party planning

We're headed into college graduation season, which for many means packing four years of accumulated stuff in garbage bags, last-hurrah Summer vacations, and — soon enough — leaps into résumé writing and job hunting. With so much on these graduates' minds, why not make a toast to your special hard worker with a party and some delicious cocktails? We've rounded up festive, refreshing, and great-tasting alcoholic bevvies for your favorite over-21 former collegians, as well as cocktails with nonalcoholic alternatives to toast grads of all ages and their adventures to come!

— Additional reporting by Emily Bibb

In honor of National Aperitif Day (today, May 16), we'll be whetting our appetites with a light and refreshing predinner drink, and with these six enticing aperitif recipes, you can (and should) follow suit. From a bold and boisterous negroni to a delicate sparkling grapefruit and Lillet concoction, these easy-to-create cocktails are more than worth adding to your bartending repertoire.

As foodies, we know you can never have too many sweets, making dessert tables the perfect complement to your wedding cake. In fact, these tables are increasingly becoming the star of the show, showcasing a couple's favorite treats. Keeping your theme and your love for sweets in mind, we found dessert tables fitting for all weddings. Whether you're the rustic or romantic type, rest assured your sweet tooth will be satisfied.

Although florals and frills can make a grand impact on a wedding cake, so too can geometric shapes, mod detail, and other unexpected contemporary flourishes. For the nontraditional couple, we've rounded up 25 eye-popping cakes that are guaranteed to serve guests an impressive bite. Take a peek and get inspired!

Sure, Mother's Day brunches are all the rage, but I love getting grateful by celebrating Mom with a big supper. The matriarch of your family will appreciate a delicious dinner in her honor, and maybe she'll even get a chance to kick back and relax for once. Instead of a classic seated dinner where someone is busy serving up a storm, consider these family-style dishes that will allow everyone to lounge around the table and talk. Prepare to pass around the platters and get inspired as you click.

Add an extra dose of elegance to your Great Gatsby-themed soiree — or any night, really — with a set of inspired Champagne coupes. No mere one-trick pony, coupes are equally at home housing Champagne, classic cocktails (in lieu of a martini glass), or even custard and sorbet desserts.