It’s a blog post kind of day! It’s been some time since I’ve posted, but child birthday parties (specifically the party animal birthday) are some of my most popular posts so I’m excited to share this special day.
I heard someone recently talking about moments that end up being “the building blocks of your life” and it made me take pause. I have a tendency to recognize these moments before they happen, the big, pre-planned ones, and a first birthday is one of those building blocks. It’s a milestone birthday and I’m so grateful we were able to celebrate and create those memories with our family. We ate, we smashed cake (kind of), we loved on our little man… and celebrated mom and dad making it one whole year with two babies ;). It was a perfect day. Given the popularity of the birthday posts, I know there are other families out there who are planning for, and soaking in, these special moments right alongside us — keep loving on and celebrating those babies, and I’ll be over here enjoying sharing the little details for anyone looking for inspiration!
We kept this birthday small with family only and celebrated at home with lots of balloons, food, and of course, cake! We did a black and white theme and kept the details clean and simple; I incorporated hearts as a nod to his birthday being on Valentine’s Day.
I used a local balloon company to do the garland and I picked up a small bouquet locally, then I added the “ONE” balloons to the high chair. If you’re DIYing the garland, I found a similar one on Amazon here, I would order the black and white garland and incorporate the marble balloons. I’ve also used this balloon pump a number of times and it speeds up the process.If we’re hosting more than 8-10 people, which is usually for a birthday, I cater it every. single. time. After accounting for the time and money to plan, shop, prepare, and store all of the food, it’s a no brainer. We were doing a Sunday brunch so I booked Einstein’s for breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and smoked salmon. They delivered to our house and food arrived ready to be set out for guests. I used a local bakery for the donuts and the cake but added the “1” candle and the script cake topper. All of the plates and napkins I ordered online (milk napkins, windowpane plates, the party napkins were Knot & Bow and the speckle plates were Bash (available in a larger size here) which I’m not seeing available, but saw a few other fun options in my search here and here.)Little man’s diaper bloomers and suspenders were a cake-friendly Amazon find, also linking his snapback and Nikes. The market cart was part gift, part party décor, and the kids LOVE it. It would be a great place to set out party favors, drinks, etc., as well. Other popular gifts for a one year old include anything with wheels and / or balls. This, this, and this have been getting daily use in our house for the last several weeks.
