It’s the end of the school year and graduates need to be celebrated, right? So why not spoil them with something over the top? Since many of them feel so invincible after earning their degrees or diplomas, why not treat them like the Gods and Goddesses they think they are, and honor them with a royal affair?
You know the Parthenon in Greece was built to do just that, honor the Gods, so it makes for the perfect party backdrop. Hence, give your favorite grad the gift of a Pantheon Toga Party! It’s easy if you follow my simple formula for throwing fun and memorable gatherings people will remember for a lifetime.
Element #1 – Theme, Mood & Color: Carry Them Out in Everything You Do
When I talk about MOOD, I’m referring to the temporary state of mind, emotion or feeling I want to put my guests in – the experience I want to create for them. So that you get the idea and choose the best mood for your Pantheon Toga Graduation Party, here are some examples.
You can create a mood of “rest and relaxation” with gentle music, low lighting, candlelight and pale colors. Use flowing white fabrics and comfortable cushions and pillows for lounging. For fun, bring in a masseuse to do ten-minute neck messages for each of your guests, and laden your tables with a feast of fresh fruits and light, heavenly foods.
On the other hand, you can create an enlivened mood of “indulgence” using sensual and danceable music, colorful lighting and royal vivid colors. Bring in richer, more decadent foods. You can even promote hedonism by having your guests feed each other. Starting to see the difference?
Or, if an “Animal House” atmosphere is more your style, then keep your décor casual, more “college budget looking.” Keep the lights on, play your favorite modern music, serve lots of finger foods, chips and munchies, and have a couple of kegs of beer on hand.
You have the power to create any mood you wish for your party. So what will it be — an air of relaxation, indulgence, or carefree fun?
Element #2 – Invitations: Make Them Inviting
For your Pantheon Toga Party use a laurel headband for the base of your invitation. Simply attach a gold metallic card listing all the party specifics using a gold stretchy cord to adhere it to the laurel.
When creating your wording, lead in with something like, “It’s time for (insert your graduate’s name) to rest on his (or her) laurels! Join us as we honor him (or her) at his (or her) Pantheon Toga Graduation Party!” or “Calling all graduating Gods and Goddesses, you are cordially invited to a Pantheon Toga Party!” And then maybe you list your party details – date, time, and place – on the backside of the card.
Another really fun element to add to your 觀塘 bbq is to assign your guests God and Goddess names. These names can either be real or funny, made-up names like “Cornucopia” Goddess of Maze, or “Sportacus” God of Athletics, or “Porsche” the Goddess of Transportation. Whichever way you go, be sure to include this in your invitation so that people can “dress” the part if they want to.
Which reminds me…you may want to mention something on the invite about this being a costume party and encourage guests to wear their laurels…a little gift to get the party started.
Element #3 – Decor & Ambiance: Remember Set and Setting Are Everything
Creating a backdrop for your Pantheon Toga Party may seem daunting, but it really isn’t.
First, look around your home for everything you can find that is gold, white and/or Roman or Grecian-like. Things like columns and pillars, busts, statues, pedestals, white fabrics, sheets, sheers, curtains, ivy vines and plants, candles and candle holders, gold marbles and pebbles, clear glass containers and vases, gold sparkling flora, even tassels and ribbon. Walk room to room; pulling items and collect them all on your dining room table. When in doubt, spray it gold! It’s a great motto for this party. Oh, and don’t forget to raid your holiday decorations because you never know what you might find that’s gold and sparkly.
Then, go online and order any missing pieces. Include things like Roman shields, and armor and be sure to pick up a gross of blue balloons with white clouds imprinted on them, which when filled with helium and allowed to float to the ceiling will represent the sky.
I would recommend renting a few larger columns from a party rental company to place around the parameter of the room to create an authentic feeling. You can purchase columns instead of renting. They’re usually made of corrugated paper and come in a variety of sizes, but I feel the heavier, rented ones are safer and will better withstand the wear and tear of live guests.