• Use flags as an alternative to a traditional banner.Prayer Flags image by ikorka from Fotolia.com
  
  A banner can act as the focal point of a graduation party. As you plan the party, consider ways that you can depart from standard banners to create a visually interesting, memorable decoration. Consider the theme of the party, the interests of the graduate, and ways to make the banner do double duty as dessert.
  
  

Flag Garland

• For a departure from the traditional rectangular graduation banner, use a garland of flags that can be hung on a wall or across a doorway. You can make your own flags out of construction paper, craft paper, or fabric; simply cut out triangles or rectangles to form the base of each flag. You will need one flag per letter and one to act as a spacer between words. Using paper or fabric in a contrasting color, cut out block letters to spell out "Happy Graduation" plus the graduate's name. To form the garland, fold the top edge of the flag over, hook it over a length of twine or ribbon, and use a stapler to secure. You might choose school colors, college colors, or patterns that match the theme of the party.
  
  

Life-Size Photos

• Make a graduation banner that can act as a photo prop and comical piece of decor by using life-size photo cutouts. Choose a photo subject that goes along with the interests and activities of the graduate: famous basketball players for a sports enthusiast, for example, or actresses for a student who will be attending college for theater. Have a print shop print the photos out and mount them on sturdy cardboard with a stand. Between the cutouts, string a banner that contains a standard happy graduation wish along with a phrase that relates to the characters. Guests can take photos with the cutouts and the graduate.
  
  

Edible Banner

• Instead of using a traditional graduation banner, which is often thrown out after the party, make an edible banner using cupcakes; you can also use it in place of a cake. Using a large batch of cupcakes, form the letters of "Happy Graduation" and lay them out on a display table. You might use miniature cupcakes to save space. Frost the cupcakes for each letter in a different color or pattern, and be sure to take photos of the entire assembly before guests set out. To accommodate different dietary needs, you might make vegan or gluten-free cupcakes for several of the letters. Use a simple card to mark the special sections.