Teal and Red First Birthday Party

(Sorry this is late... By now, you probably know that that's just how I roll.)

When I first starting planning and pinning for Sam's first birthday party, I wasn't really sure what direction I was headed.  But, as my "vision" and "purpose" (of course you can have those things for a birthday party, why not?) came into focus a little more, I realized that a lot of the cute themes out there were better suited for older kids.  So, I started a new board of "parties I can't wait to throw when Sam is older" and decided that since we were only going to have one guest (other than the birthday boy) under 25, it just didn't make sense to plan elaborate details for kids (i.e. favors, games, etc.). However, I felt really strongly that the overall "mood" of the party should be happy, fun, and a little whimsical. Here are a few other things I knew going into party planning:

- I wanted the party at our own house for sentimental reasons.

- I wanted to be able to use outside, but not be dependent on the weather.

- I wanted to use Sam's my new favorite colors teal and red.

- I wanted to incorporate elements that would remind guests what it felt like to be a kid again.

*This party was my rough inspiration.

In the end, I think all of those things were accomplished, and I was happy with the result.  Of course, I don't think the photos really capture the spirit of everything, but since hiring a professional photographer or inviting you all to see it in person didn't really fit into my "keep it simple" theme, these will have to do...

Enjoy!

As guests arrived, they were greeted with this adorable side-walk chalk "picture frame" done by my friend Bekuh.  This doubled as a photo-booth, complete with plenty of props.  (Pretty sure this is going to be on our front wall until we move one day.)

Moving into the house, the living room was filled with red balloons and Sam's monthly photo banner.

This was the only "craft" I did for the whole party.  Clothes pins on ribbon - that's my kind-of project!

Also in the living room, I included the Happy Birthday book by Dr. Seuss (which just happened to be in my colors) for friends to sign like a guestbook of sorts.



The dining room is where I focused most of my decorating energy...

My favorite part - the vintage candy and toy bar.  This was mostly my mom's baby.  Isn't it SO cute?  And, I, of course, loved showing off our pictures too.  I even included a few copies for guests to take home.



We asked guests NOT to bring gifts, but I knew they would anyway; so, we use the wagon from Jeff & I to hold them.

I set-up the sunroom the way I would have done the backyard if the weather wasn't so iffy... It worked out fine.

Drinks were in the kitchen and on the deck.

 



Even Addy got in on the fun.



Sweet Birthday Boy

Later this week, I'll share a few more details and a post on "How to Host a Cute Party If You Are Not Crafty Or Rich."  Until then, thanks for caring about my little party-planning adventures and the milestones of our little family (I still can't believe my baby is ONE).  You all make everything that much more fun!

Sources:
- Chalk art by Bekuh Browning
- Photo booth props from Target, Walmart, & my basement
- Dr. Seuss birthday book from Amazon
- Bulk gumballs from Sam's Club
- Banner made by Jeff's mom
- Paper products from local party-supply store & Walmart
- Paper balls and fans from Party Factory Direct via Amazon
- Highchair from Poppy's basement (it was mine when I was little)
- Cake by Sarah G
- Candy and toys from The Dollar Store, Target, & Cracker Barrell
- Birthday hat from Steinmart
- Photos by Howe Captivate
- Wagon from Amazon
- Ball from Target
- Quilt from Jeff's grandma
- Tent from Ikea (Jeff's mom already had it)
- "1st Birthday" banner from Walmart
- Addy's "outfit" from Walmart