A Sweet Success at Our First Graduation Party
- Allison Powell
- May 29, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 1
*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. I only recommend products I truly love and have used to create beautiful dessert displays. Thank you for supporting Truly Scrumptious Candy & Dessert Bars!
At Truly Scrumptious Candy & Dessert Bars, we pride ourselves on creating memorable and delicious experiences for a variety of events, from weddings to corporate gatherings. However, we recently had the opportunity to embark on a new adventure: designing our very first graduation party. We are thrilled to share the delightful details of this special celebration with you!
A Serendipitous Beginning
Initially, we almost had to turn down this exciting project due to our busy schedule. But after some careful consideration, we knew we had to take it on. The graduate was heading to Elon University, the same school my younger sister attended. As a fellow dance major (though at a different university), the graduate's upcoming journey resonated deeply with me. It felt like fate was stepping in, and we couldn't resist being part of this milestone moment.
A Palette of Pride
The design for the party revolved around the graduate's high school colors: navy, Carolina blue, yellow, with touches of white. These vibrant hues provided a beautiful and cohesive theme that perfectly captured the spirit of graduation and new beginnings.
Decadent Desserts and Candy Galore
The client requested a delightful mix of mini desserts and candy, and we delivered an array of treats that left everyone smiling. Partnering with local favorite Starry Night Bakery, we offered an assortment of mini desserts, including:
Banana cream parfaits
Blueberry shortcake parfaits
Hot chocolate mini cupcakes
Blue and yellow sprinkle cupcakes
In addition, Sweet Caroline Confections crafted custom beach-themed lollipops, a nod to the graduate's love for the ocean. Our candy selection featured everything from custom M&M's to blue raspberry sour belts, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Custom Creations for a Special Occasion
We also collaborated with The Savory Soiree, a talented mom of three, who baked incredible custom cookies. These cookies featured adorable designs, such as diplomas, "Class of 2024" inscriptions, and cap and gown motifs, adding a personal and celebratory touch to the dessert table.
Setting the Scene with Style
Gala Cloths provided us with a stunning satin blue linen that set the tone for the elegant dessert display. But the highlight of the decor was undoubtedly our collaboration with Ty from High Haven Balloons. Ty created a breathtaking balloon arch and life-sized GRAD LED lights that served as the perfect backdrop for the celebration. This partnership was a game-changer, bringing a vibrant and festive atmosphere to the event.
If you want a peek into the nitty-gritty details of my setup process, let’s break it down! I’m all about tried-and-true reusables that make every dessert table look polished and put together—without reinventing the wheel every time. And because I don’t gatekeep, you can shop all my go-to display pieces on my Amazon storefront and my Benable list to create your own stunning setup.
For this event, the tabletop 2024 GRAD LED lights stole the show, giving the dessert table a bold, celebratory feel. I used acrylic display boxes to create height and dimension, while three-tier acrylic cupcake stands kept the mini desserts looking effortlessly chic. Surprisingly, acrylic bathroom trays made perfect serving pieces—who says they have to stay in the bathroom?
For candy, glass penny jars were my go-to for displaying small sweets like M&M’s and sour belt gummies. And for easy grab-and-go treats, clear dessert cups and mini spoons were a must.
Whether you’re hosting a graduation party or any special event, these pieces are ones I reach for over and over again. You can find them all linked in my Amazon storefront and Benable list—because sharing is caring, and a good party setup deserves to be easy for everyone!
A Graduation to Remember
Our first graduation party was an unforgettable experience, both for the graduate and for us at Truly Scrumptious Candy & Dessert Bars. The combination of delicious desserts, customized candy, and eye-catching decor came together to create a celebration that was both beautiful and fun. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a significant milestone and look forward to designing more graduation parties in the future.
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to all our collaborators, including Starry Night Bakery, Sweet Caroline Confections, The Savory Soiree, Gala Cloths, and High Haven Balloons. Your contributions helped make this event a resounding success.
To the graduate heading to Elon University, congratulations and best wishes for your bright future ahead. We are honored to have been part of your celebration. Here's to creating more sweet memories together!
Allison, Truly Scrumptious Candy & Dessert Bars