I realize Meriwether’s first birthday was over a month ago, but as it usually goes, life gets hectic. I still wanted to share the fun DIY’s, a few tips and tricks regarding party food, and (of course) some photos.
We moved into our house on April 6th. We had her party on April 20th. WHY I thought I could pull off a big move and a birthday party within a few weeks is beyond me. Then, our closing date actually got pushed back due to city codes regarding the grass length.
(Don’t even get me started on that whole debacle.)
If you can imagine, I was crazy. Once we finally moved in I was unpacking/organizing all day, shopping for party supplies, crafting whenever I got the chance, and frantically buying furniture so our guests could have somewhere to sit. The invitations went out super late because the envelopes didn’t fit the invitations (like, HOW!?) and they had to be cut individually to fit…it was a whole thing.
Then, the delivery for our dining room table got pushed back and ended up arriving ON THE MORNING of her party. That wasn’t stressful at all. I called Carson at one point crying,
“WHERE WILL WE PUT THE FOOD?!?!”
I’m dramatic when times get stressful. And I cry easily when I’m exhausted. (Anyone else? Just me? Okay.) Enough about the drama. Onto the fun party details!
I originally wasn’t going with a theme because I just wanted to have a classic birthday party filled with balloons, fun party hats and cake. But then I found the cutest Rifle Paper Co. invitation and it turned into a theme (of sorts). I also ended up getting the matching wrapping sheets to wrap her gifts…my sister-in-law texted me about them and I was like,
YEP. GETTING THOSE.
I ended up hanging a few of them above the food table and they were so cute!
Once I had the party animal invites and wrapping, I had to buy cute little animals and make party hats for them. Most of the figurines came from Amazon – they have a great selection so I recommend going there first if you’re looking. 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 could play with the little figurines once the party was over, so it was a win-win.
This cute giraffe was the cake topper.
All you need to make the little party hats are:
Paper baking cups (for cupcakes)
Hot glue gun
Small pom-poms
*I purchased all supplies for the party hats at JoAnns*
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 if you need to make it smaller. Glue the end of the baking cup down, then glue a pom-pom to the top.
Super simply and easy!
Next Up…
DIY Balloon Garland
Let me start by saying…
I don’t think this balloon garland is the most spectacular by any means, but it was a great simple centerpiece for the party and easy to make in just 30-45 minutes. I made it the night before the party 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 honestly it could have been done the same day as the party. It also didn’t cost an arm and a leg – about $15 at most.
The key is this flexible balloon garland/arch tape. It’s $4.99 at Party City.
Life. Changing.
You just blow up your balloons in various sizes, then push the tied portion of the balloon through the holes on the tape. I tried to do small, medium and large balloons. 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, and it was a nice added touch.
I did end up making our party hats because there really aren’t many cute options out there. I made them out of construction paper, tissue paper, a round paint dobber and a large pom pom. 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
For the food, I knew I wanted to keep it simple, because everything leading up to the party had been a bit crazy. 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! We did make brownies the day before, but that was it. It was easy for me and everyone seemed to really enjoy it.
Of course, the Barefoot Contessa was a go-to. I started watching videos of Ina Garten on Instagram 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/Plate
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 bowl of Marzetti’s Ranch Veggie Dip (SO. GOOD.)
Assorted Nuts
I served salted cashews, honey roasted peanuts and plain peanuts. My mom brought Virginia Diner nuts (I’m from VA and these are the best). 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 practically empty!
Drinks
Keeping the simple theme, I ended up serving sweet tea, lemonade and punch. You can buy delicious sweet tea and lemonade at your local Chic-Fil-A or make some at home. Both are easy and delicious. The punch I served is half sprite half white grape juice. It is SO GOOD! I highly recommend the punch 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 didn’t want to buy something that would totally go to waste. I landed on bottles of bubbles (wrapped in tissue, then cellophane and tied with ribbon) and boxes of classic animal crackers (to stay on theme, of course).
It really was such a fun day filled with love and celebration of life. I can’t believe our little girl has been with us over a year already. We feel immensely blessed to be her parents. Life with Meriwether has been filled with so much. Joy, sleepless nights, laughter, tears, dancing and snuggles.
Life with her is sweet, for certain.
Share this story
