character).
Sprinkle 2009 confetti around each graduation centerpiece.
Finish with graduation tableware- coordinating graduation plates and graduation napkins.
Wha-la! It's a graduation tableware masterpiece!
More Graduation Centerpieces, Graduation Napkins, Graduation Plates
Spruce up your tables-- folding, kitchen, dining room, banquet, or picnic. ShindigZ has just the right 2009 centerpiece, graduation tableware, graduation plates, graduation napkins, and table covers for your graduation party.
At ShindigZ, you'll find graduation party tableware, graduation centerpieces, balloons, streamers, glassware, favors, and other graduation party decorations.
Tablecovers
Setting a spectacular table for any party can be easy with some fundamental decorating tips. While some graduation parties are "theme" based, many are planned around a color scheme based on school colors. Either way, choose your colors as a starting point and you'll create an inviting atmosphere. If you select only one color for your decorating, try to add little touches of another color or a lighter or darker shade of the same color. If you select only one color, adding little splashes of white, black, gold or silver will not detract from your main color choice, and the effect will be considerably more dramatic!
TABLE COVERS:
This is the place to start decorating a tabletop! After you have selected a color theme, choose the type of table covering you will use. We have several options available, in a wide array of colors.
For a fairly informal look, choose either a paper or plastic table cover. We carry round, rectangle and large roll sizes for banquet decorating, and have 16 different colors to select from.
Another option for decorating to achieve a fairly informal look is to cover tables with rolls of seamless paper (9' X 36' roll) , or decorative flat paper (4' X 50' roll). They can be found in our All Occasion Store. The paper comes in a stunning array of colors, and patterns…stars, marble, brick, checkered, cobblestone, and water. Add a basket or jar filled with markers or crayons to the tables and let guests doodle to their hearts' content. The graduate can then selectively cutout and save some of the most meaningful scribbles when the party is over. A fun scrapbook keepsake!
For a more formal effect, we have several options. These table covers provide just the right look for graduation parties to be held in the evening, or for parties to be held in a formal setting such as a Country Club. Add skirting to match the plastic or paper table cover outlined above. Another option is to add metallic skirting to white plastic or white linen tablecloths (we have some terrific metallic skirting with stars), or try our "Super Shine" metallic table covers and skirting for a night that will shimmer and shine in the memories of your guests.
We also carry a unique taffeta vinyl which is quite elegant, and lends itself nicely to a more formal affair.
If you have not had the pleasure of decorating with gossamer in the past, you are in for a delightful surprise. You'll find it in our "All Occasion" store in the "Gossamer" section. It is a wonderful, lightweight "fabric" that creates fabulous decorating touches at a very reasonable price. It drapes, hangs and holds its shape beautifully. In our "All Occasion" Party Tip section, we have an entire tip devoted to "Decorating With Gossamer" containing professional advise and "how to's". The effect is stunning and dreamlike! The gossamer comes in a multitude of colors, patterns, and widths to fit any party decorating need. Swag gossamer on the edges of table skirting. Twist or braid two colors together for a stunning look. Cut gossamer into tabletop squares to place on the top of a plastic tablecover. As an alternative, cover the entire tablecover with an overlay of shimmery, sheer gossamer. Gather the gossamer at the corners of the table, and tie with gossamer streamers, tassels, or satin ribbon.
Floral foil can be used to accent table covers, as it is easy to mold and shape to create scallops on table edges, or fan folds on table corners.
If you are using a plain tablecloth, why not decorate it with fabric paint? Use a color to complement your theme to leave a special message at different angles all over the tablecloth. The same concept will also work with a plastic tablecover. As an alternative, stamp a fancy design onto the tablecloth with a precut kitchen sponge.
Add table squares cut from colored cellophane for a whimsical look. Squares or other geometric shapes will add texture and depth to the appearance of the table.
AROUND THE TABLE:
One of the hottest trends today is to cover banquet or reception chairs with chair bows…and it is quite costly! With gossamer (budget priced!), you can drape a piece of 19" gossamer across the top of each chair back, and then tie a gossamer streamer bow around the back of the chair. The bows can be cut to any length, and even look lovely with tails trailing on the floor. The bows hold their shape beautifully at a fraction of the cost of wired ribbon.
Tabletop Accents
CONFETTI – No respectable party tabletop should be left without a sprinkling of confetti! To tie your color theme to your other decorations, try sprinkling confetti or sparkle powder in a color to match your theme on an outdoor pathway leading to your party location, the floor of a party room, in your invitations, or even inside balloons for a great. This provides a unique touch at a budget price. In addition to a multitude of color and shape choices, we also offer "Grad Cap" and "2000" confetti specifically for graduations. Our gemstones, like confetti, make a wonderful addition to a table. They come in blue, pink, black, teal or clear.
CURLING RIBBON – A must have if you are working with balloons, but you can also use it to tie around a favor at each place setting, or on gift packages to tie everything to your color theme. Our curling ribbon is available in a multitude of colors. Cut 8-12" lengths of curling ribbon, and curl each piece with the blade of a pair of scissors. Scatter little "curls" over tabletops for an easy, whimsical, and very inexpensive decorative touch!
SPORTS ACCESSORIES – Centering a Graduation Party around a sports theme has become extremely popular. Visit our Sports and Spirit Items stores to view many items that can be added to your tabletops. Custom imprinted balls, cheer phones, foam hands, pom poms, pennants, stadium cups, imprinted sport towels…all add a fantastic look to any table at a reasonable price. They serve a dual purpose, as they can be given as party favors when the party is over! Don't hesitate to add real-life sports props to any setting!
CANDLES Think mood lighting and soft glow…candles, candles, and more candles in a shade to match your color theme. Use tapers, balls, and votives to pull together a sophisticated color theme. As long as they are out of the reach of small children, fill all the tables with various sized candles and keep them lit throughout the evening. Prior to the party, put your candles in the refrigerator or freezer. Cooler candles will burn for a much longer period of time.
Floating candles look absolutely lovely. Color the water with food coloring to match your color theme. (Just like painting in elementary school, the food coloring can be mixed to achieve just about any color you need!) Place a glass bowl, or several different sized wineglasses filled with water on a mirror. Add candles, and colored or clear gemstones (found in our All Occasion Store) and enjoy the dreamy look you have created!
Our filled glassware candles provide a gorgeous addition to any tabletop, and are available in flutes, goblets, snifters, and mugs. They can be imprinted with your theme or special message. We offer a number of glitter candle colors, including mixed glitter, glitter banded, and volcano glitter, mini confetti (primarily gold, silver and iridescent), 14 different wax colors, stacked wax (combine two or three theme colors), or gel candles in numerous colors. We can also add a scent (choose from 13 different flavors) to any of the candles. Set one at each place setting on tables, or group several together in the center of the table. Set the candles on a round or square mirror, and add gem stones, curling ribbon curls or confetti to the base for a beautiful centerpiece.
Luminarias provide an easy, very inexpensive tabletop decoration. Our star luminarias come in red, black, gold and silver. The candlelight glows softly through the stars for a dreamy effect. Set three or four down the center of a table, with star confetti scattered between them, or set one at each place setting.
STREAMERS – While we carry every size and color imaginable in the traditional crepe streamers, we also offer brilliant metallic, cracked ice, patterned metallic, and gossamer streamers. Streamers can be used to accent tabletops for a truly unique look. Measure the length and/or width of your tables. Add 12" to each measurement, so that a 6" length can hang on either side of the table. Place streamers on the table running lengthwise or across the width of the table. A lattice pattern provides a terrific look. For a more simple and understated look, run streamers in only one direction. Streamers can be twisted after they are anchored to a table-end for a more dimensional look. Two different colored streamers can be placed back-to-back, and twisted for a unique look.
TWINKLE LIGHTS – Twinkle lights look lovely when strands are placed down the center of a tabletop, or twined around centerpieces and glassware. While our white cord blends well with most color schemes, if you want to stick with your color theme, try this idea. Remove the bulbs from the light strand, and spray-paint the cord to match your theme color. Tape dangling light cords to the underside of the table or to the floor. Lots of oohs and aahs will follow!
GARLAND – Garland is ideal to mold around centerpieces, outline the edges of tabletops, wrap around candle bases and votives, garnish gift packages, twine through balloon bouquets and wind around columns. We offer garland to match any color theme, and it is available in metallic, fringe, ivy, milkyway, and even an iridescent twist ribbon that resembles water. A must-have for any party setting!
METALLIC SHRED – Our metallic shred can be used in much the same way that confetti is used…it looks terrific when sprinkled on tabletops. We carry 13 different colors, or choose the iridescent which will complement any color theme. The shred can also be used to fill favor bags, or to accent other tabletop favors.
DIE-CUT STARS – Scatter die-cut metallic or holographic 2-6" stars in a color to match your theme across tables. They can also be scattered on floors, and hung on walls…a great way to echo your colors throughout a party room! They work well with any theme, but are especially perfect for a "How Brightly You'll Always Shine!", "Reach for the Stars", or Hollywood Graduation theme.
TOTE BAGS – Our glossy and metallic totes look great sitting at individual place settings, with tissue or metallic shred peeking out of the top. Fill the totes with fun favors. The totes can either be imprinted with a special message, or you can personalize each one using a paint pen. With each guests' name spelled out on the bags, they can be used as placecards. The totes can also be used to house a balloon weight for a spray of helium filled balloons.
VASES – Allergy sufferers aside, everyone loves flowers! Our All Occasion store offers plenty of vase options (several can be imprinted) in the Small Decorating Items section. Set a vase filled with fresh flowers, a single blossom, or a single silk rose at each place setting, and then inform your guests that the arrangements are theirs to keep. They'll appreciate the sweet gesture! Silk roses are perfect for decorating around a color theme, and are available in yellow, pink, red, black, purple, navy blue, burgundy, light blue, teal, white, lavender, royal blue and ivory, metallic gold and metallic silver. The silk roses can also be added to a napkin tied with ribbon. For a simple but elegant look, place a single rose stem diagonally across the center of each plate.
CENTERPIECES – We stock over 100 different reasonably priced centerpieces…themed centerpieces galore…and many that would be perfect for any joyous color themed celebration! If you aren't able to find exactly what you are searching for, just ask one of our party planners.
For additional tabletop ideas, check out our "Favors for Graduation Parties" Tip. Many of our favors can be imprinted in colors to match a color theme!
Tableware
NAPKINS – Order napkins to match your color theme, and have them imprinted with a special message. Even without incorporating a theme in your decorating, you can still delight the graduate with a message that lets them know how much you care, such as "Dreams of Tomorrow…Jessica, Class of 2000!" If you are selecting a theme, print the theme slogan on the napkin…"Beauty in the World We See…Rainbows, Butterflies and our Graduate Julie!" You can choose from a wide range of napkin and ink colors. Select a metallic foil, holographic foil, prismatic foil, or traditional ink imprint. The napkins will serve several purposes…great decorating in disguise and a delightful memento for the guest of honor!
* Napkins can be laid out on a buffet table, or can be displayed at each place setting. Place napkins in the center of each place setting at an angle, or unfold and place them in wine or water glasses for a tall dramatic look. The napkins can also be tied (and bundled with plastic cutlery) with a multitude of items to echo your color theme. Try ribbon, beads, ivy, streamers, curling ribbon, ric-rac, tassels, or a single stem flower.
PLATES, CUPS, CUTLERY – Order plastic or paper goods to match your color theme. The only pitfall to avoid is to fill a table with everything in the exact same shade. If the tablecover, paper goods, cutlery, and decorations are all the same color, the table will appear to be quite flat. Try to have at least two colors or two varying shades of the same color on the table. By simply choosing different colored napkins with an imprint in your primary color, you will avoid this pitfall.
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Gone are the days when guests expected to be served on good china. While formal dishes certainly still have their place today, more and more hosts and hostesses are using paper goods. Plastic and paper goods are now acceptable even at fun themed formal events. You'll have more time to spend with guests, and clean up is a snap!
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If you are entertaining a larger group, and are not using good silver or stainless cutlery, try this tip to make plastic cutlery look more festive. For an original touch on your party table, use a paint pen in a color to complement your theme colors to draw random dots or squiggles on the handles of plastic cutlery. Tie the plastic flatware together with floral or satin ribbon…big impact at a little price!
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Check out our huge selection of imprintable stemware, goblets and mugs. The glasses can be imprinted in a color to match your theme, with your special message, or theme slogan. Guests can drink wine, water or soft drinks from the special glass all evening, then take the glass home and fondly recall the occasion every time they see the glass.
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Provide a stadium cup for each guest. Use the stadium cups for beverages, or fill them with metallic shred and little chocolate or candy treats. The stadium cups make great table decorations, and your guests will be tickled! They can be imprinted with your special message for a very reasonable price. This look is terrific for a graduation party, and is very economical.
