Top 10 ways to get your home GRADUATION PARTY READY & have an awesome party!

And just like that, they are leaving. Yesterday my kids were babies and toddlers and my home was full of toys and sweet little giggles. My life was consumed with changing diapers, sippy cups, trying not to step on legos and laundry. (It is still consumed with laundry). I just can't believe how fast it goes. Anyway, knowing I had two seniors this year I knew I had to have a big party for Graduation! I worked on my house for what felt like every spare second I had, so I just wanted to share a few of my top 10 ways I think your house can be "graduation ready" and your party can be a success!

10. Paint. Paint is the magic that freshens everything up and makes it look clean and polished. White paint is my personal favorite. I just walk around my house with the can of paint on my arm and the brush in my hand and touch up every place I notice.

9. Windows washed. Window washing is probably one of the worst jobs to me. I absolutely hate doing it. But, it makes your house look so clean and well cared for when the glass is clean and you don't see water spots or smudges. I hired this done, and for $300 this wonderful man washed all of my windows, even the second story. Huge blessing and it helped me so very much!!

8. Minimize!! Get rid of junk. Seriously, box it up if you want to keep it but get rid of all of the extras. When you have a house full of people, it always feels less cluttered, cleaner, bigger and less distracting if you have less. Nobody needs to see your toothbrushes, your face wash or ANY other bathroom products!! Put away your dish soap, or those pictures you have stuck up on your fridge. Put that stuff away, even just for the party. Put your dog food away completely out of sight. Nobody wants to see the litter box either. And put all the laundry away, the shoes away, the coats off the rack....just all of the extra's need to be put away.

7. Fresh mulch. Nothing spruce's up the outside better than some fresh mulch! Leaf blow the sidewalks and driveway, plant some fresh flowers and clean up any extra junk outside. Put away the shovels, get rid of empty pots, clean up the overgrowth of current plants/flowers and be sure your front porch is perfect!

6. Front porch perfect. Paint the front door or touch it up if need be. Sweep the porch so it looks perfect and put down a fresh clean welcome mat! I love the look of layered mats, so even use two if you can. Plant some fresh flowers or a nice clean fake plant and place it by the door. Put a fresh spring wreath on the door and really wow people with the entry to your home! They will feel so much more welcome in your home when they love what they see right off the bat.

5. Smells. Make sure your home smells amazing. I carry the Ella B Candle line, and their candles are amazing!! Or Bath & Body has some great ones as well. Or use some essential oils! Just figure out a way to hit your guests with a nice clean fresh scent when they first enter your home and continue that all the way through. Its funny because I went to a graduation party just yesterday, and I was blown away over how yummy it smelled! It was a blueberry scent, but it smelled like fresh baked muffins. I literally followed my nose to figure out what the heck that smell was, and I found a candle right by the gift table! There is just something about a yummy smell that hits your emotions and makes you feel good right away! But a stinky smell....oh my goodness that is the worst. Nobody wants to smell a yucky smell when they go into someones home!! So pay attention to that.

4. Music. I am a firm believer that music sets the tone for a party. There is just something wierd about an awkward silence and it makes everyone feel uncomfortable. It can be a subtle background sound, but just make sure you have something. There are playlists usually on Apple music or even google one if you don't know what to play. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with Michael Bubble. He has some great classics that always keep the sprits up!

3. Rugs. Be sure you have fresh clean rugs on the floor. I love a fun design, but honestly as long as its clean and matches your decor...just go for it! Target has some amazing rugs, Amazon has some as well. There is something about a good rug that makes your home feel a little more "homey" and warm.

2. Match your serving stuff. Whatever you decide to serve for graduation, one of my favorite things to do is to make sure your dishes and paper products and decor all match. Choose almost a "theme" in your head and pay attention to the details. For example, I love black and white, and wood. Its one of my favorite go-to's for parties. So I have collected many white serving pieces over the years. I try to lean towards melamine if possible, obv so things don't break or chip. I also love wood accents, so I have collected wood bowls, wood riser boxes, trivets and wood serving utensils. I try to integrate black also, like maybe in the tablecloths or with some serving pieces. I like to add some natural textures, as well, like with greens or fabrics. I think just keeping with a theme and keeping things consistent will really pull your party together! Pinterest is on obvious go-to to inspire you if you don't know where to start!

1. Enjoy yourself. If the hostess is sweet and gracious to the guests, they will feel so welcome and enjoy your party so much more. Try to relax, try to greet everyone, and try to thank them for coming. Always smile and say something personal to each person. They are there to support your kiddo, as are you and people will never forget the way you made them feel. Enjoy this part of your life! You have worked so hard to get here, and so has your sweet graduate. Congratulations Momma!! You made it.