First Birthday Party Ideas!

[Kanga]

I love that cake tgr! I hadn't thought about doing a present cake. (duh) A cute idea to have matching cakes.

[allyray231]

Kim we are doing the same theme!

[Kanga]

I thought this was cute for those doing a monkey theme

http://www.cindascreativecakes.com/Photos/jpgs/cakes/fullsize/monkey_seesaw.jpg

[jrdhbunny]

Kim- I think
Elmo needs to know how many friends will be there! Please RSVP by May 2oth....?
is so cute! I wish I'd thought of something like that because we're doing ours at a restaurant and need an accurate headcount as well. Luckily, most people have responded- but there are a few hold outs.

As far as favors go, I'm putting together gift bags for the kids. The older ones will have a puzzle, yo-yo, fruit snacks, stickers, bubbles, banana, and a custom made coloring book (designed by the same lady who did his invitation)- all in the Curious George theme (well, except for the banana). The babies' will have a monkey squeaker toy from Gap, Earth's Best bananas baby food, a yellow spoon (I wanted to do a Curious George spoon, but can't find any), and a Curious George board book.

We're not doing much in the way of decoration since it's a pizza parlor, but we will have Curious George dessert plates and napkins for the cake, along with CG latex and mylar balloons.

And all I can say is thank goodness for eBay! I never would have found as much Curious George stuff without it.

usafwife- I worked with www.babyfaceinvitation.com for our invites, thank yous, gift bags and coloring books. I know she also does candy wrappers in any theme you want. She doesn't do any printing, just design. Or you could go on eBay- there are a bunch of people who do candy wrappers.

tgr68- What cute invites and what a pretty cake!

Alcohol- We're not providing alcohol because it's just too expensive- some of DH's friends who are coming are big drinkers. But I'm not sure how to let them know- I think I'll just tell the waiter assigned to our party that we don't want any served. They can always go down to the bar themselves.

[Cr8nme]

Where is everyone having their party if its not at their house? I am probably going to have about 100 people.

[tgr68]

Cr8nme~If it wasn't booked already, I would be at the public library in one of their meeting rooms as a backup. I would check with your local libraries, school facilities, and community centers to see if they have an public meeting rooms.

[rancherswife]

kim: I vote for the cute Elmo saying!

favor ?:We're doing a western theme for ds party, most of the kids at the party are w/ in months of him (6-18 mos., I'd say) however we do have about 8 bigger kids coming as well. I don't really want to do a whole goodie bag filled w/ stuff, what are some ideas you creative ladies have that would be cute w/ our theme?

[caramello]

rancherswife - Not necessarily favor related, but for my nephew's horse/cowboy party, we got western themed rubber duckies and these cute western frames with cactus on them from oriental trading company (sorry, I would post a link, but I don't know how :confused: ). The older kids are going to put together the frames at the party as one of their crafts. If we have time, we are going to take their pics and put it in the frame for them to take home. We also bought sheriff's badges and bandanas for the kids as part of their favors.

[L-O-V-E]

tgr68 - I just got back from a trip to Target and saw adorable invites/thank you cards that are tangerine and hot pink like your invite/theme. They're called "Always Anna by Anna Griffin" and they're in the aisle right next to the cards.

Just thought you might be interested! :)

~Lori

[Mrs.Chappy]

we are doing the baby einstein theme...i am ordering these invites:
http://www.birthdayinabox.com/images/pers_images/5265PInv_xl.gif

[Cr8nme]

tgr68~ Thanks I ended up calling the library and they can hold up to 150 people and its not expensive at all!!! I am soo excited.... So I have thought about a color scheme of purple,aqua, and green and maybe I could tie in some butterflys somewhere. I happen to love the color and the look of these invites but I am wondering if they are too grown up...

http://www.paper-source.com/images/detail/2003051001.jpg

[lelee17]

cr8nme - I love those invites and the color combo. I don't think they're too grown up at all. I actually prefer those types of invites for when they are babies/toddlers. You can always do the character/theme type invitations for when they get older.

If you're doing a butterfly theme, I would even take it a step further and put some type of butterfly die-cut on the front or attach a butterfly charm to the ribbon.

[Cr8nme]

Rancherswife~ I found some things that you may like for your party...

Square dance confetti
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/partyamerica_1890_62043987

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/partyamerica_1890_62561986

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/partyamerica_1890_62365195

Paper plates
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/partyamerica_1890_63881102

All from Party America (http://www.partyamericastore.com/)

[neenbean]

Cr8nme~ I definitely think those are very appropriate invitations. Plus, they are super cute! From what I have seen on this thread and also what I actually sent out for DD's first birthday invites, they are not too adult, but rather refined. ;) YAY for finding a location! I can imagine that is a hard thing to do.

[Cr8nme]

Shamocha~ That is a great idea to tie it it...I was even thinking about rubber stamping a butterfly on the solid brown part in the aqua color but your ideas are great!! Let me go and look into butterfly charms

[Cr8nme]

Neenbean~ thank you very much!! I love them and kept going back to them!


Off to find more ideas now that I am on a roll and DD is napping!

[moderngal]

rancherswife ~ I'm not really into doing the gift bag/ favor thing either, so we're making CDs of some cute kid songs that are adult friendly.

invites- we got ours from paperbuzz.com and they turned out really well. the customer service there was excellent, too.

[HollyMN]

Thank you everyone who replied to me. I'm starting to think the ceiling fan won't be the huge obstacle I see it as now. I took a second look at this picture on the first page:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d720b3127cce93a4c00275d200000016108AbMWbJu2Zs0

I love it. And I didn't "see" the lamp in the picture until I looked. My ceiling fan's a bit bigger, but maybe it won't be as obvious as I think.

[LIZNKEITH]

Thought I'd post how things are coming along for DD's Pink & Green Polka Dot Swim Party. Here's what we have so far:

The invitation:
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g177/lizardfurlong/Invitations.jpg

The Napkins:
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g177/lizardfurlong/PinkPolkaDotNapkins.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g177/lizardfurlong/GreenPolkaDotNapkins.jpg

Probably going with these plates:
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g177/lizardfurlong/PolkaDotPlates.jpg

Her outfit:
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g177/lizardfurlong/GreenRomper.jpg

Her Bathing Suit:
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g177/lizardfurlong/CPBikini.jpg

[LIZNKEITH]

And I'm undecided between these two cakes from Publix:

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g177/lizardfurlong/GlamGirlCake.jpg
(If they'll let us remove the Glam Girl stuff- it's trademarked)

Probably leaning towards this one (with color changes) as it's a bigger cake and feeds more people:
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g177/lizardfurlong/BirthdaySurpriseCake.jpg

These Thank You Notes:
http://www.polka-dot-market.com/note-mia.gif

And these favors:
http://image.orientaltrading.com/otcimg/46_274.jpg?resize(250x250)

And thanks to Booey, I'm all set on pink & green lanterns, balloons, streamers, goody bags, and a tablecloth!

[Natrat80]

liz Everything looks so cute!

what activities do you do at the party? We're inviting mostly babies 12-24 months, then a 4 year old and maybe 2 10 year olds. What can I do with all these kids? TIA

[Cr8nme]

liz~ Everything is going to tie together so well! I love the second cake!

[L-O-V-E]

Liz - Where did you find those napkins and plates? Love them. Looking for something similar with blue/green...

(yes, I think I've abandoned my chocolate/blue theme from my earlier posts for something easier to find!)

[neenbean]

what activities do you do at the party? We're inviting mostly babies 12-24 months, then a 4 year old and maybe 2 10 year olds. What can I do with all these kids? TIA
We had 5 kids under 1, and a 2, 3 and 5 year old at our party. They all played with DD's toys and the 5 year old watched cartoons when he got bored with those. I know this isn't probably what you are looking for, but it worked out really well for us. It was more like playgroup for the kids. They were all young enough that they did not need an organized game.

[Natrat80]

neenbean That's exactly what I was hoping to hear! I'd love to just put DD's toys out and have that be it! Thanks

[LIZNKEITH]

Thanks, everyone! I'm really happy with the way things have been coming together. Things just keep falling in to my lap.

L-O-V-E,
I got the napkins from Paper Affair, but also found them on this site:
Cottage Antiques (http://www.cottageantiques.biz/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=ST), which is the same place I'm ordering the plates from.

I'm also looking at these from Rosemary Company (http://rosemarycompany.com/9702.html):
http://rosemarycompany.com/media/PrettyinPinkBridalShowerLuncheonPlates1.jpg

Haven't quite decided, but I'm leaning towards the ones with the pink and the green in them.

[L-O-V-E]

Thanks Liz!

[LIZNKEITH]

L-O-V-E,
I noticed neither of those sites had what you are looking for. However, this one does! And some really cute ones for other styles as well!
Plum Party (http://www.plumparty.com/partysupplies/napkins.html)

[L-O-V-E]

Funny you mention it. I just came across that site!!! Thanks for looking out for me! :)

[LIZNKEITH]

No problem! :)

[eldub]

Love this thread!! I was thinking of using pale yellow and white as the colors for DD's June party--thought it was nice and summer-y. For cake decoration, I was thinking something with daisies. Any ideas for daisy cakes? Any other yellow and white ideas? Thanks!

[MichelleRenee]

I love daisies!

http://image22.webshots.com/22/6/90/59/199469059UiUrvc_ph.jpg

http://www.kraftfoods.com/images/recipe_images/Daisy_Cake.jpg

http://www.tosweetcakes.com/daisycake-1.jpg

I once bought a cake for a friend of mine that was a small circle cake in the middle, surrounded by cupcakes. Each cupcake was a "petal" and they were all iced together to make a big flower. It was really cool and looked fairly easy to make.

[dana b]

eldub there's an old ms kids mag with a daisy themed party in it, lots of cute ideas. the mom used yellow and white gingham tablecloths and buckets of daisies as centerpieces.

birthday banners i wish i had used one for dd's party, here's a link to a cute one i found on another site http://purpledaisykids.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PDK&Product_Code=PD14&Category_Code=SO

winnie the pooh i'm not really into character parties, but dd has a new fascination with pooh, has anyone seen any cute pooh party stuff? it's time to get ready for her 2nd birthday -- we're just having it with my immediate family, so only about 15 people.

[alienhost]

dana b regular or classic pooh?

from Orientaltrading.com
http://image.orientaltrading.com/otcimg/70_8260a.jpg?resize(250x250)

from birthdaydirect.com
http://www.birthdaydirect.com/images/pooh-classic-lunch-napkin-150x150.jpg

[alienhost]

more poohI used these for thank yous for DD's gifts when she was born, they are very cute

http://www.birthdaydirect.com/images/classic-pooh-piglet-pink-notecards.jpg

[eldub]

Thanks MichelleRenee--very cute daisy cakes!
And dana b--I'll look out for the MS Kids; you wouldn't happen to know what the issue date for the mag is by chance?

[BooeyJ2]

winnie the pooh i'm not really into character parties, but dd has a new fascination with pooh, has anyone seen any cute pooh party stuff? it's time to get ready for her 2nd birthday -- we're just having it with my immediate family, so only about 15 people.



These party supplies are really cute and they have EVERYTHING from invites, to banners, cups, plates, goodie bags, hats, blowers, thank you cards, etc!) ...
http://www.babyheirlooms.com/images/site_images/classic_pooh_birthday_supplies.jpg
From http://www.babyheirlooms.com/product/classic_pooh_birthday_party_supplies.cfm
(looks like you can even use your credit card (Mastercard, Visa, Discover)reward points to purchase stuff!)




Cute cake topper/keepsake with #2...
http://www.somethingmorestore.com/Images/Products/WPBirthdayKeepsake.jpg
There were cute little quotes on that page as well. Maybe you could incorporate the #2 one on your DD's invites?...
Pooh's Birthdays are:
AGE 1 - Let's all have grand fun, For Now We Are One!
AGE 2 - Sing ho! and hum for you, For Now We Are Two!
AGE 3 - We're silly you see, For Now We Are Three
AGE 4 - It's time to explore, For Now We Are Four!
AGE 5 - The Bees in their Hive, Know We Are Five
AGE 6 - Let's try some new tricks, For Now We Are Six!

Not sure how long your DD's name is (I *think* it's Noa?), but these letters in your DD's name would be cute to display on a table with the cake or something....
http://www.somethingmorestore.com/images/products/PoohAlphabet1.jpg

.....or the magnets are a little cheaper and you could put them on the fridge....
http://www.somethingmorestore.com/images/products/WPAlphabetMagnets.jpg

All above are from http://www.somethingmorestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=WP-00001




I think i'm out of images, so i'll post more soon (at work, so browsing around in between work ;))

[BooeyJ2]

Cute Pooh cakes.......

http://www.dessertworks.net/pics/ClassicPoohRCFlowersSM.jpg

http://www.dessertworks.net/pics/bdwinniethumb.jpg


Changed to b-day of course...
http://www.sweetseasons.biz/images/Classic%20Winnie.JPG

http://www.marquezbakery.com/New%20Cakes/Birthdays/Pooh%20Party.jpg


This one would be perfect! (sorry, can't get the image any bigger, but it's a #2!)...
http://www.lesenfantsparties.co.uk/Images/cake_winniethepooh2_150.jpg

[BooeyJ2]

Another Pooh theme (with plates, napkins, banner, etc too)...

Can't post pics, but here is the link...
http://www.birthdaydirect.com/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=1&keywords=pooh&sort=2a&page=1





More cute cakes...

Can't post this pic, but this one is really cute....
http://stevenferrari.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/poohcake_2.jpg.w300h384.jpg

http://www.aperfectpartyzone.com/pooh%20tigger%20piglet%2046047%20cake.jpg


Changed to a 2 of course...
http://www.southernsweettooth.com/pictures/WeddingandPoohCake059.jpg


http://www.onceuponacakejax.com/sitebuilder/images/100_1185-215x304.jpg

[Mickey&B]

Wow those are some cool cakes I might just have to take those to a baker and see if they can do something like those but with monkeys instead of Pooh.

[usafwife]

Cute cake topper/keepsake with #2...
http://www.somethingmorestore.com/Images/Products/WPBirthdayKeepsake.jpg
I thought these were cute so I went to the site and saw that only age 5 is left. They retired them and that's all they have left.


Not sure how long your DD's name is (I *think* it's Noa?), but these letters in your DD's name would be cute to display on a table with the cake or something....
http://www.somethingmorestore.com/images/products/PoohAlphabet1.jpg

.....or the magnets are a little cheaper and you could put them on the fridge....
http://www.somethingmorestore.com/images/products/WPAlphabetMagnets.jpg
We had looked at the letters to use in our DD's room before she was born. Unfortunately we were unable to find the a few of the letters we needed. They had been retired and some of the letters were/are very hard to find because they are in high demand. The only letters they have left on that site are A, F, O, P, Q, U, V, W, X and they range in price from $4.95 to $29.95. The magnetic letters are retired as well. They only have a few letters available on the site and they are D, K, P, Q, S, X and range in price from $3.99 to $5.99.

[Kiley]

We're going to do a Hawaiian Theme....any suggestions?

[LeslieR]

You can get those Pooh letters and magnets on ebay. I got the L, U, K, and E for my son for his room before he was born.

[Kanga]

Here's a grass and flower table skirt
http://www.party411.makesparties.com/images/ProductImages/S6125.jpg

These also come in blue and green
http://www.plumparty.com/Merchant2/graphics/products/large/18608.jpg

You could use these for cupcakes or finger foods
http://www.plumparty.com/Merchant2/graphics/products/large/15045.jpg

confetti
http://www.party411.makesparties.com/images/ProductImages/AP36581.jpg

Invitations
http://www.plumparty.com/Merchant2/graphics/products/large/17759.jpg

[Kanga]

Winnie the Pooh cake pan
http://www.wilton.com/store/images/site_images/2105-3100_m.jpg

loot bags
http://www.wilton.com/store/images/site_images/1912-3100_m.jpg

sprinkles
http://www.wilton.com/store/images/site_images/710-3004_m.jpg

hula girl party supplies
http://www.birthdayinabox.com/images/box_images/HGDBox.jpg

http://www.birthdayinabox.com/images/product_images/HGInv_lg.jpg

[usafwife]

You can get those Pooh letters and magnets on ebay. I got the L, U, K, and E for my son for his room before he was born.
Yes, you can get them off ebay but for the letters to spell out DD's name we would have spent close to $100 (or more). We liked them and wanted them but that was just too much to spend for them when they were a whole lot cheaper than that to begin with (around $8 per letter).

[BooeyJ2]

ChadandLiz - That "Hula Girl" stuff is SO cute :)

[lelee17]

Shamocha~ That is a great idea to tie it it...I was even thinking about rubber stamping a butterfly on the solid brown part in the aqua color but your ideas are great!! Let me go and look into butterfly charms


Here's a great site for those butterfly charms:

http://www.shopcheap.com/shop/browse/1

Once you get there, do a search under: butterfly. :)

[nicks]

Liznkeith - Where did you find those Thank you's? They are sooo cute!

[BooeyJ2]

Here's a great site for those butterfly charms:

http://www.shopcheap.com/shop/browse/1

Once you get there, do a search under: butterfly. :)


Great, now my secret is out!



TOTALLY kidding ;)

[Kanga]

ChadandLiz - That "Hula Girl" stuff is SO cute


Thanks! Here is the link Birthday in a box (http://www.birthdayinabox.com/lobby.asp?page=theme&dept_id=96&lk=1255&id=1154)

ETA - For favors with the older kids you can include a card game like UNO or just reg. cards too

[texmama]

I am planning my daughter's first birthday and I have decided to go with a "June Bug" theme since she was a born in June. I've been reading all of the super cute ideas everyone has had.. can anyone help me with ideas for favors, etc??

[lil_nance]

I'm planning a "Party at the Pond" theme for DS's bday. He loves fishies and his duckies. I've got a thing for frogs lately...So...the pond concept seemed like a good way to combine them. I just found these invites, too cute.
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-69245109278964_1890_32547829
We'll be doing a BBQ at our house. Mainly adults, probably 15-20 people tops. I still want to do goody bags because they're fun. My ideas so far include: Birthday rubber ducks
Frog or Fish beach balls
Goldfish crackers
Frog tapemeasure
Fish or duck cookie cutters
CD (DH is really into music so this would be his project)

Any other ideas? Menu? You all are so creative.

[Jessiesmama]

Club924
I love your invites and may scrap my idea and try to create something like yours. (if you don't mind...)
http://images.costcophotocenter.com/34685%3B3%3B3%7Ffp6%3Enu%3D3236%3E863%3E%3A64%3EWS NRCG%3D3232543%3A55678nu0mrj
Can you tell me how you got the photos into the circles without distorting the photos? Each time I do it the photos seem distorted. Yours look perfect! Was there a trick?

Thank you so much!
I love everything you did for your party!

Jodie

[LIZNKEITH]

Nicks,
I got them from Polka Dot Market (http://www.polka-dot-market.com/note-cards.htm). :) Thanks!

[lelee17]

Great, now my secret is out!
LOL! It wasn't me....blame clammy :P

[Club924]

jessiesmama - please borrow away...i *borrowed* the layout from the envelopments website ;) as for the photos in the invitation, we had to crop the photos before we inserted them. my sister used "MS Publisher", but you can also use Photoshop if you have that. also, when you go to "Fill Effects" and then the "Picture" tab, there's a check off box at the bottom left hand corner called "lock picture aspect ratio". if you click on it, the picture will not expand to the width of your circle. but if you are able to crop your picture, you should not click on that box. try playing around with your pix when you are cropping it. if you don't have any photo editing tools, and if you don't mind, you can also send me the pixs and i can crop them for you.

good luck and let me know if it works out!

nancy

[dana b]

thanks everyone for the pooh stuff. i'm definitely looking for classic pooh. booey those are all perfect, i'm ordering everything now, i hope the baker can make a #2 cake, that cake is so cute.

[dana b]

eldub here's a link to the ms mag, it looks like it was spring 2005 http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel194143&contentGroup=KIDS&site=kids. i don't know if they still sell back issues on the site, you can always try ebay for it.

[tgr68]

TexMama~Here are some ideas from Birthday Express (http://www.birthdayexpress.com).
http://birthdayexpress.speedera.net/images.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/assets/product_images/E24871.jpg
The Deluxe Pack for 8 includes invitations, plates, cups, forks, spoons, placemats (with games on back), 16 napkins, centerpiece, tablecover, mylar balloon, 18 assorted balloons, curling ribbon, crepe paper, cake candles, confetti, and food picks for $38!

Plus, this ladybug costume was just too cute! ;)
http://birthdayexpress.speedera.net/images.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/assets/product_images/H23194_1803.jpg

From Birthday in a Box:
"Ladybug Princess"
http://www.birthdayinabox.com/images/box_images/5234DBox.jpg
Princess Partyware Box (similar contents as above) - $22

"Butterly Garden"
http://www.birthdayinabox.com/images/box_images/2105dbox.jpg
Partyware Box - $22

"Miss Spider"
http://www.birthdayinabox.com/images/box_images/1166DBox.jpg
Partyware Box - $20

[moderngal]

Did you or will your serve alcohol at your DC's 1st birthday party? We were planning on it, but some of my other mommy friends seemed surprised when I mentioned it. I've never had a party without at least beer or wine, so I just assumed we would do the same here. Thoughts?

[allyray231]

moderngal we are having a big family party and there will be alcohol. We are a buch of Irish and Italians-there has to be some there ;) I think it will be mostly beer and wine.

[twinnyme]

We had alcohol - beer and wine, a little bar set up in my IL's house where we had the party - plus soda and of course juice for the kids.

[AndreaMMS]

My daughter is only seven months old, but I am *gingerly* putting a toe in the water here. Gotta say - so many great ideas, so many choices, I'm a bit intmidated!

I'm thinking we're going to do something pretty simple, but maybe a ballon or butterfly theme?

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[kimthebride]

My daughter is only seven months old, but I am *gingerly* putting a toe in the water here.

Caughtcha! ;)
Here are some butterfly ideas:
www/birthdayinabox.com
http://www.birthdayinabox.com/images/pers_images/SBPInv_xl.jpg
Butterfly Garden theme
http://www.birthdayinabox.com/images/box_images/2105dBox.jpg
Balloons & Bubbles theme
http://www.birthdayinabox.com/images/pers_images/BBPStkr_lg.jpg

www.birthdayexpress.com
Fluttering Butterflies theme
http://birthdayexpress.speedera.net/images.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/assets/product_images/E2519.jpg
Balloons 1st Birthday theme
http://birthdayexpress.speedera.net/images.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/assets/product_images/E2375.jpg

Alcohol at 1st Bday
Ours is at a hotel function room, and there will be alcohol available upon request but not an open bar or anything.

[LIZNKEITH]

Beer/Wine
Defnitely. If we had a party without beer and wine, I doubt my family would even show up. Kidding, but it's almost a necessity when there are a bunch of screaming kids involved. ;)

[kelseyledare]

If we had a party without beer and wine, I doubt my family would even show up.
Same with my Italian family!

[sophiapb]

Alcohol at the party-We are doing a full bar set-up just 'cause we have it, we always do it for our parties and I think most of our guests expect it now. As DD gets older and her birthday celebration become more of a childrens party, the alcohol will go by the wayside (well, unless the kids are going wild and I need to knock 'em out) ~snicker~

[cr8zyforaf]

Alcohol - he11 yeah - DH Polish family would have a fit if there was no booze.

DD is also almost 8 months but I've started planning...I had to - MIL has been trying to plan the party from underneath me...so I had to beat her to the punch.

[moderngal]

Ok- good to know. We always have a stocked liquor bar at home and have a pretty decent wine collection, I can't remember the last party I went to or hosted without alcohol. I was surprised when some friends said they weren't doing it for their kids' parties.
but it's almost a necessity when there are a bunch of screaming kids involved.
that was my first thought, too!! ;)

then we'll go with our original plan- beer, wine, and some sort of banana cocktail. (monkey theme)

[LIZNKEITH]

moderngal,
I think the idea of doing a banana cocktail is such a great idea!

[dana b]

alcohol if we were doing a party at home, then yeah, we would serve alcohol. ours was at a park and i was a little worried that it would be boring for the adults without music or alcohol, but it was fine.

[LILRTL]

alcohol At our family party, we will not be serving alcohol. DH's stepfather is a Baptist preacher - don't think that would go over too well. ;) However, at our "friends" party, we will be serving beer.

[TJO]

Okay so it's really random that I'm in here since I'm a couple years away from having a kid but, I still like to look :)

Anyway, I was a bartender for 3 years and I made a drink called the "Funky Monkey" Basically it is screwdriver (vodka & OJ) with a splash of banana liquor - easy on the banana though - it overpowers everything!

[LeslieR]

We'll definitely be having liquor. Beer and wine, JD (and Coke) for my FIL, and I'm toying with the idea of making a punch that's kid friendly with alcohol on the side to be added for adults. We're doing a luau theme, so I'm wanting to come up with some kind of Hawaiian type punch. We'll see if I'm that ambitious after everything else I'm planning. lol

[eldub]

Thanks dana b! Now off to find that issue of MS Kids!

[moderngal]

TJO~ thanks!! that sounds like it'll go well. I'll try it out this weekend. ;)

[PaulsGirl]

Hey all, I'm thinking of doing a red & pink "Asian" theme. Any ideas? I'm thinking lanterns, red & pink flowers, chinese take-out boxes filled with fortune cookies for favors, etc.

Booey and all other theme gurus - help!

[caramello]

PaulsGirl - Not idea related, but I saw some red Cherry Blossom/Asian tablecloths and napkins on the clearance aisle at Party City in Rancho Cucamonga. All the stores in LA that I have been to have their clearance stuff an additional 50%, but of course, the selection varies.

[Club924]

Hey all, I'm thinking of doing a red & pink "Asian" theme. Any ideas? I'm thinking lanterns, red & pink flowers, chinese take-out boxes filled with fortune cookies for favors, etc.

Booey and all other theme gurus - help!

i'm throwing a baby shower for my girlfriend and it's pink/red/cherry blossom theme. we made her invitations using items from my fave store, Paper Source (http://www.paper-source.com). you could do something like this for the invitation:

http://www.paper-source.com/images/detail/20030018.jpg

and we're going to use these as brocade boxes as favors and puting pink/red jelly bellys in them:

http://www.blissweddingsmarket.com/store/media/000384.jpg

we're going to get cherry branches from White Aisle (http://www.whiteaisle.com/cherry_blosoom_placecards.htm) and hang place cards on them like this:

http://www.whiteaisle.com/cherry_blosoom_placecards_files/new-1.jpg

maybe you can hang pixs of your DD on them....

not sure if it's too "adult" for a 1st bday party. i'll try to come back and post some other ideas.

[PaulsGirl]

OMG! I was going to add that I really wanted a cherry blossom theme, but my Mom & I concluded we'd never be able to find anything to decorate with for a baby's birthday party!

caramello Thanks! We have one pretty close by so I will check it out for sure this weekend.

Club924 Gorgeous, gorgeous invitations. I love them! Love the boxes as well!!!!! How perfect for centerpieces!!! I love the cherry branches too. I may use them for decor or something....maybe a "wish tree"? Or I could have a sign that says "Please write a note for Ava for her to read on her 16th birthday" or something?

[BooeyJ2]

Hey all, I'm thinking of doing a red & pink "Asian" theme. Any ideas? I'm thinking lanterns, red & pink flowers, chinese take-out boxes filled with fortune cookies for favors, etc.

Booey and all other theme gurus - help!


Aww thanks :)



All of the following are at www.AsianIdeas.com (which is where I bought my lanterns).......



Cherry blossom lanterns....
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/asianideas_1894_10493697

They also have plain pink and plain red as well.





Take out boxes...
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/asianideas_1893_38147027

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/asianideas_1893_37970497

They have a few different sizes and lots of other colors as well.






The cherry blossom/bunny paper that Club924 is even cuter in person. My daughters birth announcements were done with those :)





I'm out of images on this post, so i'll be back.

[eldub]

Paulsgirl--there's a section in the current Spring Martha Stewart Kids issue called "tea party" that has a lot of asian/pink themed items.

[BooeyJ2]

Cherry blossom cakes....


http://www.maisiefantaisie.co.uk/cherry-tree-wedding-cake.html


http://www.aboutthecake.com/11808cf00.jpg





Table top lanterns...
http://www.cherryblossomgardens.com/images/cherryblossomlamp.jpg



Artificial cherry blossom stems...
http://gtdecorations.com/products/20131472/12-Wholesale-Artificial-Silk-Flower-71cm-Cherry-Blossom-Stems,artificial-flowers-from-GT-Decorations



Also, jewamese made the CUTEST cherry blossom photo collage for her DD's 1st birthday. Maybe she'll post a pic of it.

[BooeyJ2]

More cakes...

http://www.confetticakes.com/images/wd3a.jpg

http://www.adiamondimage.com/images/products/ws6067.jpg

http://www.elegantcheesecakes.com/wedding-cakes/images/cherry_blossom-product.jpg



SUPER cute cherry blossom dress...
http://www.emmyandally.com/images/icky/303cherry.jpg
From http://www.emmyandally.com/itempages/303cherry.html


Cute skirt....
http://www.emmyandally.com/itempages/slveruca.html


Cute set....
http://cgi.ebay.com/NWT-MAD-SKY-GORGEOUS-CHERRY-BLOSSOM-OUTFIT-12m_W0QQitemZ4872525594QQcategoryZ57837QQssPageNam eZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



..or you can always have her wear a traditional asian cherry blossom dress or "pajama" set....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ASIAN-CHINESE-CHERRY-BLOSSOM-PANT-TOP-CHINA-ADOPTION_W0QQitemZ4869189364QQcategoryZ3068QQssPag eNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem




More cherry blossom clothing on Ebay....
http://clothing.search.ebay.com/cherry-blossom_Infants-Toddlers_W0QQcatrefZC12QQfromZR8QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQ sacatZ3082

[Club924]

paulsgirl - you could probably use those asian brocade favor boxes as centerpieces, but they measure really small (1 3/4" x 1 3/4" x 2" H). as eldub suggested, there are a lot of great ideas in the current MS Kids issue....it's a cherry blossom theme tea party.

here are a few more things i remembered (all these things are still fresh in my head b/c i'm still planning the cherry blossom baby shower):

cake:
http://www.creativepastries.fws1.com/images/resize_of_p1010026.jpg

http://www.hitched.co.uk/cakes/images%5C64.jpg

cute cherry blossom outfits for the bday girl:

Gymboree Line currently selling on ebay:
http://i20.ebayimg.com/04/i/06/eb/4b/55_12_sb.JPG

Mad Sky Line:
http://i18.ebayimg.com/05/i/06/54/90/6c_1_sbl.JPG

cherry blossom invitation:
http://www.hellolucky.com/images/martha_5.jpg

favor bag you could make:
http://www.hellolucky.com/images/martha_2.jpg

[Club924]

cont...

favor box?
http://www.hellolucky.com/images/martha_9.jpg

favor box?
http://www.hellolucky.com/images/martha_10.jpg

[BooeyJ2]

You can always make your own cake and then add these beaded cherry blossom branches...
http://www.whiteaisle.com/beaded_cherry_blossom.htm


Gonna watch a DVD with DH now. I'll look for more stuff later this weekend or on Monday at work ;)

[dana b]

ooh, all this great cherry blossom stuff, i was searching for it a year ago. we had a pink/orange, asian, monkey theme and i used cherry blossoms for some stuff. some of the things i did/found:
- bought pink/orange lanterns on ebay
- had cake decorated with cherry blossoms
- searched high and low for a brocade dress in my dd's size with no luck, but plenty of cute outfits posted here.
- you can find the take-out boxes everywhere online in different sizes and colors
- i found some sites that did personalized fortune cookies or really nice dipped fortune cookies
- i also made the invites using the stuff from paper source, i used this paper
http://www.paper-source.com/images/detail/31302703.jpg
i would've been all over this last year. thank god i didn't see it then, i'm sure they're super expensive.
http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/letterpress/wed_idea_zoom.html?sku=896029030001&cm_id=2450

[Kanga]

The first thing that came to my mind for the asian theme was the bamboo plants and take out boxes.

[PaulsGirl]

Thank you all!

Wow, I knew I could count on you all to help me get it together visually.

Booey You rock! Thanks for all the links & photos.
Club924 Thanks for more ideas! I'd love to see any photos of your decor at the shower (if you don't mind sharing them).
eldub I'm off to Barnes & Noble. Perfect timing for my theme...thanks!
dana b Thanks for your list, too. I remember your daughter's birthday pictures, you did a great job!
Chad and Liz Me too! I really want to add bamboo plants in there somehow...

Okay, I just got nostalgic for a moment. I remember you girls when I was planning my wedding and now :sniff sniff: we're sharing baby's first birthday plans here, too. Awwwwww!

[Kanga]

I just saw the bamboo/flower arrangement club posted, I like that one a lot!

Okay, I just got nostalgic for a moment. I remember you girls when I was planning my wedding and now :sniff sniff: we're sharing baby's first birthday plans here, too. Awwwwww!


I know it! I was just thinking about the other day, thinking it was going to be ages before it was my turn to get married.

[usafwife]

Anyone have suggestions for invitations using a Classic Winnie the Pooh theme? I'm thinking of making them myself and I haven't had time to sit down and learn Paint Shop Pro even though I've had more than enough time. I should have made a point to have learned it while I was pregnant.

Possible wording:

~ Guess who is celebrating a very special birthday in the hundred acre wood?

I had some others but they aren't coming to my mind right now. I just thought it would be cute to use something Pooh related for wording in the invitation.

[BooeyJ2]

Anyone have suggestions for invitations using a Classic Winnie the Pooh theme? I'm thinking of making them myself and I haven't had time to sit down and learn Paint Shop Pro even though I've had more than enough time. I should have made a point to have learned it while I was pregnant.

Possible wording:

~ Guess who is celebrating a very special birthday in the hundred acre wood?

I had some others but they aren't coming to my mind right now. I just thought it would be cute to use something Pooh related for wording in the invitation.




About to leave, but off the top of my head:




Oh dear, oh my, a year's gone by!
Please join us for Sarah's 1st Birthday party!



Sarah is 1, oh me, oh my.
Oh dear, oh dear a year's gone by!
Join us as we celebrate Sarah's 1st Birthday!

[caramello]

PaulsGirl - I'm not sure where in Southern California you live, but to save you a trip, I wanted to let you know I was in Party City in Van Nuys and Sherman Oaks today, but did not see any of the red and white cherry blossom/Asian print tablecloths in the clearance section. I'll keep an eye out for them and let you know if I find any!

[PaulsGirl]

Thanks Caramello! I'm in the South Bay. I'll have to check the one closest to me. I'm thinking of doing solid red or solid pink tablecloths (since I already own these) with an cherry blossom runner down the middle...

[L-O-V-E]

Hi All. I'm thinking of doing CD favors for my son Ethan's party, and I'm trying to come up with a clever name for them. What do you think of eTunes? a little take on iTunes. Would you get the connection?? We call him E all the time, so I was trying to work this in somehow...

Thanks!

[LeslieR]

Lori, very clever and cute! Maybe put a pic of Ethan on the cd labels?



We're doing a luau (Luke-au) theme for Luke's party in our community clubhouse. We are not allowed to have balloons and the room has cathedral ceilings so I can't really hang anything. Any other ideas for decorations?

[LeslieR]

Just found this on orientaltrading.com:
http://image.orientaltrading.com/otcimg/3_710.jpg?resize(350x350)

How fun is that?:D

[Brandian]

Lori, very clever and cute! Maybe put a pic of Ethan on the cd labels?



We're doing a luau (Luke-au) theme for Luke's party in our community clubhouse. We are not allowed to have balloons and the room has cathedral ceilings so I can't really hang anything. Any other ideas for decorations?


We are doing a luau for my daughters 4th birthday. I'm not really all that big on balloons with little babies running around anyway so I just got a bunch of beach balls and I'm going to blow them up and they can just be on the floor. I got some of the ones from oriental traiding company that have the hibiscus flowers on them. That place also has blow up palm trees and stuff that might be cute too.

[dizylizy]

Hi. I am 2 months away from my little man's 1st b-day.
The grocery store here in town gives you a free 1/4 sheet cake for the b-day. This year it is a rubber ducky theme. so my theme is set! I need ideas. I have been reading some sites but I would like more pictures.... I am thinking of a duckie pool party since it is the fourth of July weekend. I am not sure I will get a big crowd as it is the holiday weekend.... I need to check oriental trading company for duckie things... :)
any ideas would be great!

[Mickey&B]

Leslie what about some inflatablepalm trees? I am getting a few of these for our monkey theme.
http://image.orientaltrading.com/otcimg/34_443.jpg?resize(250x250)

I think I might do the CD favor thing too, but I am stuck on a name as well any ideas for Aidan?

[MichelleRenee]

How cute!

Rubber ducky squirt guns:

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/justaddpresents-shop_1896_66796308

Plates and napkins:

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/justaddpresents-shop_1892_46964466

Lots of stuff:

http://birthdayexpress.speedera.net/images.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/assets/product_images/26953.jpg

Favor boxes:

http://www.rosemarycompany.com/media/RubberDuckyFavorBox2.jpg

Here's a whole list of ducky ideas. My favorite is floating rubber duckies on a bowl of blue punch.

http://www.mormonchic.com/mommy/bday-parties2.asp

[BooeyJ2]

Hi. I am 2 months away from my little man's 1st b-day.
The grocery store here in town gives you a free 1/4 sheet cake for the b-day. This year it is a rubber ducky theme. so my theme is set! I need ideas. I have been reading some sites but I would like more pictures.... I am thinking of a duckie pool party since it is the fourth of July weekend. I am not sure I will get a big crowd as it is the holiday weekend.... I need to check oriental trading company for duckie things... :)
any ideas would be great!


Rubber ducky JELL-O...
http://www.rosemarycompany.com/media/RubberDuckySquirtsinBowl.jpg
"Perfect for Ducky Pond Jell-O at a shower or birthday party. Simply fill a punch bowl with a bright blue Jell-O® and add clean Rubber Ducky Squirts. They'll sit on top of the Jell-O®, creating an adorable "Duck Pond" affect that your guests will love!""



"DUCK" FOOD
You'll need small buckets or pails, nuts or trail mix, and labels. Fill the buckets with nuts (or any type of edible mix or snack) and add a label to each bucket that reads, "Duck Food". Place on each table or next to each guest's table setting.



From http://www.rosemarycompany.com/DuckPartyIdeas.html (more cute ideas there)






These would be cute FAVORS:

Soaps....
http://www.ohbabyshower.com/files/duckpondnew.jpg


Keychains...
http://www.ohbabyshower.com/files/rubberduckkeychain.JPG






Cute CENTERPIECE....
http://www.pearlypacifier.com/images/graphics/c.jpg
Just a bucket with a loofah and duck!




Out of images........

[BooeyJ2]

Pinata...
http://www.fun4allpartys.com/image.php?productid=5058



DECORATIONS....
http://www.shippony.com/coolestkid/printables/thumbnails/rubber-ducky-feet-thumb.gif
"On the floor, walls, and on the path leading to the party area you can tape duck feet.
You can also make all kinds of signs saying "duck crossing" wherever there are footprints."





Duck Pond Punch
Same as the Jell-o, but with blue Kool Aid or punch...
http://www.mormonchic.com/mommy/images_044/bday2/duck/punch.jpg

[BooeyJ2]

CUPCAKES.....
http://www.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/assets/images/menu_planning/RubberDuckiesCupcakes.jpg


http://www.mormonchic.com/mommy/images_044/bday2/duck/cupcake.jpg


http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/ineptyogi/reciperush/duckcakestop.png

[BooeyJ2]

INVITATIONS


*Amber at www.inababycarriage.com could make WAY cuter ones than these, but here are some ideas....



http://www.alloccasioncards.net/birthday/rubber%20ducky2.jpg


http://members.cox.net/jeffgrillo/thumbnails/rubberduckyt.jpg

[L-O-V-E]

Liz,

Here's two pics from a rubber ducky shower we did for a friend... I'll try to find more.
http://images1.snapfish.com/346966599%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3235%3E632%3E%3A4%3B%3EWS NRCG%3D32336972655%3B6nu0mrj
http://images1.snapfish.com/346966599%7Ffp33%3B%3Enu%3D3235%3E632%3E%3A4%3B%3E WSNRCG%3D32336972655%3B7nu0mrj

[kimthebride]

I'm thinking of doing CD favors for my son Ethan's party, and I'm trying to come up with a clever name for them. What do you think of eTunes? a little take on iTunes. Would you get the connection??
I think that is ADORABLE!
And how about for the covers, you do like the iTunes shadow theme with a "shadow" of Ethan waving in profile or something like that on a lime green background and the "eTunes" label in the same white font that iTunes is in on the gift cards they sell. I bet with a little playing around on Photoshop you could easily do that.
ETA pic of iTunes Music Card
http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/2041/1025/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/ips_giftcardtop_122504.jpg

Ducks
My friend had her daughter's 1st bday this weekend and it was a ducky theme.
She bought the 2" squirt ducks from www.orientaltrading.com to decorate the tables, then the goodie bags were a full-size California Baby "Party!" bubble bath (it comes with a bubble-blowing stick in it), a squirty duck and a yellow bath pouf with a washcloth-fabric duck face in it. She wrapped them in clear cellophane and tied with a pink string. We love ours!

[L-O-V-E]

Kim, I love it!!! Those are the colors I'm going with too - the lime green, and turquoise!! :)

[L-O-V-E]

This is hysterical! Great idea, Kim!

http://images1.snapfish.com/346967994%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3235%3E632%3E%3A4%3B%3EWS NRCG%3D323369746438%3Cnu0mrj

:)
Lori

[myshel]

Okay, ladies, I need some help. DS's 1st birthday is coming in about 2 months. I would like to do something with a theme, but not go overboard. I honestly have no clue. DS is not really drawn to any particular characters or objects. He likes just about everything. Any ideas?

Here's some info, if it helps:

The party will be the weekend of July 22nd.
We live in Iowa.
We have a dog that DS adores.
His room is done in a barnyard theme.
He likes balls.


Here's what I've been tossing around:

Picnic/Camping theme?
Barnyard
Zoo (we have a small petting zoo in the park near our home)


Compared to some of the things I've seen here, these ideas look... well, lame. HELP!

[Sol]

I think I might do the CD favor thing too, but I am stuck on a name as well any ideas for Aidan?

Aidance

[kimthebride]

I would like to do something with a theme, but not go overboard....
Here's some info, if it helps:
...
Here's what I've been tossing around:

Picnic/Camping theme?
Barnyard
Zoo (we have a small petting zoo in the park near our home)

I think the Barnyard Animals theme is cute:
http://birthdayexpress.speedera.net/images.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/assets/product_images/E2365.jpg

If you don't want everything "theme-y", maybe you can say do the plates & cups in the theme then everything else in 2 colors you like in the theme. Like blue & purple balloons, cutlery, napkins, etc. A Barnyard theme with a BBQ menu sounds fun to me!

[lil_nance]

I'm doing a pond theme with frogs, ducks, and fish. LOVE all the ducky ideas. Especially the punch bowl.
Here are a few more
Birthday ducks
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/justaddpresents-shop_1893_108473762
Cookie Cutters
http://www.birthdayinabox.com/images/product_images/DuckCookCut_lg.gif

[LILRTL]

myshel We are actually doing a "ball" theme! It was in the Martha Stewart Kids magazine. Let me know if you want any of the details!! :D

[cr8zyforaf]

LILRTL - I am interested...DD LOVES balls!

[LILRTL]

Yay! :) Here is the description from the magazine:

"Sometimes it's okay to play ball in the house. Clear out a room and fill it with orbs of all sizes (bigger than a golf ball to avoid choking hazards), then let todders at 'em. Gather your child's "circle" of friends with an invitation in the round. We printed details onto store-bought circular cards make for ink-jet printers, affixed stripes with glue, and joined them with paper fasteners. The dot decorations are balls in glass cylinders and paper spheres from a party-supply store. Cellophane bags of balls, sealed with dotted paper and round tags, are for guests to take home."

Now, I will tell you what *we* are doing! Since DS's birthday is in August, we are making it a beach ball theme. I bought beach balls of all sizes (all on Ebay), and we will be making a ball "pit" so to speak in our living room. I found these tags for favors:
http://www.birthdayinabox.com/images/pers_images/4335PStkr_lg.gif
From here: Birthday in a Box (www.birthdayinabox.com)

We will also have the round Confotti (www.confotti.com) .

I will scan a picture of the cake and invitations shown. I'm not sure we will replicate the cake (I think we can find something better), but I love the invitations and plan to try to make them.

We will be using the paper lanters as decorations. We are going with primary colors to match the beach balls - red, yellow, and blue.

What else? Oh - favors - we are going to do small beach pails (<$1) and put some of the things mentioned. Plus, they will all get a beach ball to take home.

I think that is all I have so far! I will scan the lay-out tonight! HTH!

[LIZNKEITH]

LILRTL,
What else? Oh - favors - we are going to do small beach pails (<$1) and put some of the things mentioned. Plus, they will all get a beach ball to take home.

Not sure if you've already seen them, but we're getting these
http://image.orientaltrading.com/otcimg/46_274.jpg?resize(250x250)
as favors for DD's birthday from Oriental Trading. Each pail comes with 3-pc. tool set, sunglasses, fish squirt, fish clapper and mini beach ball. Set of 6 for $14.95 (about $2.50 per bucket).

[BooeyJ2]

I am planning my daughter's first birthday and I have decided to go with a "June Bug" theme since she was a born in June. I've been reading all of the super cute ideas everyone has had.. can anyone help me with ideas for favors, etc??


Hi :) I got your PM.

LOL, i'm no expert, but i'll see what I can find. What kind of "bugs" in general were you leaning towards? Ladybugs? Butterflys? Caterpillars?


You might want to stick to the whole purple and green theme and then add little touches of bugs here and there. With the purple and green, you might want to steer away from ladybugs since they colors kind of clash (red, black, purple, green - know what I mean?).



This butterfly pinata would be cute since it has purple and green on the wings...
http://www.pinatas.com/photos/PS918-N-2T.jpg
http://www.pinatas.com/product_p/ps918-n.htm


This one is also really cute and has purple and green as well...
http://www.partytown.net.au/partytown/images/products/PINATADragonFly.jpg
http://www.partytown.net.au/partytown/content/products/product.aspx?intProductID=15286&intProductCategoryID=54




If you do want to stick to ladybugs, here are some sets that have purple and green incorporated....
http://www.pinatas.com/photos/LADYBUGPRINCESSPARTYPACK-2T.jpg

http://www.pinatas.com/photos/ZA555020-2T.jpg
http://www.pinatas.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=bug




Also, www.rinovelty.com is similar to Oriental Trading Co, but a lot of people just don't know about it.

They have some bug stuff...
http://www.rinovelty.com/Search.asp?searchtype=ANY&keywords=bug




Also, what do you mean by bright purple and bright green? I'm not sure if you mean a limey type of green and/or lavendar-ish purple or just regular purple and green.

[BooeyJ2]

more......

Bug balloons...
http://www.partystuffonline.co.uk/largeimages/balloongiantbug.jpg
http://www.partystuffonline.co.uk/Description.asp?ProductID=639



Make your own bee (or whatever bug) balloons.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/Stuff%20For%20Sale/beeballoonsm1.gif
http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/bugs.html#beeballoon



Cakes.......
http://www.ischool.utexas.edu/~bookworm/baking/bug_flower_cake.jpg

http://www.tpcalcake.net/home/md2004res.jpg


Cute cake topper....
http://www.theflirtybride.com/cake_topper_nancupage.jpg

http://www.byreconly.com/images/DragonflyCake.jpg
http://www.theflirtybride.com/cake_topper_nancu.html

[BooeyJ2]

more.....

http://www.tpcalcake.net/home/beesforKimres.jpg

http://www.cutiecake.com/files/daisysweb2.jpg



Really cute one...
http://www.imaginativeicing.co.uk/graphics_celebration_2003/number_one_butterfly_bee.jpg


http://www.shippony.com/coolestkid/cakes/cake-recipes-02.jpg


http://www.harrietscreations.com/Resources/01-022.JPG

[kelseyledare]

Cute cakes!

I am looking for suggestions for a cake for my DD's 1st birthday. The theme is lavender and white gingham. I kind of like weave pattern on this cake, but it might be unrealistic to get in lavender and white while incorporating the style of this second cake.

http://www.publix.com/images/decoratedcakes/cakes/94_basketweave_lg.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/42/75201263_374be40233_m.jpg

I am also unsure how fondant would go over at a first birthday party... Do you think a present cake could be made with regular icing?

[BooeyJ2]

and more.......

http://www.cheriscakesandcookies.com/images/decorated_cakes/3D-Bug.jpg



Pic I found (but couldn't find any of the stuff shown on the site?)...
http://i.b5z.net/i/u/1638076/i/jitterbugpartyshindigz.jpg
http://www.itsapartyfullife.com/bug_garden_party

[BooeyJ2]

kelseydare

You can buy lavendar gingham fabric and use it as tablecloths ...
http://i20.ebayimg.com/05/i/06/ae/d6/ba_1_b.JPG

Extra fabric can also be used for goodie bags by just cutting squares, putting stuff in the center and then pulling the corners up and making it a littl sack. Tie with ribbon and you're done!

Of course you can just do regular good bags and tie them with gingham ribbon as well.


For invites you can have gingham incorporated like this....
http://www.doolollie.com/anncmt/froggie.pnk.gingham_4.jpg

http://www.bowlingdelights.com/prod_images_large/04651.jpg

http://an-occasion-to-celebrate.com/image-files/GinghamandTullipsDinkyDesigns.jpg

http://www.tinyprints.com/products/images/326_front.jpg

http://www.annabellescreations.com/images/B053%20Pink%20Gingham%20TrifoldS.jpg

[BooeyJ2]

more........

It will probably be way to hard to do an actual gingham cake, but you could always stick to lavendar and white and then add a REAL gingham bow to make it look like a big present and then just take it off before cutting the cake.


Here are some cakes with bows.....

http://www.acaketoremember.com/images/lavendar_gift_box_cake_12.jpg


http://www.itsjustdessert.com/soc/slides/Pink%20Bow%20Cake.JPG

http://www.bobbiesbaking.com/images/2-15-04-Cake2.jpg

[solongtogo]

Cute cakes!


I am also unsure how fondant would go over at a first birthday party... Do you think a present cake could be made with regular icing?


Buttercream icing can be made just to look as smooth as the fondant, just takes a lot of work.

[Kanga]

I am also unsure how fondant would go over at a first birthday party... Do you think a present cake could be made with regular icing?


It won't look as smooth as fondant, but you can still make it look like a present. Just use real ribbon and bows. Dots are easy to do. You could even have a tag on the cake done fairly easily.

[MichelleRenee]

http://www.partystuffonline.co.uk/largeimages/balloongiantbug.jpg

I'm sorry, but that does NOT look like a bug to me.:o

[LILRTL]

I'm sorry, but that does NOT look like a bug to me.:o

LOL I thought the same thing. :p :o

[Mickey&B]

I had a rubber duckie theme for my babyshower.
The cake with a close up of the center piece well half of it (off to the left), which was a tub filled with blue water and some clear plastic bubbles and of course rubber ducks. We also had those huge rubber ducks everywhere
http://images1.snapfish.com/34697749%3A%7Ffp33%3B%3Enu%3D3249%3E979%3E%3A5%3A% 3EWSNRCG%3D3233693489465nu0mrj

The cake was buttercream icing with fondant ribbons and bows

The centerpieces
http://images1.snapfish.com/34697749%3A%7Ffp33%3B%3Enu%3D3249%3E979%3E%3A5%3A% 3EWSNRCG%3D3233693493559nu0mrj

The jacuzzi filled with rubber ducks
http://images1.snapfish.com/34697749%3A%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3249%3E979%3E%3A5%3A% 3EWSNRCG%3D3233693486%3B45nu0mrj

[Natrat80]

I am starting to doubt my original decision of telling people no gifts, but suggesting they could bring seeds or a plant for a garden for DD. I wonder if I should skip the cute poem and just say no gifts. Here's a photo of the rough draft of the invitation....share comments/criticism please!
http://images1.snapfish.com/346977532%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3238%3E8%3B9%3E8%3C%3B%3E WSNRCG%3D32336994%3B4%3C%3A5nu0mrj

[cartersmommy]

I Love This Idea!! So Cute!

[BooeyJ2]

Natrat - VERY cute! My only suggestion would be to change the petals on the flowers to solid colors so that just her face is the center of the flower. It looks a little weird to see a hand on the petal and stuff ;) Adding stems might be cute too :)

The poem is adorable. Good job!

[sophiapb]

Oooo, Natrat, I love that invite! Perfect!

[Natrat80]

Thanks everyone for your opinions. I'll work on the petals....off to explore publisher!

[rancherswife]

Darling invite natrat!

[rancherswife]

Still trying to come up w/ something cute for centerpieces for ds party...western theme, at a park pavillion...any thoughts?

[allyray231]

MichelleRenee LOL!! yeah doesn't look like a bug to me!

Natalie-Love the invite!

DS invites came-they look great! From www.birthdayinabox.com Have to get moving on the rest of stuff!

[BooeyJ2]

Still trying to come up w/ something cute for centerpieces for ds party...western theme, at a park pavillion...any thoughts?


How about mini bales of hay with horses and stuff?

Cowboy hats and sheriff badges with western confetti sprinkled around the tables?

Little cowboy boot, cactus and/or horse pinatas?

[rancherswife]

booey:Thanks, I love the mini bales of hay idea! That'd be cute. I've ordered confoti already too.

You guys kill me w/ creativity, keep the ideas comin'!

[Kanga]

I just saw this this morning on the Carol Duvall show. They could be used as favor boxes, or filled with candy for ballon weights or centerpieces.

http://images.scrippsweb.com/HGTV/2004/05/27/cds1653_1_e.jpg

You paint a paper mache box that you can get at any craft store, then use a background stamp to stamp onto a plain piece of paper. But instead of using ink, they used black acrylic paint thinned down with acrylic paint thinner. Then they put the stamped paper on the box and went over it with a decoupage medium. They also glued a ribbon around the edge of the lid and used the same type of ribbon to tie a bow on top.

more complete directions - http://images.scrippsweb.com/HGTV/2004/05/27/cds1653_1_e.jpg Of course you can always change the colors to make it more kid friendly.

[alienhost]

I just wanted to post the party. I found so many great ideas from this thread! The parties went great, DD did great and the weather was fabulous.

I threw two parties for DD’s first birthday, one was for her playgroup which was during the week. It was in the AM for an hour and a half. 10 moms and 11 babies. I did a small goodie bag for them. I made a simple invite but don’t have a picture.
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/4457f120za65847af/f769re2/__sr_/eb87re2.jpg?phAj_VEB9MuuewnL

The family and friends party was this past weekend and here are the details.

Party Time: 2-4PM
Theme: Books, Reading Library
Color Scheme: Pink and Green

invite:

This was a small booklet, booeyj inspired me to do a booklet w/ what her sister had done.
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/4457f120za65847af/f769re2/__sr_/f839re2.jpg?phAj_VEBg8.jCVP1

The inside cover had copyright info like you see in a book
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/4457f120za65847af/f769re2/__sr_/3935re2.jpg?phAj_VEB00jIKBwL

http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/4457f120za65847af/f769re2/__sr_/333ere2.jpg?phAj_VEBEsJJY0uw
The last page had a little library pocket that holds a card w/ the due date.
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/4457f120za65847af/f769re2/__sr_/13aere2.jpg?phAj_VEBMEn60RuN

I put a card in the pocket as a reminder of the details for the fridge, calendar etc. Also directions were in the pocket
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/4457f120za65847af/f769re2/__sr_/76a7re2.jpg?phAj_VEBK7jQkB0q

I used the Children’s book stamps to mail them

[alienhost]

Decorations
reading posters (idea from twinnyme:
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/4457f120za65847af/f769re2/__sr_/e609re2.jpg?phAj_VEBBKRczdxG
photos of DD from each month
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/4457f120za65847af/f769re2/__sr_/68b7re2.jpg?phAj_VEB.XPtmELN
pink roses
DD’s books on tables
confoti

Menu:
Mini Bagel Pizzas (Bagel Bites), Chicken on A Stick, Pigs in a Blanket, hummus/Pita/Carrot sticks, Chex Party Mix, Pretzels, Cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies,
bowls of Hershey’s kisses and Reese’s peanut butter cups, fresh fruit bowl

Kid’s Snack Bar:
Cheerios, Goldfish Crackers, Raisin Boxes, Animal Crackers, Juice Boxes
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/4457f120za65847af/f769re2/__sr_/62bfre2.jpg?phAj_VEBLXh_ltcj

[alienhost]

Goody Bags
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/4457f120za65847af/f769re2/__sr_/19e4re2.jpg?phAj_VEBhyVdDfIN

Under 1:
Birthday Rubber Duckie, small box of Cheerios, Small Maisey or Hungry Little Caterpillar Book (I had extras that also doubled as balloon weights), bubbles, stickers, bag of animal crackers

2-4 yrs
above PLUS: small KitKat, bag of candies, activity book, bookmark
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/4457f120za65847af/f769re2/__sr_/6c7ere2.jpg?phAj_VEB0H_g_Hjs
5-8 yr old girls
2 Angelina Ballerina books (50 cents at American Girl!), Birthday Rubber Duckie, bubbles, stickers, bag of animal crackers, small KitKat, bag of candies, activity book, bookmark, pencil, lollipops

10-14 yr old girls
bubbles, stickers, bag of animal crackers, small KitKat, bag of candies, activity book, bookmark, pencil and sharpener, lollipops, nail polish, toe separators, nail/toe kit w/ brush, file etc.

9-11 yr old boys
bubbles, stickers, bag of animal crackers, small KitKat, bag of candies, activity book, bookmark, pencil and sharpener, lollipops, tic tack toe or checkers mini game

Adults:
King Size KitKat (her nickname)
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/4457f120za65847af/f769re2/__sr_/20e6re2.jpg?phAj_VEBYQdIeFd8

[alienhost]

And the best, the cake was made by my neighbor who is a professional baker (wedding cakes). She did it as a gift for DD and what it was going to look like was a surprise. It was perfect! Take a look….the two thinner books are actually made of just fondant and sugar, we ate the thicker ones. I didn't want to cut it up!

http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/4457f120za65847af/f769re2/__sr_/4734re2.jpg?phAj_VEBpAh0Kk0J

The library card had our address (blanked out)

http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/4457f120za65847af/f769re2/__sr_/e4a4re2.jpg?phAj_VEBMxUwVwuJ

Thanks for letting me share!!!!

[alienhost]

Sorry, I'm having major problems w/ photobucket. Can anyone else recommend another site to host photos?????

[twinnyme]

Sorry, I'm having major problems w/ photobucket. Can anyone else recommend another site to host photos?????

I've been using flickr.com lately. I want to see your photos! Sounds like you had a couple of great parties! :D

[solongtogo]

Wow..alienhost..that cake is *amazing*!!

[alienhost]

Wow..alienhost..that cake is *amazing*!!

Thanks! My neighbor is the best, I still can't believe it. People didn't even realize it was a cake and it tasted sooooo good!

[tgray99]

That is a fan-freakin'-tastic cake!!!

[cynder]

alienhost I LOVE your theme. The pictures are so cool and that cake is awesome. Our invite is immediate family, 15 people tops, and I wanted to do some kind of book or card thing since the invites were store bought and my MIL is doing most of the party. Can I ask you what the copyright page said (you can leave out the identifying pieces)?



Thanks in advance.

[twinnyme]

The cake is DEFINITELY my favorite part - what an awesome cake!! - but everything looks great. You did a really nice job with the theme, and with the whole party(ies)!

[alienhost]

cynder THE PERSONAL INFO IN italics

Copyright © OUR LASTNAME 2006

This book was published by OUR LASTNAME Publishing. First published in 2006.

Design by ME

Photos by ME

Text by DH AND I

Party hosted by DH AND I

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written consent of the copyright owner.

ISBN 0-00427-200-5

Photos: page 1 (April 28, 2005), page 2 (April 30, 2005 and January 31, 2006),
cover, page 3 and pocket (February 27, 2006)

Printed in TOWN, STATE USA

[alienhost]

thanks for the compliments ladies, I had a lot of fun planning and throwing this party!

edited b/c I can't spell...

[PaulsGirl]

alienhost I can't see any of your photos.... :( :(

[DisneyGirl]

me either!

[DisneyGirl]

where is everyone findind all the cute pictures for different theme ideas? I'm looking for some cute ideas for my DD butterfly theme party..Like favors or maybe a center peices..anything cute..

[BooeyJ2]

alienhost - Awww poo, I can't see your pics either! :(




char423 - I got your PM about luau ideas. Let's see if I can help. We did a hawaiian/luau themed party for my IL's anniversary a few years ago. We didn't go crazy, but added a few touches here and there...



Hula girl stakes and tiki torches....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v147/BooeyJ2/IMG_0018.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v147/BooeyJ2/IMG_0007.jpg

Tiki candles.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v147/BooeyJ2/IMG_0016.jpg


We also asked all of the guests to wear something hawaiian and we gave each guest a lei when they arrived. As you can see, they all arrived in their hawaiin best....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v147/BooeyJ2/IMG_0027.jpg




Let me know what colors/theme you are looking for. Hula girls? Tikis? Surfers? All?....and i'll help look for more. I just don't want to post a bunch of stuff in a totally different direction of what you're thinking of. Just let me know :)

[char473]

Booey - you are quick!

I am ordering the luau invites from inababycarriage.com, and my primary colors will be bright pink, green, yellow, and purple, with somewhat of a kid underlying theme. I like hula girls and surfboards, and hibiscus flowers. And I like the idea of having everyone wearing Hawaii type shirts:) Thanks again!

eta: My big issue is finding a cake. For whatever reason I can't find any:(

[BooeyJ2]

In the meantime, here are a bunch of cute things that would go with any theme/color scheme...



*COCONUT BOWLS* -
http://www.plumparty.com/partysupplies/18691.html
These would be really cute as centerpieces or just on tables, counters, etc filled with candy, snacks, or even sand with little hawaiian cocktail picks (with pineapples, umbrellas, hula girls, etc) in them.



*INFLATABLE UKULELES*
http://party-favors.makesparties.com/Catalog.aspx?intDisplayableCategoryID=935&intDisplayableProductID=55675
These would be fun to just have all around. I'm sure kids AND adults would get a kick out of these. Plus they add decoration as well ;)





*TABLE SKIRTS*
http://www.orientaltrading.com/otcweb/application?namespace=browse&origin=searchMain.jsp&event=link.itemDetails&demandPrefix=12&sku=34/283&mode=Searching&searchDestinationJSP=/search/searchMain.jsp&erec=7&D=luau&Dx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntt=luau&N=0&y=0&x=0&Ntk=all
These would be cute around the tables and/or counters

[BooeyJ2]

Gotcha ;) GREAT choice with Amber at inababycarriage! She's awesome.

I'm on my laptop (Mac) and don't know how to "right click" and post pics, so you'll have to forgive me for all of the linking.



*FAVOR BAGS, ETC*

http://www.orientaltrading.com/otcweb/application?namespace=browse&origin=searchMain.jsp&event=link.itemDetails&demandPrefix=12&sku=34/737&mode=Searching&searchDestinationJSP=/search/searchMain.jsp&erec=3&D=luau%2Bbag&No=24&Dx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntt=luau%2Bbag&N=0&y=0&x=0&Ntk=all



http://www.orientaltrading.com/otcweb/application?namespace=browse&origin=searchMain.jsp&event=link.itemDetails&demandPrefix=12&sku=14/103&mode=Searching&searchDestinationJSP=/search/searchMain.jsp&erec=4&D=luau%2Bbag&No=24&Dx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntt=luau%2Bbag&N=0&y=0&x=0&Ntk=all



http://www.orientaltrading.com/otcweb/application?namespace=browse&origin=searchMain.jsp&event=link.itemDetails&demandPrefix=12&sku=46/573&mode=Searching&searchDestinationJSP=/search/searchMain.jsp&erec=7&D=luau%2Bbag&Dx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntt=luau%2Bbag&N=0&y=0&x=0&Ntk=all


http://cgi.ebay.com/Set-of-5-Hawaiian-Gift-Party-Favor-Bags_W0QQitemZ9515791107QQcategoryZ102419QQssPageN ameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



http://www.orientaltrading.com/otcweb/application?namespace=browse&origin=searchMain.jsp&event=link.itemDetails&demandPrefix=12&sku=46/1432&mode=Searching&searchDestinationJSP=/search/searchMain.jsp&erec=2&D=luau%2Bbag&No=12&Dx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntt=luau%2Bbag&N=0&y=0&x=0&Ntk=all



http://www.orientaltrading.com/otcweb/application?namespace=browse&origin=searchMain.jsp&event=link.itemDetails&demandPrefix=12&sku=46/1432&mode=Searching&searchDestinationJSP=/search/searchMain.jsp&erec=2&D=luau%2Bbag&No=12&Dx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntt=luau%2Bbag&N=0&y=0&x=0&Ntk=all






You could always do cups instead of bags....
http://www.orientaltrading.com/otcweb/application?namespace=browse&origin=searchMain.jsp&event=link.itemDetails&demandPrefix=12&sku=46/32&mode=Searching&searchDestinationJSP=/search/searchMain.jsp&erec=10&D=luau&Dx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntt=luau&N=0&y=0&x=0&Ntk=all





Inside the favor bags be sure to include "Hawaiian Punch", Chocolate covered macadamia nuts and some other hawaiin type items.

[BooeyJ2]

*DECORATIONS*.....

http://www.orientaltrading.com/otcweb/application?namespace=browse&origin=searchMain.jsp&event=link.itemDetails&demandPrefix=12&sku=25/1529&mode=Searching&searchDestinationJSP=/search/searchMain.jsp&erec=0&D=hula%2Bgirl&Dx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntt=hula%2Bgirl&N=0&y=0&x=0&Ntk=all


http://www.orientaltrading.com/otcweb/application?namespace=browse&origin=browseProductMain.jsp&event=link.itemDetails&demandPrefix=11&sku=25/466&xsaleSku=25/1529&mode=Searching




http://www.orientaltrading.com/otcweb/application?namespace=browse&origin=browseProductMain.jsp&event=link.itemDetails&demandPrefix=11&sku=34/105&xsaleSku=34/447&mode=Searching




http://www.orientaltrading.com/otcweb/application?namespace=browse&origin=browseProductMain.jsp&event=link.itemDetails&demandPrefix=11&sku=34/669&xsaleSku=34/105&mode=Searching




*DD's OUTFIT*

How cute would it be if you cut the skirt shorter and had her wear this? :)
http://www.orientaltrading.com/otcweb/application?namespace=browse&origin=searchMain.jsp&event=link.itemDetails&demandPrefix=12&sku=34/322&mode=Searching&searchDestinationJSP=/search/searchMain.jsp&erec=6&D=luau&No=108&Dx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntt=luau&N=0&y=0&x=0&Ntk=all



http://www.achildscloset.com/ProductImages/0000000ickyspring2004/IckyBabyPinkHawaiinDress.jpg


http://www.parkavenuesteals.com/220/products/ua5013.jpg


http://imglib.com/freead/upload/42202X_8086617627_42202X.jpg




Hawaiian/luau's are actually very easy themes. There is tons of hawaiin stuff on Oriental Trading, Rhode Island Novelty and also at Party City.

[char473]

Thanks so much booey:) I am loving orientaltrading.com. Now it's time to shop:)

[vjel]

alienhost, your party turned out wonderfully, great job! And LOOOOOVE that book cake, that is amazing! :)

booey, if you haven't started already, perhaps you should become a party planner in your spare time. ;) you're the queen of finding stuff for everyone's ideas!

[alienhost]

I'm confused as to why some can see the pictures and some cannot. I used yahoo above.

Ok I reposted the pics on page 92 from flickr. Now I can't see the yahoo ones either, so strange.....

[Kanga]

alienhost - I can't see either one:( FWIW I use winkflash and haven't had any problems.

This one is kinda hard to see, but it's a luau cake

http://thepartyworks.com/images/franni-lunchlady.gif

Also, I can't remember where I saw it, but there was a pic of one of those doll cakes. It had a grass skirt and then they stuck an asian barbie doll in the top. Here's a similar one so you can get an idea.

http://images.allrecipes.com/site/allrecipes/area/community/userphoto/big/11734.jpg

A mermaid one
http://www.aboutthecake.com/a9cd2f40.jpg

Oh here's one like I saw!
http://www.aboutthecake.com/edc5a180.jpg

[allyray231]

Alien I can't see the pics!!

Wow this thread is moving

Ok still lost on a centerpiece It is only for one table and I do not like the paper ones. Any ideas? We are a Seasme Street theme.

[LIZNKEITH]

Ally,
What about some plush pals that Aiden can play with later? Or can even be given away as prizes if you plan on doing games.

$7.99 at TRU
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000F7S2PS.01-A3T7DP7IJ54S2Q._SCMZZZZZZZ_V56196348_.jpg

$5.49 at TRU
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000F9J4CG.01-A3T7DP7IJ54S2Q._PE25_SCMZZZZZZZ_V56457370_.jpg

$14.49 at TRU
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000BGT6LW.01-A3T7DP7IJ54S2Q._PE19_SCMZZZZZZZ_V56281352_.jpg

$5.95 at TRU
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000FG26B0.01-A2F41ION7MHB6O._SCMZZZZZZZ_V53783006_.jpg

They have many more also. You could bundle a couple of them together and tie some helium balloons to them.

[LIZNKEITH]

Or this, from shoppbs.com
$4.99
http://qpbs.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pG01-1953950reg.jpg

And here is one for a 1st Birthday:
http://partymerchant.makesparties.com/images/ProductImages/1207CM.jpg

[allyray231]

Thanks Liz I have a few plush toy for him now-any idea how I could display them?

[BooeyJ2]

Liz had some great suggestions. For the plushes, you could always just set them up and have confetti around them and maybe a few balloons tied to them.





Some other ideas...


If you are afraid the plushes might not sit/stand up on their own, you could always do PVC figurines...

http://i22.ebayimg.com/02/i/06/da/be/c6_1.JPG

http://i4.ebayimg.com/04/i/07/02/f1/67_1.JPG

http://i5.ebayimg.com/01/i/07/0c/33/44_1_b.JPG


Those images are from Ebay, but sometimes they have figurines at Party City and stuff. If you want to look on Ebay, just type in "Sesame Street PVC" and you'll find a bunch.




If you want to go a cheaper, easier route, you could do 1 sesame street mylar ballon surrounded by regular color coordinating latex balloons...

http://www.bloomingbritain.com/webcat/pics/small/berthead.jpg

http://www.expressballoons.co.uk/webcat/pics/thumbs/erniehead.jpg

http://birthdayexpress.speedera.net/images.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/assets/product_images/e7027.jpg


They pretty much have every character. I've seen some at Party City and even grocery stores like Ralphs and Albertsons.

[allyray231]

BooeyI love the figurines! We are getting the Elmo face balloon-the only thing I can't really have anything high. There is a low light above the table.

[BooeyJ2]

More balloon ideas......

http://www.balloonsgalorelansing.com/baskets/images/Item413.jpg

http://www.balloon-gift.com/Foil/3in1/np_sesame_street_birthday.jpg

http://www.balloonhq.com/photos/db/images/web/2267-1101592268.jpg



You can find lots of these mylars and other SS balloons on Ebay...
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2 F&fkr=1&from=R8&satitle=sesame+street+balloons&category0=

[BooeyJ2]

Ahhh gotcha.

Since you need something low, CleverCookie makes these cookie baskets. They are pricey, but maybe you could make your own?....
http://www.clevercookie.com/images/large/ss_bday.jpg
http://www.clevercookie.com/detail.aspx?ID=1015




Another simple (and edible!) centerpiece, is a cupcake tower. I made one for my nephews Star Wars party by adding plastic Star Wars rings.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v487/KatieMary/IMG_4307.jpg


Here are some SS ones you could add...
http://1accessory.com/catalog/SesameStreet/4920-915L.jpg

http://i12.ebayimg.com/01/i/03/4e/c9/7d_1_b.JPG

http://i7.ebayimg.com/02/i/02/9e/5a/cc_1.JPG
http://cgi.ebay.com/Sesame-Street-ELMO-12-Party-Cupcake-Cake-Rings-Favors_W0QQitemZ6028452012QQcategoryZ19229QQssPage NameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[allyray231]

Ahh yes! Cookies!! I was looking for a basket but couldn't find a SS one. I have cookie baskets for my baby shower.
Cupcakes--good idea too!

ETA-Oh not for 54 bucks though!!! :)

[PaulsGirl]

I'm confused as to why some can see the pictures and some cannot. I used yahoo above.

This is snapfish. If you couldn't see the ones on pg 88, can you see this one? I'll repost more later if this works. There's got to be an easier way. :)

http://images1.snapfish.com/3469897%3A3%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3236%3E97%3B%3E289%

ETA: I can't even see this one...ok, I'll be back later to try and resolve.

Still can't see... :(

[LIZNKEITH]

Going along with Booey's edibile centerpiece,

You could get a round basket and secure the plush critters to it, filling it with candy bars wrapped with these:

Ebay $7.99:
http://i7.ebayimg.com/05/i/06/c7/37/37_1.JPG


Or, you could get one of those foam things they use for floral centerpieces, and make your own chocolate lollipops using these molds. These are bert & Ernie, but they also have Elmo it looks like.
Ebay: $3.00
http://i4.ebayimg.com/05/i/06/a5/fb/1b_1_sbl.JPG

[BooeyJ2]

Still can't see... :(

Me neither :( and I even tried right clicking, copying and pasting :(

[allyray231]

Ohh thanks Liz! That would be a good idea! and take care of favors ;)

[usafwife]

Anyone know anything about making invites using Paint Shop Pro? I tried making up some but I couldn't get it figured out. If someone can help me or point me to someone that can it would very appreciated. Thank you.

Also, looking for centerpiece ideas for Classic Winnie the Pooh theme as well.

ally ~ Making the suckers is really easy. I've done it many many times and they very easy. Just make sure that you don't get the chocolate too hot when melting it. Once you've poured the candy into the mold, tap it gently on a counter or table a couple of times to remove any air bubbles. Then either put it in the freezer or the refrigerator to let them set up faster. Once they've set up remove the mold from the freezer/frig, turn it over and gently tap it to remove the candies. Michael's and Hobby Lobby (and any cake decorating store will have the molds to buy). Feel free to ask me any questions you have about making them if you decide to go that route.

[Cr8nme]

Here are some pretty cakes in no particular theme...

http://www.butterflycakes.com/cakes2/17.jpg

http://www.butterflycakes.com/cakes2/16.jpg

http://www.butterflycakes.com/cakes2/09.jpg

http://www.butterflycakes.com/cakes3/14.jpg

[Cr8nme]

http://www.butterflycakes.com/cakes3/07.jpg

http://www.butterflycakes.com/cakes3/05.jpg

http://www.butterflycakes.com/cakes3/15.jpg

[Cr8nme]

If my theme is butterflies what are some things I can put in the boys favor bags?

[Natrat80]

I'm so frustrated with Publisher...I'm trying to make DD's invitation and I can't get the photos right! Sorry, I had to vent! Meri I was about to offer to help you, but I don't have Paint Shop pro after all. Sorry

[LIZNKEITH]

Meri,
What about doing a honey pot floral arrangment for your centerpiece? Here is one on Ebay for only $4.99 but ends tomorrow:

Ebay Honey Pot (http://cgi.ebay.com/FTD-Disney-Winnie-the-Pooh-Ceramic-Hunny-honey-Pot_W0QQitemZ6625452620QQcategoryZ1377QQrdZ1QQcmdZ ViewItem)
http://i20.ebayimg.com/03/i/06/da/fd/41_2.JPG

[Kanga]

cr8nme - What about doing the chocolate sucker thing? You could do butterflies as well as other bugs so it's not so girly.

[alienhost]

ok, I'm trying this again with flickr.

Theme was books, library, reading/colors were pink and green
Invites

http://static.flickr.com/46/139955031_4da7d8db8a_m.jpg
inside - the right side had copyright info like a real published book
http://static.flickr.com/47/139955032_f6e3beba75_m.jpg
little story about DD inside:
http://static.flickr.com/51/139955033_97a44e5d3a_m.jpg
the party info on the left and a library pocket on the right that held a reminder card and directions:
http://static.flickr.com/51/139955034_7c846add93_m.jpg
reminder card that had basic info for people to hang on the fridge etc. I used a rubber stamp to show the "due date" of the rsvp.
http://static.flickr.com/56/139959693_416ef238b5_m.jpg

[alienhost]

decorations

photos of DD taken each month on her 'birthday'
http://static.flickr.com/49/139997407_87848f7ed3_m.jpg

reading posters:
http://static.flickr.com/52/139959690_7c219c8fd0_m.jpg

kiddie snack bar (cheerios, animal crackers, goldfish, raisin boxes)
http://static.flickr.com/47/139959688_3306786bfd_m.jpg

cupcake tower:
http://static.flickr.com/51/139959691_54a1c6ff52_m.jpg

[alienhost]

goody bags:
from her playgroup party:
http://static.flickr.com/55/139958842_75ddef8341_m.jpg

regular party (see page 88 for what was included if you are interested)
http://static.flickr.com/48/139958847_120e9f9029.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/51/139955036_c1d0d75cb9_m.jpg

grown-up favors: KitKat is her nickname:
http://static.flickr.com/51/139955035_633b48646c_m.jpg

[alienhost]

and finally the cake, which was made for us by my neighbor who does wedding cakes for a living. She did not tell us what she was doing in advance and it was perfect. In fact it was nicer than my own wedding cake (baked by someone else).

http://static.flickr.com/54/139958845_0b26dd6590.jpg?v=0

the library card had our address on it which I blanked out.
http://static.flickr.com/49/139958846_ab0c093611.jpg?v=0

The Goodnight Moon and Curious George were not edible (just fondant and sugar) but the two bigger books were delish...
Thanks for letting me share, I hope everyone can see these, if not let me know and I'll trouble shoot again.

[BooeyJ2]

AWESOME JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everything turned out fantastic and that cake is TOO cool!!

P.S - Is your DD chinese at all? :)

[Club924]

great job alienhost! love the decorations and attention to detail you put into everything! OMG, the cake is amazing! so are you ready to plan DDs 2nd party :D ?

[alienhost]

AWESOME JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everything turned out fantastic and that cake is TOO cool!!

P.S - Is your DD chinese at all? :)

Thanks BooeyJ2, and yes, DD is 1/2 Chinese (from me) and mostly Italian and German from DH's side.

great job alienhost! love the decorations and attention to detail you put into everything! OMG, the cake is amazing! so are you ready to plan DDs 2nd party
Thank you! Yes, I think I should start thinking about next year soon...:D Can never start too early!

[PaulsGirl]

Alienhost WOW! Great job, Mama! You did a splendid job. Thanks so much for reposting the photos for us!! You can see the love that went into everything. :)

[allyray231]

OMG Alien that cake is amazing!! Everything looks great!

[Kanga]

That cake kicks butt alien! You can't even tell it's a cake. I love the idea of a kiddie snack bar too.

[alienhost]

luau these paper goods are cute.

http://www.giantpartystore.com/images/I547022.jpg

available here: www.iparty.com search on "hula girl"

I did a luau theme for DH's 40th - we also asked everyone to wear a hawaiian shirt. We had leis, served mai tais with umbrellas, had pineapples as decorations (would be good for balloon weights), macadamia nuts, etc.

You could send a flip flop as the invite (attaching the info).

I ordered a ton of stuff from Oriental Trading for DD's first and DH's luau party.

Here's a coupon code for you:

Order online by 11:59 p.m. CT, May 9, 2006, and get free standard shipping on your purchase of $60 or more, within the contiguous U.S. Shop any link in this email, or enter key code WC75118 during checkout. This offer is not valid on purchases made with any other offers.

ETA: Thanks to all for all the compliments on DD's party and cake! You all are so sweet! :)

[lil_nance]

alienhost Everything looks amazing. That cake is beautiful. Where did you get the birthday ducks? I want them for DS's party.

[Cr8nme]

Alien everything came out perfect...what a beautiful cake!

[alienhost]

usawife

classic pooh center piece how about a plush w/ balloons tied to it?
from target
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0006PKWK2.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg

I like the honey pot idea too...

ETA: what about a classic pooh picture frame w/ a pic of your DD?

check out ebay, search on "classic pooh frame" - there are quite a few

http://i8.ebayimg.com/01/i/07/03/70/35_2.JPG

[alienhost]

alienhost Everything looks amazing. That cake is beautiful. Where did you get the birthday ducks? I want them for DS's party.

thanks! the ducks are from Oriental Trading Company item #IN-16/789

http://www.orientaltrading.com/otcweb/application?namespace=search&origin=searchMain.jsp&event=button.search&Ntt=birthday+rubber+duck&Ntk=all&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&N=0

[alienhost]

allyray how about this elmo frame w/ DS pic in it? on ebay:

http://i17.ebayimg.com/03/i/06/63/c8/3c_2.JPG

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sesame-Street-Elmo-Frame-by-Gotta-Getta-Gund_W0QQitemZ7749890384QQcategoryZ100224QQssPageN ameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[BooeyJ2]

Thanks BooeyJ2, and yes, DD is 1/2 Chinese (from me) and mostly Italian and German from DH's side.




She is adorable! :)

[LIZNKEITH]

Great job, Alienhost!! Everything really came together! I love the cake!! That's gotta be one of the coolest cakes I've ever seen. I love the idea of the kiddie snack bar, too!

[rancherswife]

Wow!
Alien- Fabulous job! :)

[Sasha]

Alien - That is the neatest cake I have ever seen! You did a great job!

[kelseyledare]

Other than Wal-Mart, what type of stores carry scrapbooking papers? Michaels maybe?

[L-O-V-E]

Michael's, Joannes', and ACMoore are the craft stores near me. We also have several specialty scrapbooking stores.

eta: Oh, and Target also has an aisle of scrapbooking papers near the card section...

[caramello]

Believe it or not, I've also seen scrapbooking paper at the Dollar Tree store. Obviously the selection is limited!

[Natrat80]

maggie do you have a Hobby Lobby? They have a huge selection.

invitation I think this may be my final draft (personal info taken out ;) )
http://images1.snapfish.com/34699%3B497%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3238%3E8%3B9%3E8%3C%3B% 3EWSNRCG%3D32336%3A%3A5%3B9693nu0mrj
or this one
http://images1.snapfish.com/34699%3B565%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3238%3E8%3B9%3E8%3C%3B% 3EWSNRCG%3D32336%3A%3A5%3A%3B4%3A8nu0mrj

[twinnyme]

Natrat80 - I love both the invitations - they came out GREAT! - but the one with the flower stems just draws me so much more, I'm not sure why. I just really like how it looks!

[Club924]

not sure if anyone was doing a "dinosaur", "safari", or "farm" theme, but these are on sale for $1.99 at BabyStyle (http://www.babystyle.com/common/dProductDetail.asp?pmid=18484&dept=37) with an addtl 30% off.

http://www.babystyle.com/images/product/18484_MID_l.jpg

Here is the description from the website:

"These cool plastic tubes are bursting with fun, full of awesome animal pals that kids will love to play with.

A great present topper, choose from dinosaurs, farm or safari animals to instantly spark imaginative play!"

would work great as party favors for the boys, centerpieces to hold balloons, or maybe cake decoration. HTH!

[LILRTL]

Natrat, those are absolutely adorable!!! :) I don't think you could go wrong, but I like the ones with the stems better. It's like a finishing touch. :D

[alienhost]

She is adorable! :)

Thank you, we think so too! :D

Everyone, thank you so much for all of your compliments!!! :D The kiddie snack bar was a last minute idea. It was a big hit. I didn't have many under one at the bigger party or I would have put out Puffs and Wagon Wheels too. Tip - buy some paper or plastic bowls, I had those out for the kids so there was less spillage of food. Also I bought some of the First Years disposable sippy cups, in case anyone forgot theirs.

Natrat Adorable invite, I love the poem. I think I like the ones with the stems slightly better as well. Nice job!

[vjel]

I think a few pages back there was talk about a rubber duckie themed party. I was at Michaels earlier today and they had quite a few rubber duckie things in there $1 section...squeaky rubber duckies (I made the mistake of giving my DD one and she kept squeezing it, SO annoying!), a board book where the duck is attached to the last page and there are cut outs on each page so it goes all the way thru the front of the book (hope that makes sense), candle tins, note pads and maybe some other things.

Natrat, your invites turned out great. I think I like the one w/ stems better too!

[kimthebride]

Ok still lost on a centerpiece It is only for one table and I do not like the paper ones. Any ideas? We are a Seasme Street theme.
I'm doing Sesame Street, too, and for the centerpieces I bought 1 of the full-sized character mylar baloonns (so Elmo standing, Big Bird standing, etc) per table, and will surround each with 2 colors of latex balloons. I'm getting very simple balloon weights, then surrounding the weights with the Sesame Street Smiles Elmo cone hats. Takes up less space on the table, and everyone can take one with them. Plus a cute photo op. :) On eBay just type "Sesame Street Mylar Balloon" and you'll get a ton of results.
If you have low-hanging lights over the table, how about winding the balloons around the cable the light hangs from??

Party City sells edible sugar Elmo faces for decorating cakes. If you did cupcakes, you could pop one on each for cheap. I think I got about 8-10 for $3.

[jrdhbunny]

alienhost- I'm late, but everything for your party was amazing!!! Love the cake!

[cr8zyforaf]

Natrat - great invites. I am also doing a flower theme I think!! I also like the ones with the stems a bit more...

[allyray231]

Thanks kim!

[cynder]

Beautiful ideas here! You guys are really resourceful. Anyone have a good site to buy a stylish "One year old" T shirt or something clever for a little boy. We are having an outdoor party so I think t shirt and jeans would be appropriate for him.

[PaulsGirl]

Beautiful ideas here! You guys are really resourceful. Anyone have a good site to buy a stylish "One year old" T shirt or something clever for a little boy. We are having an outdoor party so I think t shirt and jeans would be appropriate for him.

How about these?
from www.birthdayexpress.com
http://birthdayexpress.speedera.net/images.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/assets/product_images/E7044.jpg
http://birthdayexpress.speedera.net/images.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/assets/product_images/E5102.jpg

[alienhost]

cynder I made DD a t-shirt to wear over her outfit during the cake. She also wore it to open her presents the next day. It says "It's fun to be one!" and has a cake under it.

I used Avery T-shirt transfer paper and ironed it on a $5 Old Navy T-shirt. I got the clip art on-line. Really easy and cheap!

picture removed...
alienhost- I'm late, but everything for your party was amazing!!! Love the cake!

thanks!

[alienhost]

for those with a pink & brown theme, Old Navy had this dress and sweater which was very cute. Although the largest size I think is 6-12 months so if you have a smaller baby it might work...

http://www.oldnavy.com/Asset_Archive/ONWeb/Assets/Product/381/381078/quick/on381078-00qlv01.jpg
http://www.oldnavy.com/Asset_Archive/ONWeb/Assets/Product/381/381123/main/on381123-00p01v01.jpg

[meimei710]

Hi! :) Just signing on here because there's sooooo much great ideas! Too much that I now don't even know where to begin!! :confused:

DD is almost 8 months which leaves me only FOUR MONTHS to plan this wedding ..err I mean, birthday party! :D I had such a blast planning the wedding that I'm taking this first birthday way out of hand and turning it into a black tie event almost! LOL!:rolleyes: But hubby says, not if he can help it. :o

Thanks for sharing so much great information, I hope I can be of help here too! OMG, I only have four months!!! :eek:

[meimei710]

Oh! And hi everyone from LJ! :p *waves* Man, we just all end up in the same places over and over again don't we!? :cool:

[kimthebride]

Anyone have a good site to buy a stylish "One year old" T shirt or something clever for a little boy. We are having an outdoor party so I think t shirt and jeans would be appropriate for him.
Depending on how motivated you are....;)

DH is Mr. Sports, so for DS's bday i am going to buy a plain white shirt, go to the mall, and have the stitching kiosk do some work for me (you know, the people that makes the personalized hats etc?):
- "LASTNAME" across the back shoulders (think hockey jersey) with a big 1 under it as his team number
- the front pocket will have "THOMAS:Birthday Boy" as his name

[texmama]

Alienhost -
Did you take a picture of each child on that goodie bag? HOW CUTE!!

[alienhost]

Alienhost -
Did you take a picture of each child on that goodie bag? HOW CUTE!!

Heaven's no, I'm good, but not that good :D . That's a picture of DD. But that is a very cute idea (filing away for next year and making a mental note to start taking pics of the other children:D ).

kimthebride I love your t-shirt idea, I can't wait to see pics!

[NYN]

appaman is a clothing line that has a collection called "plus minus" where the shirts have the number 1, 2, etc. i bought DD the "1/2" one for when she turned 6 months. i don't have time to search now but i saw them at the babystyle store in the mall and i think rawsugaronline.com sells them.

[texmama]

Thanks for the cake ideas! I'm going to use the Big #1 with the bugs on itfor everyone and then the one in the upper right hand corner for her to smash: http://thepartyworks.com/images/product_images/medium/ladybug28_med.jpg
Here's a link to the invite I'm going to order:
http://www.sweetpeagreetings.com/inc/sdetail/194
You can see where I got the color scheme from.

Yeah- I'm going to stay away from the lady bug stuff b/c of the colors but they sure are cute.
I thought of using these cute foam picture frames from Oriental Trading that say: "Cute as a Bug" on it as favors, but I don't know.. any other ideas??

[texmama]

Heaven's no, I'm good, but not that good :D . That's a picture of DD. But that is a very cute idea (filing away for next year and making a mental note to start taking pics of the other children:D ).

kimthebride I love your t-shirt idea, I can't wait to see pics!

That's a crafty idea! Was it hard to do? That might be a cute idea for our party.. but I something fairly easy to do.

[alienhost]

texmama It was very easy...I took a wallet sized shot and glued it to the bag. I got my wallet prints at costco.com with a birthday border. They come 4 to a 4x6 sheet for 17 cents a sheet. If you belong to costco you can pick them up at the store. Shutterfly also has wallets but they cost a bit more. The circles are the stickers from www.confoti.com that I ordered when I got the confetti.

The bug theme is cute! I actually bought a craft from Oriental Trading for the older kids to make (bookmarks) but they never did it b/c it was so nice out. If you are having some older kids it might be fun to have a craft project, I think BooeyJ's sister had one for her parties. That way you don't have to make all the frames to give away and people can do their own.

[texmama]

Thanks for the info! I think I might try out what you did! I was going to order some of that confoti and put it in with the invites and stuff. I thought you just punched the picture out with a circle punch.. maybe that would work, too.

[BooeyJ2]

Thanks for the info! I think I might try out what you did! I was going to order some of that confoti and put it in with the invites and stuff. I thought you just punched the picture out with a circle punch.. maybe that would work, too.


A cheaper alternative to the round Confoti sticker labels is to print your own. My sister printed some for Paige's invites....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/More%20pics/Newest%20Pics/IMG_3260.jpg

She just bought the round sticker labels at Staples or wherever. They come on a sheet and look like this....
http://www.worldlabel.com/labelpics/ol325.gif

They come in all different sizes, so you can print a different pic on each size or whatever to have more variety ;)

[alienhost]

BooeyJ I didn't even know they sold round stickers in sheets like that. I've seen the full sheets before and thought of printing and punching but that seemed like way too much effort. :) Good to know for next time. I did it all last minute so it was just as well I got the confoti but I'll have to look for some of those stickers the next time I'm in staples. They would be nice to seal evelopes as well.

[Cr8nme]

Booey~ I was wondering if you had your DD's dress for her party made or di you buy it somewhere...I am looking for something really cute and unique for Noelle's first birthday...my theme isn't polka dots though it's butterflies.


ETA: Was wondering...if I wanted to have a photo card printed what type of paper would I need to get?

[texmama]

A cheaper alternative to the round Confoti sticker labels is to print your own. My sister printed some for Paige's invites....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/More%20pics/Newest%20Pics/IMG_3260.jpg

She just bought the round sticker labels at Staples or wherever. They come on a sheet and look like this....
http://www.worldlabel.com/labelpics/ol325.gif

They come in all different sizes, so you can print a different pic on each size or whatever to have more variety ;)

Thanks! Since I have lots of time, I might just try that!

[QPDoll]

Saw this online, thought it was amazing!

http://www.cakechannel.com/images/1b.gif

[BooeyJ2]

Booey~ I was wondering if you had your DD's dress for her party made or di you buy it somewhere...I am looking for something really cute and unique for Noelle's first birthday...my theme isn't polka dots though it's butterflies.


ETA: Was wondering...if I wanted to have a photo card printed what type of paper would I need to get?


Actually one of my AWESOME LJ/CC friends let me borrow it. She had bought it for her daughter and it was brand new, she hadn't even worn it yet. She offered and it was perfect! The brand was Paulina Quintana (www.PaulinaQuintana.com).


As for photo cards, i'm not sure is you mean regular pictures printed on paper or actually Kodak type paper.


texmama - No prob :)

[tgray99]

Hey all, just wanted to post a few pictures from Aidan's parties this weekend. She had 2, one on Saturday for friends here at our house and one on Sunday for family and adults at my mother's house.

http://static.flickr.com/44/142537562_529b205720.jpg?v=0
Plate and "Wish Bucket" sign-in table

http://static.flickr.com/51/142537564_4eedab7ff6.jpg?v=0
Gift table

http://static.flickr.com/51/142537565_4dc670fc4e.jpg?v=0
Her majesty's throne

http://static.flickr.com/55/142537566_fee6f1726b.jpg?v=0
Food table

http://static.flickr.com/56/142540254_1088b3ca09.jpg?v=0
Sign (I covered up the Disney princesses with scrapbook paper and brads)

http://static.flickr.com/55/142540255_6ac2c12d7a.jpg?v=0
The plate I painted for her and the bucket of favors (decorated cookies)

Posting...

[tgray99]

http://static.flickr.com/51/142540256_7459263357.jpg?v=0
Mommy and her baby

http://static.flickr.com/49/142540257_9c9457f49d.jpg?v=0
Sportin' her "Birthday Princess" crown

http://static.flickr.com/51/142550116_8f1ca9bee9.jpg?v=0
Her cake (from Super Target)

http://static.flickr.com/51/142540258_e70bbf38c6.jpg?v=0
Startin' to chow down on cake

http://static.flickr.com/48/142543949_e1ce5fb3db.jpg?v=0
Messy baby!

http://static.flickr.com/45/142540260_efdcb9a8ba.jpg?v=0
We got her a personalized bat at the Louisville Slugger Factory/Museum that says "Happy 1st Birthday Aidan BXXXXXXX May 9, 2005." She likes to chew on it.

Posting...

[tgray99]

These shots are all from my parents' house.

http://static.flickr.com/45/142543950_9da4341215.jpg?v=0
Cruisin' in her new red wagon that my parents got her

http://static.flickr.com/52/142543951_e2069bcb60.jpg?v=0
Food table

http://static.flickr.com/55/142543953_ada85ca84f.jpg?v=0
Mommy and baby (and I'm on the phone with Ryan...which is why I look so happy!)

http://static.flickr.com/52/142543955_96291ebfda.jpg?v=0
Opening prezzies

http://static.flickr.com/47/142543957_4f43d52154.jpg?v=0
Messy baby, again!

The pink and brown theme went over really well and everyone LOVED the confoti! My mom made her dress and the high chair cover is from www.1stwishes.com.

[fifibee]

Great job, tgray99! The majesty's throne is adorable. I see that you incorporated the color scheme for everything, including her outfit AND shoes! Love it! :D

[LIZNKEITH]

Everything looks great, tgray! I love her little throne. LOL!

[allyray231]

tgrayGreat job!!

[Cr8nme]

Here is what I was thinking for a photo card
What kind of paper willt ake this kind of printing? Should it be a glossy card stock??? I am clueless.

http://www.dawnbartondesigns.com/images/HL20_inside_bday.jpg

[twinnyme]

Great job, tgray99!

Pretty invitation idea, Cr8nme - I'm no help with paper suggestions, though!

[kelseyledare]

tgray: Aidan's parties looked great!! Everything was so well-coordinated and cute!

[Club924]

great party tgray99! everything turned out beautifully! love Aidan's dress!

cr8nme - love that invitation! you might want to check out the Envelopment Line...they have a product called the "Z-Fold" and it looks similar to what you posted:

http://images.costcophotocenter.com/346%3A34242%7Ffp6%3Enu%3D3236%3E863%3E%3A64%3EWSNR CG%3D32325586%3C4%3A%3B5nu0mrj

but i believe you can purchase an 11 x 17 cardstock to get the same effect as well (you would be able to print 2 invitations on 1 page, cut it in half and score them yourself rather than purchasing the z-fold).