Planning Baby's {1st} Birthday

I hope everyone had an excellent 4th of July Weekend! After our trip and looking back at my previous post, I noticed something crucial that I left out when planning for your trip. Cancellations!!! If you're flying, definitely keep in mind the possibility that flights could be canceled and/or delayed. Even if the weather does not indicate troubles. 

Our 4th of July vacation was extended by two days due to flight cancellations. Thank goodness for those extra two tops I threw into my luggage {just in case}! While the travel and hassle with two canceled flights was no delight, I definitely enjoyed the extra time with my family. In addition to that, I was able to get some great material for some upcoming blogging. Don't worry, the folding info is still to come {I know you can barely contain yourself to read about folding}, but I just haaaad to share about my niece's birthday party. 

My sister {Meagan} did such an amazing job creating the perfect {seriously, perfect} first birthday party. She had a vision, sought out how to create that vision, planned and executed. From the food, to the decor, to the little princess eating cake {well, cupcake} for the first time, every detail was thought about and addressed. Anyone have a birthday party {or even baby shower} coming up? Here's some great pointers on how to make it a huge success, without too much stress {a party isn't a party without a little stress, right?}

Meagan's little secret? Lots of DIY, Pinterest, and free labor family support. Oh, and great time management {for those of you who know her, yes, I AM talking about my sister here}. 

So let me walk you through the party! 
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Upon arrival, the first thing you see is this adorable DIY wreath beckoning guests to "Come on in". 

This handmade wreath set the stage for the rest of the decor that was waiting to be revealed on the other side of the door. 

How it was made:
Using a foam ring {available at most craft stores including Michael's and Hobby Lobby}, she wrapped the ring with pink yarn. With a hot glue gun {if you don't have one and you're interested in DIY, get one. Now. They're amazing}, she created and strategically placed felt flowers across the bottom. For some tips on making felt flowers, and other DIY using felt, this Pinterest board is amazing!

The "1" is made with felt glued together as well, and tied to the wreath with twine. Twine was also used to hang the banner, which was made out of paper and letter stickers. She folded the top of each pennant over the twine and glued it to the back.
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Once inside, the next party feature is the gift table. Meagan cleared off her entryway table to allow guests to have one location to drop gifts. 

Placing a gift table {or a designated gift area} in plain sight makes it very easy for guests to know where to place the gifts they bring. This also allows the party atmosphere to remain organized and free from gift "clutter" {for lack of a better word}. 
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Meagan pulled chairs from around her dining table to create more seating in the "adult space". 

She placed these pink lanterns, helium balloons, and streamers throughout the house to add a little more colorful decoration. 

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On to the dessert table {my favorite}! 

Recognize that banner? It's repeated from the wreath on the door {only here, it's much, much bigger). Wanna know how to make one? Find free printables here to create your own! 

A key to any party, especially a birthday party, is the dessert. So here are some delicious pics {and recipes} for the desserts served. 

These were delightful, and so pretty! They were also easy to make, Meagan had help from a couple youngsters, ages 6 and 5. Find the recipe here! 

Unfortunately, I don't have a better picture to show off how BEAUTIFUL the cake and cupcakes were {poor planning on my part, but I knew if I got too close I would stick my face in it}. They were so gorgeous and tasty. The cake was chocolate with white chocolate, raspberry, frosting {my mouth is watering just typing that}. Cupcakes were made with the same frosting and were vanilla or chocolate, with little raspberries placed on top for decoration {the chocolate cake was made with applesauce to be healthier for babies}. 

Also on the menu, slow cooker pulled chicken BBQ sandwiches, slow cooker mac & cheese, pasta salad, and some other basic party sides {slow cooker recipes are ideal for parties, especially if you have a child. They're so easy to make and serve!}. 
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To drink, Meagan made this refreshing Raspberry Lemonade Punch.

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Lastly in the food category, the appetizer/snack table.

Fruit plate {with Happy Baby Yogis for kids}, veggie plate, pasta salad, and DIY labeled water bottles. Also, Meagan made these adorable photo decorations, lined with pictures of my niece over the last year. 

How it was made: 
She used a large frame and created a clothesline replica using twine {from the pennant banners} and mini clothespins. She glued little pink buttons to hold the twine in place and voila, adorable decorations and memories! 
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Last, but definitely not least, is the birthday girl throne! 

This magnificent set up consists of a streamer backdrop {don't ask, just awe}, pom-pom balls {for decoration and for play}, and a highchair tray skirt {yes, a skirt}. 

How it was made: 
The skirt is simply tulle sewed around a ribbon. Meagan measured it nicely to cover the front view of the high chair. Just a small, simple touch to make the cupcake eating more attractive!
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Now some comments from the creator: 

What was your time-frame for planning? 
I started thinking about it two months before the party and tried to complete at least one task per week. 

{Meagan's To-Do list} 

What was essential for planning? 
Pinterest! It gave me lots of good ideas for food, decor, etc.

How did you stay on budget?
I didn't! But 40% off coupons at Hobby Lobby and Michael's and making lists in advance helped. {Meagan uses an amazing method for grocery shopping to organize exactly what she needs. See her printable list here}.

What went well? 
I feel like everything did! We had so much fun we did not even notice the rainy weather all day. 

What was Emelia's favorite part? 
Being the center of attention, of course! She loved playing with her friends. 

{Isn't her outfit adorable? Find it and others here}

What was your favorite part? 
My favorite part was watching Emelia's reaction to all the fun: playing with balloons and decorations, watching herself on TV {slideshow}, her friends arriving, eating cake and opening presents.

Guest's favorite part? 
The cake got great reviews, especially when Emelia got her hands on some.  

{Check out that gorgeous backdrop!}

Anything else? 
Even though I know she won't remember it, I still wanted to go all out for the party. We love her so much, and this year has been such an amazing whirlwind. I wanted to celebrate it in a special way. At the same time, we tried to keep it as small and simple as we could, so it wouldn't be overwhelming for her.

Having family close by was a huge help. They all pitched in the day of to help out and keep Emelia entertained while we put together the final touches.

{Free labor}

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Overall, a well planned and executed party. Are you planning a party anytime soon, or have you recently? Did you use some DIY to make it unique {and cheaper}? Please share any ideas, plans, or creations! 

Thanks for visiting!