<p>Thank you. We chose not to have the private room. We are city people and love to be around other people ( and the private room would be kind-of large for only ten people). We will have a corner round table overlooking the skyline. I would LOVE the name of your favorite florists. The restaurant recommended some bakery but I didn’t pay much attention as it seemed so far away. Do you have a favorite bakery to recommend?</p>
<p>I’d definitely ask about bringing stuff first.
It seems a little strange to use a restaurant for its calm atmosphere but then want to bring in balloons and flowers.
I like some of the ideas especially about thanking the grandparents, but if you are planning speeches, shouldn’t you plan for a noisier place or a private room?</p>
<p>I don’t think we will use balloons. The tables are very well spread-out and we are not really a loud crowd. Good point, though, about being sensitive to the other diners. The speech would be no longer than a few minutes, and actually will likely be more just a toast. I didn’t want to be in an inside “boardroom” without windows. I feared it would feel more like a hotel function room. Not a bad thing, just not right for this crowd. </p>
<p>The calm atmosphere really is related to the elegance, service and pace of service as well as general noise level. We have been to similar restaurants and the noise level has been outrageous. This is just old fashioned dining.</p>
<p>I will call the restaurant later this week and discuss all of this with them.</p>
<p>I didn’t get the sense of “speeches” as in - here’s the microphone. Someone at the table can propose a toast and it doesn’t require a private room.</p>
<p>AllThis, your point is well taken, but something like glass mugs or ceramic mugs filled with something could be the kind of thing people would use, even if they aren’t themselves alumni.</p>
<p>Key chains mentioned above didn’t have college name–just the mascot (an owl) on the chain. I have key chains from everywhere–use them for extra keys for house/car/office. I graduated from college 40 years ago–it really doesn’t matter to me what logo is on a keychain.</p>
<p>We’ll be celebrating in ATL also. Found a local bakery on line that can make a cake I’d like. We did this in upastae NY and the cake decorations were awesome. </p>
<p>Would love any ideas to make this graduation special. I agree that not everyone would like a U keepsake. At undergrad graduation dinner, I gave all the kids U t-shirts for sons grad school. Not sure what to do now. Younger son will be starting grad school (not this ATL grad) so maybe I can give all the kids t-shirts to his new school. </p>
<p>More ideas would be great. </p>
<p>Update- We ended up ordering a cake and decided against any decorations or party favors. We had a large round window table and I asked the restaurant to give menus without prices on them to our guests. I didnt want any of her friends to feel uncomfortable. </p>
<p>We had a great time! </p>
<p>Another suggestion that we’ve used, assuming this is a college rather than a high school graduation. Several makers have small champagne bottles (187 ml). We have made custom labels and put curling ribbon around the neck (school colors or to coordinate with the room) and placed them at each setting. We have also made custom wrappers for upper end larger chocolate bars. In each of these cases we have both made one label for everyone (Congratulations Susie! along with the seal of the university, the year, etc.) but, on other occasions, we have made each one different with messaging appropriate for the specific person (Thank you Grandma) either for being here to share in the special day, for all the support, etc. When they’re custom to the specific person, they serve as the place card. These can both be done in a very nice, sophisticated way.</p>
<p>This is from the Korbel site – not exactly how we’ve done them but here’s another option:</p>
<p><a href=“http://store.korbel.com/case-korbel-favors---brut-24-x-187ml-p94.aspx”>http://store.korbel.com/case-korbel-favors---brut-24-x-187ml-p94.aspx</a></p>
<p><a href=“Korbel Brut 4 Pack 187ML”>http://www.theliquorbarn.com/korbel-brut-4-pack-187ml/</a></p>
<p>I’m not sure I would bring balloons or even m&ms to the venue you describe.</p>
<p>Nice idea collage1. I’ll keep it in mind for a future celebration!</p>