At the end of the school year in June, a New Jersey family feted its high school graduate with a backyard bash. But this wasn't any old barbecue: Designed by David Stark, the inventive affair had decor comprised of red plastic cups—a college-style prop if ever there was one—and more clever, collegiate ideas. (Who knew a frat house could look so good?) Here's a look inside the stylish graduation party, which can inspire other events with reclaimed decor and a youthful style.
Strings of lights with red Solo cup lampshades hung from the ceiling.
Photo: Susie Montagna
A DJ booth was made of hundreds of stacked Solo cups and framed with columns that evoked a classic fraternity house. Custom graphics of college pennants decorated the dance floor.
Photo: Susie Montagna
Graduates could enjoy root beer from a keg at the bar, which was custom-made with milk crates and topped with a wood slab that guests could sign with Sharpies.
Photo: Susie Montagna
Dorm-style furniture included milk crates upholstered with plaid cushions.The back walls were made of T-shirts with printed sayings and were decked with other frat-house-style props.
Photo: Susie Montagna
On the rear wall, hundreds of red and blue Solo cups were arranged to spell out "Congrats."
Photo: Susie Montagna
