Planning your baby’s first birthday party!

The first birthday party is a very big deal! Whether you want to have a small, intimate party at home or a full blown bash, you need to plan in advance. Some moms start as early as 6 months prior, but don’t worry, a month or even a few weeks time will suffice.

One of the most exciting parts of party planning is choosing a theme. Choose something based on your child’s likes. Do they like Mickey Mouse? Or maybe they love animals. This Safari theme is adorable. Elmo is always a good choice as well. Remember you don’t have to go over the top with decorations and party supplies since the party is mostly for adults anyway. As long as there are a few things here and there that your baby enjoys, he or she will be happy!

Where will you have the party? It’s almost always cheaper and easier to have people over your house, unless you don’t have the space. Otherwise, indoor playgrounds or club houses make a good alternative. Make sure that the location you decide on is a familiar one that your baby is comfortable with.  You never know how he or she will react to a new surrounding on this special day!

Next, pick a time of day appropriate for your little one based on when he is at his happiest. The lunchtime hour works well for most. Set a start time and an end time for the party – usually an hour and a half to two hours is plenty!

Once you have the time, place, and guest list, you can choose your first birthday party invitations. It’s nice to pick something that matches your party theme and that will be nice to save as a keepsake! I really like this rock star invitation for a boy and this cupcake invitation for a girl. Make sure to send out the invitations about 3 weeks in advance.

Now on to the cake! Your local bakery or mom-n-pop cake shop, will be sure to have adorable cakes to order, but if you are feeling very ambitious, why not try to make it yourself. You can buy a themed cake pan or just try your hand at it totally free-form. There are some great websites out there with step-by-step instructions. Either way, remember to get a separate smash cake or cupcake for your baby to enjoy all on their own!

As far as the menu goes, choose foods you know your child will enjoy and lean towards things that both adults and kids can enjoy. Chicken tenders, sub sandwiches, pizza, fruit and veggie tray, mini hotdogs or mini hamburgers are some simple ideas everyone should enjoy.

Next, make sure to assign a family member or friend to take LOTS of pictures. This is a very special day that you will be too busy enjoying to remember to take pictures. Relax and enjoy your baby’s first birthday! It only comes around once!