Meriwether's First Birthday
Meriwether’s first birthday celebration was a couple of months ago, so I wanted to share some crafty things and a few tips and tricks.
You’re Invited!
I always begin by sourcing the invitation. It gives me a great starting point for inspiration and I build from there. Before selecting the invite, I take time to consider the type of event, time of year, what’s currently in season and what the guest of honor would enjoy. I also consider my budget and timeline when finalizing which festive elements to execute within my timeframe. Doing less, but doing it well, is key. Focus most of your budget and energy on one main table or area — serving as a focal point guests will remember.
Once I had the invites, I wanted to source cute little animal figures and make party hats for them. Most of them came from Amazon — they have a great selection, so I recommend going there first if you're on the hunt. I tried all the local craft stores in town (JoAnns, Michael's, Hobby Lobby) and surprisingly they didn't have much, so I ended up ordering most of them. I figured Meriwether would enjoy playing with them once the party was over, so it was a win-win.
Mini Party Hat Craft
All you need to make these sweet little party hats are:
Paper Baking Cups (for cupcakes)
Hot Glue Gun
Small Pom-Poms
I purchased all supplies for the party at my local craft store.
INSTRUCTIONS —
Fold baking cup in half (sandwich style), aligning the edges. Then, roll the baking cup, creating a point at the top.
Cut off excess at the bottom to adjust sizes for smaller animals.
Glue the edge of the baking cup down.
Glue a pom-pom to the top as the finishing touch.
Super simply and easy!
Baby’s Breath Balloon Garland
I don't think this balloon garland is the most spectacular by any means, but it served as a festive, sweet centerpiece for the party. Plus, easy to assemble in just 30 minutes! I made it the night before because I really wasn't sure how long it was going to take. I went back in the morning and did a few touch ups, but it could have been done the same day as the party. Balloons are the perfect way to add interest and fun with little expense!
The key is this balloon garland tape.
You blow up your balloons in various sizes, then push the tied portion of the balloon through the holes on the tape. Then you just attach it wherever you want it to hang. It's that simple. I tried to hang this one as a swag on our mantle, and I think it turned out nice. I added some fresh baby's breath I had left over from the food table centerpiece for some added interest.
Baby’s Breath Florals
With a limited budget, I opt for an abundance of one floral, which can really make a large impact. I added touches of baby’s breath all around the space, with larger arrangements on the food table. If you don’t have a budget for professional arrangements, simply buy one type of floral, in bulk, and arrange them yourself. Even better if you can forage for your greenery and florals from your own trees and garden!
Polka Dot Party Hats
I did end up making party hats because I couldn’t find any I really liked. I made these out of construction paper, tissue paper, a round paint dobber and a large pom pom for the top.
Everyone wore them (even the guys) and it was so much fun! If you'd like a more in-depth tutorial, I'm happy to share, just comment below or message me.
Easy, Delicious Party Food
I knew I wanted to keep the food simple for sanity reasons. Still, I wanted food that was delicious and enjoyable for our adult guests. I did a bunch of research for easy, delicious eats and I ended up not having to cook a thing! I did bake brownies the day before, but that was it. It was easy for me and everyone seemed to really enjoy.
Of course, the Barefoot Contessa was a go-to for advice. I started watching videos of Ina Garten, recommending her easiest, most delicious party food ideas. I also got some great tips from my mom and this is what we came up with for the menu.
Cheese Board —
Step One
Place large leaves on the base of your plate or board. For example, fig leaves or hydrangea leaves.
Step Two
Next, put a large serving of grapes (still on the vine) in the middle of the plate
Step Three
Feature 3 to 4 cheeses around the grapes. Be sure to cut a few slices to get them started.
The cheeses I chose were:
Spanish Manchego
Classic Cheddar
French Brie
Blue Cheese (I went with Saga Classic Blue Brie Cheese)
Step Four
Add another sweet fruit option and place between the cheeses (I chose strawberries)
Step Five
Add a chewy element like dried cranberries or apricots. You can also add honey for drizzling, but I didn't do that this time.
Step Six
Finish the board with various cheese crackers
Shrimp Cocktail —
This was an easy addition to the table that disappeared quickly! So simple. Just plate your shrimp (deveined, peeled and rinsed) on a pretty dish and pour your cocktail sauce in a nice bowl.
Done!
Fresh Vegetables —
Something healthy mixed in is always a hit.
I simply cut fresh vegetables, placed them on a glass dish and added a heaping bowl of Marzetti's Ranch Veggie Dip.
Assorted Nuts —
I served salted cashews, honey roasted peanuts and plain peanuts. My mom brought Virginia Diner nuts, which are so good!
Place them in pretty little matching dishes and you're done. Surprisingly our guests really enjoyed snacking on them.
Chips —
Ina Garten actually recommended this ultra simple party food idea. Grab some store bought kettle cooked chips, pour them in a nice, large bowl.
I was surprised at the end of the party when the bowl was empty!
Drinks —
I ended up serving sweet tea, lemonade and punch. You can buy delicious sweet tea and lemonade or make some at home. Both are easy and delicious. The punch I served is simply equal parts sprite and white grape juice. It is delicious and refreshing! I highly recommend it for your next gathering.
Party Favors
I struggled finding party favors for the little ones since most of them were one year and younger. I landed on bottles of bubbles, tied up with ribbon and wrapped in tissue and cellophane — and also boxes of classic animal crackers.
It was a day filled with love and celebration of life. I can't believe our little girl has been with us for a year already! We feel immensely blessed to be her parents. Life with Meriwether has been filled with so much— joy, laughter, love, sleepless nights, tears, dancing and snuggles.
Life with her is sweet, for certain.
Psalms 127:3