My sweet boy turned ONE last month. To celebrate, I threw a party for us him the week after his birthday. It took me a while to decide on a theme. Did I want to try to plan around Judah's interests? But, what is a baby interested in at 12 months old that's fit for a party theme?? I went from Blue's Clues to sports to planes, trains and automobiles. Nothing really excited me until I saw this idea on Hostess with the Mostess. "One Year Old in a Flash!"...playing on the word "flash," as in a camera's flash.
Ben and I are obsessed with taking pictures of Judah. If you were my personal Facebook friend, you would be super annoyed at the thousands of photos I have posted! 🙂 Needless to say, a theme centered around photography and capturing memories on film really fit the bill. Although I found the theme online, I added my own little twist and really made it my own...
The Invitations
First, I sent out these invitations. This was probably the hardest part of the planning process for me. I wanted the invitations to be perfect and appropriately set the tone for the theme of the party. The problem? I'm not crafty, nor do I have the means (tools) to be crafty! After days of headaches and crossing my eyes, I finally figured out the way that I could do it without needing a cutting board, special markers, or an artistic hand. I got on Microsoft Word! Just by creating a few basic shapes and using WordArt, I was able to put together the main body of the invitation, printed multiple copies out at Staples, then glued them to yellow card stock I found at Michael's. The card stock also came with envelopes.
The three miniature Polaroid pictures glued on the invitations were a manipulation I did on my computer using screen shots and Picnik. It's too hard to explain and really actually embarrassing because I know there is an easier, more sophisticated way to do it. But, I did it my way (well, the only way I knew how), and I did it cheap. Walgreens came to my rescue with a special coupon code for 4x6 prints. I was able to print three "Polaroids" on a 4x6, and then cut each out individually before gluing to the card stock. Have I confused you? 😉
The camera image on the invitation is this stamp I bought from this really fun photography website called Photojojo. You must check out this store if you are into wild and unique photography products. I haven't even told my husband about this website yet because I plan to surprise him someday with a gift! Isn't the stamp adorable??
This is the back of the invitation that I made with two different stamps. I filled each one out individually with the party information. My first mistake? Assigning an RSVP date for the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Not one person RSVP'd on time, but I blame myself for choosing such a busy date. We had almost 40 guests that ended up RSVP'ing later, much to my delight.
The Decorations
The decorations for the party were centered around the colors blue, red, yellow and green. I think the piece that was talked about most at the party was this festive confetti I ordered from Photofetti. This company takes your pictures and turns them into 1" double sided circle confetti, accented with smaller pieces with the colors of your choice!
The Photofetti was perfect for scattering across the party table, lined with party hats.
I also used the confetti to outline the homemade cupcake tower (more on this later).
My favorite decoration was this banner of Judah's monthly photos. Turns out that Costco prints cheap 8x10's, so I picked out my favorites over the 12 months and glued them on 8 ½ x 11-inch card stock and hung them on twine with clothespins.
Lastly, for decorations, I created a "Happy Birthday, Judah!" banner on Microsoft Word (printed on card stock at Staples). The letters are shaped into Polaroid pictures. The dessert table was lined with tissue paper I found at Target.
The Activities
The only formal activity I planned for this party was a photobooth. It was also a nice party favor for our guests as I'll be posting these on a site where they can download the full resolution photo for free. I was lucky to have two friends from church set up the photobooth and take the pictures with their equipment. They did a fantastic job! Here are a few of my favorites:
Wondering what the set up looked like? We found a spot in our hallway, right in front of our bedroom doors to create this space:
The Food
And now for the menu. That's why you're here, right? I mean, this is a food blog and all. 🙂 Since I couldn't think of any camera themed food suit for a child's party, I just went ahead with an easy kid friendly meal. I'll post photos and recipes in the coming days. On the menu:
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Homemade Mac 'n Cheese
Hummus with veggies and pita chips
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
Vanilla Cupcakes
Trix Cereal Bark
I served the cupcakes on a homemade cupcake tower, with Judah's crown towering the top. For a thorough tutorial on how to make your own cupcake tower, visit Annie's Eats.
In addition to the menu, I handed out gingerbread cookies for party favors. Initially I was going to decorate regular sugar cookies, but since it was so close to Christmas, I thought gingerbread was appropriate. And, I found a new favorite gingerbread cookie recipe that I can't wait to share with you!
The Presents
Judah was able to get a lot of practice for Christmas by opening up his birthday presents. Although I stated "Please, no gifts" on the invitations, most of the guests brought him something. It was fun to see him tear them open and care more about playing with the wrapping paper than what was inside!
The Smash Cake
Judah became shy once everyone gathered around to see him smash his cupcake.
But, it didn't take him long to dig right in!
I know you are wondering. Judah's adorable shirt is from Little One Boutique. I'm so pleased with how quickly we received the shirt and the quality of it. He received many compliments on it that day!
This party was super fun and I think Judah had a blast as well. I already can't wait to plan his second birthday! Should I be ashamed to tell you that I think I already have a theme picked out for next year? 🙂
Vendor Information and Credits
Theme Inspiration - Elle Belle Blog as seen on Hostess with the Mostess
Camera Stamp - Photojojo
Picture Confetti - Photofetti
Photobooth - Equipment from Makeshift Makers Photography, Photographs from Sarah Ashley Photography
Judah's Shirt - Little One Boutique
Brianna says
Hi Nikki I just wanted to say thank you so much for giving your baby Judah the most amazing, cutest, creative, 1st birthday party ever!!! He is so adorable and looked like he really enjoyed every bit of it. I'm in the midst of planning my baby Josiah 1st birthday party November 7, 2015; and I definitely will be using this theme. I also wanted to know where did you get the photo booth (in a year flash words & camera from)? I also wanted to know what website did you use for your guest to download their photos for free?
Nikki Gladd says
Hi Brianna! Thank you for your kind words about Judah's one-year old birthday. The photo booth words and camera were hand-made made by a friend. The website I used at the time for the guests to download their photos was Picassa. I'm not sure that website exists today. I wonder if Google Photos or Flickr would allow the same? Good luck with your party! Would love to see pictures!
Kathryn says
Thanks so much for the great party details! Loved the theme so much I used it for my daughter's 1st birthday. Here is a link in case you want to check it out:
https://kathrynandharris.blogspot.com/2011/12/one-year-old-in-flash-party-details.html
Jessica says
I'm a little late to the party here, but I LOVE everything about this!!! Judah is absolutely adorable and this party looked like a blast!
Lorisa says
Your little Judah is adorable! My baby, Nora, is turning one and I really want to use this theme! Can you tell me where you got or how you made the squares you put in the cupcakes of pictures?
Nikki says
Hi Lorisa,
It's really hard to explain as I just had to kind of manipulate a way to make those. In a nutshell, I uploaded the photos on Picnik to edit them and add the Polaroid border. Then, I put the images into a Word document and resized them so they were tiny and fit into a 4x6 box. Then, I took a snapshot of it on my computer and cropped it down. I then ordered multiple 4x6's from Walgreens photo department and then cut them out. See? Pretty confusing and not professional at all. 🙂
Nikki says
Oh! And, have fun at Nora's birthday party!!
Shalin Scheuerman says
Wow that was the cutest party idea EVER! I love it so much I'm going to try to copy you next year! Hope you don't mind!
The Housewife Diary says
Happy Birthday Judah! Our little guy turned one in December too! Crazy how fast the time goes by. Looks and sounds like you put on a fabulous first birthday!
fashionfitnessfoodie says
HOW adorable is this!? Great job - He's lucky to have a mommy like you!
Jess@Straight Talk says
That is the coolest first birthday party idea I think I've ever seen! I love it!
Annie says
Very cute job, Nikki! I especially love the Photofetti - I'm totally using that for our next event (probably Andrew's birthday party).
Emily says
Woohoo! We made the favorites!! I didn't get a gingerbread favor. It's OK, you can just go ahead and mail me one. Great, thanks.
Selene says
What a great idea...I love the photofetti!
Amanda says
Nikki, you did such a great job on Judah's party. I think you are quite crafty, even if it is just using Microsoft Word!
sara says
absolutely adorable. i LOVE it!!
[email protected] says
Wow, it was so much fun to read this and see all the cute pictures. You put a lot of work into the party, but looks like you had fun doing it. That son of yours is the cutest little guy EVER 🙂
April says
Wow! How amazing! I am so super impressed with all you did for it! Talk about attention to detail! It turned out GREAT!
Amy (Sing For Your Supper) says
How CUTE!! I love the photo booth and the sweet pictures of Judah- what a fun day!!
Amy's Cooking Adventures says
What a cute party. And Judah is an absolute doll!
Meredith says
This is one ridiculously cute party!! So fun!
Anyes says
It really look like you were the hostess with the mostess! Congratulations for your little one's first birthday. Enjoy this precious time 🙂
Josie says
Such a fun party, Nikki! I am in love with the photo booth, and seriously. Could Judah get any cuter?? LOVE his curls!!
tryityoumightlikeit says
So adorable! Thanks for sharing!
I had a lot of fun planning my kids' birthday parties when they were little. We're done with parties for a little while now that they are older. I've opted to take them and a friend out to do something fun instead.
brannyboilsover says
What a DOLL!!! Happy birthday lil' man.
Jen @ BeantownBaker.com says
What a great party! I don't even have kids yet and I want to copy this party for my first's first. Maybe I'll copy some of your ideas for the 30th birthday party I'm planning for Hubby. Great work and great pics!
Liz @ Blog is the New Black says
REcently found your blog through another site. Looking forward to following- this is great!