1st Birthday party!

The 1st birthday has come and gone and so had the 1st birthday party. I had so much fun planning this party and putting everything together. Six months ago when I started pinning ideas I couldn't decide on just one theme. I wanted to incorporate everything I pinned into one party. I soon realized this party could quickly spin out of control. After narrowing down a few ideas I finally decided to go with a Hot Pink/Orange/Gold theme. It's girlie and summery and most of the ideas I had pinned were things I had seen in these colors. I kept going back and forth between having someone design the invites or trying my hand at them. In the end I created my own. I really like how they turned out and I was able to use the background for other party decor. 

I knew I wanted to have several bunting banners and garland to decorate with. Being the crafty/frugal person I am, I knew I could recreate them myself. It took some planning and time to finish them before I left but I'm so happy with how they turned out. I kept the table decor simple and used the treat bags as balloon weights, along with Charlotte's monthly pictures and yarn wrapped ice cream cones. (I don't think I have any pictures of them, but you can see them behind the bags in one of the pics. 

I also wanted to create a cute sign to let people know where the party was, especially for our out of town guests. Too bad the out-of-towners both got lost on their way there. I forgot to take a picture of the sign outside but, this frame was set up and had balloons tied to it. I really love the way it turned out. I was disappointed that it wouldn't fit in our suitcase. I scored the frame at Hobby Lobby for 50% off. Someday it will look adorable in Charlotte's room. 

Since we had invited the kids to bring their swim suits to the party I didn't plan any games or activities, but I did want to have some sort of takeaway (other than candy) for the girls. I thought a headband bar would be the perfect idea. I love, love, love this idea. If you know me you know how much I love a good headband. The girls could choose a headband and add a flower of choice. I didn't get any pictures of the girls wearing them, but they were cute. 

I went back and forth between bar-be-cue and pizza for lunch and in the end decided on pizza. We ordered from our college town's famous pizza joint, Shakespeares, had homemade wings, homemade Rich and Charlie's salad, delicious garlic bread and a fruit bowl. 

Since it's summer I wanted to have a fun treat for dessert. I loved the idea of a sundae bar. I'm not a big cake person and wanted to do something different. I think everyone really enjoyed the sundae bar. I did make one splurge and buy sundae cups and wooden spoons for the ice cream bar. I stamped "enjoy" on each of the spoons to add some flare. 

A friend of my sister's made the smash cake for Charlotte and it turned out adorable. My MIL also made ice cream sundae inspired cupcakes. 

Lastly I wanted to have a mini candy bar. I know they are the new trend at parties and I couldn't resist having one at Charlotte's. I tried to keep with the pink/orange/gold theme in my choices. I think it turned out well and we still had lots left over. The only thing that did not turn out was the cotton candy. I had bought CC at Sam's and wanted to pretty it up, so we put it in the pink polka a dot bags. By the time the party rolled around the CC had disintegrated. 

Ok, now time for some pictures of the birthday girl and guests.

We had a great day celebrating with friends and family and are thankful for to those that traveled to the party. I do have one piece of advice for those planning a special party - hire a photographer or designated someone to take pictures. We did get lots of great pictures, but we don't have any of mom, dad and Charlotte or Charlotte with her cousins or grandparents. Those are the only pictures I wish we had someone take for us.

Hope you enjoy!