Today I have such a a sweet party to share with you. My friend Laura’s little girl Olive turned one several months ago, and Laura hosted a Wizard of Oz birthday party in her home to celebrate. (You might remember Olive’s nursery that we collaborated on a while back.) Laura put together “Camp Liam” for her son’s party a couple years ago, so her bar for “just a little party” is much higher than most peoples’.
This party’s theme, “There’s No Place Like Home”, had a special meaning since Laura and her husband Craig just recently moved back to their native Kansas City after living in Illinois for several years. This sweet party is full of pretty decorations, and gorgeous food (which I can only assume was equally delicious). And just look at baby Olive clutching that macaroon? Too much cuteness!
I can’t believe it even as I’m typing, but NEXT month my own little Gemma turns one. How did this happen??? I don’t know if I’m ready for this emotionally. So, clearly the logical thing to do is avoid how I’m feeling and just plan her first birthday party.
Everyone keeps asking me what I’m going to do, and I have no idea. No good ones at least. I keep thinking of things that sound ok in my head, but come out a bit ridiculous. (Prime example is my nagging thought to plan A Goodnight Moon party because it’s her favorite book, and she was born the night of a snowstorm. Then again a creepy grandma rabbit in a rocking chair and “a bowl full of mush” just doesn’t scream celebration to me…Ugh. I’m taking suggestions. For real.
Cake via Classic Cakes and flowers via Victorian Gardens (Kansas City, Missouri)All images taken by the talented Laura Kackley of LARK Photography.
Rustic Baby Shower
Tea Party Birthday
Black and Gold Bridal Brunch
Gemma’s Woodland Creature Birthday
It’s her first birthday – go as big or as little as you want! I think it’s easier to choose a loose theme though. We have done things like elephants (sort of circusy) or as simple as a color (the latest was purple). Book themes are cute but, man, I can see how you could drive yourself crazy with that. (Although I was desperately wishing I had come up with the purple theme far enough in advance to give Harold and the Purple crayon as party favors.)
Hah! This is good advice, Sarah. I like the crayon favor idea. I do things like that, think about one little element and then want to plan a whole theme around it. A book theme would be super easy and then guests could just bring books as gifts too…Oh man. I’ll probably change my mind 10 tens times week alone.
What a sweet party. That picture of all the kids together is a classic! 🙂
Yeah, poor Olive. True depiction of group kid dynamics!
Great pics and lots of inspiration. I love how the colourful macaroons match the banners – such a simple idea but it looks awesome. My little boy also turns one in Feb but I’ve been planning his party for months. Months!! They say the first one is for the parents anyway so I’m kind of treating it that way. I’m sure you’ll come up with something great 🙂
Good for you Katie! I hope you’ll post pics. Our babies must be really close in age:) I totally agree-this first party is all about us. She won’t even care or remember! If she had her way it would be Elmo all the way. Lol.
Lol. My boy is happy as long as he has a big feed so I’m hoping he doesn’t really notice all the people eating his fruit and cake – he turns one in two weeks (eeeek!). I’m surprised at how many childless couples I’ve invited to the party! Lol. Oh well, he can have his 18th 😉 I’m looking forward to seeing your pics and yes, I plan to post some of mine too – even the out of focus ones!!!
Holy cow. Amazing. And I love love love all the little details. I will say this…You will come up with a great idea. Maybe start with the food? Your food is always so beautiful…and can possibly lead to a grand theme? I am absolutely drawing a blank right now. Lol. I wish I could give you some insight..but I am afraid I am no help! lol.
Starting with food is a good idea. Oh gosh. I know no one will even care, but I feel all this pressure to make it a good one since it’s her first!!
Awesome party idea!! How about a Candy Land theme for your sweet baby girl? 🙂
That’s a super cute idea, Cynthia! Plus, I would enjoy “disposing” of edible decorations myself:)
Yep, isn’t that the best part of parties the edible goodies 🙂 You will nail it, you are super creative!!
Oh my goodness. This is about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. And the poppies! So many great details! Love it.
Oh my gosh are you kidding me!? First off, that pink wall colour is just fabulous. I’m trying to decide where I can pull that off in my house. And secondly, that party is just so so adorable!
I think a goodnight moon party would be adorable! You could just tweak a few of those undesirable details
This is quite possibly the cutest birthday I’ve ever seen!!