Celebrating your baby’s first birthday is an exciting time. Not only is it a major milestone for your little one, but it’s likely the first time that you get to plan a celebration all about them. Plus, this is probably the only birthday party where they don’t have an opinion, so you are in complete control! My husband and I are on the cusp of planning this special day, so here are some tips I’ve discovered so far:
Timing is Key. Large gatherings can be overwhelming for itty bitties, especially when the focus is primarily on them. And we all know what happens if baby doesn’t get to nap at his or her desired time. Scheduling the party strategically and having a set start and end time will hopefully ward off the fussiness and allow the guest of honor to enjoy the festivities. I’ve been to brunch birthdays which are a lot of fun as well as mid-day. I would avoid evenings as many of the guests probably have early bedtimes.
Shrink the Guest List. It’s completely a personal preference, but you may consider keeping this a more intimate event for a couple of reasons. First, fewer guests will keep things less chaotic and more enjoyable for baby. Secondly, the time for huge (and expensive) birthday bashes with an entire class of kids is just around the corner. Enjoy this opportunity to keep things a little simpler and relaxing. This allows you to focus on playing mommy or daddy instead of playing host.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. Pinterest has warped our vision and seriously upped the ante of what any event should look like. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good blog-worthy party but am also a firm believer that you should only take on as much as you truly want to and are willing to budget for. Think of nostalgic parties from your youth. Did you really miss having a “make your own floral crown” activity station? Did you turn up your nose at a homemade sheet cake and demand a three tier sculpted version? I doubt it. The checklist in reality is pretty manageable: Invitations, food, drinks, cake, candles, a few decorations, and maybe a party favor. For this first birthday, you can even get away without having any sort of entertainment. Keep the petting zoo and magician on hold for another year or so.
Make it a Party for All Ages. Chances are the age of your guests will range from newborn to nana. Keeping everyone comfortable, fed, and entertained may be one the trickiest parts of the planning. If you have the party at home, consider designating certain areas to accommodate different needs. A quiet room if a baby needs to nap, a space for toddlers to play or watch a movie, and a comfy chair or couch for any older guests. The menu may be slightly mismatched from what you’re used to as well. It’s ok to have goldfish crackers in a bowl next to a gourmet cheese board or a selection of juice boxes with a white and red wine option. Time of day will dictate your specifics, but err on the side of less formal fare to accommodate less mature palettes.
Set yourself up for success, by keeping things simple. Candid snapshots are just as valuable as professional photography and homemade cupcakes are as big of a hit as gourmet ones. You’re at the finish line of earning your new parent badge and this should be a time for you to celebrate and be in the moment. Keep the focus on your little one and making those priceless memories.
Additional tips and items:
- I purchased a banner similar to this for both girls’ first birthday parties. This is a must if you’ve taken a monthly photo of their first year. Love showing the gradual and adorable change month to month!
- The high chair is the focal point when it’s time for the quintessential smash cake or cupcake. Get another banner and a few balloons to make it feel festive for photos.
- Speaking of a smash cake, I made both girls’ from scratch. If you choose to go this route, avoid the artificial dyes and use dehydrated strawberries to color the frosting. It also tastes amazing! I used this recipe. You may also consider getting some cake boards. I did this with Rose and it makes it so much easier to move the cake from the pedestal to the high chair.
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