• Celebrate the important milestone of graduation with a back yard party.university graduation celebrates his graduation with his girlfri image by Gina Smith from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Graduations are important milestones in a person's life, whether it's from elementary school or college. Parties are a common way to honor new graduates and allow for a personal interaction that is not possible when attending a ceremony. Graduations are often held in the late spring and early summer. Take advantage of the milder weather by holding a party to honor the graduate in your back yard. There are several ideas to keep in mind when doing so.
  
  

Pool Party

• There's nothing that says a backyard graduation party must be a formal affair. If you have a backyard pool, invite some friends over from your graduating class for a day of relaxing to celebrate your achievement and revel in the fact you have no more finals or projects to turn in. Prepare dinner on the grill and have plenty of cold drinks at hand. To get some competition going, play a game of water volleyball or water polo. Your classmates will likely enjoy spending one last day together.
  
  

Child's Graduation Backyard Party

• Many elementary schools and even preschools hold graduation ceremonies. A backyard party gives your little graduate plenty of space to run around and play. Divide your yard into an area for the young ones and an area for adults. You could rent a bounce house or even make it a water-themed party with a kiddie pool and slip and slide. In the adult section place comfortable chairs for lounging. Set up a bar-area for drinks and snacks.
  
  

University Theme Party

• Have a theme-based graduation party based on the honoree. If the person is graduating from high school and moving on to college, decorate the back yard with the college logo, mascot and other related items. For a graduate with an advanced degree, base the party theme on his new profession, such as a doctor party for a new M.D. or a music-theme for a Master of Music.
  
  

Roasting the Graduate

• Graduation marks a new phase in a person's life. Set up a podium in your back yard and during the party, set aside a time for sharing. Roast the new graduate by inviting guests to step up and tell a funny or sentimental memory or story about the person that relates to learning or education. Let party-attendees know about this in advance so they'll have time to prepare. Encourage them to provide a written version of the story and compile them into a book for the new graduate.