Elias’s First Birthday Party Recap
Elias’s first birthday party was great! Here’s the recap I have been promising.
The Prep
We had it at a local park, so I had to pack several boxes of stuff to take. All the food, decorations, etc. While it was a bit of a pain, I found I was less stressed getting prepared because as I thought or bought items, I would just toss them in the party box. I didn’t forget anything.
I bought most of the party supplies at The Dollar Tree (they have a great party section), which kept it really affordable, since we only had a small budget for the party. Everything was bright and fun. I loved it.
The Location
We had the party at Dragon Park in Nashville. It is known as Dragon Park because of the huge tiled dragon at the park. Isn’t it neat? I love that Matthew and Elias are making the same face in this photo.
The Food
Since it was at 1 in the afternoon, I kept it really simple with the food and drinks. I bought most of the food at Costco, which kept the cost down. Here’s what we served:
- Regular and mango salsa
- Fresh fruit
- Bowls of pretzels on each table
- A baby snack tray (with Beach Nut snacks and cheerios)
- Cupcakes (I cut dragons out to put on top of the cupcakes, but then I forgot to put them on. Oh well. They were still a big hit.)
- Water, lemonade and juice boxes
Even in keeping it simple, we had TONS of food leftover. That always happens, doesn’t it?
The Birthday Boy
He looked so cute in his First Birthday hat! Although, he didn’t keep it on long…
He also was given some really lovely gifts.
The Cake
I took cake decorating back in 2007 with the intent of someday making my children’s cakes. Well, the opportunity was finally here. I made a six inch cake for Elias and was so pleased with how it turned out. Unfortunately, Elias was not a big fan. I think it was too sweet for him (it was the first time he had artificial sugar) and it was very hot out… We did get him a little messy – and Matthew even stuck his feet in the cake when he pulled him out the high chair.
The Sign
Even though I put four hours into making the cupcakes, Elias’s cake and the frosting, I was most proud of the sign I made for Elias’s high chair.
Here’s how I made it.
- I painted large chipboard letters from Rusty Pickle
- I mounted the letters on yellow cardstock and cut the bottom of the cardstock using scalloped scissors.
- I used tacky tape on the backs of each letter to attach red crepe paper
- I attached felt characters (by Fancy Pants) to each letter to give them dimension and further tie the design together
It added so much color to his high chair and looks great in the pictures (yes, we took around 300!) I am going to hang the sign up on the valance in his room. Isn’t it sweet?
Thanks for sharing in the day. 🙂
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So sweet. Elias is such a precious little boy. My kids never seemed to like the cake. It was all about the ice cream! I love your decorating ideas. The more simple, the better the party. That is my motto and it's true. Can't wait to see his second year unfold.
Soooooooooo sweet, everything turned out so perfect!
The day looked so much fun! xxx
Happy Birthday to your little boy!
The cake looks great, I love the colors. I also enjoy cake decorating.
The banner is awesome! How great!
Awww. Happy (late) Birthday Elias!
He is so cute and the party looked totally perfect 🙂
I really love your new blog look and the name!
It looks like it was a really wonderful day! Everything was so colorful and pretty.
Question for ya: Where did you take your cake class? I'd love to do that but have no idea where to even look for a class like that. Thanks 🙂
Too cute! You are very creative, and I especially love the letters on his highchair…I think I'm going to steal some of your ideas for my daughter's 2nd birthday in November 🙂
Rachel – both Michaels and JoAnn's offer cake classes. I took mine at Michaels.
What an awesome first birthday party! You are SO creative, Mom Creative! 🙂
I first started reading your blog last year, when he was born, when Angie mentioned you on her blog. How quickly the year has flown!
I love what you did for his party. All of it looks like it was classy and fun, yet affordable. He is so cute!
It's a lot of work transferring everything to a park. We did that for my dd's 3rd b-day. Everything looked perfect. Most importantly, Elias looked like he had a blast!
Adorable, my little guy will be one next month.
They DO have the same expression in that photo… so fun! If I was there I would have had to resist the urge to eat the the frosting right off his cheeks… not cuz the frosting looks good but because that child is almost edible. Can't believe he's almost one already. Although that means I was introduced to you a year ago, too… feels like I've known you so much longer…
LOVE IT! What a fun and festive celebration of Elias' first year of life!!! Great job, Jessica. And I absolutely love the picture of you and your baby boy reading the card together – so sweet.
My son turns 1 next week so I may borrow a few of your ideas!
Love the new look and name of your blog. It suits you. =)
So cute. Thanks for the recap. I'm dreading and looking forward to Josiah's first birthday in a few short weeks. Happy Birthday Elias.
love the birthday party pics! it looks like it was perfect!!! i am making my daughter's invites…wish me luck! I made some examples and am so excited about them…now just need about 20 more…
I have a question about the banner you made for Elias's high chair. what did you do to the crepe paper. Did you cut it fold it? I appreciate you taking the time and answering my question.