First Birthday Parties

Jessica - posted on 02/05/2011

My daughters 1st birthday is in May and I'm already planning it, lol. We are doing a BBQ and inviting our friends, some have kids, some don't. There will be normal BBQ food- hot dogs, hambugers, salad etc for the adults and kids and then some other just kids food and just adult food. The theme of the birthday is kid geared though, it's Peytons Fairy First Birthday, lol and will be decorated in pink, green and purple. The kids range from ages 11 months to 12 years for the party. It will be fun, but definatly making sure it's enjoyable for the wees and the adults. :)

Pamela - posted on 02/01/2011

i wouldnt say the party is for the adults because they will remember it that day and maybe the next. lol. Or they could make a closer friend or learn something new. The food is for adults and they socialize while the kids play. its a half and half. Make sure the children come first, then the adults.

Cyndel - posted on 02/01/2011

The main concern would be to make sure the party doesn't clash with nap times. The party is mainly for the adults/
One idea for the cake, my aunt made her daughters cake, she made a carrot cake with cream cheese icing decorated with Yogo's. It was adorable. you could modify this and do a cupcake cake as I did for my son, it made it so much easier.
Or just make a tiny cake for her and shaped sugar cookies for the other kids to cut back on the mess. I did this for my son's second birthday.
I hope this gives you a few idea's

Amber - posted on 02/01/2011

Laura said just about everything that I would say.

Cookouts/picnics make for great party food. Just make sure that you have finger foods that are easy for kids to eat and that foods are pre-cut into small sizes. And if you're going to be outside, it will probably be in your best interest to use juice boxes instead of juice with cups. Grab a pen or marker for kids to write their names on their box so that they don't get mixed up.

Lots of moms also get a small cake for the birthday baby. That way they can smash it all they like while the rest of the guests eat the big cake.
Bring some wet-naps because regular napkins don't usually cut it with kids that age.

Above all, just enjoy it. :-)

Laura - posted on 01/31/2011

First and foremost: The party is for the parents and adults! Tailor the party to your wants and focus on what will be fun for the grown-ups. The park is an excellent idea because it will provide areas for the kids to just play--they will truly enjoy that the most! What you have come up with so far sounds great and I would follow through with that. Bring picnic/barbeque food, a birthday cake for dessert, and toys that kids can play with outside. Consider having the party around lunchtime and have it last an hour or so or until "naptime". Remember, babies and toddlers do NOT have long term memories and will have no memory of this party, sorry to say. The party is for you so do what you would like! Hope this helps and good luck!