First Birthday Party Ideas!

[manatee]

Solong, I'm anxious to hear the response from photoconfetti also. I ordered mine last week with rush and should be getting them early nest week. I'll let everyone know how they look once I receive them. Now I'm so bummed that they may not turn out nice.

[DianeCourt]

I love how everything turned out, Lora! What are you going to do with yourself now that the parties are over?!?!? :D

[Cr8nme]

Leelee17~ I almost didn't recognize you with the name change...I just wanted to see how you are adjusting to AZ? Have you found a scrapbookig store you like?

LILRTL~ Great party!! Everythig turned out perfect!! Love the theme.

I am still on the search for everything pink/orange and butterfly

[1_mommy]

LILRTL- cute party, the cupcakes are really cute, good idea. i like the idea with the sugar cookies frosted with the first initial. i think i may have to do that :)

leelee17, i will definetly post some pictures. i am so excited for the dancers, and they are actually pretty cheap, just asked for a donation to go towards their club

[abbytfox]

Just subscribing...

I have been lurking for a little while, but now feel like the time has come to really start some planning. Elliott turns 1 in November and we already have our room booked for November 18. I am obsessed with frogs and think that we are going to do a frog theme with blue and green. I already have seen some cute ideas that I am going to "borrow" so thanks for all the inspiration, ladies.

[Lora]

Hi everyone, I have been checking this site out for a while now. Everyones parties have turned out so nice! My ds will be 1 in Sept and I'm still tossing themes around! It doesn't help by dd will be 3 in Oct. I think I may do a construction 1st b-day theme. Use a lot off the birthday express site and have a lady we know make the invite with some of our favorite pics of him on it. I don't know what to dress him in! Any ideas for smash cake?

My dd is so much easier for me right now. We are having it at our zoo and using a Dora/animal theme. For favors I'm planning on ordering from Oriental trading comp the canvas art bags and getting foam animals to glue on each pocket. Write the childs name on the bag and put some supplies in it. I was going to hopefully get the lady one of you used to make a Dora coloring book with by dd pic on the front and put that in the bag. Also some Dora stickers and animal tattoos. I'm having trouble with ds because he really has no interest in anything yet. Sorry for the rambling! I'll keep you all posted!

[lelee17]

LILRTL- Awesome Party! Looks like so much fun!

Hey cr8 - yup, changed my username to match my LJ. We're doing pretty good, despite the heat. Thanks for asking. I haven't had time to visit any scrapbook stores yet since we're *still* unpacking. Figured, I better get settled first before I buy more stuff. ;)

[LILRTL]

Alright - I have the following things left over. PM me if you are interested!

20 assorted-colored leis (5 red, 6 yellow, 4 green, 5 white) - 2 for $0.50 or $8 for all
http://images1.snapfish.com/3477%3B%3A4%3C4%7Ffp357%3Enu%3D3275%3E%3A64%3E%3B6 %3B%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A367%3C3974nu0mrj
sold25 flip-flop beverage napkins - $2
http://images1.snapfish.com/3477%3B%3A4%3C4%7Ffp347%3Enu%3D3275%3E%3A64%3E%3B6 %3B%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A367%3C3976nu0mrj
sold2 flower leis (DH and I wore these) - $1 or child-sized blue and green lei - $1
http://images1.snapfish.com/3477%3B%3A4%3C4%7Ffp352%3Enu%3D3275%3E%3A64%3E%3B6 %3B%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A367%3C%3B%3C%3B9nu0mrj
serving plate - $1.50 (we used this to serve the sugar cookies
http://images1.snapfish.com/3477%3B%3A4%3C4%7Ffp353%3Enu%3D3275%3E%3A64%3E%3B6 %3B%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A367%3C%3B%3C%3B%3Cnu0mrj
sold50 blue unopened beverage napkins - $1
http://images1.snapfish.com/3477%3B%3A4%3C4%7Ffp357%3Enu%3D3275%3E%3A64%3E%3B6 %3B%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A36832323nu0mrj

continued...

[LILRTL]

sold unopened spoons - 1 blue, 1 green $2 for both
http://images1.snapfish.com/3477%3B%3A4%3C4%7Ffp34%3A%3Enu%3D3275%3E%3A64%3E%3 B6%3B%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A367%3C3977nu0mrj

sold large, square blue and green bowls - $2 each
http://images1.snapfish.com/3477%3B%3A558%7Ffp347%3Enu%3D3275%3E%3A64%3E%3B6%3 B%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A33285%3C8%3Bnu0mrj

[romansluv]

LILRTLGreat birthday party!!! I'm curious...what did you use on the cupcakes??? We are having a family reunion next weekend and it's a Luau theme! I think that would be perfect!

[solongtogo]

Still no word back from photofetti....it's been quite a few days.

[cr8zyforaf]

b@stards

[LILRTL]

romansluv We used white icing, and then crushed-up graham crackers. DELICIOUS! :D

[Astara]

Awesome birthday's everyone!!! Wow, I hope I do half as good as you ladies~ ;)

BeachBum That banner is awesome! You'll be able to use it over and over again as well~ I think I am gonna have to get one made from there too! Thanks for sharing~

I have no idea what theme exactly, I have a couple of ideas. I could do the pink & sage green color thing or I was thinking of maybe doing a tea party... who knows! :O) Too many choices! I'm glad we have this thread though~

[NYN]

LILRTL: party looks great but those cupcakes are super cute!

[abbytfox]

Here is the invite that I LOVE!

http://www.paperstyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/images/19-TTF-54-d.jpg

I think it would be super cute to do yellow, green and blue as the colors and incorporate frogs, too. I am having a hard time thinking about exactly what needs to be done (so thank goodness we have some time) Still, if I want the invites to go out about 6 weeks early (since the party will be the weekend before Thanksgiving) it is definitely coming up, fast!

So far I am thinking...
Yellow, Green and Blue balloons attached to stuffed animal frogs with contrasting ribbons
Green Frog cookie favor in a celophane bag tied with either blue or yellow tie
Rubber Frog favors in a big bucket/bowl (kind of like rubber duckies, but frogs)
Photo Banner of Elliott with photos mounted on yellow, blue and green paper

For food it will depend on the time of day, but most likely it will be pasta with 2 sauces, garlic bread and a huge salad. We will have veggie trays and maybe cheese and crackers for apps and cake for dessert. Also, I would really love to do a candy bar with candies in our colors. (I always wanted that for my wedding, but didn't have the budget...not sure I have it now, either, that may have to wait!) I am debating making the cake vs. ordering it from our neighborhood Safeway. They are actually pretty yummy cakes and for a 1st birthday they give you a free smash cake when you order a sheet cake (maybe that is pretty standard, but I still thought it was great!)

Any ideas (especially for a frog cake?) You guys have all put together the most amazing parties! THANKS!

[Cr8nme]

Abbytfox~ here are some frog cakes to give you some ideas...

Cup cakes:

http://coolest-birthday-cakes.shippony.com/images/animals/frog/cupcakes/frog-cupcakes-03.jpg

http://coolest-birthday-cakes.shippony.com/images/animals/frog/cupcakes/frog-cupcakes-02.jpg


http://coolest-birthday-cakes.shippony.com/images/animals/frog/cupcakes/frog-cupcakes-01.jpg

http://coolest-birthday-cakes.shippony.com/images/animals/frog/frog-cake-06.jpg

[Cr8nme]

more....

http://coolest-birthday-cakes.shippony.com/images/animals/frog/frog-cake-12.jpg

http://coolest-birthday-cakes.shippony.com/images/animals/frog/frog-cake-11.jpg

http://coolest-birthday-cakes.shippony.com/images/animals/frog/frog-cake-10.jpg

http://coolest-birthday-cakes.shippony.com/images/animals/frog/frog-cake-09.jpg

[Cr8nme]

http://coolest-birthday-cakes.shippony.com/images/animals/frog/frog-cake-02.jpg

[abbytfox]

Cr8nme Thanks for those great ideas! I have seen the first ones you posted and think those cupcakes are too cute. Not sure what to use them for though...I think I would rather do an actual cake than cupcakes for his 1st and cookies seem more appropriate as favors. I LOVE the first frog cake! I wonder if I could make that...THANKS!

[pgbg]

LILRTL I'm PMing you for some of your stuff for sale!

[Cr8nme]

Banner~ For those of you wanting a banner... I highly recommend www.admartprinting.com They also have a ebay store Admart Printing (http://stores.ebay.com/Admart-Printing-Services)

[Cr8nme]

Question~ Does anyone have any ideas for orange and pink centerpieces that I can use? The theme is butterflies... I can't figure out what to do!

[cartersmommy]

If I were you, I would do bright orange and pink gerbera daisies... you could do them in a pretty bowl (just the heads floating) or do a pretty flower arrangement on each table. I love gerbera daisies, esp. for summer!

[allyray231]

not sure this will help but this site has some butterfly favors

http://www.favorideas.com/wedding-themes/animal-themes/having-a-butterfly-wedding/

[Cr8nme]

Cartersmommy~ Thanks:D that is a good idea... That would be perfect!

[Cr8nme]

Ally~ I cross posted with you...I am going to check that website out now thanks!!

[Mickey&B]

cr8nme I was going to say the same thing about the Gerbera Daisies, you could add those cute little feather butterflies. I added these to my wedding centerpieces and everyone raved about how magical they looked!

[Cr8nme]

Mickey~ do you have a recommendation for the feather butterflies... can I get them anywhere?

[Mickey&B]

cr8nme I don't, I live in LA and I just got them downtown around the flower mart. I don't know if you are in LA but you might have something like it around you.

Let me do a search and see what I come up with.

[Mickey&B]

Here is just an example I found on this website. www.chinahandicrafts.com
http://www.chinahandicrafts.com/imgs/s03254.jpg
Holy crap I just looked into their prices they are major wholesaler, that won't work I'll keep checking but you get the idea.
Found these on ebay
here (http://cgi.ebay.com/48-Darling-Little-Feather-Butterflies-1-6-asst-color_W0QQitemZ120015338512QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphot ohosting) Much BETTER deal!

Okay there are a bunch on ebay. Just search feather butterflies!

[Cr8nme]

Mickey~ Thanks!!!

[HollyMN]

I'm finally getting here to post photos! Caleb's party was great! I got about half my ideas directly lifted from this thread. Thanks so much!!!!!

First post: The Preparations:

Caleb's birthday party theme was originally "lime green and blue polka dots", then mid-course I dabbled with a train theme, but I didn't really follow through. So you can see some of both themes in this party.

First the invitations: I made the invitation in Photoshop and the map card with Microsoft Visio.

http://www.calesota.com/images/misc6/invitebirthday.jpg

http://www.calesota.com/images/misc6/mapcardbirthday.jpg


Here's our front door:

(Thanks to Booey for this idea)

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/aug0506/1.jpg


Here's the big picture:

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/aug0506/2.jpg

We hung the lanterns, and also you can see the ribbon of dots on the right with some of my favorite pictures of Caleb this past year.

I took a photo each month of Caleb sitting in his infant carseat and hung that. Watch him grow:

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/aug0506/3.jpg

The guest of honor in his polka dot bib

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/aug0506/4.jpg

[HollyMN]

The food table

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/aug0506/5.jpg

Closer look

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/aug0506/6.jpg

The other side of the table

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/aug0506/7.jpg

The menu:
Sweet BBQ Chicken Kabobs
Black Bean Chili Salad
Key Lime Fruit Salad
Raw veggies
Pumpernickel Rye bread and French baguettes
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Chocolate covered blueberries/Goldfish Crackers/Gerber Puffs for the babies
Rice Krispy Bars
Chocolate Coconut Bars
Cake and ice cream
Lime Punch

We bought the breads, ice cream, chocolate covered blueberries and crackers - and made everything else. (most were very simple recipes)

Here's the outdoor part. It was way too windy at this point!

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/aug0506/8.jpg

I tried to make this cake (http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&wf=9&recipe_id=63740).

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

It turned out like this:

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/aug0506/9.jpg

[HollyMN]

The Jones Soda balloon weights. I didn't get the font quite right, but I figured no one would be comparing mine side by side with the original.

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/aug0506/10.jpg

I used the polka dot-stripey box as a "fishing" area. I took a rod and tied a ribbon to it and tied a magnet to the end. (I bought that special-order magnet in college for a lab project. I forgot I had it - interesting how having a one year old going through your drawers and shelves can help you discover stuff you forgot you had). Inside the box I had circles with numbers with paper clips attached and kids could "fish" for the circles and count up their score.

This box was originally owned by some artsy store owner who used it to display funky Christmas trees. It was broken and she was unloading it at a garage sale. I - uh - duct taped it.

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/aug0506/12.jpg

The text says
Fishing Game
Use the "fishing rod" to try your luck
Remove the bar from the magnet
Cast in the birthday box and reel in "coins"
Write your score with your initials

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/aug0506/11.jpg

The leaf! Some person originally bought this leaf at IKEA in the children's room section - they never used it and then sold it to me at their neighbor's garage sale for $4 (same person that had the birthday box). I assembled it and it was a great shade. I thought about keeping it for his future big boy bedroom, but that thing is just too big, so I may try to sell it somehow.

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/aug0506/13.jpg


Now that I've posted all that planning, I will admit, things were a little hectic the morning of the party, even with all my lists. His party was supposed to start at 12:30 PM. At 12:10 PM I was standing at the kitchen counter with the telephone in my right hand, while frosting his cake with my left hand, while wearing pajamas, with Caleb calling out for attention! At t-2 hours, DH said "the propane tank for the grill is empty. How is that possible?" That morning.... at 8:15 AM I was lying in my bed, waiting for Caleb to feel like getting up, thinking I had enough time. Happily, 90% of what could be done in advance, was done in advance. There was just so much that couldn't be done in advance and with some hindsight, that haunting 10%. The day before I left work a smidge early and picked up some green and blue daisies on my way home to scatter on the food table, instead of confetti. So the food table looks "empty" to me because of that. I do like how it turned out though.

At the last minute, I decided against doing candles for his smash cake. Here's Caleb going for his first piece of cake.

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/aug0506/17.jpg

[HollyMN]

Later in the party, Caleb accidently grabs the "smokestack" off his cake and goes for the marshmallow. It's good the party is winding down by this point:

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/aug0506/21.jpg

And after an afternoon of fun, Caleb concludes the party when he surprised us with his version of chopsticks - played solely with his feet! And I include myself in that "us" - I never play with that toy with him, so I didn't know that's how he played it (DH knew). He was so serious while playing, looking up for an occasional grin at his audience.

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/aug0506/22.jpg

And this is me. Now how many outfits is Caleb on by now?

http://www.calesota.com/images/caleb/aug0506/23.jpg

Thanks for looking at my photos, and thanks to EVERYONE who gave me ideas and answered my questions in the past months.

[abbytfox]

Holly Your party turned out great! I am new to this thread and already you have given me SO many ideas...I am sure I will have questions about how you did this and that. :) Your food looked so yummy and your cake is adorable. Great job! It looks like everyone had a good time...especially the birthday boy. Thank you for sharing!

[BeachBum]

Can you guys help me with invite wording? This is what I've got...

Join our family and a few close friends
and of course BeachBum's photo lens

We're having dinner, cake and fun
Henry Stephen is turning one

I want to convey that it is a small, intimate party. I don't want people expecting pony rides and clowns :) And I want the guests to realize that this isn't a social "event" and I haven't invited everyone that we hang out with.

Also I was going to make the time 6-8pm. Would it be rude to put "sharp". I don't want everyone showing up at 6:30 because I don't want the party to drag on so late. We are going to do it on his actual birthday which is a Wed night.

Holly-the party looked like a success. So cute! The food looked soooo good! YUM. and what an adorable birthday boy. That is so funny about playing with his toes :)

[L-O-V-E]

Holly & Lora - the parties look fabulous! Good job!

~Lori

p.s. I love the lanterns - I wish I did them now! :(

[pgbg]

HollyMN Your party looks fantastic!! I'm using the same color scheme...would you be willing to sell any of your leftover stuff (lanterns, utensils, serving bowls, extra balloons, etc.)? Also, how did you make your Jone's labels? I remember Booey doing it and someone (you?) had asked her for the template. Would you mind PMing me a template if you had it? I really loved how it looked. I didn't know they made blue and green soda!!
I also love your carseat picture idea -- I wished I'd done that all year.
TIA!

[abbytfox]

BeachBum I was thinking about this in my shower! What if you said:

We'll have dinner at 6 and then party until 8!

or something like that so guests knew that it was important to be there on time.

Or could you start at 5:30 with apps and refreshments and then dinner at 6 so if someone was a little late it wouldn't be too intrusive and you would still be able to finish by 8.

Gotta run, crying babe. I'll think about this some more. Love the wording!

[NYN]

Holly great job! I have to say, I actually like your cake better than the original. Impressive!

[Mickey&B]

Holly Great Party! Everything looked fantastic! I love that picture of Caleb at the piano!

[Kanga]

I haven't been here in several days because I was OOT, but I've decided on my menu (for now)

Cheddar broccoli soup
Chilli
Deli meat and cheese tray
Various breads to make sandwiches and condiments
Dh's homemade chip and tortilla chips
Watermelon basket or boat (http://z.about.com/d/homecooking/1/0/Q/L/melonbskt7sbs.jpg)
Chocolate fountain - people can use fruit from the watermelon basket, graham crackers, or pretzels
smash cake for dd

[HollyMN]

Everybody - thanks!!!!!! :D

PGBG - I would love to unload some of this stuff to be used again. There's one catch - at my party there were two moms with babies born in September and October, and in the moment, I just said "hey, you can borrow anything for your parties". Now they have girls so I don't even know if they are interested, so I just sent them an email to check with them first before I sell stuff.

That was me asking for a template. Booey didn't have hers anymore, so I made my own. It's not as good as hers, but it worked. I bought Green Apple Soda and Berry Lemonade. I bought it at our grocery store, but it's also at Target. I'm looking at mine and it'll take some work to modify because I must have merged the layers. Well, I'll send it your way, it might make an okay starting point. I used the "Arial Black" font that comes with Microsoft's stuff.

ETA: Can you PM me your email address? I can't send you an attachment through CC I don't think.

[cr8zyforaf]

HollyMN - every thing looks so good - I am also going to PM my email - if you wouldn't mind sending me the template?

[momama]

Hey, BeachBum, I came up with this:

Henry Stephen is turning one!
We're asking a few friends to come have fun!
Please join us for dinner and cake.
Dinner starts and six
And bedtime at eight

[ladybug]

Love, love, LOVE this thread!!!!:) DS is only 5 months but I am already planning the details in my head and religiously checking this thread for more great ideas. You ladies are awesome! I can't wait to start the real planning.

FYI, anyone doing the blue/green theme.... Target still has $1 paper lanterns in this color scheme with a sort of swirl pattern on them (green, blue, purplish mix) that come with the battery and all. Very cute for $1. I picked some up just in case. ;)

[BeachBum]

Oh that's cute momama! thanks for thinking of me. Abbytfox-that is so funny that you were thinking about it in the shower!

This is what I've come up with since then. I'm not sure if it's dumb.

Join our family and a few close friends
And of course BeachBum's camera lens

We’re having dinner, cake and fun
Henry Stephen
Is turning one

To celebrate adventures of this past year
Meet at our house for birthday cheer

We will eat at 6 and party ’till 8
September 6th is the date

Now I jsut have to come up with a cake idea. I really want to make something special....or at least that I put some love into :)

[dizylizy]

Holly- Everythign looks great! Love the Leaf! I heart IKEA! godd job on the cake. very impressive. may have to take a class for me to be able to do that.

[DianeCourt]

Ladies that are invitation wording goddesses:

I found the perfect invites on Ebay & I'm in the process of purchasing them. I'm going to go ahead & have the seller print them since it's included with purchase. I'm doing a pumpkin theme for DD's late October b-day. Can you PLEASE come up with something catchier than this?

It’s hard to believe that a year is almost done
Come celebrate at our pumpkin patch…
Lily Shay is turning one!

Saturday, October 21st
Noon
(our address here)

RSVP to (our names here) by October 14th
(phone # here)
(e-mail address here)

Thank you, thank you!

Editing to add another idea (I think I like this one better!):

It’s hard to believe that a year is almost done
Come celebrate with our Little Pumpkin
Lily Shay is turning one![

[DianeCourt]

I've got birthday on the brain today, I guess. I'm no Martha Stewart, but am thinking about trying to pull these off to go along with the pumpkin theme!

This could be a project for DH the morning of the party:
http://www.marthastewart.com/images/content/feature/ft_oct05msl07_t.jpg

How cute would these be for favors? I could fill them with foil wrapped chocolate balls or something. The biggest pain would be painting the faces on the jars, but maybe I can handle it...

http://a444.g.akamai.net/7/444/703/20040831200421/www.marthastewart.com/images/content/feature/ft_04halloween03_t.jpg

[amtaylor]

They will probably have jack-o-lantern stickers that you could use for the faces on the jars. That would definitely save you some time!

[Lindzee82]

Everyone's parties are so great!

I can't believe it is already time for me to start planning my son's first birthday party. *sniffle sniffle*

I am so completely overwhelmed. I have no idea where to even start. We are looking into renting some sort of hall because there will be like 80 people (I have a really big family) and no one's house is big enough. I am only going to have cake and icecream. No dinner or anything like that. I will probably have chips and dip type appetizers for when guests arrive, though. I have no idea what to do for a theme. At one year old my son doesn't really have a "favorite" thing. I want something really boyish though. I have a question regarding the Smash Cake. Does it have to be made with special ingredients so that the baby can eat it?

Well, I will be in here often trying to get all of my ideas together. I am off to search for inspiration!

[Cr8nme]

Want some opinions on this custom birthday hat for my DD

http://i6.ebayimg.com/01/i/07/62/4d/c9_1_b.JPG

[Lindzee82]

cr8nme - I think it is super cute and very girly! My son would totally be chowing down on the fuzz, though! haha! I really like it.

[JATTNJ]

This thread was soooo helpful for ideas when I was planning my ds's first bday party so I feel obligated to share some of my pics in the event that they will help someone else :D

We did basically did a beach ball / beach themed party. I had about 90 people in the backyard...rented tents and tables/chairs from a local rental place. I would love to post the invitations I got from www.inababycarriage.com but I don't know how to block out the personal info - can someone tell me how?

Anyway, here are the centerpieces....
I just filled buckets with sand, did the "lollipop" type things with different colored cardstock and his photos, and then primary color balloons with one beach ball balloon.
http://images1.snapfish.com/34786%3B275%7Ffp354%3Enu%3D3239%3E853%3E869%3EWSNR CG%3D3233%3A597%3B4563nu0mrjhttp://images1.snapfish.com/34786%3B275%7Ffp348%3Enu%3D3239%3E853%3E869%3EWSNR CG%3D3233%3A597%3A959%3Cnu0mrj
I also ordered from photofetti and was happy with the final product - it was a big hit! Oh....I also scattered some shells around at the last minute.

Here is the month-to-month clothesline....I took his pic in front of the same stuffed chair every month. Under the line on the table, was his 1 year picture matted for everyone to sign. (not in this picture though)
http://images1.snapfish.com/34786%3B275%7Ffp34%3A%3Enu%3D3239%3E853%3E869%3EWS NRCG%3D3233%3A597%3B455%3Cnu0mrjhttp://images1.snapfish.com/34786%3B275%7Ffp34%3B%3Enu%3D3239%3E853%3E869%3EWS NRCG%3D3233%3A597%3A959%3Bnu0mrj

to be continued.....

[JATTNJ]

for favors (which you can kinda see in the last pic)....I did beach pails with each child's name stenciled on. Inside was a shovel, goldfish crackers, a pencil that said "Anthony's 1st Birthday", a bouncy ball, coloring book, tropical shirt eraser, and bubbles Here's a better picture....
http://images1.snapfish.com/34786%3B374%7Ffp358%3Evq%3D3239%3E853%3E869%3EWSNR CG%3D3233%3A597%3B4497vq0mrj

For "entertainment", I had a kid pool filled with lots of beach balls....
http://images1.snapfish.com/34786%3B374%7Ffp34%3A%3Enu%3D3239%3E853%3E869%3EWS NRCG%3D3233%3A597%3A95%3A3nu0mrj
One of those jumping things shaped like a sandcastle....here's the bday boy inside of it
http://images1.snapfish.com/34786%3B374%7Ffp356%3Evq%3D3239%3E853%3E869%3EWSNR CG%3D3233%3A597%3C452%3Bvq0mrj
I also had sidewalk chalk, lots of bubbles, nerf balls, etc.
For the cakes, we had one seashell cake
http://images1.snapfish.com/34786%3B3%3B2%7Ffp347%3Enu%3D3239%3E853%3E869%3EWS NRCG%3D3233%3A597%3C%3B%3B69nu0mrj
one big bday cake
http://images1.snapfish.com/34786%3B374%7Ffp34%3A%3Enu%3D3239%3E853%3E869%3EWS NRCG%3D3233%3A597%3A95%3A6nu0mrj
a smash cake
http://images1.snapfish.com/34786%3B374%7Ffp352%3Evq%3D3239%3E853%3E869%3EWSNR CG%3D3233%3A597%3C452%3Cvq0mrj
and some cupcakes
to be continued.....

[JATTNJ]

I don't have pictures of the food really but everything worked out well....my dh is a caterer so he handled the menu.
For appetizers, we had:
chips, salsa, guacamole
pita and hummus
garlic shrimp skewers
tomato/mozzarella salad
and some chips in bowls around the tables

For dinner, we had
hamburgers and hotdogs
tortelllini with fresh tomato and basil
pulled pork
green salad
bbq and hot wings
chicken fingers for the kids
string bean salad

For dessert, we had the cakes I posted plus
fruit salad
fruit skewers
dixie cups and ice pops
I know there's more I just can't remember what else.
I made the white sangria reccommended somewhere else on these boards - huge hit!! We also had beer, wine, soda, water and juice boxes.

Here are some other random pics...I had lots of fun planning and implementing the party - enjoy yours :D
http://images1.snapfish.com/34786%3B3%3B2%7Ffp347%3Enu%3D3239%3E853%3E869%3EWS NRCG%3D3233%3A597%3B4566nu0mrjhttp://images1.snapfish.com/34786%3B3%3B2%7Ffp354%3Enu%3D3239%3E853%3E869%3EWS NRCG%3D3233%3A597%3A95%3A9nu0mrj....he was very cautious about digging into the cake;)

[vjel]

Holly and JATTNJ, FABULOUS parties! such great attention to detail!

cr8nme, love the bday hat, I think it would suit Noelle perfectly! ;)

[Lindzee82]

JATTNJ - Great party! I love everything you did!

[Mickey&B]

JATTNJ Everything looked fantastic!

Cr8nme I think that hat is great so girly! there is no way I could get AJ to keep it on!

[HollyMN]

Liz There are no skills needed for that cake - that was my prerequisite. I didn't even bake. Just smear on some whipped cream with food coloring and then stick on candy and cookies. It rocked. It took about 30 minutes, because that was all I had.

I think I've sent my Jones Soda Photoshop to everyone who wanted it - let me know if I've missed anyone.

DianeCourt - I love that pumpkin with the drinks. That would be a good idea for a regular Halloween party - now that I no longer have a B-Day party to plan.

JATTNJ - Looks great!

[LexyLou]

Great parties ladies!

Just and FYI for those doing pink and green if you are looking for more of a soft pink and soft green right now Target has a really pretty pale green selection of plates, napkins, cups and utensils.

Now I just need to find the right green ballon! I've found lime green, dark green and neon green but no pale green.

[Kiley]

I think I've sent my Jones Soda Photoshop to everyone who wanted it - let me know if I've missed anyone.


Holly, can you send it to me too? Thanks!

[Lindzee82]

We have decided on a theme! We are doing primary colored polkadots and stripes! Of course IParty.com does not have the pattern we chose online. I am hoping to go and buy the supplies this week so I will post pictures then. I have decided to make my own invitations and already made a mock-up of one on Microsoft Word. Once we get the word that the hall is booked (my mom is taking care of that since it is in her town) I will start working on them. For favors I am planning on making chocolate lollipops. Centerpieces are going to be balloons in gift bags. It is so neat to finally have a plan and to see everything coming together in my head. As long as I can stick to our budget we will be all set!

[charmcitygirl]

i lurked alot in this thread getting ideas for our party. we had it yesterday, and it was just family, about 20 people. i made the banner and flowers (they are tissue paper). we had hummus & spinach dip w/ pita and veggies, a green salad w/ candied pecans & goat cheese, grilled mozzerella, tomato & pesto sandwiches, fried chicken, tortellini salad, fruit salad, bday cake & ice cream, cookies. i am really happy how it all turned out, especially since i almost cancelled it due to dd getting sick and going to the hospital last wednesday.

http://static.flickr.com/91/215077980_712b6fcd13_m.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/66/215077983_a3eaad59af_m.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/63/215077984_0cae6bf7d8_m.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/82/215077985_196ddc1b81_m.jpg

[mcl]

charmcitygirl--nice job. how did you do the banner and the flowers. i might steal that flower idea from you. can you please share? thanks.

hollymn--can you please email me the jones soda template? i'll email you my email address. thanks.

[Brink]

I am so late in joining you guys. I see many of my fellow Sept. Mommies on here - I'm hoping I can get some help. We have recently moved and I haven't done a SINGLE thing for Aimee's first birthday party. The party will be on September 23rd.

How do you even pick a theme? The only thing she really likes is Barney and I don't really want to make it about that. We are having an afternoon BBQ at our new house. The party will start around 3:00 with dinner about 5:30 and swimming all day.

I love the invitations that Cr8nme did:

A year of smiles, a year of laughs
a year of diapers, a year of baths!

Join us as we celebrate Aimee's first birthday

I want to use something like that, but maybe incorporate the swimming party and new house in to the invite line. Anyone have any ideas?

I guess I need to get the invitations out by next week - wouldn't you think?

HELP!!!!!!!

[charmcitygirl]

mcl thanks! i made the banner using photoshop to create the letters, cut 'em out and pasted them onto construction paper. for the flowers, i cut squares of tissue paper...stacks of about 10 sheets, and folded them accordian-style. then i twisted floral wire around the middle to create a stem. then you just take each layer of the tissue and pull up to the center where the stem is, one by one. i used to make these when i was a kid all. the. time.

[Lindzee82]

This is the theme I am going with - stripes and polkadots:

http://images1.snapfish.com/347883668%7Ffp349%3Enu%3D3278%3E663%3E357%3EWSNRCG %3D3233%3A643643%3B5nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/347883668%7Ffp352%3Enu%3D3278%3E663%3E357%3EWSNRCG %3D3233%3A643643%3B6nu0mrj

I am going to use green, blue, red, orange, and yellow as accent colors for tablecloths, cups, silverware, balloons, etc.

Trying to keep things within the budget is turning into a very hard task. I am really going to have to size down the party. I wanted so much and I just don't see it all working out.

I am sure this happens with any party planning, but I find it very discouraging. :(

charmcitygirl - Great party!

[manatee]

Holly, can you send me the template as well? Thanks.

[HollyMN]

charmcitygirl That menu sounds delicious! I love the banner. I'll have to do that at the next birthday ;)

Kiley, mcl, manatee Can you PM me your email address? I'll send it out!

[solongtogo]

Well I finally heard back from photofetti. I emailed them a total of 4 times and called twice, and finally this morning, they say they will call today and reproduce my order. Considering the party is in 11 days...we'll see. The jackassery of it all has me seeing red.

[tgal]

Holly: I still have 6 months, but am lurking here to keep up on ideas. So, I would really like to have the photoshop version of the jones soda if you wouldn't mind.

[mommycal]

just wanted to join. Our 2nd daughter is turning 1 in OCT and I haven't thought of much other than I got EVERYTHING on clearance last year. We'll be having a snoopy themed halloween party. I even got a pinata for dirty cheap. MUST also get working on the slide show. I made an amazing slideshow for our first DD and it was a big hit.

[mommycal]

Holly, I'd love the template as well. PLEASE & THANKS! :)

[cr8zyforaf]

I received my photofetti last night - TOTAL CR*P...her head was cut off in half of the pictures and that was not the way I cropped them. I was totally disappointed and will be complaining as well.

[crow]

Holly, may I please have a template too? Your party looked beautiful! I will PM you, if you do not mind.

charm beautiful party!

[sem426]

thanks for all of the info re: photofetti. I will definitely not be purchasing anything from them. I'm sorry that you all had to deal w/them and their crappy product.

[solongtogo]

I received my photofetti last night - TOTAL CR*P...her head was cut off in half of the pictures and that was not the way I cropped them. I was totally disappointed and will be complaining as well.

Oh how nice. This is utter BS.

[cr8zyforaf]

Another question - I am a photoshop idiot..how in the heck do I use that template?

[Lindzee82]

I had wanted to order Photofetti. Guess I wont be ordering any now. I am sorry that you all are having such a hard time with them. Definitely complain and maybe you will get a refund or something. That stinks.

[scubasam]

HollyMN - May I please have the template as well? I will pm you - thank you so much - I really appreciate your kindness in sharing it! :D

I'm just starting to plan DS' 1st birthday, which will be Sept. 23rd. I'm doing a blue/turquoise/lime green theme and I love that so many of you have done it as well - it's nice to see so many ideas in how to put it all together. Honestly, I'm doing sort of a remake of our co-ed shower last year b/c I used the same colors for that. I didn't want a traditional shower so we had a big bbq at our home and decorated simply. So, since I had a lot of stuff left over, figured I can reuse it and "kid" it up a little. Party City has some really cute tropical fish stuff w/ some of the same colors so I'm going to incorporate a bit of that. I'm in total denial that he's turning one but I'm having a lot of fun planning!

If anyone has done a fish theme or has any ideas, I would love to see them!

[Medako]

I'm starting to gather some ideas for DS's birthday and I think we're going to go with a clown-ish theme. I'd love any ideas or pictures that might not be listed in this thread (I've taken a couple of days to read through and steal some pictures :) ).

More than real "clown"-like, I want bright bold colors. (We have a friend who is terrified of clowns and if there are too many she might not come.) But a clown cake, table and wall decor, favor ideas and menu are all up to suggestion.

So far I'm figuring lots of balloons, multi-color table ware, cotton candy, maybe some bright hanging lanterns.

Good thing I still have a few months to pull it together! :)

[ladybug]

I am quite a few months away still but found this link a while ago and wondered if anyone's tried them for photo confetti. Maybe a different option??

http://item.express.ebay.com/PHOTO-Confetti-1000-pc_W0QQitemZ230006390176QQihZ013QQcmdZExpressItem

[amtaylor]

Party City has some really cute tropical fish stuff w/ some of the same colors so I'm going to incorporate a bit of that. I'm in total denial that he's turning one but I'm having a lot of fun planning!

If anyone has done a fish theme or has any ideas, I would love to see them!

I just went to Party City and all of the tropical fish stuff is on clearance since the seasons almost over. Make sure you get it before it's too late

[kphillips4]

Such cute ideas!!!! My DD just turned one and we went with the first birthday theme and I also incorporated butterflies to a certain extent. Everything was very girlie, pink and lime green were the colors. I will post pics for you to see when I get near my camera.
For party favors I had personalized, individually wrapped iced cookies! Kind-of like these at this link... http://twosmartcookies.com/gallery.php?swid=30
I love the initial theme idea, that is sooo cute!!!!

[Cr8nme]

Ladybug~ I am thinking about using them as they have really good feedback and people seem to be satisfied.... they are $12 for 1000+ pieces is that a good price?

[ladybug]

Well, it's cheaper than photofetti and since people aren't satisfied there, I figure they are worth a try. Especially like you said, given the positive feedback. If they don't pan out, I will figure out how to make them myself. Can't be that hard right?!;)

[Cr8nme]

Well I just ordered some :p I can't wait to see them.. I have been ordering things like crazy for this party!

[ladybug]

If anyone has done a fish theme or has any ideas, I would love to see them!


I found these fish cakes that seem cute and pretty easy. Those are the colors I am going to use as well, but maybe incorporating dogs instead of fish.

http://www.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/planning/rainbowcake.asp


http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/special/cake/cake_fish/cake_fish.html

[sem426]

Well I just ordered some :p I can't wait to see them.. I have been ordering things like crazy for this party!

Please let us know how they look! If you are happy I'm going to order from there too!

[ladybug]

Well I just ordered some :p I can't wait to see them.. I have been ordering things like crazy for this party!

Ha ha...give me a few months and I will be right there with you.;)
Can't wait to hear how they turn out.

[HollyMN]

I think I emailed everybody my Photoshop image and also the jpg. It isn't a really a template - it's just my final version that I printed out if you want it to use it as a starting point. If you have access to Photoshop and have used it before (or other similar software), you can probably customize it without a ton of time or skills. For those with Photoshop, here's what I would do if I was starting over: If experts have a better way, go ahead, I've never taken a class or anything. I'm just posting my process.

1. Take a picture of your baby and then crop and reduce it until it is about 150 by 135 pixels (It should be about the same size as Caleb's picture, if your resolution is different, just reduce the image size until it looks right). Convert to Grayscale.
2. Copy/paste your baby's picture onto my Photoshop document and move it until it covers up the picture of Caleb.
3. Use the text tool and Arial Black 30 point font to type your baby's name in all caps. Move the text so it lines up over the Caleb lettering.
4. Adjust the tracking in the Character Window (font) to expand or shrink the spacing between the letters until your baby's name covers up the Caleb lettering. (The tracking is the drop-down menu in the Character/Paragraph window with a <-> under the A V. I didn't know what it was called.) Then go back to the Caleb background layer and use the pencil tool to fill in the Caleb lettering with the background color so it's gone.
5. Repeat the same thing for your date over the August 5, 2006.
6. Select and copy your label and paste over the other 8 Caleb labels on the page and print - you'll have 3 bottle labels per page.
7. Cut them out and tape them to a soda bottle.

Also, if that's too much work, I also noticed that Jones Soda has custom labels you can order here: http://www.myjones.com (http://www.myjones.com/) I wanted to make my own though.

[cartersmommy]

ok, so we're doing a monkey party as i have posted before. here our the invites!! I am super excited with how they turned out! what do you think??


http://images1.snapfish.com/3478935%3B%3A%7Ffp356%3Enu%3D325%3A%3E278%3E762%3E WSNRCG%3D3233%3A6%3C74%3A%3B77nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/3478935%3B%3A%7Ffp358%3Enu%3D3233%3E97%3B%3E745%3E 232497%3B836295ot1lsi

http://images1.snapfish.com/3478935%3B%3A%7Ffp347%3Enu%3D325%3A%3E278%3E762%3E WSNRCG%3D3233%3A6%3C737978nu0mrj


and a mock up of the tags that will go on favors.. not sure about the style yet.
http://images1.snapfish.com/3478935%3B%3A%7Ffp352%3Enu%3D3233%3E97%3B%3E745%3E 232497%3B8362%3A3ot1lsi

[HollyMN]

Those monkey invites are cute!

Jones Label peeps - I just thought of a better idea. I think since the attachment is over 2MB, it might be a problem to send it for some. I should have done this in the first place - the jpg and psd are on our server.

jpg (http://www.calesota.com/images/misc6/jonesblue.jpg)

or do a "save as"

photoshop (http://www.calesota.com/images/misc6/jonesblue.psd)

Now everybody has it.

[celina]

Those invites are awesome!

[solongtogo]

awww..did you make those monkey invites? How cute is that little monkey on there!!

[Lindzee82]

cartersmommy - Those invites are great! I love them!

[vjel]

cartersmommy, your invites are fabulous! did you use a monkey stamp?

[tgal]

Holly, thanks for providing the photoshop download! :D

[cartersmommy]

thanks girls!! yes, i used monkey stamps.... they are from stampin' up! now i just have to get the tag to look like i want it and come up with thank you notes that go with them! i am thinking of piling all his gifts in a cute way and have him sit on them and take his picture.... and then include one of him eating his cake... dunno yet!
thanks for the compliments girls!! :)

[solongtogo]

Well I finally heard back from photofetti. It appears to have a new owner as of yesterday, and she said that she is swamped with customer complaints as the old guy who ran it was awful. She was very friendly, apologized profusely, and guaranteed that I would have a new order to me by my party, which is in 9 days from now.

[manatee]

Just wanted to say that I got my photofetti order and it looked great! I ordered it a few weeks ago and had it rushed as my party was last weekend. The person I emailed with was Kim and she was pretty responsive. I can't compare to the quality of confoti or other websites but I personally thought they turned out really well. I think the new owner must have worked on my order. Solongtogo, I hope she fixes your pictures and get them to you in time. Let us know!

[mcl]

i need help!

can you guys please post where you bought your party supplies. i'm actually on the hunt for turqouise and brown birthday related stuff--plates, utensils, cups, decorations, platters. or if any of you used these colors in the past and you have items you want to get rid of, please pm me. thank you everyone.

[Eliezrah]

I got my themed stuff onlnie at birthdayexpress.com and my plain colored stuff at Party City.

[jesvet]

hey ladies,

Time for a new thread! This one is getting biiiig. We'll leave this open for a bit to answer the questions you have posted, but please post NEW questions in the new thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?p=925677#post925677). Thanks!

[Cr8nme]

I am here!

[Kanga]

mcl - I just went to Factory Card Outlet yesterday to browse and didn't see those colors or mine either (I wanted a darker pink than they had and brown), but I know booeyJ2 (or maybe somebody esle?) posted a link on here a little while back about a seller on ebay that has every color of balloon imaginable, so maybe check ebay?

ETA - I found turquise here (http://www.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/product.asp?sku=68103%2D100&mscssid=ERNGNTTXX1H29GKANVA2U6CKEVPE9WBD&ref=thumb), no luck on brown yet though.