ISO Budget Party Decoration Ideas

I was reading on the recipe board that someone was looking for graduation party ideas, and it occured to me that there have to be a lot of frugal party ideas out there that we can share.  I know I have a graduation party to plan for June, and it would be nice to share ideas.  If any of you have read the Tightwad Gazette, you'll remember that she always threw frugal birthday parties, so I know it can be done!

I watched a show on one of the home channels that showed how to make graduation cap centerpieces out of cardboard, then the put balloons through a hole in the middle of the cap, then weighted them with a bag of rocks under the cap (the bag of rocks was hidden by the rim of the cap).  The finished product was really cute, and they put one on each table. The same show told how to put diploma scrolls around silverware.  Very cute!

So, what are your ideas?!

well first and formost check the dollar store. They may have solid color napkins and paper plates, even plastic table cloths in the school colors. They always have plastic forks wich is great for cake. Even if they don't have cups in your color think about stickers, add a sticker or two to the outside of a cup and everyone knows wich cup is theirs!  (look for streamers and scotch tape and balloons too)...................... oh and colored candies if your school color has gold in it for example get a bunch of butterscotch candies they are gold wrapped.......... there is always a type of candy that should fit the color scheeme and can be used for favors or table decoration.

 a graduation goodie can be made with an upside down cupcake and a graham cracker square dipped in candy melts for the desired color, use an M&M or Skittle for the button that holds the tassle made of the appropriate color fruit roll up. ( use frosting for the glue)

If you cant find the color paper wear in your H. S. colors look on E-bay people buy too many packages of things and don't know what to do with them but sell them cheap.

Fortunately the school colors are red & white, so it makes it really easy to find.  You have given me wonderful ideas.  I love the cupcake & graham cracker idea!  Thank you so much!

here is a picture and the actual recipe.

http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/recipedetail.htm?recipe_id=74542&ctx=

 YUM, that cupcake hat sound like it would taste really good too.