Tying the typical balloon to the mailbox is one common birthday announcement, just as a line of American flags down the walkway is a classic scene for patriotic holidays. Put a little twist on these ideas.

Line the driveway with flags in school colors. Or make a sidewalk border by tying the following items to dowel rods: Ball caps, ballet shoes, inflatable sports balls, pom poms, toy instruments and so on.

Make a senior banner by painting your child's name, graphic of his chosen sport and number or the graduation year in school colors on a white twin-size sheet. Hang on the front of the house.

Make placards to announce your event. Fold a heavy-duty poster board in half. Write your message. But remember, each sign should have only one word of your message for guests to read as they get closer to the house. LOOK. OUT. WORLD. JOSH. GRADUATED. Space the signs three to six feet apart depending on available space.

Cardboard boxes transform into television sets for a graduating communications major. Adding machines, computers, and houses can be cheaply constructed from boxes for certified public accountants, techies, and realtors.

Luminaries create a radiant border for evening bashes. To make: Purchase a theme-coordinating stencil at a craft, dollar, or home improvement store. Trace the design onto a brown paper bag, plastic milk jug, or laundry detergent bottle. (For colored luminaries, buy paper bags accordingly or spray paint the jug. Some detergent bottles are made in various colors.) Cut out the design. Use an X-ACTO knife for plastic bottles. Fill the bottom with sand. Place a votive or tea light candle in the middle.

MISHAPS: To avoid the possibility of slicing a finger or hand with a regular kitchen knife, use an X-ACTO utility knife for cutting plastic and other materials. This knife, available at craft and home improvement stores, is a practical tool to keep on hand for craft projects.

Place a soccer net at the front entrance with a sign stating "Admission: One goal." Attendees must kick in one goal before entering. To involve a sibling, have him or her stand guard. No goal, no admittance. The same can be applied to every other sport or activity, such as one ballerina spin, one karate kick, and so forth.

Ask a friend in the construction field for a roll of yellow caution tape. Mark off the front entrance or a banister with the tape. What a quirky way to warn everyone that the graduate will be embarking upon the world.

Think beyond the traditional when it comes to table coverings. A stadium blanket with the intended college would make a great table cloth that can be washed and used for years to come.

Cut out photographs of your child for stand-up silhouettes. Glue the silhouette to a piece of foam board. With an X-ACTO knife, cut the foam picture. For a standing statue, make a slit in the bottom of the silhouette. Cut a piece of foam about two inches by four inches. Insert the rectangle into the photo's slit.

Photographs and programs from the high school years can be placed between the dining room table and a glass protector or taped to the underside of a glass tabletop.

Sports shirts and activities tees can be slipped over dining room and kitchen chairs for a personal touch.

These quick décor tips will add flair to your grad's party day!

Copyright Mary Jo Rulnick 2007