First of all...can you believe it's been 10 years since we partied like it's 1999???
Okay, now that I've gotten that out of the way...on to the real purpose of this post!
I am starting to freak out a little about Caddy's 1st birthday party. It is now officially less than a month away...August 1! For some reason, I decided it would be sweet to have it here at our house...our smallish, 1600 sq. ft. house! Where the heck am I going to put all these people I'm inviting?? I don't even have a covered patio! Please don't let it rain that day!!
So, anyway, here's my game plan so far...
1. Here is a little sneak peek at her invitations...I designed them on Photoshop and ordered them from VistaPrint.com...and they are SOOOO cute! :) I also ordered matching address labels and thank-you notes with her name.
2. I've got the paper goods...paper plates, napkins, etc. Navy blue and lime green!
3. Amanda at Bibs & Cribs is making her birthday banner...can't wait to see that!
4. Kandice at Diamonds & Dumptrucks is making her a cute dress and bib for the big day!
5. I'm planning to set up our tailgate canopy (just happens to be navy blue!) on the patio to give some shade. Would love to find another to borrow for the yard! If you know me, and live near me...could I please borrow yours if you have one??? :)
Now it's time for your help!
The party is set to start at 11:00, and I'm planning to put a little note in the invite to let people know they can just "drop in" from 11 to 1:00. Does that sound okay?
Should I do a "smash" cake and cupcakes...or go for a big "regular" cake?
Food? Should there be other snacks besides cake and drinks?
Activities? What should I have for the kiddos to do? Caroline is not really who I'm concerned about here...seriously, she can't even walk yet! But, most of the kids who we're inviting are 2 to 5 years old. I've thought about buying one of those Little Tikes bounce-around things...there's one on sale now for $199. Is it worth it?
Favors? Should I have little goodies for everyone to take home? I know most of the kids are really too young (and broad range of ages) to do traditional party favors...but my mom suggested a small (inexpensive) story book for everyone. Thoughts? My friend Ami also suggested pretty iced cookies in cello bags with bows...I'm for sure doing this!
Any other ideas?
I'd appreciate any ideas y'all could offer...especially from those of you who have thrown 1st birthday parties! I've only got a few weeks left to get this done...I am desperate...please HELP!
Thanks in advance!!!
If you don't have a "smash" cake for that baby, I am going to be so mad at you! Every baby needs a "smash" cake on their 1st birthday. I think the party hours are during "lunch time," so you may want to consider at least having a sandwich tray and small bags of various chips. Not sure about the blow-up thing unless you're sure that many kids are actually going to be there. It would come in handy as Caroline gets older and you could also use it at future birthday parties. I have a BAMA tent you could use!! Ha, ha! Wanna use it?! Can't wait to see birthday bash pics!! Have fun planning! Everything sounds great!
ReplyDeleteFor 2-5 year olds I'd get snacks that they like: goldfish, animal cookies, raisins, pretzels, juice boxes, etc. Cupcakes are always so much easier than one big cake (in my opinion!). For favors you could do any one or combo of like, bubbles, play doh, fruit snacks, bandaids w/characters, bouncy ball etc. My son(2) got a bag like that and just loved everything (especially the bubbles). Good luck! Oh and the bounce house looks like a ton of fun!
ReplyDeleteI just saw that exact Little Tykes thing on craigslist...the Fayetteville area. Just FYI!
ReplyDeleteWe did cupcakes for my little one's first birthday. And she just got one cupcake to "smash". Less messy, but she really wasn't into it that much, so oh well!
For Chelsea's 1st Birthday, we just did one big cake, but she was totally not in to eating it with her hands she used a spoon. If I had it to do over again, I would have done the large cake as well as a small cake in the same design.
ReplyDeleteFor the food, I normally do a fruit tray with dip and mini sandwiches. Keep it light, people are coming for Caroline's Birthday Party, not expecting to be fed a full blown meal.
I've always done goody bags with little balls, appropriate age snacks, crazy straws, coloring pads, crayons.
The bouncy thing looks fun, but then you have to store it and the grass that gets all over them, too much trouble. I have found that it is so much easier to rent one, let them come set it up and tear it down. Also if you have a bouncy, most likely the kids will want to stay in it the entire time.
Most of all Enjoy the Day, everything may not go as planned, trust me. Caroline is only one and may not want to sit and open presents when you think it is time or be willing to sit and eat her cake with everyone watching. The day will still be memorable.
One thing I wished I would have done was to have scrapbook paper out for guests to sign and wish her a Happy Birthday, something for her to look back on when she is older, because she is not going to remember.
love the ideas!!!! it will be PERFECT! we gave away cupcakes in celophane bags since sophie's party was a cupcake party. i'd just give her a cupcake to smash instead of a whole cake ... sophie barely touched hers and HATED the icing. but then again, your kiddo may not be weird about food like mine is. love the storybook idea too ... hard to decide! the bounce house sounds like a good idea ... you can use it for the party and then caddy can play in it for years and years. can't wait to see how it turns out!
ReplyDeleteNo suggestions...I don't want to think about 1st birthdays yet! But I love your ideas and your color scheme!
ReplyDeleteDon't freak about it Jen...it's going to be so fun for everyone!!! I promise.
ReplyDeleteSince you're doing it during lunchtime, I would make some finger lunchy type foods just in case anyone shows up thinking lunch will be served.
I can't wait to see the pictures...I know it will be an adorable event!!!