Celebrate your kid’s commencement with a themed party just right for her age—and her pals.

Grade School: Hot Shots
These graduates are into picture taking, so shoot for a photo-themed party. Give guests disposable digital cameras, and offer props and costumes like big eyeglasses, mustaches and silly hats for photo ops. Wrap 35 mm film around napkins, use small picture frames for buffet signs, and name foods appropriately: snapshot sliders, flash fruit kabobs, focus fritters, paparazzi pizza bites. Kids can decorate frames for a crafty party favor.

Middle School: Dance-a-thon
School dances are big for this age, so recreate one at home. Rearrange furniture to make space; you can even move some furniture to your yard to create a lounge space where kids can cool off from dancing. Swap in black lights for regular bulbs to create a club atmosphere, and set up a DJ or stereo in the corner of the room. Upon arrival, stamp each guest’s hand to create a clubby entry feel.

High School: “Take a Bite” BBQ
Your grad is about to take a new bite out of life, so serve up a bite-size menu: sliders and mini franks, and sides like potato and macaroni salad in mini disposable glasses. Have guests write a “sound bite” of wisdom for the graduate. And as a party favor, give something that signifies a “bite out of the grad’s life”— a favorite candy or cookie—and stick a tag with her most cherished quote on top.

Source: Cheryl Najafi, entertaining expert and author of You’re So Invited: Panic Less, Play More and Get Your Party On!