I too agree on the 'game' during an adult party-with the exception of one quick one that has always create laughter in lg parties I've done. Simply, you have each table of seated people split in to 2 teams (the one, two manner), then have all of the 'ones' stand together in a circle on the dance floor. Ditto with the two team. Direct them to remove their shoes & throw them into the center of their circle. Once done-you or the emcee-step into the circle & mixes them all up in a pile. On the count of 3..everyone must scramble to find their shoes, put them on & the 1st team who completes the race...wins. I also had a caricature artist on hand who worked for a minimal fee for those who wanted one done. Something else I did was set up an area for a photographer to take pics of couples, or buddies at the party. It could be a well set, candle lit table for two-toasting w/champagne glasss-or something funny-like the 'boss's desk with a swivel chair and a side chair-posing the couple with the man sitting in the swivel chair, feet upon the desk & the gal taking a memo. A placard on the desk in big print says:"IT's MY TURN"! or something funny! Pics could be passed out later in the evening as souvineers.

I gave both of my kids a grad party when they graduated from HS. Both were essentially the same. Sunday afternoon around 2 pm. Lots (LOTS) of munchies - chips, dips, veggies, cookies, brownies, cheese, that sort of thing. No activities were planned. I invited my close friends, and they invited their friends. I served wine for the adults, cokes for the kids. Everyone sat around munching & schmoozing and a good time was had by all. Simple. For gifts, I recommend things that have to do with the college they will be going to (for those who are going). T-shirt, sweat shirt, rug for dorm room, blanket, etc, with college logo. If they are going away to another city, books with information on that city. Mostly my kids got checks for gifts, but a few people gave them what I just named above and they liked those gifts a lot.

I think both are very close to what you have and wouldn't justify the cost for change. The fabric on the right probably would not wear too well for dining. I think it will show water spots and the shine does not compliment carving. Of the two you are considering I like the one on the left.

The outdoor structure is attached to the house as part of the roof. Removing it will change the roof structure and incur a large expense. U can update the posts but those type are very common here in Southern California. U can paint white and add cone lights to the bottom to give more light. For your yard I believe in using space for whatever u need it. Seating areas are great u can always buy a bar if u don’t want to build one in. Matching your pavement is going to be a challenge because that pavement is from the 60s. I do see play equipment. You could do synthetic if u don’t have a dog and u can always put chairs and a bar on synthetic. Also it is unsafe to put a charcoal grill under a structure. We have to put in vent hoods if we put a grill in and our grills are gas not charcoal.