First Birthday Party Ideas!

[Toonces]

I'm leaning toward a Gymboree party for DD's 1st birthday, but was wondering what other ideas you all have. I'd rather not have something here at our house. There will probably be 7-10 babies invited. Also, what do you think of a "friends party" and a "family party" or a combination/one party? TIA!

[ButterflyJen]

Hi Carrie! :)

I think we're leaning towards a combination party ourselves. We don't have a Gymboree around here. We're doing a watermelon theme (since Anna was born in August) and inviting family and a few friends. As for the rest - to be determined. ;) I've researched some cute cakes and things like that, but that's about it.

The amount of people is a bit large for our current place, so we're probably going to have to get a pavilion at a local park (must get on that).

[dana b]

we had our party at a park, since having it at our house wasn't an option. we hired a woman to entertain the kids (about 10 kids between the ages of 5 mos and 2 yrs) she was awesome and her routine was very, very similar to our gymbo class, parachute and all.

[Twylla]

Wow, Carrie! Planning a first birthday party already? Weren't you TTC just the other day? lol. Kidding of course, but time sure flies, especially when you have a beautiful girl like yours!

Enjoy your party!

[Toonces]

Oooh, I like the idea of a party at a paviilon in a park!

Hi back atcha, Jen! :)

Hey Twy! :) I know... only 3 months until she's one year old. Time sure does fly.

[kmmommy]

Subscribing since Kaeden will be 1 in August. I think I'd like to do an airplane or cop theme for him. Not too sure yet.

[ButterflyJen]

Yeah, still haven't checked into that pavilion....

must.get.off.constantchatter..... :)

[ez2luv]

Just subscribing......need ideas come Sept......

[Cohl]

We are having a luau theme. There won't be that many little kids there, so I wanted to make it enjoyable for the adults too. We are also renting one of those big, inflatable bouncy things for the kids to play on.

[lady1297]

Oh we're unoriginal. We're doing cars and blue and white streamers as Edward's theme! :) And BBQ foods!

[Phen]

We're having a shrimp boil for the boys' first birthday. We figured this particular party would be more for us than for the kids, so we'd do something not so obviously kid-like. I was originally wanting to do a pirate-themed party, but decided to "save" that for a year when the kiddos would be better able to appreciate it (my aunt told me a story about doing up a fabulous Wizard of Oz themed party for her daughter's second birthday and her now ten-year-old daughter doesn't remember a bit of it and keeps complaining that they didn't do the party when she was older and could remember it.).

Everything will be based on those red-and-white checked picnic tablecloths, so we're having red and white balloons, red chinese lanterns, red buckets to ice the drinks, and the cake(s) will be white with a red-and-white checked pattern on the sides.

Please pray for a nice cool day with no rain! This is not an indoor kind of party.

~ Phen

[cpbride8203]

I saw this cake in Parent's magazine Patchwork Cake (http://www.parents.com/articles/family_time/4387.jsp?page=4) and was just planning on building everything else for the party around it...pink, blue, yellow, green plates, etc. Just hope I can make the cake! Not planning to copy it exactly...not putting baby's 1st in the center, so we shall see!

These are the invites I am going to order:

First Birthday Invite (http://www.finestationery.com/product.cfm?prod_id=10817&fss_id=16032005104713056046938468793&cat_id=32&subcat_id=5&cat=5)

We plan on having the party at our new house, so it will be a combo housewarming/1st birthday party, with family and close friends. My BIL has one of those inflatable bouncy things from Costco, so he is going to bring that and I am going to hire this balloon man that did another friends party (he made a motorcycle out of balloons that the kid could wear). So need to check on that and table/tent rentals. Must have a tent for the old folks so they aren't in the sun!

[cpbride8203]

This site has a lot of cute things:

Kids Party World (http://www.kidspartyworld.com/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi?search=action&keywords=FNTB1&template=BirthdayPartySupplies/C000_gen.html)

I definately think we need one of these!

http://www.kidspartyworld.com/media/images/funtobe1/21904-44.jpg

[AttyGrl74]

For Nora's first on 9/15 we're going to do a small-ish party with a Rubber Ducky theme since she loves her duckies.

I think we'll do it probably at our house on the deck or maybe at a park - we won't have more than 15 guests, I don't think.

I'm sad and excited all at the same time!

[Sidsou]

Atty I saw the cutest cake for a rubber ducky party in Family Fun magazine about a month or two ago. It looks like a tub with rubber duckies floating around. It is basically two layers of a 9x13 rectangle cake with the top layer's middle carved out - iced in white. The put blue jello cubes - I'm assuming like finger jello to be the water, and "floated" real duckies on it. They used a licorice pipe for the faucet (upside down) and marshmallows and some other candies for the knobs. So cute. Not sure if it would be too much work for a small party, but it sounds like it could be a fun project and not too difficult.

For DS's 1st birthday we're thinking of doing a dog theme/Clifford theme.

[mia's mama]

So, I did a search, but came up short...

I am in the early planning process for my daughter's first B-day party. Wondering if you guys would be so kind as to share what you did for your kiddos: themes, invitations, cake, pictures of the actual party, etc. would be great!

We are planning on having about 30-35 people in our backyard (mostly family/adults, with a few kids). I'm not so into "themes" myself, but do want to somehow coordinate the invitations/cake/decorations...

Just need a starting place!

[Renrel]

I had one friend buy or borrow some small inflatable ball pits and they were a big hit.

You can get lots of inexpensive favors and decorations at orientaltradingcompany.com

I put out fruit loops in bowl figuring it was like chips for kids. But many moms might concider that a petri dish for kiddie germs.

Concider having a small cake for your child to eat alone or with a few other small kids, it could be a great photo op. Hands digging in, icing on the face.

Have a few disposable sippy cups around.

[LTJC]

We actually had two birthday parties for DS - one in Boston (where I'm from) and one in CT (where we live). We basically replicated everything for both. Between the two parties, we had about 80 guests - DH has a HUGE family.

Theme: Baseball
Invitations: Ordered baseball cardstock and printed out at home, sealed with a Red Sox or Yankees sticker, depending on the invitees affiliation. :)
Cake: Large sheet cake with a baseball field and figurines by local bakery. Dozen baseball cupcakes.
Decorations: Red, white, and blue streamers, tablecloths, and balloons.
Favors: Inflatable balls and bats from Oriental Trading Company and baseball "eggs" filled with candy packaged in a red and white striped popcorn bag.
Treats for Adults: Chocolate lollipops I made myself that said "I"m 1!".
Food: Ziti, salad, chips, 6 foot long hero sandwich with different fillings. Other party was catered by Panera.
Thank you cards: Ordered on ebay, personalized with a little slugger.

Martha's Kids magazine awhile back featured a cute and simple daisy theme, focusing not only on the flower, but the yellow and white colors - perfect for a little girl. Here's a site I like: www.plumparty.com - Good luck!

[vjel]

We had 2 parties too. One for friends (about 60 folks) and one for DH's family and his mom's friends. :rolleyes:

we didn't have a theme either. At that age, my dd wasn't really into any characters/cartoons. I made the invites myself (nothing really fancy just printed party info on pink cardstock and wrapped it in polka dot vellum and tied w/ ribbon), we hung lanterns and spiral thingys over the dining room table where we set out all the food, had one big flower centerpiece and bud vases (actually apple juice bottles I had saved) placed around the table.

here's a pic
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d720b3127cce93a4c00275d200000016108AbMWbJu2Zs0

I made a small cake for my dd to "blow out" her candle and then bought a sheet cake from Costco (only $15 bucks and it feeds like 40) for everyone else. In the end, I decided against favors b/c ages of kids varied so much I didn't want to deal w/ finding age appropriate things. I would check out Target's Dollar section, I've seen cute potential favor stuff there.

Maybe go to a place like Party City and check out their decorations. Maybe you'll see something there that will inspire a theme or ideas for how you want to decorate?

ETA: most of the kids at our party were young, but we did have a handfull of older kids (age 5+). We bought this Monster Ball thing from Target to entertain them with ($20). It's basically a big blow up basketball hoop and big inflatable ball to shoot. We bought 4 extra rubber balls for $3 each maybe?

[mom_to_zoe]

I picked "dogs" as the theme for Zoe's first birthday party because she loves dogs. Seriously, "dog" was her first word. I found invitations with a poodle on them at a card store; I ordered doggie paper goods from Birthday Express: served hot dogs for lunch (plus side dishes of course); had the birthday cake decorated with pictures of dogs; and for goody bags, I made sugar cookies in the shape of dogs and gave out little doggie fingr puppets. We had about eight little kids and their parents. For entertainment, I hired a local kid's singer to come and do a 45 minute show for then kids. They loved it! It was a cute, low-key party.

[mia's mama]

Cute, Cute, Cute ideas ladies! Keep them coming!

Renel Ohh...ball pits! GREAT idea!
LTJC- The daisy idea is a good one! Very sweet, and perfect for a little girl who's not yet into characters etc. Maybe I can track down that old Martha somewhere!
Vjel- I love, love, love the lanterns! Where did you buy them?
Mom to Zoe- I was thinking of hiring the singer who teachers my daughter's music class to entertain...how did the little ones like it? Where they at all interested? The only kids at our party will be 3 and under.

[mom_to_zoe]

Oh, the kids loved it. They were mesmerized. I'll try to post a pic tonight if I have time -- we're going out of town tomorrow, so I might not. But the singer, who was also teaches a kids' music class, sang songs that the kids knew and had brought maracas and scarves and blew bubbles, so it was perfect for one-year-olds.

[BooeyJ2]

DD won't be 1 for another 6 1/2 months....but I was already thinking of her 1st b-day when I was pregnant! LOL

We're going to do an "asian" theme (DD is chinese, scottish and filipino).....chinese lanterns, bamboo and panda bears :) I've already figured out what we're going to do for invites, food, cake and decorations.

We'll save all the real "themes" (circus, cowgirl, ocean, ect) for when she's older.

[mia's mama]

I found these on Martha's website...pretty freakin' cute, so I though I'd add them here...
"Color" Theme...this one's kind of fun since we didn't know we were having a girl until she is born...EVERYTHING was gender neutral, so I can make up for it now ;)
http://a444.g.akamai.net/7/444/703/20050301195450/www.marthastewart.com/images/content/feature/ft_spr05msk12_1_t.jpghttp://a444.g.akamai.net/7/444/703/20050301195510/www.marthastewart.com/images/content/feature/ft_spr05msk12_2_t.jpg
"Initial" Theme (maybe I'll do a pink "M" theme) :D
http://a444.g.akamai.net/7/444/703/20050228214128/www.marthastewart.com/images/content/feature/ft_spr05msk14_1_t.jpghttp://a444.g.akamai.net/7/444/703/20050228214140/www.marthastewart.com/images/content/feature/ft_spr05msk14_2_t.jpg

[mia's mama]

These are really cute for boys, though they could totally work for a girl too...
http://a444.g.akamai.net/7/444/703/20050302175943/www.marthastewart.com/images/content/feature/ft_spr05msk11_1_t.jpghttp://a444.g.akamai.net/7/444/703/20050228203432/www.marthastewart.com/images/content/feature/ft_spr05msk11_2_t.jpg
http://a444.g.akamai.net/7/444/703/20050301195759/www.marthastewart.com/images/content/feature/ft_spr05msk13_1_t.jpghttp://a444.g.akamai.net/7/444/703/20050301195812/www.marthastewart.com/images/content/feature/ft_spr05msk13_2_t.jpg

[mia's mama]

This is also a cute idea...
http://a444.g.akamai.net/7/444/703/20050228220703/www.marthastewart.com/images/content/feature/ft_spr05msk17_t.jpg

From marthastewart.com :


P Is for Picture-Perfect Party Supplies


Why buy decorated paper cups, napkins, and goodie bags when you can turn heads with your own? With stickers featuring the smiling face of the birthday girl or boy, they’ll have an adorably fitting design. You can use a basic word-processing program to format and duplicate your child’s photo before printing it out onto sheets of round labels. Then put the stickers on plain supplies or anything you wish to spruce up, such as candy wrappers.

Stickers How-To
You’ll need sheets of round labels and an ink-jet printer. Scan a photo into your computer, or take one with a digital camera. You can use photo-editing software to isolate your child’s face and resize it, if necessary, or just cut it out before scanning. Follow the instructions on the label box for creating a layout that will fit the sheet of stickers. Using your word-processing program, cut and paste the photo into the layout. Print out onto labels.

[mia's mama]

This is from Martha's weddings...but a cute cake for a birthday girl too right???
http://a444.g.akamai.net/7/444/703/20050624154644/www.marthastewart.com/images/content/weddings/062805_wed_cake01.jpg

[mia's mama]

Invitation Ideas....

These could work with the "Pink M" theme...I'm sure I could "baby" them up a bit with some pink print and child-like font...
http://www.paperbuzz.com/inhouse_images/cas_75911_sample.jpg

This is pretty cute too....
http://www.paperbuzz.com/inhouse_images/eh_brightmedallions_sample.jpg

[Phen]

We had a shrimp boil party for our boys' first birthday party last month. We had over a ton of friends and family and boiled up some shrimp. Mmmm! I guess my theme was red, white, and blue (their birthday is a week after the 4th of July), so I had those red-and-white checked tablecloths everywhere, red and blue balloons, red and blue plates and cups, etc. Even the boys wore outfits consistent with the "theme."

The cake table
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d928b3127cce92f8ed45ab8700000016108QZN2TNm4bQ

One end of the tables and the drinks
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d928b3127cce92f808dfebf700000016108QZN2TNm4bQ

Matchy-matchy birthday boys
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d928b3127cce92f8eaed6a8400000016108QZN2TNm4bQ

I rented tables and chairs from a party supply place, and got most of the party goods from Oriental Trading Company.

It was a wonderful time, if I do say so myself. ;)

~ Phen

[dana b]

i love the last invite you posted.
the daisy party from ms kids was really cute.
i also like plumparty.com -- got a lot of stuff there. have you been to papersource? just walking around there might give you inspiration, i know i couldn't get moving until i found a starting point.
i would totally hire the woman to entertain the kids. we hired a woman who did a gymboree type show, she was great -- gave the kids instruments, played the guitar, sang, blew bubbles. the kids were mesmerized and the parents got to sit, eat and socialize -- the kids were set up in the center of all the tables. she put noa in the middle of the parachute and everyone rocked her and sang happy birthday -- one of the sweetest moments ever!
you may have seen some of these, i think you had asked about the lanterns.
the table with the goodie bags and noa's monthly photos
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d824b3127cce925519efa12b00000016108AasmLhs3bsx
the cake. we did a pink/asian/year of the monkey theme.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d824b3127cce92553eaf60d000000015108AasmLhs3bsx
kids enjoying the show
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d824b3127cce925575be207c00000026108AasmLhs3bsx
and the invite
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d826b3127cce925f584b90c500000026108AasmLhs3bsx
the kids table
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d824b3127cce92552d0ba1d500000015108AasmLhs3bsx
the other tables. on the tables were confetti made from pictures of noa's first year from confoti.com (www.confoti.com). everyone loved it, they were trying to collect all of them.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d824b3127cce92553b81206400000015108AasmLhs3bsx

[vjel]

mia's momma, Martha had some GREAT b-day ideas in that issue. I wanted to do that pink theme but thought it would work better when dd was older. I LOVED the daisy theme (the little girl's name was Daisy which is what inspired the theme obviously)...SUPER cute. If I had the money and energy to do what they did at that party, I would've. Another idea she had, and that I actually tried, was flower shaped rice krispy treats. I stuck them w/ BBQ skewers and stuck them in galvanized buckets (she stuck them in a bowl made from rice krispies) I got from Target for $1. HOWEVER, both times I made them they didn't last on the sticks AT ALL. Not sure if I put too much marshmallows in my batches or what, but it was practically a "disaster". I was so disappointed they didn't work out b/c I thought it was a really cute idea!!!

Anyway, I got the lanterns from different places actually. Some form Party City, Factory Paper Card Outlet and quite a few from Target (again the $1 section). The spiral thingys came from Party City.

[December27JJB]

Wow I love these pictures! Makes me want to celebrate DD's birthday already haha.

There are some cute invitations on http://www.polkadotdesign.com/catalog/Baby_Child/Party_Invitations

I love the latern idea. You could pick out an invitation with polka dots to go with the round laterns. Just a thought.

http://www.polkadotdesign.com/site_images/copying_this_file_is_prohibited.gif

http://www.polkadotdesign.com/site_images/copying_this_file_is_prohibited.gif

[mia's mama]

Phen- How CUTE are A & T? I love that picture of them in their crowns! Great idea for the shrimp fest...perfect for July babies :D

Dana- <<<sigh>>> I remember those pictures well...to be honest they are what made me decide to go "all out" for Mia's party. I started off thinking we do imediate family only...keep it totally low key, and now look! ;) So beautiful and chic, yet still babyish. Perfect. You're right about papersource...I need to get over there. I always end up spending a ton of money b/c I can't keep my hands off their stuff...I'm sure it will totally inspire me. Thank you for the confoti info! I am totally doing that...do you have a closeup of the favor bags? Would love to see more! Thank You! :)

Vjel I have GOT to get my hands on that Martha issue! Is it still on the stands? Anyone know?

December- A TON of cute invites on that site! Thanks!

[Phen]

Hey girl, they used to sell back issues of the various Martha mags on her website, but I know for sure you can find them on eBay. Here's a link to current auctions for them (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&from=R10&satitle=martha+kids+magazine&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&bs=Search&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=ZIP%2FPostal&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=).

~ Phen

[April1234]

Hi Ladies! I am subscribing..DD is turning one November 20 and I cant figure out what theme I want to go with! :rolleyes:

Her name is Lily so Iwas thinking about a frog/lilypad and fairy theme.

Maybe a harvest theme since its so close to Thanksgiving...

Any ideas would be helpful..I am loving those lanterns!!! So cute!! :D

[LTJC]

I don't think that Martha issue with the daisy theme is still in the stores, but I'm pretty sure I have mine somewhere. Let me know if you would like it as I am sure DH would not be in support of a daisy themed party for our DS. :)

[sparkle&shine]

Wow what wonderful pictures! I really need to get crackin on my little Man's birthday party!

His B-Day is so close to Halloween I am not sure if I should do a Halloween theme or a year of the Monkey theme.....Ahhhh so many choices and I don't want to 'waste' a good one that he will be able to remember later.

[annielynn]

Oh my goodness Stacey! I am going through the same thing over here. I find myself looking everywhere for a theme that I can get behind. Most of the little boy themes are cars or trucks. He really isnt into that yet. Now if they had a theme with Tupperware and paper then we would be good to go! tee hee

Ladies I just love all of the ideas and pictures. They are fantastic.

[dana b]

stacey thanks :) i loved planning her party, but it was a lot of work, her future parties will be much more laid-back. i don't have a close-up of the goodie bags. i was trying to find large chinese take-out boxes and they were all too small. i ended up using plain white bags tied with ribbon and i had labels made at myweddinglabels.com.

[vjel]

dana b, I LOVE your party decos. So cute and very Martha-ish. :)

[AMC]

**subscribing**
DD already had hers but this is great for next year!

[mia's mama]

Phen- Thanks for that Link! E-bay...of course!

April-I have seen some really fute lilypad invitations...just can't remember where! Paperbuzz.com maybe?

LTJC- How sweet! Would you really send it to me? Sure you don't want to keep it for any other ideas? I can certainly try to win it off E-bay, but I won't turn you down if you really won't use it! ;)

Sparkle & Annie- Amazing how quickly the year has gone by huh? I know we have a month or 2, but thought I'd at least come up with some ideas now....

Dana- Took a trip over to Papersource yesterday and got those take-out boxes...light and dark pink, with some alternating ribbon. They are small, but I figure I'll just put a few little things in there...no idea what of course!
Think I might make my own invitations...we'll see how they turn out- I'm kind of lame when it comes to creative projects. :rolleyes: Thought it would be fun though. I'll post in a few weeks when they're done.

Keep the ideas rollin' in ladies!

[mama915]

For my DS's first birthday we did a Winnie the Pooh theme. Of course most party stores have plenty of Winnie the Pooh stuff to choose from but I decorated with yellow balloons that I made into "bees" (I took black crepe paper to make strips, drew smilie faces on them and made construction paper wings and taped them on) I also made flower pot cakes for the kids and had an ice cream cake for Chase to blow out the candle. The flower pot cakes were pretty simple to make as I just lined terra cotta flower pots with foil and poured the batter in that and baked them then spread a thin layer of chocolate icing on top added some crushed cookies as the "dirt" and stuck some fresh gerber daisies in them :) (I lined the stems of the daisies with Cling wrap so the flower wasn't literally in the cake) It was low key but fun! I wish I had pics to post but I'm not sure where the disc is that has them on it :o

[sunni76]

DD doesn't turn one for 6 months, but these are all such great ideas! I love the parties you guys have thrown, you are an inspiration!!!

[LTJC]

mia's mama - I sent you an email through your profile - the issue is yours if you want it. Let me know...

[mia's mama]

April
Here arre some cute frog/lilypad/princess invites (paperstylye.com)
http://www.paperstyle.com/images/product_images/4/3/items_full_image_4834.gif
http://www.paperstyle.com/images/product_images/7/6/items_full_image_8267.jpg
http://www.paperstyle.com/images/product_images/0/6/items_full_image_8260.jpg
http://www.paperstyle.com/images/product_images/6/7/items_full_image_8276.jpg

[mia's mama]

http://www.paperstyle.com/images/product_images/1/5/items_full_image_10051.jpg
and my favorite...
http://www.paperbuzz.com/inhouse_images/jbg_6068_newsample.jpg

[mia's mama]

Here it is in pink! Even cuter....(www.noteworthynotes.com)
http://www.noteworthynotes.com/images/JaneBoatmanGeller/Pink_Lilypad_NC_lg.jpg

oops..just realized you said Fairy, not princess...
here ya go!

http://www.paperbuzz.com/inhouse_images/jbg_8007_sample.jpg

[April1234]

Thank you so much for posting those. I was all into planning the party and then found out yesterday that we are expecting #2 in May and now Im overwhelmed. LOL I had seen the one you posted witht the Lilypads and I love it too!! Its in the top 3 on my list. Have you decided on a theme for Mia yet?

[mia's mama]

nope...no theme yet. I've decided that the party will definately be very pink though ;)
Congrats on # 2!!!!!

[duke's flygirl]

Great Thread! Thanks mia's mama: for starting it!

DD Birthday is 4 November, but we are having her Baptism the 30 October and since my parents are a 3 hour plane ride away, we are doing her 1st Birthday early so that they are here for it too. It is going to be a crazy weekend, but it will be worth it to have all the family here for it. It also happens to be the weekend before I go back to work on the 1 November. VERY busy indeed!

I am at a huge LOSS as to what kind of theme to have for her party. I am thankful for all the ideas you ladies have put in here.

She loves the cats in our house, so that may be the theme, as she hasn't shown any preference to anything else.

Keep the ideas coming!

[Candy]

Great ideas ladies. I'm here for inspiration for DD's 1st b-day in February. I might go with a Sesame Street theme.

[mia's mama]

:D Lisa(LTJC)- Guess what arrived on my doorstep today??? :D
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! I looked through just the first few pages, and I'm already totally inspired. ;)

[gf&js]

Has anyone found good sites for making your own theme cakes? I know I have seen some but for the life of me - I can't find them now!

[LTJC]

mia's mama - sorry for the delay! Don't you just love the issue? Try to post a pic or two after the party, ok? Enjoy :)
Lisa

[SiValleySteph]

My son's party is this weekend. We seem to be going with a primary colors theme. :cool: I ran out of steam while trying to plan a party, so we're just going simple. I bought some laterns and spinners after seeing those pictures from the first part of these thread. I finally ordered a cake yesterday which is simple and bright colored.


I made DS's invites - this is how they came out (with some information deleted):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d738b3127cce947aa721c8b500000016108EZuWrFs4aK

They were in a translucent evelope in a wrap sealed with a picture of my son smiling. They turned out pretty cute. :)

[BooeyJ2]

Steph - Lucas is such a cutie :) Looks like he's a halfie like me ;)

[kerrykate]

We had a "pink party" for DD's first b-day. It was a lot of fun and we requested on the invite that everyone wear pink and almost everyone did (dh was not thrilled about it ;) ) We had some pink food, shrimp, fruit salad with strawberries, watermelon, and purple grapes, cookies with pink icing, and of course a pink cake along with other cook out type food. There was also lots of pink tulle, pink flowers, and pink balloons. My sister has an inflatable jumping thingy and the kids loved it. Her b-day is in Oct so as party favors for the kids I bought each of them a small pumpkin and tied a pink ribbon around the stem, the kids were thrilled. One of my favorite things we did was a memory box. I bought a pink box and left out note cards and pens so people could write Lauren a note ~ a memory about her 1st year or some type of message. After her party I sealed the box and she'll open it on her 18th b-day and read all of the messages/well wishes people left for her. :)
Here are a few pictures:
The invites I made:
http://images.snapfish.com/344%3A453523232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E234%3C%3D%3A6%3A%3D% 3A23%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3C37665%3A6ot1lsi?SSImageQ uality=Full

My dad took this looking down from our second story on to the deck:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0TADoAmsVIguKSYZg4KXvGf2XX!j3Kx5UAJrSG1uwJWODC!Pd1 UjNliZTBnz0WQnNDrCLScUm2n5Z7xVymeJedoCkfQJhUNa52dP JvWatvBGnrzwb7K0RrQ/P1010185%2059.jpg?dc=4675493805128990533&SSImageQuality=Full

[mia's mama]

Steph-I LOVE Lucas's invitation! How creative you are! Have fun at the party and come back with pics! :)
Kerry- Mia's party will be pink too! I love the memory box idea...may have to steal that one. ;)
gf&js-hmmm... no ideas on the theme cakes! I think I will probably order one, and make a cupcake "tree" for the kids.

So, I still have a while. but I started Mia's invites and also made a "Mia Medley" CD for one of the favors...we'll also give out maracas and bubbles, I think. These may change slightly, but here's the prototype ;) :

Looks crooked here, but it's the picture, not the invite:
Front
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d703b3127cce946e11383cba00000015108AYuHDNi2bs-
Inside
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d738b3127cce947975bd29a400000025138AYuHDNi2bs-

[mia's mama]

CD Packaging:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d703b3127cce946e10e3fdc900000016108AYuHDNi2bs-
and the CD itself:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d703b3127cce946e11843c0600000016108AYuHDNi2bs-
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d703b3127cce946e106dfd4700000016108AYuHDNi2bs-

[dana b]

wow, you did a great job, everything's adorable! must feel good to get a head start.

[Traciray]

We had a clown/circus theme first birthday for Jacob, here's a few pics of the big day.

Invite
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/traciisom/2e925854.jpg

Cake
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/traciisom/100_0145.jpg

Cake Table (before cake arrived)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/traciisom/100_0144.jpg

Tent/Tables
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/traciisom/100_0138.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/traciisom/100_0141.jpg

DS B'day Outfit
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/traciisom/Jacobclownshortset.jpg

[twinnyme]

Great thread! Not really thinking of this yet, since DD's first birthday is not until January... but I love all the visuals. I epecially like your invitation, SiValleySteph - I will probably do something similar, that is, using lots of photos - probably from a website, though. I have no talent in actually putting that together myself.

[SiValleySteph]

Traciray, Wow! Jacob's party looked amazing! Great job!
mia's momma, Everything looks great! Isn't it fun to plan little details?

***

We had our party this weekend and it went really well. We stayed pretty simple with decorations. Some pictures of the set up:

Food table:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d707b3127cce941ad19d5eb200000016108EZuWrFs4aK
Other decorations, we also had the favors on the window sills in the entryway (books for the kids wrapped in kraft paper with multi-color ribbons):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d707b3127cce941ad1855eaa00000016108EZuWrFs4aK
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d707b3127cce941ad184df9b00000016108EZuWrFs4aK

Champagne cocktail bar:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d707b3127cce941ad6761ec200000016108EZuWrFs4aK
Cake table:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d707b3127cce941ad186df9900000016108EZuWrFs4aK

Balloons outside:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d707b3127cce941ad6739ff700000016108EZuWrFs4aK

All the signs for the food had the smae picture of my son we used to seal his invites. They were really cute!

[SiValleySteph]

And of course, the birthday boy!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d707b3127cce941ad6b81e0c00000016108EZuWrFs4aK
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d707b3127cce941ad6a79f2300000015108EZuWrFs4aK

It was a lot of fun.

Oh, we had red, green & blue champagne cocktails. They were a hit! :D

[onomatopoeia]

So, what exactly do people do at 1st bday parties?

I know there's the cake and presents, but should we play games? How long does the party usually last and what should we plan to do?

I have never been to a kids' bday party, except my own and my friends when I was little, and I can't remember anything.

TIA!

[sparkle&shine]

Wow you guys are so inspiring. I am in awe of all the gorgeous invitations! We are doing a 'party in a box'. I guess I am just not as creative as some of you guys.
So here is what we picked for Andrew's first Birthday:
http://www.birthdayinabox.com/images/box_images/4023DBox.jpg
http://store1.yimg.com/I/partyperfection_1865_16349749

I did get extra special postage stamps for the invitations though with DS's pictures on them:
http://images.snapfish.com/344%3A%3A65523232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2326%3D%3C5%3A%3D5 37%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3B369592%3B4ot1lsi

I am putting together cute goody bags for the kids with some farms animal bath mitts and shower puffs with stuffed animals attached.

His Pinata is going to be a traditional star kind of like this but we can get much prettier ones around here:
http://www.pinatas.com/photos/PJ428-2T.jpg

I am so excited for his Birthday!

[twinnyme]

Sparkle&Shine - we just went to a first birthday on Sunday that was that theme - it worked very well and is very cute! I'm sure I'll be doing a theme-in-a-box, too - just so much easier!

onomatopoeia - I've been to a few 1st birthdays and none have had games, though plenty of the 2nd birthdays have (I think maybe they're more ready at that age??). Though a pinata is a great "game" for a 1st birthday, I think!

[vjel]

onomatopoeia, i think it depends how old the kids are that will be coming to your party. most of the kids at ours were young (2 and under), a handful were a little older. We didn't have games for them but we did have a blow up basketball hoop and balls set up in the backyard for the kids to play with. It kept them entertained pretty well.

I think our party was 3hrs. Everyone just hung out, chatted w/in their groups and watched their own kiddies.

[dal]

So, what exactly do people do at 1st bday parties?

I know there's the cake and presents, but should we play games? How long does the party usually last and what should we plan to do?

For our daughter's first birthday, we did not do any games b/c there were hardly any kids there - just my daughter and another 1 year old. They both played with my daughter's toys.

Our other daughter will be 1 in November and we won't have planned games for hers either. There will be more toddlers there probably so we'll have some toys out for the kids to play with.

We make all of our parties from 3pm-6pm. Works well in terms of naps and getting the kids to bed after.

[gf&js]

I found a cake site and I thought I would share for any crafty folks out there.

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/special/specialfeature/cakefinder-birthday/

Here are some of the fun ones - don't think I will be this creative but how fun would these be!

http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/Cakes/recipes/special/FF0801CAKE_snorkler.jpg http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/Cakes/recipes/special/choochoo.jpg http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/Cakes/recipes/special/FF0801CAKE_pig.jpg http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/Cakes/recipes/special/puppy.jpg

[romansluv]

Subscribing I love this thread! DS will be turning 1 in December. But since it's 12/28, we are having his party on 1/7 after x-mas and ny. On the actual day of his birthday, we are gonna have a small dinner with close family and friends. I bought this cute decoration set for his highchair and I will give him his own mini bday cake to do whatever he wants with it.

We have chosen the "Finding Nemo" theme. He loves that cartoon! I have been collecting decorations for the party but am looking at invites and cakes now. Yup, my closet has party stuff piling up!

As for games, since a majority of the children are over 6+, we are doing carnival themed games. At www.orientaltrading.com they have a section filled with games and you can purchase the merchandise there for a cheap price. We just need to find a place to have it since it won't be that great of weather!

[mak]

Everybody is so unbelievably creative. My DD's Birthday is in December and I am just starting to think about this. I love everyone's ideas!!

For those of you that are making your own invitations- did you get a program to do it on the computer? I am starting to think I am not as crafty as I thought I was on my first attempts:confused:

[vjel]

mak, I just did dd's invites in Word. What are you trying to do? Maybe we can help you figure out how to do it best.

[mia's mama]

Mak-I did Mia's invites in word too...happy to answer any questions though!

[mak]

Thanks- vjel and mia's mama.

Ok- just a few questions;) ...did you buy card stock, paper, or already buy invitations and then use word for the wording in the invite. Are you cutting your paper to make your invites the size and shape you want or are they blank invites that you purchased?
I was going to buy a program to make the invitations but could not find a good one and wondering how you all started this process. I am not sure what style or size yet that I would like her invites- How did you find different selections or did you create yourself. Can you tell I am soo lost?

[vjel]

mak, I did not buy ready to print type invites. I just bought cardstock and vellum and cut it down to size after I decided what I wanted the invites to look like. (Party info was printed on the cardstock and the vellum was like a jacket around the cardstock and tied a ribbon around it) I think my invites ended up being 4x6 in size. I got my invite idea from a friend's wedding invitation that we received several years ago and really liked so I went w/ that design. If you need ideas, I would just browse some invitations websites and see what you like and decide if its something you can do. I know there are some sites listed in the earlier pages of this thread.

you definitely don't need a program to do your invites, Word should do it for you.

[onomatopoeia]

Thanks everyone for the info about timing, etc. regarding 1st bdays.

I ordered my invitations and decorations from a website birthdayexpress.com

It has been almost 2 weeks and I am still waiting for my order. Has anyone used this website before?? I need my invites ASAP b/c I need to mail them out to friends and family.

And I just checked my order # on their site and it says my order still has not been shipped!

[janders6]

Has anyone found a cute place to get a personalized birthday banner? DD's 1st birthday is in December and we're doing a Miss December theme - essentially pastel snowflakes - and I've been trying to find a banner but haven't had any luck.

[korber]

Have you tried http://www.birthdayexpress.com?

[pixielou]

i haven't read thru this whole thread - but just wanted to quickly post what was the biggest hit at dd's 1st birthday party this weekend.

i did a little "quiz" for all the guests, and the winner got a prize - a bottle of sparkling cider and a big box of chocolates. i handed out copies of the quiz, which people had to complete, and the person with the most correct answers won the prize.

i asked the following questions. . .

what is the date of dd's birthday

what is dd's middle name

her birth weight and length

weight and length at 1 year wbv

how many teeth does dd have

i send out monthly e-mail updates to friends and family, with pictures, and all sorts of relevant facts - so everybody who was at the party technically knew this info. in fact, this past week, when i sent out the e-mail for turning 1 year old, i put all this info in the e-mail. (and for kicks, when i was announcing the "winner" - i made a point of telling all of our guests that it was obvious that nobody reads there e-mail!)

[janders6]

Have you tried http://www.birthdayexpress.com?

Yes. They don't really have what I'm looking for since DD's party doesn't fit into one of their themes.

[twinnyme]

DD will be turning one in January and her name is Becca. She loves the "pattycake" song and we always say "mark it with a B and put it in the oven for Becca ane me" (instead of "baby and me"). Anyway, I was thinking this week that this might be a good party theme, but I just started my search (online) and can't find much (since it's probably not a very popular theme). So far I've found a website that has related activities (coloring, etc.) that you can print out and the lyrics themselves (which I'd probably print out and do up nice), plus the lyrics to a Beach Boys song called "Baker's Man" (who knew?) so I'll probably buy that CD, too, and get a cake with a big "B" in the middle.

But I'm searching for other ideas and since everyone's ideas on here are so great, I thought some of you might have some good brainstorms for me! Thanks for any suggestions!

[dana b]

i would definitely use the words of the song for the invite wording, changing them around. i tried playing pat-a-cake with noa the other day and i can't remember how it goes :o
you could just use the birthday cake as your theme -- use it on invites, goodie bags, her dress, etc.
if you have a lot of kids -- you can bake mini cake layers and let them frost and decorate their own.

[twinnyme]

you could just use the birthday cake as your theme -- use it on invites, goodie bags, her dress, etc.

What a great idea - and your others, too, danab. Thanks!

[lcarlson90]

My DS will be 1 in February and I am starting to plan his party. Does anyone have any cute ideas for a monkey or jungle themed party. Invitations, cake, games, food, goody bags etc.

TIA

[mia's mama]

Check out www.orientaltrading.com for party favors...lots of cute, cheap stuff. One of the mommies in the Nov. 04 mommies thread recetnly posted an adorable monkey cake...you might go check it out!

[BooeyJ2]

You can make a "snake cake". We did this for my nephews "Reptile Party", but it would work for a Jungle theme as well. I have to find the pic of the one we made, but here is one I found online......
http://www.michellespatisserie.com/images/snake%20cake_0.jpg




This was the invite my sister (www.eitak.com) made......
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/TyanInvite7.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/TyanInvite5.jpg





His cake (made by our friend Jeff who makes wedding cakes and stuff).......
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/TP31.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/TP32.jpg






For older kids you can do "Pin the tail on the monkey" (or elephant, etc)



Cute goodie bags (umm boxes)...
http://www.mums.net/media.php?file=262

[BooeyJ2]

Cute pinata......
http://www.pinatas.com/photos/PS113-2T.jpg
http://www.pinatas.com/Monkey_Pinata_p/ps113.htm




Also, this is another company like Oriental Trading Co that my sister has ordered stuff from......
http://www.rinovelty.com/

[CMW02]

Help!
I'm desperately searching for those cute colorful lanters posted on the 1st page.
I got a few large polka dots ones from Party City...but Target is out of theirs.
I cant find them anywhere!

Any ideas?? I've been to Target, Party City, Paper Zone and Cost Plus.


as a reminder: Vjels' party pic:

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


I hope you dont mind Vjel....but I LOVED your idea!!

[JDJD]

I had a jungle themed party for DS last year and it was great. I made the invtations seen here http://familyfun.go.com/parties/birthday/feature/famf199606_famf66jungle/famf199606_famf66jungle.html
Good luck!

[BooeyJ2]

Found a pic of the snake cake we made......
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/More%20pics/SnakeCake1.jpg


Also, here is a bean bag toss game that my BIL cut out and my sister painted....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/More%20pics/ReptileParty.jpg

[BooeyJ2]

I just ordered these for my DD's 1st b-day.......

http://store1.yimg.com/I/asianideas_1865_91204093

http://store1.yimg.com/I/asianideas_1864_26065669

From http://asianideas.com/ropala.html

[BooeyJ2]

mia's mamma posted this pic on the b-day party ideas thread.....
http://a444.g.akamai.net/7/444/703/20050301195759/www.marthastewart.com/images/content/feature/ft_spr05msk13_1_t.jpghttp://a444.g.akamai.net/7/444/703/20050301195812/www.marthastewart.com/images/content/feature/ft_spr05msk13_2_t.jpg


SUPER cute!

[CMW02]

Ah! Thank you Booey! Those would be perfect!! I'll check the site right now!! :D



eta

I ordered these:
http://store1.yimg.com/I/asianideas_1866_25924717

and these:
http://store1.yimg.com/I/asianideas_1865_56363284

Thx again!!

[Jessiesmama]

bumpidy bump bump bump -

Just started thinking about DD's first b-day in June - It's a little early - but I need help!

Is it better do do it in the house or at a restaurant?

[Brandian]

bumpidy bump bump bump -

Just started thinking about DD's first b-day in June - It's a little early - but I need help!

Is it better do do it in the house or at a restaurant?

I think for the first birthday it is better to do it at home. Its just a more comfurtable place and your DD won't get overwhelmed. I've decided there is no point in having my daughters parties anywhere like Chuckie Cheeses yet because she doesn't have friends yet, I don't think a bunch of adults would have all too much fun. Once she gets into school though I'm sure we will have it out somewhere.

I did my daughters first birthday at a park, unfortunately she is born in the begining of May so the weather is hit or miss and that year it was a miss, it was SO cold and windy. From that day on we do it at my parents house since they have a big backyard and a nice sized house so if the weather is bad again there is shelter.

I plan on doing my sons first birthday at my parents house also. His birthday is at the end of May though so hopefully things will most likely be warm :)

[mommycal]

I was just at walmart today and our 2nd daughter is an OCT baby. Since all the halloween stuff was 75% off I stocked up w/a ton of favors, paper goods and even all the decorations. Can't say no to a pinata for $1.50. Hope that DD doesn't mind that it's halloween related. :o

[dana b]

have you seen that movie w/ meg ryan 'hanging up'? her little boy's party was halloween themed, it was sooo cute, all the kids were in costumes.

[tgray99]

I'm another mom who has started planning her child's first birthday even though she's only 6 months old (well, not even that yet!)

twinnyme: I too have chosen a fairly obscure theme, "Principessa." I've tried searching for Italian party supply stores but apparently buying stuff on the internet isn't as popular over there or Italians aren't into "theme" parties. SOOO, I'm having stuff printed up with the theme. It's easier than trying to wade through Google's poorly translated sites to find what may or may not be out there.

[manatee]

I love all the ideas. Even though DD is only 3 months old, I'm already inspired to think about her 1st birthday party.

mia's mama, can I ask how you made the pink flowery "M" cut-out initial that you have on her invitation and CD cover? Did you make that or did you purchase that somewhere. I would love to do an initial theme too.

Thanks in advance.

[mia's mama]

Manatee- I just went into a local scrapbooking store, and explained what I wanted to do...they had me chose the paper, and then made the "M's" for me, using a computer program and some sort of "machine"- not sure what it was, since I didn't watch them do it (I came back the next day to pick them up). I was able to pick the font and the size. They charged me $2.75 per sheet, and I was able to fit 12 letters on one sheet. All I had to do was punch them out, and attach them to the invites. HTH!

[tgray99]

Manatee- I just went into a local scrapbooking store, and explained what I wanted to do...they had me chose the paper, and then made the "M's" for me, using a computer program and some sort of "machine"- not sure what it was, since I didn't watch them do it (I came back the next day to pick them up). I was able to pick the font and the size. They charged me $2.75 per sheet, and I was able to fit 12 letters on one sheet. All I had to do was punch them out, and attach them to the invites. HTH!
It was probably a Wishblade. www.wishblade.com

I loved your invites and may "borrow" the idea when it's DD's birthday.

[mia's mama]

Yep, that looks right to me....or something very similar!

[kate's mom]

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf24b3127cce954466e1d02f00000015108QZMmLJu3Zw

This is the front of the invitation I made for my daughters first birthday. The inside of the card has all the details about the party. I have nothing else planned for the party, but at least the invite is done. :)
I really like the ideas that I am seeing on this thread.

[BooeyJ2]

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf24b3127cce954466e1d02f00000015108QZMmLJu3Zw

This is the front of the invitation I made for my daughters first birthday. The inside of the card has all the details about the party. I have nothing else planned for the party, but at least the invite is done. :)
I really like the ideas that I am seeing on this thread.

Super cute. I wish I had done monthly shots in the same place (or with a same item or something) :( Darnit...a little too late now that she's almost 8 months old LOL. I'll start it yearly then! ;)

[twinnyme]

Kate's mom - I love your invitation. It's adorable. And I LOVE the spot you picked for your monthly photo. (We use the couch and have a stuffed panda in the photo with her.) I was thinking of doing this for Christmas cards - see below; we still need to take the November one (upper right) - but now maybe I'll do it for the birthday invitation and just do a family photo for Christmas. Hmmm, so many fun choices!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf27b3127cce951663ca78fe00000016109AZOHLhy1bo

tgray99 - I love your Principessa idea - very unique. Have fun designing and printing everything up. I think I've abandoned the Pattycake theme for now - though we may still use parts of it (like the cake). Now I'm thinking we may have her first birthday at a children's museum in NH - they have a great deal. My sister, nephew, DD, and I went to the Children's Museum of Boston last weekend and DD did VERY well - took two naps in her stroller and we were there 10-4. This would only be 90 minutes and I love the idea. There's plenty for her to do! And since my whole family would be traveling from NYC I feel sometimes like we need to do something a little out-of-the-ordinary for them to make it worthwhile - not that seeing Becca isn't worthwhile enough... but I just don't want to have the exact same type of party we had for her christening, you know?

[mia's mama]

I wish I had done monthly shots in the same place (or with a same item or something)
Darn it! Me too!

[onomatopoeia]

DS had his 1st bday party yesterday! I will be posting pics either later today or tomorrow.

One thing I have to say: I ordered the cake from Hy-vee, a local grocery store here. I thought they would do a good enough job. All I asked was for them to make a cake in the shape of a number 1. Well, when we went to pick it up, I was disappointed. I will have to post a pic, but it looked very strange... so next time I am going to the Cake Gallery or another bakery that's known for good cakes b/c I was trying to save $$ and the cake was not what I expected. The cake did taste good though and DS made a mess but he ate a lot more of it then I thought he would. When we finally went to clean him up, he screamed and cried. He was mad all the cake was gone.

On a side note: I posted I was having problems w/ birthdayexpress.com... well they did ship everything in time. But when I got my shipment, they had sent extra invites, but no thank you's. So when I called, they said I could keep the extra invites and they overnighted me the thank you's they left out of the package.

[celina]

http://www.orientaltrading.com

$8 for six
http://image.orientaltrading.com/otcimg/70_1363.jpg?resize(250x250)

[philnikki]

Mickey - I just noticed you were peeking in on this thread too...we are a bit early, huh ;) lol

[Aug2002Bride]

What did you all have for food? Im trying to decide what I want to do for DD party in December and the easiest way for me as well...We are having about 20 people I would say.

[mia's mama]

Food- DD's party is tomorrow. I took the really easy way out, and ordered 2 platters of sandwiches from Subway (each platter serves 15-18 people). I am also making a thai pasta salad, spinach salad and fruit salad.

For the babies/children I am putting out individual Yo Baby Yogurts, applesauce and raisin boxes, as well as PB & J sandwiches in the shape of an "M" to go with the theme.

[vjel]

we ordered food as well...subs, sandwiches (egg salad, chicken salad, etc), salads, fruit platter, sushi platter, did wings from costco, nuggets for kids, etc. we had a lot of people at the party though, so for us, it was easier to order than to make stuff ourselves.

[dana b]

also ordered food here. we had sandwiches, salads, room temp grilled veggies, etc. for the kids we had chicken fingers, potato wedges and fruit salad.

[Mickey&B]

Nikki It's never too early ;) B would probably think I was crazy if he knew I was thinking about DS's first B-day already! Such great ideas!

[dal]

Hi! My daughter's birthday party is in a little less than 2 weeks (Nov 26th).

For those of you who are using those hanging lantern type things, how are you hanging them? I think they look great but I don't want to put anything permanent in my ceiling like a hook or nail or anything.

Also, one more question, I am having memory cards for my daughter. I want people at the party to write a little something for her. A wish, advice, really whatever people want to write. But I can't think of a good way to explain this. I will have a memory box with the cards and I will have something written to explain what it is for. Can anyone help me with some clever wording?

Thanks!

[Aug2002Bride]

I would like to know how people hang them as well because I might do this if I can find some that I like.

Im doing something a little similar to the memory cards but Im just having a piece of scrapbook paper out decorated for birthday somehow and then Im going to have everyone sign it and put it in her scrapbook.

Im not sure of wording you could use....Ill look around and see if I can find anything.

[vjel]

for our hanging lanterns, we tied one end of fishing line to our curtain rod and the other end we tied it around thumb tacks and stuck them in the wall. they left teeny tiny holes but they are so high up (around the crown molding) that they are not noticeable at all. we then hung the lanterns w/ curling ribbon from the fishing line. i would not suggest taping anything to your ceiling, my girlfriend did something like this at her place and it ripped the paint off the ceiling! :(

[CMW02]

We used masking tape...and just carefully pulled them off the ceiling when done.
Luckily, no paint came off....but we were careful!

[dana b]

i haven't tried it -- but they have those 3m hooks where you pull the tape and it doesn't damage your wall (can't remember what they're called). they have really small, clear ones now with a little hook to them, maybe those would work.

[Jessiesmama]

bump

[mia's mama]

Here are some pics from DD's party last week:

Cupcake tower and confotti: (Thank You danab for the website!)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf36b3127cce950ca9e5a9bd00000025108AYuHDNi2bs-

CD favors:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf36b3127cce950ca9d5a98d00000016108AYuHDNi2bs-

Tables/balloons/lanterns:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf36b3127cce950cae6d689e00000016108AYuHDNi2bs-

DD before guests arrived, in the indoor "ball pit" we created:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf36b3127cce950cafdca98700000026108AYuHDNi2bs-

[dana b]

how cute! you did such a good job. she didn't wear her dress?

[BooeyJ2]

Great job mia's mom. Everything turned out super cute :)

[mia's mama]

Thanks Booey & Dana!
Unfortunatley because the party didn't start until 3pm, and our backyard is shaded, Mia didn't get to wear her cute dress. I decided to put her in some new "play clothes", so that she could climb around on the grass and on her new climbing structure. Owell...she did wear the dress all weekend (we just got back from 3 days in Palm Springs with the in-laws).

[tgray99]

Mia's Mama: What was on the CDs? Songs, nursery rhymes, lullabys? I'm thinking of doing the same idea but with photos set to music for Aidan's party. Were those Ms the ones you had cut at the scrapbooking store? They looked fabulous! I'm so impressed with how the party turned out. So classy and cute and fun!

[mia's mama]

Tgray99- Yep, those are the same Ms from the scrapbooking store. I just made a compilation of Mia's (and mine) favorite songs and burned the CDs myself. I tried to keep it to songs that wouldn't make parents want to rip their eyelashes out ;) ... 20 children's songs, recorded by "adult" artists (Jack Johnson's Banana Pancakes, Lisa Loeb's Twinkle Twinkle and Little Red Caboose, Bob Dylan's Froggie Went a courtin', Jerry Garcia's Freight Train & Teddy Bears' Picnic etc). We also added John Mayer's Daughters at the very end, because it's Mia's "song" with her Daddy.

[janders6]

For anyone who used balloons, how many did you have? I want to use them on the tables and then in the corners of the room, but I don't know how many to use. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[mia's mama]

we had 3 1/2 dozen...a dozen at each table, and 6 out in frount of the house.

[sunshineab622]

my sons 1st birthday was many years ago ... lol but I thought I would post some of my old scrapbooking pages ... We had cake, finger foods & punch. It turned out really nice. we had several older kids 3-7 attend the party. I set up the backyard as a play area with balls, bubbles, wagons & ride on toys.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc29b3127cce905666e62fb000000015108CYsWLNm5aQ

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc29b3127cce9056777dee8b00000015108CYsWLNm5aQ


wow MIA'SMOM :) the invites, cd's & everything looked sooo nice

[octoberkate]

My son turned one last April - our theme was The Very Hungry Caterpillar. All the invites had a stylized caterpillar on them, drawn to look like the one in the book (and avoid copyright issues at the same time). I forget how I worded the invite, but I tried to use words or a prose style similar to that of the book.

The main cake was a sheetcake frosted in white with a caterpillar made out of cupcakes (the top half of the cupcake only) on top - the first was red and the rest green like the caterpillar in the book. I also made him his own "smash cake" and that was decorated with the butterfly that the caterpillar becomes at the end of the book... I thought it was all symbolic and cool of him growing bigger etc but I don't think anyone got it.

Then we tried to serve everything the caterpillar ate - I made a fruit salad out of all the fruit he eats in the begining then we also had trays with meats (the "salami"), cheeses, pickles (sweet gherkins -both because the caterpillar ate them and my son loved them) etc. We also had a number of non-story related food items, just the kind of stuff we always have a parties - I think meatballs, a green salad, chips and taco dip, pita and hummus etc.

Then I had a print of the caterpillar from the story that I ordered - matted with a wide white mat. I had all our guests write a note and sign that. Lastly I ordered a mat off of ebay that had spaces for s picture from every month and it was decorated with Very Hungry Caterpillar pictures all over it and they put his name and birthdate in the center.

We had a number of red, yellow and green balloons throughout the rooms as well as a generic Happy Birthday Banner. The tablecloths and dishes were something I got at a party store that were white with a green and blue pattern that seemed "picnic-y" to me.

Lastly I put Alex in the overalls and turtlenck and cardigan sweater from the Gymboree line that had all the bugs and caterpillars on it.

We picked The Very Hungry Caterpillar because it was the book he asked for the most often. I'm hoping to do as many of his parties as I can based on books - until he demands something else at least!

Right now he doesn't have any favorite book, so I'm trying to think of what would be fun and not too hard for next year.

[marchfamily]

Octoberkate - that is way cool!

[twinnyme]

* bump * with a specific question: Has anyone come across really cool/ different paper goods for a girl's 1st birthday? TIA!

[twinnyme]

I sent out Becca's first birthday invitations today. Here they are:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc34b3127cce967750001daa00000015109AZOHLhy1bo

While I'm happy with them, I think they could have come out even better if I had more time. But I am happy with them. I folded them over, punched a hole in them, and tied them with a ribbon. Came out nice. I should have looked back on here at Kate's Mom's invitations - maybe if I'd just put the photos on the front.... Anyway, I'm just happy they're out; now I can focus on decorations and food! We're having a very small party. Just our parents and 5 siblings with their families, which includes 6 kids under 4.

[taraw]

Our DD has already turned 2, but I thought I would post pics of the 1st birthday invitations we sent out. :)

Front of Invite
http://images.snapfish.com/3457988323232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2338%3D47%3B%3D%3A89%3 DXROQDF%3E2323%3B3586%3B936ot1lsi

Back of Invite
http://images.snapfish.com/3457988323232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2338%3D47%3B%3D%3A89%3 DXROQDF%3E2323%3B358652%3B2ot1lsi

Instead of using monthly photos, I just picked a bunch of my favorite photos of her from throughout the year.

[Aug2002Bride]

We did this as our theme for DD 1st birthday party a couple of weeks ago.
http://birthdayexpress.speedera.net/images.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/assets/product_images/E2506.jpg

Here's some pictures from the party...

The Birthday Girl
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc38b3127cce966373dafa8d00000015108AcsmrhozaM2

The cake
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc38b3127cce966373b0fae700000016108AcsmrhozaM2

Her Own Strawberry Cake
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc38b3127cce966370623b9c00000016108AcsmrhozaM2

Singing to her...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc38b3127cce966c88b4dad100000016108AcsmrhozaM2

Eating her cake
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc38b3127cce966371d3fa8500000016108AcsmrhozaM2

[seattleguamgirl]

I just designed DS's birthday invites. I'm sending them out next week. We decided on a barnyard animal theme since DS loooves all farm animals. :)

Here's the invite:
http://pics.livejournal.com/sfguamgirl/pic/00049krd

[Candy]

Love the invite seattleguamgirl. Here we go planning the 1st b-day's. Weren't our kiddos just born? Crazy!

DD LOVES Dora the Explorer. I can't decide if I want to do a Dora theme or just a 1st b-day type theme. I need to decided quick though since her b-day is Feb. 15th.

[erin16nj]

I got alot of ideas from this thread and wanted to share back. We did a monkey theme (damn Martha Stewart) and we ordered our invites from Amber. (inababycarriage.com) We received soo many compliments on them. Amber does incredible work!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/erin616/cole_bday.jpg

The setup:
Monkey theme, yellow and brown!
Banner -
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/erin616/0012.jpg
Table - Banana centerpieces and Confoti (thanks Dana such a great idea)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/erin616/0002.jpg

[erin16nj]

The cakes - Monkey Cake - Monkey Cupcakes - and Cole's smash cake
The monkey cake was from Martha Stewarts birthday edition spring 04 - The cupcakes recipe was from here - http://mylittlemochi.typepad.com/my_little_mochi/2005/05/monkey_see_monk.html

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/erin616/0004.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/erin616/0008.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/erin616/0007.jpg

[erin16nj]

The loot bags - Brown lunch bags with - yellow/brown M&Ms , barrel of monkey games, monkey stickers, monkey bubbles
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/erin616/IMG_6316.jpg

Eating Cake:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/erin616/IMG_6184.jpg

We got alot from Oriental Trading, used yellow plasticwar brown cups, got some crafts for the older kids from oriental trading (monkey door hangers) and just let the younger ones play with Cole's toys. Served sandwiches and wraps and kept it short most people were gone by 4:30. We opened presents after most people left with some family still there.

It was alot of planning and alot of people in our house (Dec baby!!) but alot of fun!

[marchfamily]

I'm doing a favor for DD's birthday party (a snowglobe for our snowflake themed party). Any advice on how to word it? The other side will have a picture.

XXXX's First Birthday
January 9, 2006 (use her actual 1st birthday date or the date of the party?)

Thanks for coming to the party!

So far, seems bland....

[BooeyJ2]

DD's 1st birthday party will be in a few months, but here are some pictures of my nephew's 1st Birthday party.......


*INVITES* (yes, my sister is out of control - *NOTE* - she does invites and stuff for a living ( www.eitak.com ), so that's why she goes "all out")......
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/IMG_0347.jpg

Each box was handcut and assembled and inside each box were a little bag of animal cookies and the birthday flier)

I won't post the sides of the boxes because their personal info (address, phone #, ect) is on there, but all of that info was on the "nutrition facts" area and on the other side where ingredients are listed, it said stuff like:

INGREDIENTS: big brown eyes, straight brown hair, cute smile, enviable eyelashes, stubborn attitude, double chin, ..........(ect, ect).




Some of the decorations (the line of photos are from each month of his life)........
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/More%20pics/IMG_0614.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/More%20pics/IMG_0652.jpg




Some of the food
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/More%20pics/IMG_0625.jpg


Popcorn bags..........
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/More%20pics/IMG_0615.jpg




to be continued..............

[BooeyJ2]

...continued....


Sweet potato fries frying, steak kabobs and mussels with garlic butter grilling away....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/More%20pics/IMG_0643.jpg


The AWESOME chef...our friend Jeff (he's the one that always makes the cakes for our family events. He is also doing catering now)....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/More%20pics/IMG_0654.jpg



The super cute cake....of course made by Jeff :).....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/More%20pics/IMG_0688.jpg

The little one was his own personal "smash" cake.





Ok, that's all!


I'll post DD's 1st b-day stuff in March.

[Cr8nme]

Mia's Mama~ May I ask about the "confetti" you had on the table? I see it had pictures did you make that yourself? Also for the front of the CD's did you make the label for them as well?

[marchfamily]

Also for the front of the CD's did you make the label for them as well?

Page 8/9 has info on the M's.

[Cr8nme]

i actually was asking about the labels that affix to the cd(it say the song names and things like that) not the m's

[Club924]

julie - your sister did a FANTASTIC job on her son's invitations! the party looked great! i wish i had some of your sister's creativity! i can't believe our DDs will be turning 1 years old soon...how fast time flies!

i'm trying to gather some bday ideas too...i'm leaning towards a pink and brown, monogram theme (similiar to mia's mama). i also want to get a chocolate fountain for the party, but it's going to be hard to convince DH to shell out $300 for a kid's bday party ;)

keep the ideas coming!

nancy

[tgray99]

i also want to get a chocolate fountain for the party, but it's going to be hard to convince DH to shell out $300 for a kid's bday party ;)

You can buy a small one at Kohl's or Best Buy for a lot less, like $50. Might want to look into that!

[Candy]

DD LOVES music, so I was thinking about doing a muisic theme. I saw this:
http://www.birthdayinabox.com/images/box_images/4175nfbox300x245.jpg

I think it will be a lot of fun. Also, easy to decorate & accessorize for. What are your ideas/suggestions?

[dexters]

BooeyYour sister's party looks fabulous! I love teh idea of stringing up all of the monthly photos. I am totally stealing that!

Club924I was also going to suggest buying a chocolate fountain. I'm pretty sure I saw one at Linens & THings for like $40.

I thikn we are also going to do an initial party for our daughter's first birthday. I like the idea of pink & chocolate brown...I'm totally stealing that club924!


There are so many great ideas in this thread! Thanks for sharing.

[seattleguamgirl]

erin16nj, where did you get your DS's birthday crown? It is adorable!

[Candy]

Since we are going with a music theme, I am buying these maracas for favors.

http://image.orientaltrading.com/otcimg/27_1070a.jpg?resize(350x350)

They're going to say: Maya Kaitlyn's 1st Birthday Feb. 15, 2006

Also, I can get 50 of these for just $9.95:
http://image.orientaltrading.com/otcimg/5_537.jpg?resize(250x250)

[mia's mama]

Mia's Mama~ May I ask about the "confetti" you had on the table? I see it had pictures did you make that yourself? Also for the front of the CD's did you make the label for them as well?


Sorry! I just saw this! The confetti was from www.confotti.com - so easy just download the pics and order...I got the idea from dana b!

I made the lables on my computer- you can buy them at staples and it guides you through it very easily!

Hope that helps!

Booey- Holy Cow! Your sister really does go all out! How cute and creative! Can she be my Mom? :D

[erin16nj]

erin16nj, where did you get your DS's birthday crown? It is adorable! -

I looked all over the internet etc and then walked in Babies R Us and they had the crown,Bodysuit, bib,and socks all matching. For boys or girls. It was pretty cheap also, much cheaper than what I was seeing on the internet.

[BooeyJ2]

Sorry! I just saw this! The confetti was from www.confotti.com - so easy just download the pics and order...I got the idea from dana b!

I made the lables on my computer- you can buy them at staples and it guides you through it very easily!

Hope that helps!

Booey- Holy Cow! Your sister really does go all out! How cute and creative! Can she be my Mom? :D



Yeah, Confoti.com is SUPER easy. I ordered mine a few days ago and can't wait to see them!


I took screenshots :) .....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/More%20pics/Newest%20Pics/Confoti1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/Booey143598/More%20pics/Newest%20Pics/Confoti2.jpg


Yep, I used up all 30 images that I was allowed hehe.






mia's mama - LOL. If you don't mind being a sister to a 15 month old who has an aaaaaattitude....i'm sure she'd adopt you ;)

[QPDoll]

its early, but Im subscribing!

[twinnyme]

Hi. I was thinking of buying confetti for the party but we'll have six kids under the age of 4 - is it a danger at all? (I'm not implying AT ALL that it is; I would really like to get it - I've used thematic confetti for other parties I've thrown in the past - but in the store DH and I had a discussion about whether we should or not because of the little kids. Now seeing the confotti I'd really like to get it. Of course, our party is next weekend, so who knows if I could even get it on time at this point? Going to check the site now....)

Candy - I love your favors! I think music is so important, and the kids will have a ball with those. We just went to a local IParty store and picked out a bunch of things.... and bright pink "Loot" bags - for all the FIVE boys who will be guests at the party. Hee hee.

We've gone simple and picked up this paper goods design:

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


It's appropriate because DD has had lots of hair from the day she was born and will likely be in pigtails (I'm hoping to braid it for the first time) at her party.

[alienhost]

I'm doing the confotti too - I did it for DH's 40th b'day and it was a big hit. I put some in the invite envelope as well. The only thing that bugged me about the confotti is that there are some solid color pieces with "confotti" written on it. I actually picked those ones out since I just didn't like the advertising of it, KWIM?

twinnyme I'm not sure if it is a hazard or not, they are pieces of paper about the size of a nickel maybe? Some of the colored "dots" are a little smaller from what I remember - like regular hole punch size. I'd be curious as to what others think.

[twinnyme]

Thanks for the response, Alienhost. I think I'm going to skip it, not because of any potential hazard, just because I have no time. :D I kind of waited to the last minute, and now have a lot of prep to do for next weekend, including cleaning my house for our out-of-town guests.

But I wanted to post this, which I'm going to display at the party and then hang in DD's room. I guess we kind of have a panda theme going, too, since this matches the invitations - but looks a little more professional!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6df26b3127cce96fc3f7e5efe00000015109AZOHLhy1bo

The photos are of DD on each month's birthday with the same stuffed animal. It's the Pottery Barn Kids first-year frame with at least the old one; I couldn't find it on the site, but did find a new version.

[BuffaloBlondie]

I'm just subscribing for ideas!!

[dana b]

twinnyme i don't think the confotti is a hazard at all, it's just printed on pretty thin, cheap paper. i wouldn't put it in the goodie bags or anything, but i don't see anything wrong with having it on the tables, etc.

[firefly]

subscribin':o

[cgmom313]

I am subscribin as well. Now that the holidays are over, I have 2mths to prepare and I will have out of town guests.

Love everyones ideas so far.

Booey - Oh my... Love your Sisters stuff. How creative.

We are thinking of doing an St.Patty day theme party. Her B-day is the 13th of March, but her actually party will be on the 18th, the day after St. Patricks day. My hubby is very Irish so I thought that would be fun to do everything in green, and most likely do a Green Care Bear cake. She loves her Care Bears.

Thought about doing something on her invites like.

"It was the Luck of the Irish when they got me, now come celebrate my 1st Birthday with me."

And I would have the shape of the invites in a 4-leaf clover.

So that is just a start, but getting great ideas from everyone.

[dana b]

booey do you know of any kids entertainers in orange county? my sil is looking for someone for her son's first.

[pontmarie]

cgmom, that's a really cute idea.

Great ideas, everyone - I ordered some confoti for my son's birthday next month.

The only thing that bugged me about the confotti is that there are some solid color pieces with "confotti" written on it. I actually picked those ones out since I just didn't like the advertising of it, KWIM?


I'll do that, too.

[BooeyJ2]

booey do you know of any kids entertainers in orange county? my sil is looking for someone for her son's first.

I'm actually in San Diego, sorry I don't :(

[alienhost]

I found this website that has some interesting stuff:

http://www.plumparty.com/index.shtml

[Club924]

booey do you know of any kids entertainers in orange county? my sil is looking for someone for her son's first.

dana b - i live in orange county (irvine) and found that the OC Family Magazine has quite a few kid entertainers advertised in the back of their magazine. maybe your sister can pick up a copy at a newstand. I found this on the OC Family Website (http://www.ocfamily.com/directories/party_directory.html) website that might help her.

[dana b]

booey sorry, for some reason i thought you were in oc :o
club924 thanks! i'll send her that link.

[amberwaves]

My little one was born on 7.1.04, so we did a Fourth of July theme for her birthday. Here are the invites. I mounted these to red cardstock with white stars printed on them:

http://www.inababycarriage.com/images3/gabbybday1.jpg

I just bought all of the supplies at Party City, and since I bought the stuff in June, I had no problem finding everything I needed for a Fourth of July theme. I had put together a goody bag with stuff I found at Party City, but I would recommend finding stuff at either Oriental Trading or even the dollar store.

:) amber

[ash313]

subscribing.

My little guy's birthday is in March!

[Chylynn]

My DD's first birthday is in April, so I thought I should start planning it now.

I think we are going to go with a princess theme since this has kind of become her nickname. I am planning on baking her first birthday cake and I was wondering if anyone knew what things I would to make my cake look like this one:

http://birthdayexpress.speedera.net/images.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/assets/product_images/E5174.jpg

Is that fondent? Is it hard to use- roll?

and maybe a princess hat like this one:

http://birthdayexpress.speedera.net/images.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/assets/product_images/E8531_38.jpg

I love this for ice cream/favors, but there will be little boys (2-4 boys at the most) there, so I would need to do something else for them.

http://birthdayexpress.speedera.net/images.birthdayexpress.com/bexpress/assets/product_images/E51451.jpg

So far, I think I am going to use picture confetti (love that idea) and maybe do a CD of nursrey rymes (if Mia's Mom does not mind) and call it "Rebecca's Rymes".

I am not sure if she is too little to have a princess theme birthday party, though. Gah, why is this so hard?

[LeslieR]

We are a long ways away from the big O-N-E, but I am loving this thread. Great ideas, ladies!:D

[Cr8nme]

Mia's mama,

Jsut wanted to say congrats;) I saw your siggy:D

[lelee17]

For my DS's 1st birthday, we had an airplane theme. I made his invitations to look like boarding passes and took him to take pictures at the Picture People, so we could use their airplane prop. I also used an airplane and clouds dies (by Sizzix) for airplanes on the front. And here's how they came out...

*sorry the pictures are so HUGE!

The front says: "Time Flies When You're Having Fun..."

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/lelee17/DSC02991.jpg

The inside says: "Our little boy is turning 1."

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/lelee17/DSC02998-4.jpg

For favors we gave out bag of peanuts and personalized chocolate bars.

Sorry the pic is so blurry..but you get the idea..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/lelee17/candybar.jpg

[QPDoll]

We are a long ways away from the big O-N-E, but I am loving this thread. Great ideas, ladies!:D

LMAO -- Hi Leslie. Im lurking in here too. LOL Such creative and elaborate parties here! Im just so glad that we have summer babies, because our house is small and we have a lot of family. So far, Im thinking either John Deere 1st Birthday theme, a Circus theme, or something RW&B since its just after the 4th.

[Kanga]

Chylynn - it does look a little like fondant for the base/background, but you could use regular frosting. I've never tried it, but I've heard it can be difficult to do and some say it tastes very plain.

Here is a link to the wilton how to site, you should only need 2 different tips, one for the swirls and one for the swag ribbon. The bottom of it looks like it's been airbrushed tho, so your frosting would either be pink or purple, instead of the blended like they show. Other than that, it looks pretty easy. If you've never decorated a cake before, iwould practice a few times first (I always used the back of a cookie sheet with white frosting, that way i could always reuse it.

[LeslieR]

Tina, I like your ideas-especially the RW&B idea! I love the 4th of July. I've only just barely started thinking about this. For some reason I've been more thinking about what food we will have instead of what the theme will be.:p :rolleyes: Luke loves Elmo and I've seen some cute Elmo stuff on a couple of the sites that have been posted in here. But, who knows if he will still like Elmo when he turns one, ya know?

[mia's mama]

cr8nme- Thanks! :D

Shamocha17- ADORABLE! Love the airplane idea...everything came out so professional looking!

Chylynn-
So far, I think I am going to use picture confetti (love that idea) and maybe do a CD of nursrey rymes (if Mia's Mom does not mind) and call it "Rebecca's Rymes".

Of course I don't mind. :) By the way ... a long overdue congrats on your daughter! I remember you from TTC after a M/C over on the WC. I was SEB over there. :)

[dana b]

shamocha those invites are amazing, so cute.

[marchfamily]

Shamocha - Those are the cutest invites I've seen in a long time!

[Brandian]

Shamocha-those invites are adorable! What do they say on the inside? Does it sound like the people you invited have a flight to catch or something?

[Chylynn]

Shamocha17 -That is seriously the cutest boy invitation I have ever seen! You are seriously talented!!

mia's mama -OMG, I had no idea it was you SEB and now you are expecting again! Mia has changed a lot since the last time I saw her (she was just born). Wow, I can't believe she is one already. Congrats on baby number 2!

Chad and Liz -Wow, thanks for the information! You rock! Good tip on practicing frosting the cake with a cookie sheet. Thanks, again.

[Club924]

for all the moms that are planning 1st b-days, are you planning on hiring any entertainers (face painters, clowns, balloon artist, magicians, bounce house, etc...)? we're planning on inviting over 80-100 guests (includes about 30 kids ranging from infant to 14 years old), so i'm not sure if i should hire someone to keep the kids occupied. we will probably have the bday party at a community center, which has a park.

does anyone have any advice? pros/cons?

thanks again! i'm slowly gathering ideas for DD's bday...even bought her 2 dresses for the special day b/c i couldn't make up my mind.

thanks again!
nancy

[lelee17]

Thanks EVERYONE for your comps on my DS's 1st birthday invites. :D

Club - with 30 kids at the party, I would definitely hire some type of entertainment. We did a bounce house for our DS's 2nd bday and they kiddies had a blast. I wanted to get a face painter, too but didn't book them in time. Bounce houses are always fun for all ages though. :)

[tgray99]

for all the moms that are planning 1st b-days, are you planning on hiring any entertainers (face painters, clowns, balloon artist, magicians, bounce house, etc...)? we're planning on inviting over 80-100 guests (includes about 30 kids ranging from infant to 14 years old), so i'm not sure if i should hire someone to keep the kids occupied. we will probably have the bday party at a community center, which has a park.

Nope, we're not inviting entertainers or anything like that but, in your situation with so many people coming and so many kids, I think maybe a bounce house and a balloon artist would be good. That way you don't have to worry about entertaining them. While we won't have nearly as many people as you, I'm throwing 2, one at our house for our friends and one at my mother's for family (my house is small and DH's family has something against driving down to our part of Houston :rolleyes: )

[cela-bela]

Originally Posted by Club924
for all the moms that are planning 1st b-days, are you planning on hiring any entertainers (face painters, clowns, balloon artist, magicians, bounce house, etc...)? we're planning on inviting over 80-100 guests (includes about 30 kids ranging from infant to 14 years old), so i'm not sure if i should hire someone to keep the kids occupied. we will probably have the bday party at a community center, which has a park.

I'm having roughly the same number of guests and children and I'm having a traveling zoo come out to do an animal show. I'm doing a farm/barnyard type of theme so I think it will fit in pretty well, even though not all the animals they bring out are farm-type animals but oh well. The kids will get a kick out of it i'm sure. I think the bounce house is a great idea and good for just about any age. :)

[KRK]

this thead has been such a great place for ideas and inspiration. i love looking at all the pics of everyone's parties. shamocha17 you are so talented!

my little princess just turned one and here are some pics from her party.

invite
http://www.shutterfly.com/jsp/proceserv.jsp?uid=8ActmThq1atI&rostate=67b0de21bdac1a7d456c&co=-1&js=1137567224171&rx=304&ry=304

invite doors opened
http://www.shutterfly.com/jsp/proceserv.jsp?uid=8ActmThq1atI&rostate=67b0de21bda965f7250c&co=-1&js=1137567274468&rx=304&ry=304

wording on front of invite:
Noble knights and princesses
from across the land
Are gathering for an
event that is truly grand.

Wording on back of invite:
Princess Kayla is inviting you,
Kings and queens and princes too.
So mark the date and make your way
To Princess Kayla's 1st Birthday!


The set up
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6df36b3127cce96ee69f216d600000016108ActmThq1atI

centerpieces (also used as party favors for all the little princesses)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6df33b3127cce96ce20e1ad2500000015108ActmThq1atI

birthday princess hat
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6df33b3127cce96ce2d59ed0300000016108ActmThq1atI

i bought crowns from www.orientaltrading.com for all the kids.
http://www.shutterfly.com/jsp/proceserv.jsp?uid=8ActmThq1atI&rostate=67b0de21bd88d0aec4e3&co=-1&js=1137569153453&rx=304&ry=304

[KRK]

We had about 30 kids ranging from infants to 13 yrs old. To keep them entertained a princess and jester were hired.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6df36b3127cce96eaf882d74700000015108ActmThq1atI http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6df36b3127cce96ee68a5d72900000015108ActmThq1atI

The princes/knights got swords
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6df36b3127cce96ee690d971900000016108ActmThq1atI

cakes
http://www.shutterfly.com/jsp/proceserv.jsp?uid=8ActmThq1atI&rostate=67b0de21bd88df88056a&co=-1&js=1137568987015&rx=304&ry=304
Other than my daughter, this was my favorite thing about the whole party. Everyone kept on asking me if it was a real cake. Sorry the picture is so dark.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6df33b3127cce96ce2889ad4900000035108ActmThq1atI

pic used for thank you cards
http://www.shutterfly.com/jsp/proceserv.jsp?uid=8ActmThq1atI&rostate=67b0de21bd88d78c056a&co=-1&js=1137569434328&rx=304&ry=304



Originally Posted by Club924
for all the moms that are planning 1st b-days, are you planning on hiring any entertainers (face painters, clowns, balloon artist, magicians, bounce house, etc...)? we're planning on inviting over 80-100 guests (includes about 30 kids ranging from infant to 14 years old), so i'm not sure if i should hire someone to keep the kids occupied. we will probably have the bday party at a community center, which has a park.

I had roughly about 140 guests and 30 of them were kids. We had the party at a community center to accommodate all our guests. Two entertainers were hired. The princess was there for an hour and a half. She did face painting and balloon twisting. The jester was there for 45 minutes and he did a magic show.

With so many people I highly recommend having some type of entertainment. It keeps the kids entertained and also allows the parents to enjoy the party too. I really wanted to rent a bounce house too, but the park did not allow them. Another thing I highly recommend is hiring a photographer to make sure to capture your baby's b-day!

[Club924]

thank you everyone for your suggestions! off to do some research on party entertainers!

krk - great job on your DD's first b-day! everything looks great and your DD is so cute! i love the invitation....if i was going the princess route, i would have to definitely borrow that idea! i'm planning on a pink/brown monogram theme, so it's been challenging trying to find favors/decorations/etc..., so hopefully, i'll be able to pull it off. BTW, did you make those balloon centerpieces yourself? i've been trying to contact a balloon decorator, but they haven't been too good about responding. again, love the party!

[BooeyJ2]

Karen - SO cute!!!!!!! You need to get your butt over to LJ and post more pics!! That's the first time i've seen Kayla's cute face in MONTHS!!!!! :(

[lelee17]

KRK - thank you for your comps on my son's bday invites. :) Your daughter's invites are super cute and creative. She's a such a cutie, too. Looks like the party was a big hit. :)

booey - Hi Julie! :p

[BooeyJ2]

L - Hello my loooooooooooooooooooooove ;) So weird to "talk" off of LJ hehe.

[lelee17]

Brandian - Sorry I missed your comment. I made the inside of the invitation to look like a boarding pass, so it says:

Passenger Boarding Pass (Across the top)

In the corner it says:
Flight No# XXXXXXX
Seating: First Class
Meal: YES

And the rest of the invitation says:

Destination: (Where party is taking place)
Date of Arrival: (Date of Party)
Arrival/Departure Time: (Time of Party)
Confirm Your Reservation by (Date): 555-5555
Co-Pilots: (Me and My DH)

We look forward to celebrating with you!

:D

[pontmarie]

We are having a large party but very few kids - 2 babies around the same age as DS, 1 4-month-old, and 1 or 2 7-year-olds, so we are not hiring any entertainers or renting bounce houses - maybe next year!

KRK & shamocha - oh my goodness, what cute ideas!!!

[Chylynn]

KRK -Did you purchase your invites or make them? Such a cute idea, but I don't think I am creative enough to make them for my DD...

Also, where did you buy your castle centerpieces? I love them with the balloons.

TIA!

[KRK]

Club924, , shamocha17, pontmarie, Chylynn Thanks for the compliments!


Hi, BooeyJ2! I love reading everyone else's journals on LJ, but I'm terrible at updating my own. I'll try to update i