I’ve been planning this party in my head, and on Pinterest, since she was 3 weeks old! I can’t believe that it has come and gone so quickly, it just doesn’t seem like she is a whole year old! And for those of you around the Southern California area who keep saying that you’ve never felt it so hot as the last couple weeks or so. Well, you have! Last year, this same time, I remember precisely how hot it was, and if anything this is cooler! But Monday’s weather, though still hot, decided to give me a little break and be a breezy 87 degrees rather than a stale 96. For which I am forever grateful! I am also grateful for the family members and friends who are always so willing to help with their time and talents! Thank you to you all, you know who you are. And my amazing husband, who was able to get her down for a 3 Hour Nap before the shindig, I can’t even do that when the stars are alined and I’ve found a lucky four leaf clover!
The Carousel Horse Theme
The theme came pretty easy. My mom, when I was a kid, used to make and hand paint carousel horses. So when I was a child, that was the obsession in our household. I even had one of my own, standing in my bedroom on a pedestal with a big brass pole. After a trip to the carousel in Balboa Park in San Diego, I quickly learned that my daughter shares the love of carousels! So, naturally, I hit the ground running, creating the party of my (I mean her) dreams.
- Food for first birthday party
The food was fun and kid friendly! Goldfish in cups the size that tiny hands could easily grip! Pb&J and cheese sandwiches with no crust! I got a cookie cutter in the shape of a carousel horse on Amazon! No one can say no to a horse shaped sandwich. I put popcorn bags filled with the toddler’s version of popcorn – Pirate booty! There was also cotton candy, my personal favorite. And Cracker Jacks, prizes included!
The real food was catered by Chick-fil-A. Best chicken nuggets in the World! The cupcakes held fake candles made out of a paper straw cut in half and a little bit of yellow tissue paper stuffed into the end! So easy, and perfect for a birthday! For drinks, we served old fashioned sodas with fun paper straws!
Old Fashioned Cream Sodas
Jelly Belly Favors for guests
table centerpiece and burlap runner
Photos of the birthday girl’s first year displayed on trees next to the party area
And it wouldn’t be a first birthday without a CAKE SMASH!
Cake smash for first birthday
She’s My Favorite
