How to Create Graduation Centerpieces

The Cap

1). Cut a 12 by 12 inch square out of poster board in one of the school's colors. Make one square for each cap, or centerpiece, you'll need. Alternate colors for multiple arrangements if you wish. For example, if the school colors are burgundy and yellow, one table can have burgundy and the next yellow.
2). Use a long strip of the poster board to measure around your head, then cut to size. The strip should be six inches wide.
3). Fold the top inch of the strip over on itself, making it five inches wide.
4). Make a circle with the strip, overlapping the edges by about an inch. The excess poster board that you folded should face inward. Secure the ends together with glue or strong double-sided tape.
5). Glue the circle band to the center of your square by the folded edges. Your poster board should now resemble a graduation cap.
6). Attach a cluster of ribbon or a tassel to the center of the cap by poking a hole in the center of the top, threading the tassel or ribbon through the hole, and taping it to the underside, which leaves the long part flowing out of the top.
7). Write on the top of the cap with a gold or silver pen, whichever complements the colors. Write "class of" with the year, the graduate's name and school name. Or simply write "congratulations."

1). Secure or purchase a large jar or vase for each table. If there is only one table, consider placing a second jar at the buffet table, near the entrance or somewhere else that it will be noticed. The jars should be clear, such as glass, and at least 12 inches tall and 6 inches across.
2). Fill each jar with specialty M&Ms, jelly beans or other candies in the school colors. Add a plastic spoon so guests can scoop candy for a snack or as a favor. Pass out little baggies for your guests as they arrive or before they leave and let them know to help themselves to the candy.
3). Put the cap on top of the jar or vase as though it were a lid.
4). Leave at least one jar empty with a cap lid that says the graduate's name. Have one jar set up for each grad your party is honoring. Set pens and little squares of construction paper in the school's colors next to the empty jars. Encourage your guests to write a piece of advice, share a memory or write any message they want to the grad. Ask them to place it inside that grad's jar.