Your Smart Cookie will Love this Smart Cookie Graduation Party Theme
This is the first of our two graduation parties we held for our youngest daughter Tessa. This party, our family party, was a fun Smart Cookie Graduation Party. With a fun milk and cookie theme. Once the theme was picked, we sent out our Smart Cookie Party Invitations and started planning what cookies we would serve.
For more graduation party ideas go here
The party was on Sunday afternoon and we wanted to do something a little different than our usual barbecue, so we went with a milk & cookie bar.
It was a huge hit and we went through about 400 cookies with over 100 guests. We had 10 different kinds of cookies. Everything from the traditional chocolate chip cookies to the very popular compost cookies.
Smart Cookie Graduation Party Dessert Table
I love my diy chalkboard and am finding all kinds of uses for it. And I used my collection of cake stands for all the cookies. A couple of old vintage suitcases I have picked up over the years made a great addition to the cookie table decor.
The pennant banner is made out of scrapbook paper and some pages from an old French book I had. It was easy to make with a little hot glue and some bakers twine.
I also used some old vintage books I had on my shelf to help create some height and interest on the table too.
The BYU and YAY pennants were also made with scrapbook paper. I just hot glued it right to a bamboo skewer. We thought this was a fun way to share how excited we are that she is going to BYU!
We made a lot of cookies, over 400 of them! But there were only about a dozen cookies left at the end of the party!!
I made the cookie labels with tags I picked up in the scrapbooking department. They were precut and preprinted and all we had to do was write the name of the cookie on it. So easy! The cute little easels came from the dollar store and worked beautifully.
There were so many cookie choices it was hard to pick!
Milk and Cookie Party
Of course, you can’t have cookies without milk. And we had 3 choices of milk to choose from, skim, 2% and chocolate. Chocolate was by far the most popular choice. We served the milk in little milk bottles which were really Starbuck Frappuccino jars.
I used an old vintage soda crate to display the bottles and finished them off with fun striped straws.
These chalkboards were a fun addition to the party decoration. I mad a few in coordination party colors to display some fun Dr. Seuss quotes. We displayed them next to some of her awards and honors.
Another fun addition to the graduation party was this vintage typewriter.
We asked each of the guests to leave a little message for Tessa. And everyone loved typing them out.
All, in all the party was a huge success and really fun to put together. I loved the cookie menu and so did our guests! Most importantly Tessa loved the party and felt loved by so many people who came to celebrate with her.
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Marm
June 8, 2011 at 4:54 amWhat a great party! I loved everything about it.
Rebecca
June 8, 2011 at 6:05 amI love the typewriter idea…it all looks lovely and like such a fun party. I’m going to file this away for my daughter’s graduation (in a few years:)).
Lisa Hemstreet
June 8, 2011 at 6:13 amWhat a beautiful party for a beautiful young lady!!!
Tamara
June 8, 2011 at 6:35 amWhat a super party for a wonderful graduate. I’ve just showed grandma all the fun pictures and rejoiced with her. CONGRATS on your GRADUATION, dear Tessa. We’re proud of you!
Allison
June 8, 2011 at 6:39 amThis is such a cute party! Just out of curiosity, did you make sure there were enough bottles for each guest? And did you display them all? Or did you start using regular cups?
Leigh Anne
June 8, 2011 at 6:52 amI also had clear plastic cups for those who wanted water or might not want to drink out of the bottles but everyone loved the bottles and I ended up having to wash some (my mom helped) during the party. I think I have a total of about 50 bottles but could definitely have used more but it worked just find washing some out during the party.
Lynne
June 8, 2011 at 8:09 amThe cookies looked so yummy! I love everything about the decorations! You know how to throw a party, that’s for sure!
Holly
June 8, 2011 at 9:21 amMy first-born doesn’t graduate for another 6 years, but I am going to print this out somewhere for his party! Or my daughter’s 3 years later. I love this, especially all the decor. What a perfectly fitting decor for your classic daughter! And I love the bottle holder; it looks like something milkmen may have used?
Heidi
June 8, 2011 at 9:22 amLeigh Anne,
I love to read you blog and see all your clever ideas!!!! This party was by far my favorite!!!!! I think I may have to get me some of those bottles for cookies and milk with my own kiddos. Could I ask a random question? I love your wall color and find it to be perfect shade of yellow. Would you mind sharing???? Congrats to Tessa and your family! Heidi
Ellen
June 8, 2011 at 10:38 amEverything you share with us amazes me. You amaze me!!! You get better and better and better. How can you top this one? You’re an impossible act to follow but I’m gonna have fun trying with this party. And…..”GARNISH”…..my new favorite blog site. I think I say this daily but really…….thank you for sharing this one, so fun. I know you said the bottles were used frap drinks, don’t those have printing on them. Were did you get the clear ones? Oh my!!!!!!……where do you store it all? Love it all, thanks again Leigh Anne
Cindi
June 9, 2011 at 3:22 pmI was also wondering if the printing washes off or peels off (if it’s a label). I’d rather have the bottles clear.
Leigh Anne your ideas are absolutely wonderful!! Thanks for yet another fun one!
BYU is my alma mater…this brings back a lot of fun memories! Now I’m an empty nester!
Ellen
June 8, 2011 at 10:38 amForgot the most important thing of all ~
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lindi
June 8, 2011 at 10:44 amAbsolutely darling! As a BYU grad myself a HUGE congrats! You are going to have the time of your life! I would love to feature this party on my blog. Please contact me if that is something you are interested in!
Leigh Anne
June 8, 2011 at 11:45 amYou are welcome to share it on your blog – glad you liked it!
Lara
June 8, 2011 at 11:18 amyou put together the most beautiful celebrations!! Can I be your daughter??!! 🙂 Congrats to Tessa!!
Leigh Anne
June 8, 2011 at 11:53 amLara,
Now that I’m going to be an empty nester I need another daughter or two!
Lara
June 8, 2011 at 12:51 pmSweet! 🙂
Renee S.
June 8, 2011 at 11:57 amWhat a wonderful, wonderful party! Your ideas never cease to amaze me!! I am sure that Tessa feels very loved. Three more years from now I will be returning to your graduation party ideas as I will be planning one of my own. I already get choked up thinking about it.
Lizzy - Your Cup of Cake
June 8, 2011 at 1:24 pmI saw those straws at Gygi’s last weekend. We use them at the bakery as well to top out lemonade cupcakes.
lisa
June 8, 2011 at 3:29 pmWe have had a chalkboar in our bathroom which is referred to our communication station. We love it…and our guests level messages on it which is really fun…but I think the teenagers like it best.
lindagerig
June 8, 2011 at 8:51 pmwhat a wonderful party. Everyone loves cookies. is the recipe for the almond sugar cookie on your site? would love them all. Linda Gerig
Lyndsey
June 9, 2011 at 11:42 amI love this!! Was there a label on the bottles? If so, what did you do to get it off? Thanks for sharing this!
Leigh Anne
June 9, 2011 at 12:00 pmI soaked the bottles in warm water and the label came off fairly easily but it did leave the gooey layer on the bottle. I used Goof Off to get that off and then ran them through the dishwasher.
Lyndsey
June 9, 2011 at 2:44 pmThank you so much for reply! My husband is graduating with his masters in special ed and I want to do a smart cookie party for him:) I just love your blog and I am trying your baked oatmeal recipe next week:) Hope you have a great weekend!
Cindi
June 9, 2011 at 3:24 pmTHANK YOU!!! I knew you must have gotten the label off somehow!
jessica
June 9, 2011 at 1:59 pmWOW! such a fun party. Love this!
Jennifer K
June 9, 2011 at 4:46 pmI love your blog! Thanks so much for sharing all of your fabulous ideas! FYI, I have a very handsome son named Stephen who just graduated too and will be attending BYU this fall…….Who knows, maybe your daughter and my son’s paths will cross!!
Kristen Duke Photography
June 9, 2011 at 6:41 pmI LOVE the smart cookie theme and the quotes from the Dr. Seuss book (I think). Fun idea!!!
jillconyers
June 10, 2011 at 5:29 pmWhat a wonderful idea. I’ll have to remember this when my daughter graduates or maybe a birthday idea.
Erin
June 11, 2011 at 8:15 pmHi Leigh Ann! I just adore your blog! I loved all of the pictures and details of this party! I think the bottle idea is too cute, and I’m going to use it at my son’s upcoming birthday party. I read how you got the labels off of the bottles, but how did you get the imprinted dates off? Thank you so much! Have a wonderful day!
Leigh Anne
June 12, 2011 at 9:22 pmNot sure what imprinted date you are talking about. I don’t see one on my bottles?? It may have come off in the dishwasher. A friend washed them for me.
Nicolle Nascimento
June 12, 2011 at 8:52 pmLeigh Anne,
Corrin Keeler turned me on to yur blog last week and I so love it! I too just had a graduate from Westview, Nick Nascimento. I used two of your receipes for the mini cupcakes the oreo and the lemon cupcake. I changed the oreo cupcake a little and just made the small cupake and added a mini oreo cookie. I also photo shoped a pic of my son and his best friend wearing there grad cap and added there photo’s to toothpicks and stuck them in the cupcakes. I think you might like the it…they are posted on my facebook if you are interested in seeing them. Anyway thanks for the great receipes and inspiration. Love your “smart cookie” party….how fun! =D
Nicolle Nascimento
Leigh Anne
June 12, 2011 at 9:21 pmNicole, So glad Corrin shared my blog with you! I love the idea of putting their photo on the cupcake – I’ll friend you on Facebook so I can take a look. Be sure and “like” my Your Homebased Mom facebook page too!
Erin
June 13, 2011 at 9:54 amThank you so much for getting back with me, Leigh Ann! Hopefully the date will come off in the dishwasher. If not, I picked up the Target brand today, and theirs is just a peel off label. Either way, I’m excited to use the bottles. Such a cute idea! Oh, and I love the latest Italian Cream Soda party! You are so creative! Thanks again! Have a great day!
Rebecca @This Nest is Best
June 22, 2011 at 9:00 pmThis party is so cute and I LOVE it for a graduation party – just so perfect all around!
http://thisnestisbest.com/2011/06/22/entertaining-basics-creating-a-theme/
Jani
July 13, 2011 at 6:19 amI adore this party! It is perfect. I also love your daughter’s dress and wonder if you might share where you purchased it. Or perhaps if it is handmade, what is the pattern number? Thank you!
Leigh Anne
July 13, 2011 at 7:11 amSo glad you enjoyed the party. I did make Tessa’s dress from an old vintage 1950’s pattern!
Laura @Ms Smartie Pants
July 23, 2011 at 8:17 pmthis is one of the smartest parties I have ever heard of… my daughter graduates in 2 years, gonna start saving the jars now, just love it!!! Congrats!
connie munoz
July 23, 2011 at 8:26 pmI am so glad i found you on facebook i have so enjoyed your blog….i look forward to your posts….thank you for taking the time and doing this..much appreciated…great blog
Renee VanEpps
July 25, 2011 at 6:13 amWhat a great mom you are and very crafty! This looks like such a fun party. Congrats to your smart cookie 🙂
Shaylyce Lacy
July 31, 2011 at 3:18 pmSuper CLAssIC idea!! wondering about your super creative chalkboards…have been wanting to create large and small ones for awhile for the kitchen and kids’ rooms (and NOW bathroom!)…any ideas of how to get started??
thanks from west texas!
Leigh Anne
July 31, 2011 at 3:41 pmHere’s a link to a post I did on a tutorial for making the chalkboards Have fun!
https://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/chalkboard-menu-board-tutorial/
Sash
October 28, 2011 at 9:38 amThis looks perfect! Wonderful job!
Jennifer Robinson
January 24, 2012 at 11:21 pmI was so sad because my son is graduating high school in May and leaving for the Army in June so I started looking for party ideas beacuse I am a “party thrower!” This party is perfect and you have thought of everything!!! I LOVE THIS, it fits him to a “T” GREAT JOB! If I think of anything I’l let you know…thank you for turning my sadness because he is graduating and moving away into a happiness because this is going to be one great Graduation Party!!!
Leigh Anne
January 25, 2012 at 7:06 amJennifer, So glad you like the party idea. Thank you to your son for helping to protect our country!
Peggy
February 19, 2012 at 8:13 amLOVE everything about this idea and your blog!! My daughter is graduating in May and I am borrowing as many ideas from you as I can create! She grew up on “Grandma’s cookies” so this is so fitting for her! Thanks for sharing.
Michele kneer
May 10, 2012 at 9:02 amHow far ahead can you make the cookies?
Leigh Anne
May 10, 2012 at 9:15 amI am not a big fan of making cookies ahead and freezing them although it can be done. I just don’t think they ever taste as good as freshly baked that day. I enlisted the help of friends to help me bake so they were all made that day or the day before.
Julie E.
May 11, 2012 at 10:38 amJust found this on Pinterest… LOVE the idea. My first is heading to BYU as well :).
Michelle Rotter
May 6, 2014 at 2:22 pmOh my goodness, I am finding this a few years after you originally posted it, but HOLY CUTE! My oldest is graduating in two years, I may need to start drinking Frappuccinos. She hates cake (so do I) so this would be a perfect dessert area for her party. If you don’t mind, I am going to totally steal your ideas for cookies, milk bottles and the typewriter. I have a super old electric one, but now need to search for an even older one. Soooo cute, thank you for sharing.
Michelle @ http://www.grandmaagnesattic.blogspot.com
Leigh Anne
May 6, 2014 at 2:23 pmSteal away – it was such a fun party!
Adriane
February 29, 2016 at 2:14 amWhat a beautiful idea! I was wondering if the chocolate chip cookie recipeyou used for the party was on your blog and if so could you tell me where? Everything looks so good!
Leigh Anne
February 29, 2016 at 8:00 amAdriane, Thanks so much. I have lots of chocolate chip cookie recipes on the blog but this one is one of my favorites. https://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/the-best-chocolate-chip-cookie/
Terry Manahan
May 16, 2016 at 3:28 amHoly cow!! Thank you for a great idea! I ran into your post by accident over spring break. I was originally going to do a nacho bar for my son’s high school graduation, but, I changed my mind when I saw this. I had soooo many compliments on it! We had an open house from 2-4 and I had 12 varieties of cookies (about 400 total). We have about 100 left, but, we only had about 50 people that came through. Highly recommended because you only need plates and napkins (no utensils!).
Leigh Anne
May 16, 2016 at 7:20 amTerry, I am so glad you had a fun and successful party! I think this may have been of my favorite parties I have ever done and I’ve done a lot! Glad you liked it too.