Top 5 Table Decorations For A Graduation Open House

Graduation season is here, and it’s time to celebrate your grad’s big achievement in style! Whether you're hosting a backyard bash, an indoor open house, or a mix of both, table decorations help set the mood and add a personalized touch. Not sure where to start? Here are our top 5 table decoration ideas that are sure to impress guests and make your graduate feel extra special.

Top 5 Table Decoration Ideas For A Graduation Open House Party

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1. Photo Centerpieces That Tell a Story

Nothing says "look how far they've come!" like a walk down memory lane. Use framed photos or small photo clip stands to display pictures from kindergarten to senior year. Bonus points for adding fun captions or inside jokes. Looking for a budget-friendly option - check out how I made these simple rock & wire picture holders! Find the full tutorial HERE. 

Pro tip: Arrange them around a vase of flowers or a mason jar of fairy lights for a cozy, nostalgic vibe.

2. Customized Confetti & Table Scatter

Celebrate in detail with custom confetti shaped like graduation caps, the graduation year, or even the grad's name. Mix in some school colors to match the theme and sprinkle it across each table.

Quick DIY: Punch out confetti using a craft punch and colored cardstock, or order personalized confetti from Etsy or local party stores.

3. Mini Diploma Napkin Wraps

Take your napkin game up a notch by rolling utensils inside colorful napkins and tying them with a ribbon to look like mini diplomas. It’s cute, easy, and totally on theme!

Color match: Use ribbon in the graduate’s school colors to keep it cohesive.

4. Highlight Your Favorite Bible Verse

Set small Bibles on a table with highlighters and pens, asking guests to highlight and sign their name next to their favorite Bible verse. It becomes a meaningful keepsakes they’ll treasure long after the party.

Suggested sign: “Highlight Your Favorite Bible Verse to Share With the Graduate!”

5. Themed Table Runners or Printable Placemats

Jazz up basic tables with printed table runners that showcase the graduate's achievements, interests, or future plans. You can also create custom placemats with fun quizzes (“How well do you know the grad?”). If you really want to keep it simple and interactive, cover each table with a sheet of craft paper, fill up a mason jar with colored pencils, and leave simple instructions asking guests to doodle encouraging messages, pictures, and memories for the graduate.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the Favors!

A small takeaway at each seat — like a mini picture of the grad, candy bag, or homemade bookmarks— adds a nice final touch and leaves guests with something to remember the celebration by.

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Whether you're going all-out or keeping it simple, the right table decor can really tie your graduation open house together. Keep it personal, playful, and full of personality — just like your grad. 

Got a favorite graduation table decor idea? Drop it in the comments!