Hosting an outdoor graduation party in the next few months? Whether your graduate is leaving high school or college, Bella Ink Designs has some fabulous finds to share with you and help get "party decor" checked off your to-do list.

We've long been fans of the Oriental Trading Company's website.  It's one of our first stops when looking for unique decorating and gift ideas, including the fabric autograph dog, which has been a staple at graduation parties for as long as any of us can remember.

Want something a bit different?  We love the money tree, pictured above.  Place this tree on the gift table and earn your graduate a little extra cash at the lat minute.  We compare it to the $1.00 dance at wedding receptions, except nobody has to shake their groove thing unless the music moves them to. Be sure to stick a dollar of your own in as an example.  

If you'd rather collect invaluable advice or well wishes, put the Oriental Trading Company's "Advice for the Graduate" jar on the gift table instead.  Place a small pad of paper and a pen next to the jar so anybody with a bit of wisdom can contribute.  (Don't we all have a long list of "If I only knew then what I know now" moments?)

Whenever we have a celebration we turn to Honey, a local bakery and restaurant, for out of this world cupcakes.  One of our favorites is the carrot cake with maple cream cheese frosting.  Cupcakes are a great grab and mingle dessert.

Finally, have your graduate contribute to the party planning by asking them to put together a mix of music on their MP3 player that would be appropriate for a varied group of guests.

We hope you have fabulous, sun-filled days for all of your parties!

Pictured: Bella Ink's WCH-30 "ConGradulations" invitation, Autograph Dog from Oriental Trading Company, Cupcakes from Honey (Daily Herald Image), Graduation Balloon, Money Tree, Advice Jar and Graduate Candles all from the Oriental Trading Company.