Party City Announces Hottest 2010 Graduation Party Trends

Online, April 16, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Party City, America's largest party specialty retailer, shares predictions for the top 2010 graduation party trends as record numbers of students plan to celebrate. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, all schools, from public to university, increased fall enrollment meaning there are more graduates to celebrate this season. To help graduates kickoff their new beginnings in style, Party City shares creative graduation party ideas, offering tips to personalize gatherings with the hottest graduation party supplies ( http://www.partycity.com/category/special+occasions/graduation+party+supplies.do ).

With more grads throwing caps in the air, and the National Retail Federation reporting more college students live at home to save money, Party City sees an increase in home-based parties. To ensure hosts throw the ultimate 'grad bash' this spring, the party experts share the following fun, budget-conscious tips:

- Show School Spirit: Incorporate school colors as an easy, inexpensive way to create chic graduation looks. Add extra "Wow!" and height to the party with school color-themed wall decorations and balloon bouquets ( http://www.partycity.com/category/special+occasions/graduation+party+supplies/graduation+balloon+bouquets.do ). Carry the colors throughout the event and purchase solid color tableware ( http://www.partycity.com/category/special+occasions/graduation+party+supplies/graduation+tableware+themes.do ), including plates, cups, napkins and table covers that can be mixed and matched with patterned tableware items for an impressive look.
- Create Custom Themes: Personalize the party by incorporating the grad's sense of style and extracurricular activities into the decorations. Use Hollywood inspired decorations for drama lovers or sports accessories for athletes. Incorporate pictures into table settings, use old art projects as fun centerpieces ... and, just remember to make the event special and unique to the graduate.
- Make the Moment Memorable: Help guests create lasting memories with autograph-friendly t-shirts, balloons or stuffed animals where friends and family can leave fun messages or advice for the future. Framing the grad's portrait or a class photo with an extra wide matte for guests to sign is a great way to capture guests' attendance and makes a wonderful keepsake.
- Flaunt Personality: From customizable banners to colorful lawn signs, tailor the party to each graduate. Party hosts can personalize graduation invitations and thank you notes ( http://www.partycity.com/category/special+occasions/graduation+party+supplies/graduation+invitations+and+thank+you+cards.do ), available at Party City in a variety of styles, including do-it-yourself imprintables as well as inexpensive fill-in-the-blank options, making it easy to personalize from start to finish. Also, gals of all ages can enjoy their moment in the spotlight with Party City's Princess Grad collection - from pink rhinestone princess crowns to 'princess grad' sashes, fashionista graduates can show off their girly styles.

"As the leader in party supplies, we know families want to throw a memorable celebration that's fun and budget-friendly," says Lisa Laube, President of Party City. "That's why we've developed exciting party products at all price points, with dozens of exciting options starting at under $1. With more than 900 different graduation party supplies to choose from, Party City offers an unparalleled assortment of products offering personalization, creative ways to incorporate school colors, good-humored fun and ways to get guests interacting and in the party mood."

To learn more about Party City and its 2010 graduation collection, please visit www.partycity.com or the company's Facebook page ( http://www.facebook.com/partycity ).