Football & Mint 1st Birthday Party

I taped everything directly to the mirror. The balloons are the 16″ variety and you fill by blowing up with a straw and then they self seal- super easy (you can’t use helium on this little ones). Note, when you get these from eBay (for $0.99), they don’t provide a straw. I just used one from a baby sippy cup. If you don’t have a straw they are impossible to inflate, so just remember that easy step. Everyone joked that it said DOH instead of DON, but I promise that’s an n 🙂

I kept it super simple with desserts- I displayed the cake, had a bowl of white Cadbury eggs (yum!), and had a tray of mini cupcakes with football picks in them. I had wooden spoons and football plates (from my local grocery store- I bought them after the Superbowl when they were on sale) ready for cake and ice cream. The cupcakes were store bought because I believe in spending time where you want. Do I love baking? Somewhat, but not as much as I love decorating. So I grabbed some cute cupcakes and spent my time where I’d be happiest. Just think about what you love to do when you are party planning and spend your time on that aspect.

Baby Photos:

I wanted to show case the monthly growth photos I took of Don so people could see how he has grown (tear jerker alert!). I simply taped those on the wall with a gold number one from eBay (no longer available) and the bunting I made of Don’s name.

I also printed three of Don’s photos from his 1st birthday photo shoot and used those for decorations

Gift:

For Don’s gift, we kept it simple and gave him a Strider bike. These are usually around $100, but my husband found one from the thrift store for $40. It was hot pink so we spray painted it black. Don loves it! Of course, right now it is only a supervised toy, but I am sure he will love it even more as he gets more mobile.

DIYs:

Birthday Candle. I bought a big (ugly) candle from Zurchers. I loved photos I had seen on Pinterest of glittered candles so I made one for myself!

I gathered my supplies- the candle, glitter, metallic start, and glue. I just put Elmer’s glue on the candle and added glitter and stars

I loved how it turned out and it was definitely a fun focal point for photos! Plus, it was so easy! Just lay down a grocery bag so you don’t get glitter everywhere.

I made Don a custom hat and bunting for pictures. Didn’t they turn out so cute?!

We had such a fun time celebrating our little guy! 1st birthdays are so magical and I hope he felt special on his big day. Happy Birthday Don, you’re our sunshine boy and this year has been beautiful and hard and wonderful.

 p.s. want a free course on how to style your accessories to look amazing?