First Birthday Party Ideas--Part 6!

[tgr68]

It's time for a new thread again!

Still More First Birthday Party Ideas--Part 5! (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37769)

Even More First Birthday Party Ideas--Part 4! (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33362)

Even More First Birthday Party Ideas! (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30300) (Part 3)

More First Birthday Party Ideas! (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23831) (Part 2)

First Birthday Party Ideas! (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5832) (Part 1)

[Brandian]

Subscribing

[Mickey&B]

Subscribing....

[summerbride2005]

subscribing

I think evites are a great idea. I would have done that but I was too excited about our Spring/Garden theme that I had to get the matching invites.

[Crystal_Orchid]

great thanks all. I'll start designing my evite.

[tgr68]

Here's what I've come up with for DS's invite. Not sure if I'll print and hand out or email.

*photo removed*

I still have some spacing to work out, but it's got to wait until I can get an 11 month pic. ;)

[anemone]

I'm leaning towards a baby bird theme for DD's first. She has always made little chirping sounds since a newborn (although as of late, she is somewhat louder.....), and I decorated her nursery in a bird theme, so it kind of goes with that.

I'm thinking a blue and green color theme, and will go with G&T's "Sweet Birdie" cupcake flags, invites and her green and blue party hat as well. Other than that, i've not decided anything......

[ShannonGH]

I remember seeing in past threads but what are good websites to look at cakes?

[Sunshine]

I look at cakecentral.com
But am overwhelmed right now over there with the amount to go through!


lol


Does anyone have any princess cakes saved, or that they have made, bought? I think I want to do a princess theme now. Oooooorrrrrr......Elmo :p

[tgr68]

Here's the princess cake I made last year for DD's 3rd birthday.

http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/32398/20080621/012007.jpg

As far as cake sites, I usually use Cake Central or the cake decorating thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16164) here on CC.

[twinnyme]

Thanks for the cakecentral suggestion - I couldn't remember the site, either!

Here is a "pin the title on the book" game that DD1 and I created for DD2's book-themed birthday party.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3296806245_251ed50a80_m.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/3299535997_46a006f51b_m.jpg

I know it looks kind of cheesy but the kids are between 1 and 6 - I don't think they'll really care. Though I do think I'm going to add "illustrated by Becca" to the "book" just to make it clear! LOL. The game pieces (second photo) are the "titles" - we customized them to each child depending on the child's interest, and DD1 put the stickers on - we laminated it and cut out each piece. I'm going to bring the extra stickers for the kids to decorate the back of their "pieces." DD1 has really helped with this each step of the way - she helped find the stickers in the craft store, "illustrated" the game board, and helped cut out the title pieces. I'm glad she has had such fun with it.

I did try to find an already-existing game like this, but couldn't.

[Sunshine]

tgr68~That cake is awesome!!! I don't have a ball pan or anything like that though.....Hmmmm.

[HollyMN]

My daughter's first birthday party

http://www.calesota.com/images/2kids/feb0709/4.jpg

The banner is hard to read in this picture, it says "one year old"

http://www.calesota.com/images/2kids/feb0709/5.jpg

I had leftover paper so I used the scraps to indicate what was vegetarian.

http://www.calesota.com/images/2kids/feb0709/17.jpg

Some favorite pictures displayed

http://www.calesota.com/images/2kids/feb0709/7.jpg

Eating her first cake

http://www.calesota.com/images/2kids/feb0709/15.jpg

[HollyMN]

Jelly bean favors for all ages instead of goody bags

http://www.calesota.com/images/2kids/feb0709/6.jpg

Water bottles

http://www.calesota.com/images/2kids/feb0709/8.jpg

Big brother's bouncy house was set up in the basement.

http://www.calesota.com/images/2kids/feb0709/1.jpg

Also in the basement, I googled printable coloring pages, and printed them out and put them at a table. Only a couple kids did them.

http://www.calesota.com/images/2kids/feb0709/18.jpg

It was fun, and even though it's supposed to be a first birthday for my daughter it was sort of geared toward the 3 year old group since my son is three and my friends' kids are about that age.

[boilermaker]

For those of you doing SS/Elmo parties, my Target had a HUGE selection in their dollar section. Board books, coloring books, hair ties, pencils, stickers, tatoos, etc etc etc. I din't know what to chose from (esp considering the fact we aren't doing goody bags). And they had their SS party supplies marked down too.

I also saw 2 really cute Eric Carle bday cards. One was Brown Bear and one was Very Hungry Caterpillar. I thought one of you was planning one of those parties.

Very cute party Holly!! Your DD looks so dainty eating her cake :)

[tgr68]

Sunshine~I rented my pan from our local bakery. You might check to see if anybody in your area does this.

[petdoc08]

Help! I need timing help for L's first b-day. I have a class on Sat. from 10-12 so I was thinking of holding the party from 2-4. I know that is in the middle of the day and that has me nervous. Is there a time slot that would work better?? There are only two families with kids invited. (small party)

[Lolly]

HollyMN, great party!

petdoc08, I'd say 2-4 would be good. That gives you enough time to get home from your class and get the last minute things ready. How old are the other 2 kids coming? If they are about 1 years old and down to one nap per day then I'd guess they'd nap from 12-2 or something. (I'm just thinking of what my DD1 was doing at the time). I guess you could do 3-5 too though. Still, anytime you pick could interfere with someone's nap time.

I think my DD1's first birthday was held at 2. I though she would nap beforehand, but didn't. She was too excited with all the prep we were doing anyway. She finally crashed at 5 though!

[Mickey&B]

I agree 2-4 would be fine. In fact that is what time we are doing our party. I figure that the kids that are comming could take a nap before hand.

[petdoc08]

Thanks guys! I was worried about nap but if other moms think it would be ok then thats what we will go with. :)

[Ferris]

petdoc

I was going to say that isn't the best time, but with only 2 families with kids, I would say go for it!

[DallasLady]

Even though DS is only 6 months old, I am ready to plan. Seems like just yesterday that I was planning DD's party!

It was fun, and even though it's supposed to be a first birthday for my daughter it was sort of geared toward the 3 year old group since my son is three and my friends' kids are about that age.

This will probably be the case for my son's party. And it doesn't help that DD's 3rd birthday is only a few weeks later.

[Crystal_Orchid]

WE are less than 1 month away from her bday although I've started thinking about it, I haven't done anything...I'm feeling a little bit overwhelmed. Anyone has a checklist they'd like to share? So far I came up with:

1. Decide on a theme, visit party store
2. Make evite
3. Order Cake
4. Decide on menu
5. Buy assemble gift bags for babies and adults
6. Buy party favors
7. Customize water bottles (stealing HOlly's idea)
8. Move furniture
9. Decorate

[Standrea]

I'm cross posting this from my LJ.


Ok, so I REALLY need to get my butt in gear!

The girls birthday is going to be at our house on Sat. May 2. It will be at 10 am. (I'm actually thinking of calling the Library to see if they rent out a room...what if it's cold?-NM, called the library, they don't rent out the room.)

Theme: Pinkalicious
Food: Pink Breakfasts foods (yogart, bagels with strawberry cream cheese, berries, cinamon buns with pink frosting, other ideas?)
Drinks: Pink lemonade, strawberry milk, pink champagne for adults
Cupcake bar for decorating cupcakes. What would you put on the bar?

As for favors, I'm thinking wand rice crispy treats (dyed pink) for adults. Other ideas?
for the kids, I'm seriously considereing making pink aprons and embrodering their names (if I get a new machine by then).
Craft idea?

Decorations. Lots and lots of pink. I want a long low table for the kiddie table, with the chairs covered in pink and tied with pink tulle bows. Cernterpieces on the tables will be flowerpots filled with dumdum pops in pastel colors.


Ok, I need more ideas, and wording for the invites! :)

[Crystal_Orchid]

STandrea: You are further ahead than me! And DD's bday party is less than 1 month away.. I think I have 3 weeks and the invites are not out yet.

Breakfast food: HOw about mini pink pancakes?
Cupcake bar: premade frostings, chocolate chip, sprinkles, m&ms, gummy bears

How about the champgne flutes for the adults so they can drink their pink champganes and then go home with flutes. I think you can get cheapo ones at target or ikea.

[Mickey&B]

Andrea when I was at Target during Valentines, they had a set of pink sprinkles for decorating. They were all different types of sprinkles but all were pink. You might still be able to find them . Pinkalicious sounds so fun!!

[Bloomwood]

Circus theme: does anyone that did a circus theme party have anything leftover they'd like to sell? There is a ton of stuff available, but figured I'd post here here first. Thanks.

[Crystal_Orchid]

I came across this invite wording. HOpe you like it. I love it.

The year flew by, it went so fast. But we’ve had fun; its been a blast! First teeth, first curls, he/she’s crawling around NAME is growing by leaps and bounds. There is one more first to celebrate. With balloons, a candle and a cake!

[tgr68]

Bumping this up to get menu ideas.

DS's party will be at 5:30pm so that DH doesn't have to take off work (accountant) to make it. We did pizza for DD's party, but I really don't want to do that again.

TIA!

[jrdhbunny]

I'm a big fan of mediterranean platters- olives, hummus, pitas, etc. Great for an easy appetizer and hummus is so cheap and easy to make. Also- have you seen the Scooby snacks (bone shaped graham crackers)? They are so delicious- I would definitely include a bowl of those by the desserts! :D

[steviem]

Hi ladies,

I have gone back and forth on picking a theme for DD's first birthday... .first it was "lollipop/candyland" theme, then just "pink and girlie," and now.... it is all about cupcakes :)

I came across these adorable mini cupcake on one of my favorite blogs and wanted to share with you all, in case there are any others who want to do a cupcake theme:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3587/3348275976_919bf63580.jpg

These are also darn cute for any Hello Kitty fans out there:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/3330225523_e9a871b01f.jpg

The cake pops are from Bakerella (bakerella.blogspot.com). But, if you check out the recent posts on this blog (http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/), she gives a tutorial on how to do them..... they seem really easy :D

(These are two of my most favorite blogs..... so many great ideas for those that love to cook and bake.)

Anyway, I just wanted to share :)

[petdoc08]

I had DD's cupcake themed party today. We did the cupcake pops and they were really easy to make and a huge hit!! I will try and post photos in a bit.

[Mickey&B]

tgr68 Since it will be dinner time your guest I would assume are going to expect something with substance. Could you do like a baked ziti. It's easy to make, goes a long way and pretty inexpensive too. If that's too messy maybe some baked chicken nuggets or mac n cheese?

[Standrea]

TGR-
You could always do sandwiche or sub platters!

[MrsBeckyLP]

What are thoughts on putting a time limit on the party?

We're planning to start at 3 p.m. since DD should be up from her afternoon nap by then (or just about up), and I was thinking of limiting it to 6 p.m. However, I'm not sure if people will actually follow that, and I don't know how I'd "enforce" it. We're mostly inviting family members and friends without kids, and we're grilling burgers and brats, so I can see some of them hanging out into the night. I don't think DH and I would mind if a few stuck around, but I definitely don't want a house full of people there when it's time for DD to go to bed.

[Standrea]

Becky-I'm pretty sure we are going to put a limit on the girls party. I think ours will be 10-12:30ish. We will have a ton of OOT guests who will stay (they have to, they're staying at our house ;) ), but for everyone else, I'm hoping they'll have to put their children down for naps too.

Our Pinkalicious Party!
I've done alot of thinking about it over the past few days. It's funny that Steviem posted those cupcakes, because that's what I'm planning on doing for favors. I think if I put 4 of them in take out boxes and wrap wtih a pretty pink ribbon, that will be good enough.
The party will be at 10am, so I'm thinking that we'll just do lighter pink foods, like fruit and bagels with strawberry cream cheese. Any other suggestions for smaller snacky type pink foods that would be good for the party?

The children's favors will be aprons (made by me) with each child's name embroidered on it with a cupcake. If I can find pink spatula's, then I'll get those too (I wish i picked them up from the Dollar Spot at Target when they had them out.)

Invites-
here's where I'm at a loss. I have no idea what I want to do, what I should do, etc.

[moderngal]

Love those cupcakes!! I'm already planning a cupcake theme for DD's 1st.

tgr68- I don't think you can go wrong with pizza. But if you need something different, I'd opt for a sandwich/ wrap tray or a crockpot thing (like meatballs) and then have stuff for people to make sandwiches.

[tgr68]

Thank you all for the meal suggestions. I think I'm leaning towards a sandwich platter idea, but the baked ziti is sounding really good right now. ;) Hehe!

Becky~If you are wanting an end time, I would put that on the invite and then starting wrapping the party up a little before then. IME, if people sense that clean up is going on, they start to head for the door. If you have a few guests stay a little late (most likely family), you might go ahead and tell them that DD will need some downtime before bed, which is at XX time.

[TOMama]

steviem- Those cupcakes are too cute! I got sucked into her blog too...

[JustVita]

I'm having a small party for my daughter at the zoo this weekend and am hoping someone has the Jones bottle template they're willing to share. I've even seen someone with a Snapple label and would really love that if it's around anywhere.

Thanks, I can be emailed at maulana72@aol.com

[petdoc08]

I wanted to thank everyone here for the great cupcake ideas! I am dropping off some pics from our party Saturday.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m139/petdoc/DSC_0339.jpg
birthday banner

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m139/petdoc/DSC_0321.jpg smash cake

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m139/petdoc/DSC_0322.jpg
Ice cream cupcakes from coldstone. These were the BEST!

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m139/petdoc/DSC_0374.jpg
cupcake pops

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m139/petdoc/DSC_0298.jpg
birthday girl (The bow came with the outfit. I didn't stick it on her head, grandma did)


http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m139/petdoc/DSC_0296.jpg
big sis's outfit

[Sunshine]

petdoc08~The party looks great! Love the smash cake and cupcake pops! Did you make the pops yourself? I Love them!

[summerbride2005]

Becky- I actually put an end time on DD's invites. We are having her party at my aunt's house and we didn't want everyone staying there too long.

[Standrea]

Petdoc-Where did you get the birthday girls outfit from? And the cake pan for the big cupcake?
Great job! everything looks fabulous!

[MrsBeckyLP]

I ended up putting on an end time, and I'll just start cleaning up like tgr suggested if it doesn't seem like people are leaving. I'm a bit worried about that, because parties in our circle don't typically have a time limit. DH's family will probably leave once the beer's gone, so I'll make sure not to buy too much! ;)

Here is DD's invite. I got it from mammakins (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5921964) on etsy. She was great to work with and had a proof for me within two hours of receiving my order.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/maddieweb.jpg

I really need to get my butt in gear, because I don't have anything else planned. Eeek!

[summerbride2005]

petdoc08- your DD's party looks great! Both of your girls are adorable.

becky- Maddie's invite is so cute!

[Lolly]

Petdoc, love how everything turned out! The cupcake theme is very cute :) Yes, please tell me where you got the outfit from (I'm thinking it has to be from someone on Etsy?).

Becky, the invite is so cute (as is Maddie of course)! What wlse do you want to include for the party? I'm thinking M&M favors, based on the invite design.

Speaking of M&M's I'm totally doing that theme for the girls' joint party next year. This year though is all about being a princess. I've got the favors, and activites pretty much planned, but have not ordered anything yet (mostly from oriental trading). I still need to get them dresses. I was thinking of getting an easter/frilly type of dress, but in reality that probably woun't work too well since I want the party outside and DD1 and poassibly DD2 (by then) will be running around! And I certainly don;t want them t o have to deal with too much frill while giong down the side or crawling in the grass. So....What should they wear?! Kepp in mind that the temps can vary widely in my area and the party will either be late April, mid-May. Last year, in the last weekend of April, it was mid-eighties. A cute skirt, and Etsy type custom shirt?!

[petdoc08]

Sunshine: I did make the pops myself. They were pretty easy. I cheated and instead of baking the cake, I bought an entire red velvet cake from a bakery and mashed it up. It saved a ton of time!

Standrea & Lolly: The outfit, invites and banner where from etsy. Sweetiepietutus was the outfit and the banner/invites came from tscrapper. The cake pan was from hobby lobby. It was wilton's giant cupcake pan.

[summerbride2005]

petdoc- was your DD able to walk or crawl in her tutu? I found one that would be great for her b-day theme but I worry about her being able to get around in it.

[petdoc08]

summerbride: She isn't walking yet but had no problems crawling. She looked a bit like a turkey with giant plumage. Honestly, with all the OOT relatives, she didn't touch the ground very much anyway!!

[MrsBeckyLP]

Becky ... What wlse do you want to include for the party? I'm thinking M&M favors, based on the invite design.

Good idea! I was at a loss for favor ideas. Since her middle name is Mae, we sometimes call her our M&M, so that will work perfectly!

[Standrea]

Thanks Petdoc! I just the perfect one for Ellie's party! i'm going to email her and see if she can make a matching shirt for Abbie too!

[summerbride2005]

petdoc- Thanks for the info. I bet DD won't be able to crawl around too much either with all the family and friends that we invited to her party.

[MrsBeckyLP]

I just wanted to share the cakes from my friend's son's first birthday party, because I know a lot of people do the puppy theme.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/lp_becky/trestoncakes.jpg

[summerbride2005]

Becky- your friend did a great job on the cakes. They are adorable. I wish I was creative and good at baking! haha

[jessiehoyas]

I am having such a hard time finding anything to go with this. Has anyone had a similar theme or have any ideas?

Thanks!
Jessica

[BTB]

At first I thought you meant "OWI" and then I realized you meant "owl". :p

Try Birthday Express online. They've got so many themes, I'd almost think if it's not there, it's not made!

[twinnyme]

I believe somebody had some ideas for an owl theme in the latest First Birthday Parties thread....

[twinnyme]

I believe somebody had some ideas for an owl theme in the latest First Birthday Parties (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44976&page=6)thread....

[MrsBeckyLP]

At first I thought you meant "OWI" and then I realized you meant "owl". :p

Me too!

[jessiehoyas]

Woops, I fixed the title.

[Rosebud]

Owl theme ideas:

Invitations from TinyPrints.com
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/rosebud03_2006/Misc/owltinyprints.jpg

Invitations from etsy.com seller piggytailsstationary:
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/rosebud03_2006/Misc/owletsypiggytailsstationary.jpg

Cake/cupcakes
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/rosebud03_2006/Misc/owlcake.jpg

[jessiehoyas]

Really cute cupcakes! I love them. I already ordered the invites off of etsy. I wish I could find some cute owl plates, napkins, etc.

Does anyone have any good table decorations ideas?

[Bloomwood]

how about stamping onto napkins?
Maybe that etsy seller can make stickers to put on cups?

Maybe a branch on the table with a stuffed owl on it? Or better, suspended from the ceiling.

[solongtogo]

owl birthday favor boxes

http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.60827426.jpg

http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.58479363.jpg

My sons first birthday party is on Saturday-monkey theme. It should be fun.

[SiValleySteph]

Well, since my son's birthday is in just over a month, we finally decided to plan something. :p

No theme exactly. It'll be in the backyard. I'm thinking of getting a bunch of beach balls and having them blown up in the yard along with our Monster Soccer goal and maybe getting a Monster Basketball goal or something. (I have a weakness for large inflatable objects.) Then we'll have bubbles set up, sidewalk chalk, maybe coloring pages (quite a few actually got done at my older son's party). For lunch, we'll have our standard party lunch - triangle sandwiches (platter from grocery store, plus PB-n-Js for the kiddos), buffalo chicken dip, hummus, veggies & crackers for those, fruit dip, lots of fresh fruit. Then, of course, cupcakes or a cake or something. Juice boxes & water to drink and then a champagne cocktail bar for the adults.

I really like standrea's idea of a cupcake bar!

Here's the invite:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/SiValleySteph/invite.jpg

Need to get them printed out & in the mail.

I'm thinking of making a shirt for DS, not sure on that yet!

I also debated saying "no gifts" on the invite, but I think I'm going to leave it out. I like to bring gifts, myself, so I'm conflicted on that one.

[DallasLady]

Is it completely weird to have a bounce house at a 1st birthday party? The kids will range in age from 1-6 years old, with quite a few being 3 year olds (my daughters age). So I was thinking of getting a basic bounce house (no slides or anything fancy) for the bigger kids. What do you think?

[SiValleySteph]

DallasLady, A bouncehouse would definitely not be weird! You could even let the young ones crawl around in it a bit (when the crazy 3 year olds are not in it :p). Go for it, I say!

[Bloomwood]

standrea: fancy nancy party inspiration
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2009/03/fancy-soiree.html

[December27JJB]

DallasLady- No! We are renting a bounce house for DD's 1st birthday for the older kids. I'll also have a small ball pit (probably from Target) for the babies.

[LeslieR]

I just realized that I need to get working on this! I booked the place for the party a few weeks ago, so that's something. We all love Yo Gabba Gabba in our house, so we're talking about using that theme. I'm thinking no one will get it, though. It will be mostly adults. I mostly need to work on invites since we need to get those out a month or so before the party. Hmmm...

Some ideas I borrowed from a gabbafriends.com:

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f78/Leslie_J_R/balloons.jpg
Love these, but I think my patience might run out on cutting out the eyes and what not after one batch.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f78/Leslie_J_R/cake2.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f78/Leslie_J_R/cake.jpg
My SIL is a wiz with cakes and can make something awesome. I like the character figures on these. Thinking maybe a boom box cake with the figures around it or something like that.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f78/Leslie_J_R/favors1.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f78/Leslie_J_R/favors2.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f78/Leslie_J_R/favors3.jpg
Favors made with cut outs from the Nick site. I love this idea, but then I feel like I need something different for the adults.

iTunes has a special YGG playlist which includes "Happy Birthday" by the Ting Tings (you may remember the song by Altered Images from Sixteen Candles). We're having the party in a gym, so I'm thinking we'll get a bounce house (mostly for DS1 and his friends-ha).

Gotta work on invites. I'm not so keen on having the characters on the invite-I'd rather the 12 pics of DS instead. Maybe with dots the colors of the characters?

[Mickey&B]

Bloomwood She has some neat things in her blog thanks for sharing that!

Leslie What a great theme! but now I am going to go through the rest of the day with that song in my head! Happy birthday...happy birthday...

[LeslieR]

That blog made me want to have a girl. lol I might steal the M&Ms idea and use Skittles instead since I think I can do all of the YGG character colors. I wonder which variation I would need to track down to get the pink and the right color blue?:confused: Hmmm...loving this idea the more I think about it! Way less work than those boom box animal cookies.

Michelle, I know-sorry. I've had it stuck in my head since I posted.:rolleyes:

[Standrea]

Thanks Bloomwood!
The shirt idea is adorable! I love it and will totally be doing that for my girls!
The woman had really great and creative ideas, thanks for sharing her blog!

[mel7dog]

Just joining in on the thread! My boys are turning 1 and 3 in April and we're having a joint party since they have all the same friends at this point. They both LOVE "The Wiggles" so that's our theme even though I don't like character themes usually. I'm really just focusing on the 4 colors and maybe adding a few "big red cars" or "Capt Featherswords" here and there. I promised myself I was going to keep things smaller this time around (older DS 1st was a bit too much) but now I have so many ideas and keep going to the craft store for supplies :p

eta: MrsBeckyLP Our party is the same day and time as yours :)

[moderngal]

Leslie- I love the Gabba ideas!! so cute!!

[Bloomwood]

I've been surfing around etsy this morning and found this seller that has customized shirts in lots of themes: OWL, FLAMINGO, CATERPILLAR, etc.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5633252&order=&section_id=&page=2

also, drinacat has cute cupcake shirts with tutus:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5783509&ga_search_query=drinacat&ga_search_type=seller_usernames

[December27JJB]

Leslie- Love the YoGabbaGabba ideas as well!

[LeslieR]

Thanks ladies! I'm glad you get it.;)

[DallasLady]

I got a good coupon from Party City so I went and bought a ton of party stuff for my son... whose birthday is 5 months away, LOL.

[DallasLady]

What kind of food are you planning to serve? I want to do something better than just burgers and hot dogs, but not too complicated.

[summerbride2005]

We are doing a bunch of salads (broccoli, pasta shrimp, anti pasto), fruit, veggies, chicken drum sticks, and mac&cheese. Plus we'll have cake, cookies and chocolate covered strawberries.

[solongtogo]

We had our party this past weekend, it was fun

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/solongtogo/Picture092.jpg
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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/solongtogo/Picture100.jpg

[solongtogo]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/solongtogo/Picture103.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/solongtogo/Picture106.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/solongtogo/Picture134.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/solongtogo/Picture136.jpg

[Mickey&B]

Solongtogo My first DS's birthday was the same monkey theme and I am still so in love with it!! Great Party!!

[MrsBeckyLP]

solongtogo- Really cute!!

What to do about favors? I just sent out invites to DD's birthday party (a simple polka dot/"1" theme), which will be a mixture of extended family members and friends. We built a house in 2007 and not many people have been over to see it, so we're kind of using her birthday as a reason to get everyone together for a good time. Not too many people invited have small children, but there could be a few kids between the ages of 1 and 7, as well as two infants. Are favors expected? I always think little trinkets are just annoying and get in the way, so I didn't even to favors at my wedding.

Also, what kind of things should I have for the younger kids to do? A table with Crayons and coloring pages? What else? It's hard saying what the weather will do. It's April 18 in Wisconsin, so it could be 70 or it could be 45.

[Mickey&B]

Becky I agree with you on the favors. I hate getting all that crap that will be invitably left around the car or the house. So I always try to give something that I think they will keep or at least enjoy in place of a bunch of little crap. For AJ's first b-day we did beach pails with a shovel and a CD with a compilation of all of "our" favorite songs it was a BIG hit with parents and I still get "we still listen to our cd" even 3.5 years later! For his second birthday I did bug catchers (we did a bug theme) we released lady bugs so the kids got to use them to catch them.

[LeslieR]

ITA about favors. I find them annoying myself and want to pitch the crap as soon as we come home. They seem to be expected in our area/family, so I always try to take the edible way out. For DS1's bday I made 'L' and '1' cookies.

[Bloomwood]

In theory I agree on favors, but in reality I love picking them out for the kids! I only accept them for kids parties. I go edible on any other party.

[miaclear]

Favors....for my son's 2 year party this year we did Tyrone Backyardigan beanie babies (it was a moose theme). Last year for his 1 year we did finger puppets, nice Carter's ones not cheap from Oriental Trading or anything. Granted we've only ever invited like 5 kids so it's easier to spend a little more on favors. I went to a 2 year party one year and the favor was a Little Golden Book. I thought that was a great idea too. I agree....I hate all the little junk that usually comes in favor bags and it usually ends in the trash.

[lil_nance]

Favors For DS we did a frog pond theme. Beach ball, bubbles, birthday rubber ducks for the kids. Fish & duck shaped soaps for the adults.
For DD it was a flower theme. Giant plush flowers and flower shaped crayons (which I made) for the kids. Magnetic notepad and flower topped pen for the adults.
For DDs 2nd bday next week, I found Sesame Street board books for $1 for the little ones, hair accessories for the older girls.

[PookiePrincess]

I didn't do favors because we really didn't have that many kids. We had a 3 year old, 2 year old, and a 4 month old in addition to my daughter. I don't think they missed them. But, had there been a whole slew of kids, I'd have probably done something.

[DallasLady]

I agree with everyone on the favors. I hate the little cheap toys and usually toss them. For DD's 2nd birthday we did crayons and coloring books. I like the CD idea, though. I may do that for DS's party.

[Loud_curly]

Favors - we handed out cookies to all the families that attended. Of course, it helped that it was during the holiday season, but I'm a big fan of edible favors. Who really needs more stuff around the house?

[tgr68]

We aren't doing favors for DS's birthday, but for DD's 4th bday (a tea party), I found some teacup and teapot cookie cutters for $1 each. I'm going to tie them to the thank you cards with a pretty pink ribbon.

[LeslieR]

So I bought the DJ Lance hat at Target today for $18. After I left the store, I was thinking I should have bought a few more.:p

[Ferris]

Favors We had about 10 kids so I just bought $5 gift cards to Borders. I would have spent that on the "toys" so I thought it would be money well spent.

[twinnyme]

Favors - we're having a book theme for DD's first birthday and so I got all the kids an empty book that they can create themselves - $3.99 each at Learning Express. One of the crafts will be "make your own bookmark," so they'll leave with a bookmark, too. (They also have make your own Little Golden books at Christmas Tree Shops but I didn't know that until later.) All the other kids at the party will be between 2 and 7. Last year for DD1's 3rd birthday we gave out one item to each kid - a set of 5 matchbox cars for the boys and a nicer "magic" coloring book (I forget exactly what it was) with a special pen for the girls. At one party we also received $5 Friendly's gift cards, which I thought was a great idea.

[Maggie8202]

We had our cupcake themed party yesterday. It was a lot of fun. Thanks for all the great suggestions!!
Invite: cupcake invite (http://www.paperstyle.com/is-bin/Product/604-57-CGPP1)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3654/3413830659_e82b27bc2f.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/3413830443_d056bf8974.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3413830187_d437f8215c.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/3413830039_e2fc7c6f09.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3414635558_8465c2bbd7.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3413829671_b58fea0e4f.jpg?v=0

[Maggie8202]

continued:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3407/3413829381_16d6141d38.jpg?v=0

For favors we made the mini-cupcakes with rice crispy centers on sticks. They came out cute, but forgot to take a photo. We also got a cotton candy machine which was a big hit with both kids and adults! I also got a cupcake pinata, but don't have photos of that without the kids!

Here's 1 more of the birthday girl!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/3414636614_74bd83e1ec.jpg?v=0

[tgr68]

Adorable party (and birthday girl)! :)

We also had our party yesterday. I need to get pics uploaded and then I'll be back to post.

[Mickey&B]

Maggie Great Party!!!

[Standrea]

Maggie-
Your party came out great! :) Where did you get the blowup cupcake?

[Maggie8202]

Maggie-
Your party came out great! :) Where did you get the blowup cupcake?

Thanks for the compliments! Now time to start thinking about the next one!!
I got the blow up cupcake from celebrateexpress.com. It also comes with different signs so I am planning on using it for all our future birthdays!!
I also got all my paper goods and pin the candle on the cupcake there.

[DallasLady]

For those who have had/are having house parties...

Where did you center most of the activity? We only had a few kids at DD's birthday party, so it was mostly adults hanging out. But there will be about 10 kids between the ages of 1-5 at DS's party. It will be summertime, and I'd like to do things outside, but it can easily hit 100 degrees here at that time of year.

I am also not really wanting to open gifts at the party. I've never really liked this, it's kind of boring IMO and stops the kids from playing and having fun. Do you think this is a bad idea?

[Lolly]

DallasLady, last year, I had set up the inside and outside of our house for the party, but quickly just moved everything outside since it was such a gorgeous day. I want to do the same this year, because I really need to use our outdoor space; I just hope the weather is as good.

We also don't open presents at the birthday party. Way too many people present and it would take forever. We just do it later in the evening or wait until the next day. I agree it just gives more time for everyone to play, eat, and have fun. Though I could see opening gifts when everyone is still there if it were a small party.

[Baby Lust]

Can anyone help me out? Gah. My twin girls turn 1 on 4/29 and we are having a cherry themed party.

Here is a sample of the invitations I ordered:
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii40/krissylees/BPI386.jpg

I bought red table cloths and cups, white plates and silverware, and plan on doing red/white/black/pink balloon bunches. I will also do some type of a banner incorporating cherries into it. I can't find anything else to incorporate the cherry theme! The girls have cherry outfits, of course, but I'm at a loss! Any ideas?? Help! Please!!


ETA: Ooh, sorry that's so big! I don't know how to resize! :o

[SusieQ]

BabyLust: How about the cake? You could do two round cakes shaped and frosted to look like the cherries on the invitations. Or here is a pic of a cute cake that incorporates the cherry theme: http://images.quickblogcast.com/5/7/8/6/4/156222-146875/Cherrys_Jubilee.JPG (http://allcakesalloccasions.com/CherryCupcakes.JPG)
Also found this pic of some cupcakes with cherries on top, looks easy enough to make: http://allcakesalloccasions.com/CherryCupcakes.JPG

How about some cans of cherry coke in with drinks for the adults.

[Lolly]

Baby Lust, you know I LOVE your theme! (and you girls birthday is my DD1's birthday :))

Anyway, I like what you have so far and SusieQ's idea as well. I think you could decorate the party with real cherries too! Like centerpieces being a 'bowl of cherries' with the balloons attahced to the. (like taped to the underside of the bowl).

Then you could also just print out a picture of the two cherries, like exactly what is used on your invite and just make a bunch of copies and cut them out. If you do a banner you could just string up some pics and just glue the cherries to that. (Thinking you could put the pics on red circles, or rectangular, paper and just string them up). And if you make signs for food or whatever just incorporate that same pic on those.

Did you want to do any favors, crafts, games?

Cherry twizzlers, cherry coke, cherry koolaid, cherry pie.

[Lolly]

Okay found a few more things:

Drink: Cherry Soda Blast: Mix raspberry sherbet into the cherry flavored soda for a pink drink. Garnish with cherries.

Cake idea: http://www.sugarliciousonline.com/cakes/wedding/red_sugar_cherries.html
I also think you could just get a fairly plain cake and garnish with cherries around the edge. Easy and cute!


Decor: http://www.wholesalepartystore.com/store/p/50581-General-Party-Decoration-Tissue-Cherry-Cluster-12-each-.html (although I think you could just cut out 2 big circles and use ribbon or pipe cleaner as the stems.

Favors: chocolate covered cherries, cherry fortune cookies (http://www.fancyfortunecookies.com/cherry.shtml), cherry bites (or the full size twizzlers)

This link is more wedding related but could still give you some ideas...
http://www.askginka.com/themes/cherry-theme-wedding-party.htm

[Baby Lust]

O. M. G. I am in LOVE with that cake!!! It's amazing!! So simple yet so beautiful!! I'm saving it!!

Thank you so much for the ideas!! Hopefully it will all come together! And I guess if the guests can't figure out the theme, hopefully they are too busy cuddling with the girls! ;)

[Standrea]

Hey ladies! I just sent out evites for Ellie's 1st (and Abbie's 3rd) birthday party. We are definately going with a cupcake theme.


The party is from 2:30-4:30, so I was wondering what everyone would serve for food? Obviously I don't want to serve a meal, but I'm not sure what I should put out.

TIA!

[Lolly]

Andrea, I would just serve easy snack foods, like pretzels, animal crackers, fruit tray, maybe some veggies and cheese too.

I really like a cupcake theme. But I have already commited to princess...

[twinnyme]

We had my DD2's book-themed first birthday party this weekend. It was at my parents' apartment in NJ, where they have an indoor pool and kids' playroom. We had very few people - just 20 - very small, just my sisters, their families, my parents, my aunt and uncle, one cousin and his family, and one family friend, her daughter and granddaughter. Eight kids.

Here is the table set up. I photocopied book covers and had them laminated at Staples as "placemats." You can see the posters on the window, too - these were free "Get Caught Reading" posters (http://www.getcaughtreading.org/celebrityposters.htm).
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/3440376642_c0e21f3ca6.jpg?v=0

Eating cake - she was a bit fussy so we gave her a cookie while the cake was being cut, and she seemed to like the cookie much better!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3439567571_be9b6db005.jpg?v=0

The cake - I kind of lost steam on the cake, so I ended up getting an "edible image" from Icing Images (http://www.icingimages.com/) and using that on a store-bought cake. DD1 picked out the Cinderella candle. :D
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3388/3440379150_8bceb2144a.jpg?v=0 http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3441541142_5b64207f2a.jpg?v=0

More pictures in the next entry. We ate, went to the pool with the kids (some of us), had cake, played "pin the title on the book" (which went great), three kids won prizes, and then I immediately gave out the favor bags - which went over REALLY well. The kids must have been tired from the pool because they ALL settled in nicely to create their "books" (which was the main part of the favor, a blank hardbound "book" - "bare books" (http://www.barebooks.com/books.htm) - with a cute/different cover for each - to create their own book - though other things were in the bag, including crayons which I had totally forgotten to get until the night before at Christmas Tree Shoppes! without them, it wouldn't have been so calm at that point) and play with the other stuff in the bags. We opened gifts, which didn't take long, as there weren't many - I had requested "in lieu of gifts, please bring a book to donate." Everyone brought books PLUS a small gift :rolleyes: - but really a much smaller gift than usual, which was fantastic.

[twinnyme]

More book-themed party pictures:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3413/3440730305_60440829f1.jpg?v=0 http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3440377138_5b5d8b0094.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3439564723_c74c1027ef.jpg?v=0 http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3441540712_b4ebd55e66.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/3439756089_56ac5e7ce3.jpg?v=0 http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3654/3440728179_f13a28f808.jpg?v=0

[twinnyme]

The shirt says "birthday princess" - so does the dress that was over it (that I didn't get a good shot of). The shoes also say "birthday girl" on them and have a picture of a cupcake.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3439565377_f153608a84.jpg?v=0 http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3554/3440997989_fbe6885b6b.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/3440728297_43d5339c68.jpg?v=0 http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3315/3441541026_4ec0d1e35d.jpg?v=0

We used First Birthday Cupcake paper goods (http://www.birthdaydirect.com/shop-1st-birthday-party-supplies-1st-birthday-cupcake-c-33_1582.html).

http://www.birthdaydirect.com/images/1st-cupcake-lunch-plate.png

This was a fun party to do, because my baby shower for DD1 was also book-themed and was also at my parents' apartment. So having a book-themed birthday party for DD2 (our last child) kind of brings everything full circle, even if I was practically the only one to "get" that idea. :p

[Lolly]

twinnyme, love it! Everything turned out great :)

[twinnyme]

twinnyme, love it! Everything turned out great :)

Thanks, Lolly! :D

[Standrea]

Twinnyme-you did a great job! B looks so cute (and tired!!) in those last pictures.

Where are the robeez from?

[tgr68]

I just realized that I never got back here after I uploaded photos.

You can kind of see the room setup here. We kept things very simple - red/white/blue table covers and balloons.
*photo removed*

We served deli sandwiches and sides.
*photo removed*

DS was kind of freaked out by everyone singing "Happy Birthday". You can see a better shot of the cake here (http://media7.dropshots.com/photos/470967/20090404/011617.jpg).
*photo removed*

Such a neat boy. He was picking up a tiny piece of icing that had fallen in his lap. LOL!
*photo removed*

After cake and gifts, the kids played Wii (bowling and MarioKart). We project the MarioKart up on a large screen at the front of the room.
*photos removed*

We used the Plaid Puppy (http://www.birthdayexpress.com/Plaid-Pals-Party-Supplies/42097/PartyKitDetail.aspx) party supplies from Birthday Express.

[twinnyme]

Tgr68 - great pictures!

Thanks, Standrea. Hmm, I can't remember where the Robeez are from, though I don't think they were technically Robeez - maybe BRU? I got them a long time ago. They'd be perfect for your party, though!

[LeslieR]

Okay, so how rude will I be if I don't get the invites out a month in advance? I've completely dropped the ball here. Kyle's party is scheduled for 5/24 and time has just crept on me. All I have is an idea in my head-I haven't contacted anyone about the design. Theoretically, I should be mailing them out next week. oops. I think even if we get them designed right away, there's still shipping time to me and then time for me to mail them out to the guests-no way they'll be there a month before the party. Is 3 weeks acceptable? Or is that not enough notice? The party is the Sunday before Memorial Day, so that kind of throws a wrench into things as well. I figure people either already have plans to go out of town OR they could get invited to another party. I think I've pretty much screwed up as far as beating out those invites. ugh.

[tgr68]

Leslie~I think it's fine. I emailed ours out 2-2.5 weeks in advance. It was plenty of notice, but we didn't have a lot of people coming from out of town. Those that were out of town were family and given the date & time in advance.

[Baby Lust]

Leslie, I'm sure it depends on your area, but the girls' party is 5/2 and I'm mailing the invites tomorrow. I don't have many OOT guests though, so it's not a huge deal, but I think a couple of weeks would be plenty... as long as I didn't have a long way to drive (or need a hotel or anything like that...) JMO!

[gardenmommy]

baby lust~ Just FYI, I saw a bunch of fake cherries today at Target...there were by the vases and were technically vase filler. I just saw them and thought of you and thought they would be really cute on food tables or in some sort of centerpiece.

[LeslieR]

Thanks ladies! I have some out of state guests that I'm sending invites to, but know they won't come (other than my mother who I already know is coming! lol). The majority of people are DH's aunts, uncles, cousins-they're all about 1.5hrs away. They will definitely come if they are available, so that is my biggest concern. They make up the majority of the guest list. ;)

[Baby Lust]

gardenmommy, Ooh thank you so much!!! I'll run there today to check it out!! That would be perfect!!! :D You are awesome!!

[ironhair]

Leslie - I coordinated a date that worked with all of DH's OOT family and then sent them a "save the date" reminder (email or quick phone call) before I sent the invites.

[Ilovemysoldier812]

Standrea- I saw knock off birthday robeez at BRU today.

[Belm]

Joining in on this thread. I think that we are going to do a rubber duck theme. DH thought it was kind of babyish, but since DS is a baby, I'd rather do a baby theme and save some of the other themes for when he is older.

We will be having mostly adults at the party and I'm leaning toward a late afternoon time frame.

[mel7dog]

Our party was yesterday! Joint party for my 1 and 3 year old with a loose "Wiggles" theme, but really just used the colors. We did find a "Big Red Car" at TRU the day before and put that on the table. The kids had a blast playing in the backyard. We had a new sandbox and table, plus some bubbles, sidewalk chalk, play-doh, a pinata, and Wiggles tattoos. The party was 4-7 and DH made pulled pork, potato salad, coleslaw, and beans. We had fruit, veggies, and animal crackers for the kids, and tons of cupcakes and beer. Some of DH's work friends stayed till 10pm as I was getting into bed, lol. I made all the cupcakes, decor, and both cakes, so I was a bit busy the last few days, but it was worth it of course :D

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3456834617_78276807b3.jpg?v=0

Birthday Boys
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3457699896_d9a20b659e.jpg?v=0

Names on backs of shirts
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3578/3456812895_59d66670cf.jpg?v=0

plates I painted
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/3457621334_00063e281b.jpg?v=0

1st year photo banner
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/3457675718_7b2de04204.jpg?v=0

posting...

[mel7dog]

mini cupcakes for kids
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3640/3457695932_62916eb042.jpg?v=0

Normal size cupcakes, yum
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/3457704362_f7c0c06ecb.jpg?v=0

DS with his Wiggles sneakers
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3456912567_870e5d4342.jpg?v=0

backyard fun
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3457737104_16146852c3.jpg?v=0

time for cake!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3515/3457738566_c43677aea9.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/3456924945_80cbf26f8a.jpg?v=0

[mel7dog]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/3457756030_f712d8338f.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/3456976673_2e38102409.jpg?v=0

and the next morning
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3616/3457798446_4afcd7d1e6.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3457800090_c171383126.jpg?v=0

[Lolly]

Mel7dog! OMG everything came out great :) Love all of the colors you used too.

[DallasLady]

Super cute Mel7dog! I've been debating doing a combo party for my 1 & 3 year olds because their birthdays are very close together. You pictures have definitely given me ideas.

[mel7dog]

Super cute Mel7dog! I've been debating doing a combo party for my 1 & 3 year olds because their birthdays are very close together. You pictures have definitely given me ideas.

Oh yes you should do it! It was a lot of fun :) Older DS was ok sharing the party as long as he could have his own cake :p

[Standrea]

Great Party Mel! Did you make the boys shirts?

[mel7dog]

Great Party Mel! Did you make the boys shirts?

Yes :D Started with white shirts from Target with a pocket on the front and ended up with those.

[Standrea]

I want to make the girls shirts too, with cupcakes like their numbers, but I'm so confused where to start. I'm emailing you!

[tgr68]

Great party, Mel!!

[gardenmommy]

Mel~ Super super super cute! What lucky boys. :D

I can't believe you made those shirts! Great job! Did you make the banner along the front of the table too? I love it!

[Bloomwood]

mel - fantastic party!! You did a tremendous job.

[Mickey&B]

Mel Great party! I love those shirts I saw them on etsy awhile back and have been thinking about making them as well. I might just have to try it!

[summerbride2005]

Mel- The party looks great! I love the boys t-shirts!

[mel7dog]

Mel~ Super super super cute! What lucky boys. :D

I can't believe you made those shirts! Great job! Did you make the banner along the front of the table too? I love it!

Yup made all the stuff. The banners were easy compared to the cupcake flags and shirts :)

[SiValleySteph]

Totally agree! The party was awesome mel! Love it all!

The only downside is now I feel like a slacker for my son's party coming up this weekend. ;) I just don't have any energy for decorations and stuff. Oh well. I was planning on making him a bib, but I didn't get around to it. I made him a playhouse and an outfit for his birthday and that took most of my sewing time. I outsourced the cupcakes, as well!

ETA - I can't believe it - it's supposed to rain and be high of 60 on Saturday! Bleh. It was 90 this weekend.

[Belm]

Great job, Mel!

[DallasLady]

I did some shopping today with a Party City coupon I had. I have decided on a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme, but instead of the traditional red and black, I am going to accent it with green and blue with a little red (mostly because that's what will look good with my patio furnishings and the party's going to be outside.)

Here's what I got. I need to hide it from DH so he doesn't fuss at me for shopping for the party 4 months early, LOL.

http://tonyandgiovanna.com/mar-apr09/birthdaystuff.jpg

I'm going to order some of these balloons:
http://www.birthdaydirect.com/mickey-mouse-clubhouse-18-in-foil-balloon-p-10417.html
http://www.birthdaydirect.com/images/mickeys-clubhouse-18in-mylar.png

Along with these for the balloon bouquets (well, these colors. I may get solid instead of printed):
http://www.birthdaydirect.com/mickey-mouse-happy-birthday-12-in-printed-latex-balloons-p-4211.html
http://www.birthdaydirect.com/product_thumb.php?img=images/mickey-friends-latex-balloon3.png&w=225&h=225

And get this birthday banner printed:
http://www.birthdayexpress.com/Mickey-Mouse-1st-Personalized-Birthday-Banner/43896/PersonalizedDetail.aspx
http://images.celebrateexpress.com/mgen/merchandiser/43896.jpg?is=365,365,0xffffff

[LeslieR]

I have to share Kyle's invite! I worked with Tara at itstrulyours.com and ordered just the design. Had them printed at Walmart and picked them up yesterday. they will go out in the mail today or tomorrow and our guests should have them a month in advance like I wanted. PHEW!

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f78/Leslie_J_R/kyleFINALblackout-1.jpg

I love just love them. I gave her my ideas and she created exactly what I was looking for.:D

[lcarlson90]

We are doing a circus/carnival theme for DS. I am trying to decide between serving hamburgers/hot dogs and sub-sandwiches. I feel like the hamburgers/hot dogs goes better with the theme but since it will be in August I thought cold sandwiches might be more refreshing. Any thoughts...

[steviem]

Hi Lcarlson :)

I like the hamburger/hot dog idea with the circus theme. I would just serve some cold/refreshing sides to go with it: fresh fruit salad or cut up watermelon, potato salad, pasta salad,etc.

Can you believe our babies are going to be ONE already???

[Mickey&B]

lcarlson90 We did a Carnival theme for DS#1 last year at the end of August. I wanted to do Hot Dogs as a theme but ended up doing Pizza from Costco but we rented a Snow Cone machine that was a HUGE hit!!!! along with a popcorn machine. People didn't mind the hot pizza especially with the cold beer and snow cones ;)

[Bloomwood]

lcarlson - I think you should do what is easiest! For our circus theme, we are doing corn dogs - heat 'em in the oven and bring them outside. No mess, no cooking. theme-friendly.

[linekelei]

Speaking of food, we're doing a cupcake theme for DD's first birthday party which will be held on August 8. We're doing it outside at a neighborhood clubhouse and it will probably be hot. I can't decide what to serve for lunch. Ideas? I was thinking fancy sandwiches for the adults (roasted chicken & pesto on baguettes, etc.) and some kid things like mac & cheese, PB&J, etc., along with fresh fruit salad, pasta salad, and green salad. Still, I'm not sold on the idea and I don't know if I'll have time to make all of the food for a party of 30-40 people. Any ideas?

[Belm]

What about some sort of BBQ in the crockpot? You could even do a pork tenderlion and slice it thin for the adults. That way it would be pretty easy and not a whole lot of prep time.

I like the idea of corn dogs and hamburgers for the circus party, lcarson. It just seems very circus-ish. Oh and snow cones is such a great touch.

[Sunshine]

We are doing a circus/carnival theme for DS. I am trying to decide between serving hamburgers/hot dogs and sub-sandwiches. I feel like the hamburgers/hot dogs goes better with the theme but since it will be in August I thought cold sandwiches might be more refreshing. Any thoughts...

I don't know if Dollarama is just a Canadian store but I was just there the other day and saw CUTE circus look hotdog plate?! It looks like a folder kind of...Sort of like this, but it said hotdog on it.
I think it was 4 for $1
http://images1.hdpi.com/product_enlarged/nostalgiaelectrics_HotDogKit_HDK960.jpg
They were also plastic.
They also had popcorn containers. I had to talk myself out of them since I knew I would never use them! lol

[lcarlson90]

Thanks for the input ladies. I think I will probably do hamburgers for the adults and corn dogs for the kids. I am planning on renting a snow cone machine. I am sure that will be a big hit since it will be summer.

Those are cute hot dog plates Sunshine. I have seen them at Target in the dollar section before.

[TOMama]

Hi Ladies! For those of you with summer babies, what time are you holding your party? It can be either nice and warm or extremely hot here in July and I'm waffling between renting an indoor facility so we can hold the party at noon-ish OR renting an outdoor pavilion and having the party in the late afternoon. Er, and BTW I'm 99% sure I'm doing a circus theme too :). I'd love to hold it outside for the mess/fun factor but Noon would probably be the best time for the younger kids...

[gardenmommy]

Another circus party here! Too bad we can't all share decor and mail it from one party to the next!

As far as the party time, we are shooting for an 10-11am start time...I'm sure it will be hot, but our hottest time of the day is the late afternoon and I'd rather miss that. I figure it also gives parents the ability to take kids home and maybe get them a nap later.

And as far as food goes I'm planning on hot dogs..I just want to BBQ them early and keep them available.

[Mickey&B]

TOmama We did ours at 2pm but I did have a lot of those free standing big market umbrellas.

[anemone]

Coming in a little late, but Mel your party was fantastic!

Loving all the circus ideas as well.

I just ordered DD's invites, and I'm not sure if they've been used on this site before, but they are from Sarah LeClere (http://www.sarahleclere.com/). She has really beautiful vintage- style designs. I chose these simple teddy bear ones with a pale pink bow on them. (obviously not our text on the image) as we are having a little family only party for her birthday.
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff25/anemone_09/SS10-2.jpg

[lcarlson90]

ToMama - That is so funny that there are 3 July 08 Mommies who are doing the circus theme. I am nervous about the SoCal weather in July. DS#1's birthday is in Feb. so I always worry about it raining and now I am worrying about it being 100 degrees. I would love to rent an indoor space, but there are not too many places like that around here. My house is fairly large so I figure if people get too hot they can just hang out inside. I am toying with the idea of renting a big inflatable waterslide. I had planned on getting a bounce house but they get really hot inside.

[MrsR]

ToMama - That is so funny that there are 3 July 08 Mommies who are doing the circus theme.

it was almost 4;). I ultimately decided to do a monkey theme though . . .

[Sue]

We're having a combo 1st Birthday for DS/Surprise 40th for DH and having it at a picnic facility with a pool, volleyball, horseshoes. Food will be usual BBQ stuff, hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ chicken, salads... We were originally going to do a puppy theme, but now I'm leaning more towards a generic 1st Birthday theme, since the party will be much larger, and try to coordinate colors with whatever I do for DH's side of the party....

[Daisy]

July 08 Moms - are you guys seriously starting to buy stuff for the July birthdays? If so, you're making me feel way behind!!

MrsR - I was initially thinking of doing a monkey theme too - please let me know if you find any cute stuff online!


As for me, it'll be nice out here, but probably not overly hot when we have J's party (we only get a couple of days of overly hot here) and my yard is 100% in the shade by 2:00. As for timing, I was thinking of a late afternoon party since there won't be many kids and most of the adults will probably stay later visiting/drinking. :)

[Bloomwood]

Daisy - don't worry! I'm doing circus for DD1's 3rd. I'm thinking Hawaiian luau for DD2's as we are leaving for Oahu the next week, but that is as far as I've gotten. It is also going to be on the small side (so I say now...)

[Sue]

I haven't gotten anything yet, but I'm a planner, so I want to get all my decisions made :)

We'll have the facility from 11-4, so I think we'll have the party from 12-4, give us an hour to decorate...

[lcarlson90]

sue - What type of facility are you renting? I would love to do the same, but the only thing we have around here are neighborhood club houses or the park.

[Mickey&B]

ToMama - That is so funny that there are 3 July 08 Mommies who are doing the circus theme. I am nervous about the SoCal weather in July. DS#1's birthday is in Feb. so I always worry about it raining and now I am worrying about it being 100 degrees. I would love to rent an indoor space, but there are not too many places like that around here. My house is fairly large so I figure if people get too hot they can just hang out inside. I am toying with the idea of renting a big inflatable waterslide. I had planned on getting a bounce house but they get really hot inside.


What part of So Cal are you guys in? My DS's birthday is in August and it can get really hot but I usually pick a space that has plenty of trees and we have never had a problem. Last year we had a bounce house and if the kids got hot we made sure to have cold drinks (and snow cones) but the waterslide sounds like so much fun!!

[lcarlson90]

Mickey - I live in Valencia. In the summer it can get up to 100 degrees. Since we live in a new development there aren't a lot of trees, so there isn't a lot of shade.

[Mickey&B]

Yeah that could be a problem, were pretty close to the Coast ( Culver City) that's makes a big difference with the ocean breeze. You could do those stand alone misters that hook up to any hose.

[Sue]

sue - What type of facility are you renting? I would love to do the same, but the only thing we have around here are neighborhood club houses or the park.

It's a banquet facility that also has an outdoor picnic area. They have a 7000 s/f pavilion where the food is served, with ping pong and pool tables. Then they have a pool, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts and bocce ball. All the food, soda and activities are included. The pool is additional, but the end of July is going to be hot so it will be $ well spent!

[Belm]

All of you July mommas are making me sweat, I need to start working on DS's party! I'm right there with all of you about the heat factor. We live in NW Florida and it will be hot on the day of his party.

[Mickey&B]

okay I finally got around to ordering the invites for Ds's party in June!

I ordered them from etsy seller LittlebeaneBoutique

http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.17647214.jpg

now to get moving on ordering all the other stuff and thinking about favors.

[TOMama]

Mickey- That invite is TOO cute! I love the giraffe print font. Aw, I used to live in the South Bay and miss the cooler weather.

Sue - That banquet facility sounds awesome.

MrsR/Daisy - I did a monkey theme for DS1's 2nd bday. It was fun to plan.

Thanks for the time input. I'm leaning toward holding the party at 10/11 AM-ish and hope for the best!

So I called all the indoor facilities in our area and they are ridiculously expensive... I'm not going to spend $1,700 to rent a place for 4 hours!! So my only options are gym-type facilities or outside pavilions. Both have their decorating challenges so I need to think about it a bit.

Anybody have any ideas on how to "circus-up" a gym? Can't use tape on the walls or hoops and the ceiling is pretty high (20+ feet).

[SpelKen]

Joining in on this thread. I think that we are going to do a rubber duck theme. DH thought it was kind of babyish, but since DS is a baby, I'd rather do a baby theme and save some of the other themes for when he is older.

We will be having mostly adults at the party and I'm leaning toward a late afternoon time frame.

Belm, I'm borrowing this from you. So you have two June mommies with rubber duckie themes now. I was doing Madagascar because of an inside joke between DH & I (whenever he moved when I was preganant, I would sing the song You got to move it, move it) BUT that was a hard theme. I'm loving the rubber duckie and I've already got the invite picked out. So thanks again!

[Baby Lust]

We did a rubber duck theme for DS's 1st, and it turned out so cute!! I'll see if I can find pics!

[Baby Lust]

Let's see... DS wore a ducky onesie...

Here is the cake I asked Sam's Club to make.. I think it was only $25, and it was HUGE!! (ETA: Oh yeah I can see the price tag - $22! I bought the ducks myself at a Wilton retailer, but they were cheap too.)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m165/BabyLucas_06/First%20Birthday/Dscn0407.jpg

We made ducky rice krispie bars
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m165/BabyLucas_06/First%20Birthday/Dscn0408.jpg

Since it was hot out, I filled a baby pool and floated a bunch of ducks in the pool
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m165/BabyLucas_06/First%20Birthday/Dscn0447.jpg

And here is the "1" onesie he wore after swimming
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m165/BabyLucas_06/First%20Birthday/Dscn0459.jpg

There is a ton of duck stuff around, esp on Oriental Trading! The party stores have duck stuff too.

Good luck!! It was a really fun theme!!

[December27JJB]

We had DD2's birthday party today and it was a big hit! I forgot to take more pictures during the party though. Oh well!

We did a Matryoshka theme (mostly anyway):

Invites & Stamps:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a52/jejordan9/DSC_48883527.jpg

Favors in entrance (I couldnt find Matryoshka favors for all ages so I put a smaller pail in the bigger ones then a gift bag with sunglasses, bubbles, etc in the middle):

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a52/jejordan9/DSC_54094045.jpg

Matryoshka Tags:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a52/jejordan9/DSC_54164052-1.jpg

The set-up,before the party:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a52/jejordan9/DSC_54294065.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a52/jejordan9/DSC_55004136.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a52/jejordan9/DSC_54054041.jpg

[December27JJB]

Continued...

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a52/jejordan9/DSC_54804116.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a52/jejordan9/DSC_54604096.jpg

The cake:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a52/jejordan9/DSC_54934129.jpg

Birthday Girl:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a52/jejordan9/DSC_54544090.jpg

[December27JJB]

Crap! Why are my photos always big? Sorry about that! :(

[December27JJB]

Oh yeah...and the ball pit! It was a big hit with the little ones:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a52/jejordan9/DSC_54634099.jpg

[Baby Lust]

December, Looks great!! What a unique theme!! Man, A looks SO MUCH like P!! She's so cute!!! Love the tutu!!!

[anemone]

December SO CUTE!! Just love it. Very creative and love the theme.

[twinnyme]

December27JJB - great party!! Love the theme and the cake, and everything!

[Mickey&B]

December I love the theme! and that cake is gorgeous!! do you make it? Did you make the tags for the gifts those were great as well. Great Party!

[tgr68]

December, Looks great!! What a unique theme!! Man, A looks SO MUCH like P!! She's so cute!!! Love the tutu!!!

I agree on all accounts!! Your two girls look so much alike!

[DallasLady]

Interesting theme, December!

[gardenmommy]

December~ Looks like a fantastic party! I love the unique theme and the colors and the bake is super cute. That pic of your DD in her top and pink tutu is just too sweet! Thanks for sharing!

[SiValleySteph]

How cute! I love Matryoshka dolls! The cake is amazing. :)

[LRL]

December - Your party was so unique! I love the Matryoshka dolls, and your DD was soo cute in her tutu!

OT - I also love your crown moulding!!!

[JLRenheos]

Another July momma here ;)

Trying to decide on whether to have the bday party from 10a-2p Or from 4p-8p. Suggestions? We're planning on inviting 40 ppl.. It has to be those times on conditions of the rental. We're looking at renting an outdoor shelter that has an Activity Center park that has a great playground for the kids(also has a sprayground water park). I sure do hope the weather is nice that day & not rainy.

Also debating on having it on a Sunday the 5th or Saturday the 11th.....I'm thinking that the Saturday is looking better than on a Sunday. We cannot have it that Fri./Sat. due to festivities already going on at the rental. What do you think? To bad his actual bday didn't fall on a wknd..

so many ideas running through my head, but haven't acutally done anything yet. Theme ? dunno. I may just stick w/safari animals or just fun & neat colors.

[December27JJB]

Aw! Thank you all for your sweet comments! I wish I took more pictures but it was total chaos during the party! One thing I forgot to do is to make a large paper Matryoshka and make a game "Pin the bow on the Matryoshka" I saw it somewhere online and loved that idea but the kids were so rowdy I dont think they would've played the game!

Yes DD1 (P) and DD2 (A) do look a lot like ;)

[Standrea]

I'm late to the game, but December, i LOVE your party! You did a fabulous job!

Our cupcake party is on Saturday. I'm having a really hard time with decorations. I bought a helium tank and some balloons (do you know I can't find brown balloons anywhere?)

[Mickey&B]

Andrea I had the same problem when I had AJ's monkey party. I ended up ordering them online. I wonder why they are so hard to find.

[Standrea]

You don't have any left over, do you ? ;)

[TOMama]

December - Also late to the game-- very cute party! I love your attention to detail and that cake is darling.

I thought this cookie bar was really cute for a safari/zoo theme (or any theme actually) and is a nice alternative to a candy bar-- http://mostlikelylate.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-dear-friend-elisafrom-elisayork.html

[Mickey&B]

TOMama I love that cookie bar! I might have to use some of those!

Andrea I actually found like 7 of them ya want them? let me know. Oh but they probably wouldn't make it on time wish I would have known I would have sent it with your package :(

[Standrea]

Mickey-UGH! I thought i was going to catch you before it went out. The bows are gorgeous, thank you!!!

[Mickey&B]

awww shucks ....thanks ;)

[Loud_curly]

JLRenheos - I assume you're inviting other kids? If so, I would go for the 4 -8 party time. The 10 -2 cuts into a lot of nap times, whereas most everyone would be able to go to a late party, at least for a bit, before bedtime. Are you planning on serving a meal?

I had my DS' first birthday party starting at 4 pm. Worked out wonderfully - most everyone was gone by 6:30 or so, and DS had already taken a good nap.

[JLRenheos]

thanks for your input LC
Yes, there will be kids ranging in ages 3mos.-12yrs.(inviting around 23 kiddos).
If we do end up having DS's bday party outside at this shelter, then those are the times that we must work with. I just didn't know if 4-8p was going to be to late & I echo what you say on the 10-2p time. My son naps around that time too. We'll be serving food.
His bday falls on a Th. & also falls on 4th of July wknd., so I'm looking at having it the wknd. before or 1 wk. after.
Good to know that having a bday party later in the p.m. worked out fine!

DH & I were talking more about having the bday party inside now & renting out a clubhouse instead(with an inground pool), but nothing is set in stone. If we do this, the time of party would be a lot more flexible.

[Monty]

Love the party ideas.....we aren't really having a big party for DD's 1st bday but I do want to make her a cake or cupcakes. My question.....does anyone have a good web site for sugar free cakes/cupcakes? We don't eat sugar so I'm looking for alternatives. Thanks guys!

Oh and I was at Walmart yesterday and they had the cutest Luau themed party decorations.....it would make for an adorable party. Just a suggestion! :)

[LeslieR]

Has anyone done a candy buffet? I was going to do M&Ms or Skittles favor bags in the colors of the party, but then I started thinking a candy buffet would be fun. Probably costly, though. And I haven't a clue how much to figure per person.:confused:

[Belm]

I haven't done one, but I remember seeing posts & pics about it on one of the other bday threads. (But I can't remember which one, sorry!)

[Belm]

Belm, I'm borrowing this from you. So you have two June mommies with rubber duckie themes now. I was doing Madagascar because of an inside joke between DH & I (whenever he moved when I was preganant, I would sing the song You got to move it, move it) BUT that was a hard theme. I'm loving the rubber duckie and I've already got the invite picked out. So thanks again!

Sweet!

Instead of using nap time to do stuff I really need to take care of, I've combed through all of the old threads for rubber ducky ideas.

Here is what I found:

Cakes ~
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3573/3501021235_cc943b22b7.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3501019463_ccb2ba4157.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3657/3501831848_ce475dac36.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3501018261_9930d575ef.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3574/3501018203_cae8e26ef7.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3628/3501833082_869ef8bbf8.jpg?v=0

[Belm]

Some invites:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3501834476_4b83a2ef6c.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3501020045_cae86fb168.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3306/3501833778_34f59a3daa.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3402/3501831662_8e49d3ba18.jpg?v=0

Oh and Amanda thanks for posting your pics as well.

[Mickey&B]

Leslie My sister did a candy buffet for my sprinkle, she said she never figured it by person she just filled the jars over half full. She had enough that I don't think any ran out in fact I remember taking some home, and she had chinese food containers for them to fill (there were about 50-60 people).
Here is picture

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/Qbantoy/dylans%20sprinkle/DSC_0279.jpg

and one of it in action
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/Qbantoy/dylans%20sprinkle/DSC_0278.jpg

okay those are huge I can't figure out how to size them over here

[LeslieR]

Thanks Michelle! That is a perfect example. Everything I'm finding is from weddings which is waaaay over the top, KWIM?

[Taurus]

Leslie, this probably doesn't help at all, but someone on here had the cutest cowboy-themed party and the coolest candy bar. I wonder who it was? They had personalized wanted ads all around and a candy bar set up on a mantle I think. It was so cute, maybe someone remembers who it was. It could have been in the 2nd bday thread...hmmm. Anyone remember? I almost made DS2's 1st bday a cowboy theme after seeing the photos!

ETA: Found it! Post 600 in the previous 1st bday thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1710108&postcount=600).

[LeslieR]

Thanks Taurus! I like the idea of candy and toys. Hmmm...

[SpelKen]

Belm, I did the invite already. I'm trying to send them out this week. Send me your email and I'll send it to you...

[LeslieR]

Anyone have any info for the ebay seller that does photo fetti? I found it in another one of the birthday threads, but I can't remember which one. thought I saved the seller as a fave, but apparently not. I searched on ebay for photo fetti, but nada.

[Standrea]

We had DD's first birthday cupcake party this past saturday. The weather was perfect! It was a joint party with DD#1 (3 years old), and went great!

I didn't get pictures of everything, but I did get some good pictures.

Decorations:
I had lots of pink and purple balloons, with some first birthday mylar balloons mixed in. THese were out in front of hte house, and throughout the backyard.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o164/lilsoapboxx/Fancy%20Nancy%20Party/cupcake%20party/Girlsbirthday2009116.jpg
The blowup cupcake from party express. Thanks for pointing it out to me!
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o164/lilsoapboxx/Fancy%20Nancy%20Party/cupcake%20party/Girlsbirthday2009113.jpg
I wrapped the deck in dark pink tulle, and covered the gift table in the same tulle (i dont have pictures).

Food:
We just served rye bread and dill dip, veggies and hummus, crackers and cheese, and fruit with chocolate fondue (this was inside, so I dont have a picture). Also, the cute little cupcake cake balls!
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o164/lilsoapboxx/Fancy%20Nancy%20Party/cupcake%20party/Girlsbirthday2009109.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o164/lilsoapboxx/Fancy%20Nancy%20Party/cupcake%20party/Girlsbirthday2009110.jpg

cont...

[Standrea]

Dessert:
I made a cupcake cake (The things hanging out of the top are sparkler candles), and then had soyfree/dairy free cupcakes for DD#2 (allergy issues). We also had icecream cupcakes that were adorable and a big hit!
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o164/lilsoapboxx/Fancy%20Nancy%20Party/cupcake%20party/Girlsbirthday2009127.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o164/lilsoapboxx/Fancy%20Nancy%20Party/cupcake%20party/Girlsbirthday2009130.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o164/lilsoapboxx/Fancy%20Nancy%20Party/cupcake%20party/Girlsbirthday2009191.jpg

[Standrea]

Other stuff:
Birthday Banner
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o164/lilsoapboxx/Fancy%20Nancy%20Party/cupcake%20party/Girlsbirthday2009118.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o164/lilsoapboxx/Fancy%20Nancy%20Party/cupcake%20party/Girlsbirthday2009119.jpg
Autograph photo mat:
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o164/lilsoapboxx/Fancy%20Nancy%20Party/cupcake%20party/Girlsbirthday2009209.jpg

And of course, the birthday girls' outfits:
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o164/lilsoapboxx/Fancy%20Nancy%20Party/cupcake%20party/Girlsbirthday2009123.jpg

I had towels set out in the bathroom and kitchen with cupcakes on them from the dollar spot from target.

Instead of favors, we made a donation to the local children's hospital, since we spend time there for DD#2's weight issues.

Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions! It was alot of fun to plan!

[lauren f s]

It looks BEAUTIFUL Andrea! I love Miss Ellie :)

[DallasLady]

Cute! Can you tell us more about the ice cream cupcakes? How do you make those?

[Sunshine]

By ice cream cupcakes do you mean baking the cupcakes in ice cream cones? I saw them on cakecentral and really want to try them!
The party looks Wonderful!!!!! I love the cupcake cake balls!!!

[Chimichanga]

Anyone have any info for the ebay seller that does photo fetti? I found it in another one of the birthday threads, but I can't remember which one. thought I saved the seller as a fave, but apparently not. I searched on ebay for photo fetti, but nada.

For DD's first birthday weordered photo fetti from a company: www.photofetti.com we had a good result with them. I still have some left because I saved it and the quality is good.

[twinnyme]

Very nice, Andrea!

[OctoberPrincess]

I'm doing a cupcake theme for DD's 1st birthday and was wondering if anyone can tell me where I can find directions for these:

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m139/petdoc/DSC_0374.jpg

I think they are adorable!

[vjel]

octoberprincess, here ya go: http://bakerella.blogspot.com/2008/04/make-your-cupcakes-pop.html

[Bloomwood]

cute party, andrea (of course!)

[Standrea]

Thanks!

I bought the icecream cupcakes from BJ's. I bet they would be easy enough to make though. I think it was icecream and those "ants" that are in the middle, and then whipped topping with sprinkles. DH said they were really good. I didn't have any though!

[Mickey&B]

Andrea Adorable! Great Party!

If you happen to have a Cold Stone Creamery they have the BEST!!! ice cream cupcakes!!!

[LeslieR]

For DD's first birthday weordered photo fetti from a company: www.photofetti.com we had a good result with them. I still have some left because I saved it and the quality is good.


I think I used them for DS1's 1st birthday! The seller on ebay is a lot cheaper. I finally found the seller's name. Link (http://myworld.ebay.com/pink*poodles*of*paris/) to ebay store if anyone is insterested.

Andrea, I love the cupcake birthday banner! What a cute idea!

[OctoberPrincess]

Thanks vjel!

[Mickey&B]

oohhh Leslie I just ordered those thanks ;)

[gmb4503]

Andrea - Great party!!! Could I get that recipe for the soy free/dairy free cupcakes? DS has a newly discovered dairy allergy.

[Lolly]

Andrea, what a fantastic party!!!! Miss Ellie is absolutely adorable (just like her mommy ;) )

I used photofetti and wordfetti for DD1's 1st birthday. I saved what I could. I didn't order any for DD 2's since its a joint birthday party and I would think DD1 would expect it for her too (?!?). I did however find name confetti at a local party store. I still need to work on Megan's 1st year banner though.

The Princess Party is this Saturday :eek:

[JLRenheos]

making my own banner for my ds's 1st-(I'm still a few mos. away) Just need to string the banner together! I wanted something fun, funky & bright with some safari animals in it!

http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff334/jlrenheos/411c6e31.jpg

http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff334/jlrenheos/241ef48b.jpg

http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff334/jlrenheos/f7daf0ae.jpg

http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff334/jlrenheos/3c1fdd28.jpg

http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff334/jlrenheos/63a75bba.jpg

http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff334/jlrenheos/9006b9e6.jpg

[dana b]

love the banner!

can someone point me in the direction of invitation wording samples. i thought i had some bookmarked, but i can't find them. i need wording for a fairy party, thanks!

[DallasLady]

I went to the Disney Store for one thing and ended up finding some good stuff for the party.

These plates were 40% off. I got 4. I can use them as serving plates for the party, and then regular plates for the kids to use afterwards. That's me being green ;)
http://as7.dsi.go.com/is/image/DisneyShopping/93425-1?$full$

I got a couple of these for my kids to use now, but they are also 40% off. So I'm thinking of getting more and using them as favors.
http://as7.disneystore.com/is/image/DisneyShopping/300837?$full$

[Bloomwood]

No sites, but here is what we said last year for a fairy garden party:
What can enchant a two year-old for hours?
Fairies, butterflies, bugs and flowers!
Please join us while in the garden we play to celebrate XX on her 2nd birthday.

[TOMama]

JLR - Very Cute! I love the papers & colors you chose. Did you use a cutter (sizzix, cricut) for the letters & circles? I told DH that I want a cricut for Mothers Day, but we'll see...

[JLRenheos]

TOMama I free-handed the letters & cut them out myself using decorative/pinking scissors. The letters took the longest, esp; the ones w/openings in the middle. As for the circles, I used diff. sized bowls at home also cut them out with decorative/pinking scissors.
The heavy duty cardstock(premium stacks)I used came in a 48pk. from Jo-Ann fabrics called - 'Animal Crackers' stack. Reg. $19.99 & they were marked down 1/2 off! They have all diff. kinds of szs. & other types of prints/colors to choose from! check their website.

[Twylla]

I'm in here WAY ahead of time.... but since everyone else seemed to do the same thing, I'm posting! lol. I'm 99% sure I'm going to go with a brown and blue colour theme, and I think I'll use this invitation from babyfaceinvitations.com

http://www.uprintinvitations.com/designs/netural/babyface104%20blue.jpg

So in addition to brown and blue, I'm also sort of using the crown in the theme. Some of the family calls him King Henry anyway, so it works! :p I'm debating between the following hats for DS:
#1 http://images.celebrateexpress.com/mgen/merchandiser/57025.jpg?is=365,365,0xffffff from Celebrate Express
#2 http://www.birthdaydirect.com/product_thumb.php?img=images/cake-faux-trim-fabric-hat-09.png&w=225&h=225 from Birthday Direct
#3 http://www.birthdaydirect.com/product_thumb.php?img=images/special-boy-felt-hat-09.png&w=225&h=225 also from Birthday Direct

My first choice is #1, but since they're all cute I thought I'd see if anyone had some opinions.

We'll have the party in our basement, which rather conveniently has gorgeous brown shag carpet and freshly painted white walls I'm going to use a powder blue table cloth and napkins, and brown plate and cups. For decorations, I'm going to go with blue brown and white balloons, streamers and ribbons, maybe a few other hangy down decorations, like these:
http://images.buycostumes.com/mgen/merchandiser/26616.jpg?is=350,350,0xffffff

Any other fun ideas for this party out there? I'd appreciate anything you see! Thanks so much!

JLR I'm going to do pretty much the same thing for a banner, but in blue and brown of course! You did a great job, the colours are fantastic! I'm also going to use the same papers to back each of his monthly pictures.

Dallas I love the bright blues on those plates, very fun!

Andrea Wow! You could be a professional!

[SusieQ]

Twylla: I like #1 as well. The others are cute but I think #1 goes best with your theme and color scheme.

[TOMama]

Twylla - I like #1 the best too. If you do a search, Etsy also has some cute crowns. I like those "hang down" things too but most of the stuff I see has something dangling from it.

[Sunshine]

Twylla~I also like #1 best, but if you did decide to go for something like 2 or 3, check Dollarama! Ours has VERY similar hats! (I'm addicted to that store since we went BTW, lol)

[sem426]

Does anyone have good sites that make personalized favors? I have no time to put together cute baskets with each kids name on it, so I'm looking for somewhere I can buy favors that can be personalized for each guest.

[MichelleRenee]

Twylla: we did that theme for DS's first birthday and bought him the first hat you posted. It was super cute and nice because it has a hidden adjustable band inside so it fits better.

You can find a ton of stuff to match that theme at Celebrate Express. In fact, I think the crown on the invite you posted is copied from that set.

ETA: Link (http://www.1stwishes.com/Lil-Prince-1st-Birthday-Party-Supplies/43995/PartyKitDetail.aspx)

[JLRenheos]

My son's 1st bday falls on a Thurs. July 2nd.

question
Is it a bad idea to have his party on Sat. July 4th? I wouldn't have the party start till sometime after 2p, due to my DS naptime. People would still have time to do other things, go to other cookouts. We're renting out a huge clubhouse w/an inground pool.

I would like to have it on a Sat., however no other Saturdays are avail., until the very end of July, which I'm not doing. :(

Sunday dates are Open(5th, 12 & 19), but I really wanted to have it on a Saturday, due to my family traveling in from Oot - they have a 3hr. drive back home. However, my sisters will be out of school. Like I said, Sunday would work, but then we wouldn't have the party start till 2p. or after & my family wouldn't be able to stay as long & visit.

Anyone else have a DC bday near a holiday or falls on one & people were just too busy to attend a 1st bday?

[jenjunum]

We just had my daughter's party on Mother's Day weekend. We had it the day before Mother's Day on a Saturday. A few people were out of town but most came. I would send your invites out very early if you pick that day (4th). I would imagine most people would just want to have time to get to a firework display.

[DallasLady]

I don't think it's a bad idea, but it depends on your family and friends and how they like to celebrate the holiday. You may lose people who have other plans for the 4th. I'd get the word out sooner than usual so that people can plan.

I would also spin it as a 4th of July get-together in addition to being a birthday party and make sure it's adult-friendly and not too "kiddy." If I told DH we had to go to a 1st birthday party on the 4th of July, he'd moan and groan.

[Bloomwood]

I don't think it's a bad idea, but it depends on your family and friends and how they like to celebrate the holiday. You may lose people who have other plans for the 4th. I'd get the word out sooner than usual so that people can plan.

I would also spin it as a 4th of July get-together in addition to being a birthday party and make sure it's adult-friendly and not too "kiddy." If I told DH we had to go to a 1st birthday party on the 4th of July, he'd moan and groan.

I agree with DL on all counts, including the whiny husband ;)

I think in the future you might consider hosting the party the w/e before his actual birthday to get critical mass attendance.

[Heidi9771]

...need your help with favor ideas that would be suitable children around 6 months to 2 years old. Thanks!

[Rosebud]

We did edible favors for DS's 1st birthday party. There were animal crackers for younger kids and M&Ms in baby food jars for older kids/adults.

The animal crackers:
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/rosebud03_2006/baby/IMG_3393.jpg

The only photo I have of the M&Ms, while we were starting to set up the party:
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/rosebud03_2006/baby/IMG_3410.jpg

Age-appropriate edible items are always a good bet as favors, IMO.

[SpelKen]

I was coming in for the same question about favors.

The theme is rubber ducky.

I have small rubber ducks, johnson & johnson bath buddie bars, and bubbles. I was thinking about something along the lines of "Thanks for coming...Let the bubbles continue at home." I'm also thinking about including a crazy cup in blue or yellow.

Any ideas for adults? I was considering cookies too for adults.