My baby sister Ronnie graduated from Penn State University a few weeks ago and my parents threw her a graduation party…naturally, I helped with the decorations :-) I wanted to do more than just Penn State’s colors of blue and white, so I went with navy blue, white, and coral as an accent color. I am just loving that combination of colors, and it’s so trendy right now!
I already showed you the Dr. Seuss Graduation Gift I made for her – that was one of the centerpieces on the table along with her cap, commencement program, and a graduation photo of her at the Lion Shrine.
I took advantage of a sunny afternoon to sit on the deck and paint these mason jars in navy blue, white, and coral. They were really mindless and easy – I started with a layer of chalkboard paint (though I don’t think that’s really necessary – next time I’ll skip that step), then did several coats of color with a foam brush. I used an emery board to file away some of the color (especially on the raised text) and give it a distressed look. These are really easy to do for any kind of party!
I bought a few bouquets from Trader Joe’s to divide up and make the flower arrangements. Aren’t they lovely? Fresh flowers are a quick and easy way to pretty-up a table for any kind of gathering!
Of course, I put my trusty Silhouette Portrait to work. I cut out circles from card stock and sewed them together to make a simple paper circle garland. It was a great festive touch!
I also threw together a last minute banner with the leftover card stock – I was literally cutting and gluing the morning-of, before we left for commencement!
I also made a burlap table runner (using the cut-straight-lines-on-burlap-with-no-fraying trick), and used a freezer paper stencil (cut with my Silhouette) to paint a Penn State logo on it.
(I think I’ll get lots of use out of this table runner during football season!)
It was a lovely afternoon of celebrating Ronnie’s accomplishments together with good friends and family – and delicious food!
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Lovely! I am a PSU grad, too, so I especially appreciate this. You did a great job. Love your table runner.
What a great idea to use a color scheme as the theme for a graduation party. Love it. Pinning it now! (I am stopping by from the Project Inspire{d} link up.)
This is so cute; I really like the colors you used. Thanks for sharing. :)
-Lauren
Wow! I am a PSU grad (2 years ago) and I wish you did my decorations!!! This looks awesome, especially the burlap runner. Congrats to Ronnie!!! WE ARE!
GORGEOUS party! I love all the details and the colors. Thanks so much for sharing it at Project Inspire{d}!
I love how you pulled all of this together Meredith. The coral accent is so pretty. I think my favorite piece has to be the table runner though, especially since it can be used again and again!
What a fabulous looking party! Love the colours and especially those mason jars! Would love for you to share it at our link party on my blog please :) Hope you have a great week!