Check out this month's Macaroni Kid Stork. Below is one of their feature articles which I can relate to since we just celebrated my niece's first birthday. My sister went with a gold, peach, and teal color scheme and Emmy looked adorable in her dress!
Whether you’ve been planning a first birthday party since your baby was born, or just started thinking about it a few weeks before the big day, you can use these easy ideas to get the party started.
Pick a Theme
If your child is coming up on his or her first birthday, you're probably excited to create a one-of-a-kind party that friends and family will enjoy. But let’s be honest: Your child is a bit young to be impressed by a theme and will probably be taking a nap in the middle of the day, so it’s really going to be about what you like. In a year or two, you’ll be planning birthday parties that actually DO cater to your kids’ interests, and the theme could end up being Caillou or Barney. So, enjoy the control you have now!
For a first birthday, lots of parents think of something that they enjoy doing with their baby as they've watched him grow. For instance, if you really love the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, you can take elements of the story and expand upon the theme. In the book, the caterpillar eats through increasing amounts of fruit (two pears, three plums, etc.) in his quest to become a butterfly. So, one idea is to create fruit tray appetizers and design a banner that resembles the bead-like body of the caterpillar. Place a picture on each bead that represents each month of your baby's first year. It's a great way to show guests how much he's grown!
Go For Color
Beautiful colors will create a vivid backdrop for pictures. If you really like a certain color scheme, use it for invites, cake, table tops, banners, paper lanterns, tissue paper pom-poms, and plates. Right now, silver and blue, pink and green, monochromatic palettes, and primary colors are popular choices.
Consider Your Younger Guests
Will there be lots of kids there? If so, create a theme that toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged kids can enjoy. Some parents have first birthday parties at large entertainment centers that cater to their older friends and cousins. Another idea that's sure to be a hit with kids and adults: a candy buffet is a tasty party favor that kids can prepare themselves.
Do It Yourself or Buy What You Need
Make or buy? This depends on how much time you have and how crafty you are. Jump on Pinterest if you’d like to create your own decorations, bake a cake or cupcakes, and create a great backdrop or two for pictures. Or stop at your local party store and find a theme that you love. You can pick up ready-made invitations, decorations, balloons, and banners. You can also order a birthday cake and smash cake that ties into a theme you really love.
You Don't Have To Break the Bank
Two words: Up-cycled decorations! Lots of Facebook groups offer nearly-new party supplies that can be bought, traded, or sold.
Enjoy this special day with your newly minted one-year-old and be sure to capture plenty of special moments. Next year, it'll be trucks, princesses, or (sigh) Barney!
