Party Planning... Oh How I Have Missed Thee!!

This week I began preparations for the munchkin's first birthday party. I really can't believe she is going to be a year old already. I have to admit, the first part of her life did not fly by. When we were dealing with her acid reflux and breastfeeding issues, along with sleepless nights and a very crabby baby, time seemed to move along pretty slowly. As soon as she hit that 6 month mark, when I was no longer breastfeeding, and we had her reflux under control, time began to accelerate and events and milestones began to come and go at a much quicker pace. It's funny how that works (well actually no, it's not funny, infact it sorta pisses me off). Suddenly she is almost walking, starting to say actual words, clapping when she gets excited, and giving me hugs and big slobbery kisses. She has been the most wonderful, adorable and perfect little baby. I am going to miss her being a baby, but I am also really looking forward to her toddler years and taking her places and seeing her interact more with the world around her.

I have always been in love with little owls.There's something about them, I just find them to be endearing and lovable. So for her first birthday party we are doing an owl theme. I figure, before she gets old enough and starts asking for her own favorite characters, I better get my owl fix out of the way while she is still oblivious. Off I went searching for owl supplies. Turns out, I am not the only one semi-obsessed with owls, and finding stuff was actually pretty easy. I was extra tickled when I found items designed specifically for a one year old's party!How cute are these? I am just going to order the plates and napkins. I don't want to go overboard or anything (yeah right). I am going to buy all of the other items (utensils, streamers, ribbon, any other misc. decorations) in matching colors at my local dollar tree. I have recreated the little owl for her invitations which I am almost done with and will post once complete.

So then I thought, wouldn't it be cute to find a little dress for her with an owl on it? Well, I didn't think I would find one with a little owl that looked just like the one we were already using (only a little more cute and crafty looking), but I sure did! I am pretty sure this lady designed this dress just for the munchkin to wear at her party!



I can not wait to get her into this little dress!

My amazingly talented (and I am not exaggerating here at all) friend Sarah, that made my hubby's cake for his 30th birthday party, is also going to make the cake for the munchkin's party. She is going to do a 3D cake with the little owl. I know whatever she comes up with will be incredible!

While I was searching for the munchkin's outfit, I came across this wrap skirt and I immediately fell in love. Not only would it be really silly cute for me to wear it at the party with the little owls at the bottom, I have a feeling I am going to be living in it most of the fall. The party was a good excuse for me to get it. I mean come on, I need to coordinate too, right? I haven't splurged on clothing for myself in ages (yes, I am really trying to justify this to myself here).



There is also something about having a piece of clothing that is handmade by a real person and that is unique and one of a kind. I don't often fork over the extra money for something like this. But for the times that I have, I still own, wear and love each and every one of these items. This really talented seamstress in upstate NY made it. I wish I could sew like this. I also wish I could have bought more of her stuff... but I'll have to wait till more funds come in...

Now I need to start working on the menu. We are having the party in the evening, mostly because of the munchkin's strict schedule (her idea, not mine). She takes a nap from 10:00 to between 11:30 or 12 and then another nap from 2:00 to 3:30 or 4. Then she is awake and bright eyed-pretty much until 8:00 when she goes to bed. So I figure if we start the party at 4:00 she should be good to go for several hours. Because of the start time, people will most likely be hungry for some dinner. So we'll be serving up some bbq (crossing my fingers that my grill master dad will step in here with his Big Green Egg, he's always looking for an excuse to use it). The cake is taken care of, so I just need to worry about some sides and a couple appetizers.

So I have been thinking about favors. I am wondering really if I should bother with them or not. It's a party for a one year old, do people really need favors? I know they are cute and fun, and under different (more financially fluid) circumstances, I would love to have them, but they can get pretty costly. Obviously when she is older, I will make one for all the kids at her party, but I am trying to decide whether to make them for this party. Whenever I throw a shower for someone, I usually make chocolate chip cookies and put some in little baggies for each person. I could always do that. I have a little number one shaped cookie cutter, maybe I will just make some sugar cookies with icing on them and put those in baggies for everyone. Any thoughts? Any super cheap ideas?

Before you think that I am maybe putting too much into this little party for a one year old's birthday, let me just say.... you are probably right. Let me also say, that until I became pregnant, one of my most favorite things in the world to do was host a party. I just love planning parties. We would have several big parties every year. We had a huge annual Halloween party that we spent weeks preparing for, a christmas party, and birthday parties for ourselves or one of my sisters. We hosted my mom's 50th birthday party and really anything else we could use as an excuse.... a spring fling party... whatever. It's been over two years since we have had a real party at our house and I am extremely excited about it!