Clara’s big birthday shindig is tomorrow! Along with her actual birthday. It seems utterly insane to think that this time last year she was just arriving. Oy, how time flies. And since so many of you were asking for par-tay details I figured I’d toss up a quick little pre-party-prep post about all of my “supplies” for the bean’s big day. You’ll have to excuse me if you think I’m going overboard. I’m just a little obsessed with our girl and we’re so honored and excited to celebrate her first year here (more on the reasons for my über appreciative b-day behavior here).
First I made these easy paper poms with tissue paper and some string in our three main party colors (blue, green, and pink- just like her nursery).
You’ll probably remember those colors from her invite (which we made here). Those hues are based on her bedroom- she just loves blue, green, and a hint of pink. At least for now. She’ll probably go through a goth black-loving phase someday so I’ll take pink, blue, and green while I can.
Now we have a handy little numbered photo. Because we all know I like listing stuff. Explanations below.
- This is a cloth party hat that gets passed around our entire family for every child’s birthday. It was last worn in October by Clara’s older cousin Emanuel on his first birthday and she’s been eying it ever since.
- This is the birthday fabric that we designed on Spoonflower for Clara’s 52 week photo. We also plan to use that as a backdrop for a little photo station where everyone at the party can stand and hold those white pieces of paper with colored borders while they pose for a pic. We plan to take each photo and add the person’s name on the blank piece of paper in Photoshop and make a little album for Clara so she can start to learn and see names like “Granny” and “Nona” (her two grandmas) and look back to see everyone who came to celebrate her.
- Here are the fun patterned napkins and plates that we got from Party City on sale. Since our party’s “theme” is based vaguely on Clara’s weekly photos (which inspired her invitation) we thought the patterned napkins and plates looked like a background we would have chosen for one of her weekly shoots.
- Those are giant punch balloons that we grabbed from Target (I thought they’d look fun hanging from the trees on the patio if it doesn’t rain on my
paradeparty). - These are the two banners I’ve made (one a long time ago with paper, and one recently with my stubborn sewing machine) full of fun patterns and colors that also remind us of backdrops for those weekly pics.
- Here we have piles of pink, blue, and green balloons from Target that I’d love to blow up and make into huge balloon garlands to be swagged around outside (or inside if it rains).
- Those are two tablecloths in pink and blue. Just to cover things like odd outdoor tables that don’t match and to add more pops o’ color.
- This is a festive table runner that I made with some of Clara’s weekly fabrics (just like her quilt, but it was way faster and easier- I’ll post the detailed instructions for ya soon).
- Then we have some sidewalk chalk to entertain the kiddos out on the patio. And next to that are little containers of bubbles shaped like ice cream cones (from Target) that will serve as favors for our wee guests (I want to personalize them with each of their names).
I still have to make her smash cake and arrange for the rest of the food, but that shouldn’t be too hard (famous last words?). Oh and we’re going to make a little time capsule that guests can add stuff to for her to open when she’s 18. That should end up being hilarious. I hope.
Operation Start Blowing Up All Those Balloons is about to commence.
We also mentioned that we wanted to DIY a piñata a while back, but the jury is still out on whether it’s going to work. So far I made paper maché (mixing approximately two parts water to one part flour)…
… and blew up one of those punch balloons from Target that wasn’t in our color scheme (the orange one)…
… and cut a bunch of newspaper strips…
… which I paper machéd to the big balloon…
… which I then let dry a bit overnight and then hung outside this morning to hopefully speed up the drying process (since it was still soggy and looking a bit – uh – questionable). Might be a womp-womp project. We’ll have to see.
I still have to let it dry, pop the balloon, fill it with little toys or candy, and add ruffled tissue paper all over it so it doesn’t look like a big goiter (we actually want to make it a pull string piñata since that works well for smaller kids but we’ll have to see how it goes and post details if we get ‘er done).
But more nerveracking than my homemade piñata’s fledgling looks is the forecast. Boo. What’s the deal with the whole scattered t-storms thing?
Please for the love of balloons in trees and bubble yielding ice cream cones, let it be clear and sunny-ish for just two early afternoon hours. Then it can rain cats and dogs all night.
buen says
everything looks so colorful and fun! maybe you could use a blowdryer to help the piñata dry faster. It might work.
Tana says
I made a homemade pinata for my daughter’s birthday party once. I made it the day before which was dumb because it was not drying fast enough, so I stuck it in the oven on low (100-150 degrees) for an hour or so and it dried right up. I painted it with poster paint to make it look like a strawberry.
Worked great execpt that I put way too many layers of paper on it, and it was hard as a rock and could not be broken. We finally had to take it down and the hub had to take a butcher knife to it, ha!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that sounds hilarious! Definitely a memorable mishap. I love those.
xo,
s
Allison says
Oh I love setting up for a party and getting things all lined up for the main event. Have so much fun tomorrow (rain or shine)!
Amy says
In addition to Photoshopping in people’s names, you should totally Photoshop in how old everyone is. :) I am 2,079 weeks old myself. Ha Ha!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, hilarious! Especially in weeks.
xo,
s
sarah kind says
Looks like a fun party! Hope the weather holds out for you!
We have an annual 3rd of July party, that’s right. It’s the 3rd for us, that way everyone can attend, since everyone has something going on for the 4th!
Anyway…we do the annual pinata for the kiddos. I make one by using a leftover 12 pack of soda box. Throw the fruit leathers and trinkets in through the handle of the box. I the glue crepe paper on the outside. We usually go with the “It looks like a firecraker!” look.
Something for you to try if your paper mache doesn’t work out for you!
Been dropping in on you two for awhile, and I love your blog! You have such a nice house!
YoungHouseLove says
What a fun idea!
xo,
s
Nancy says
This is adorable! I love the colors. My sister got married four years ago and had the exact same color scheme (the bright blue, pink, and green). Those shades together make one of my favorite combinations.
If it makes you feel any better, my college graduation is on Sunday and supposed to be on our football field, which will probably be soaking wet.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no- I’m thinking dry thoughts for you!
xo,
s
Allison says
You might have better luck building your pinata out of cardboard, like Alicia Policia’s method.
YoungHouseLove says
So fun!
xo,
s
Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says
I just thought of these pins I pinned:
http://pinterest.com/pin/21855220/ Cute for kids and adults. And this could be a really cute decoration to use some balloons: http://pinterest.com/pin/21854163/ Not that you need another thing or two on your list. :)
YoungHouseLove says
So cuuuute!!!
xo,
s
Meghan says
I’m thinking Sunny thoughts for Richmond! The party plans look GREAT! Sounds to be a VERY fun and darling little party :)
Erin says
thought of you all when i saw this…
http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/05/painted-detail-on-my-kitchen-island.html
YoungHouseLove says
Gorgeous!!!!!
xo,
s
Heather @ REOlisticRenovation says
Have a great party! The colors are adorable.
Monika says
Happy Birthday to Clara!
Are you guys going to write her a letter about her first year for the time capsule?
Wishing you good weather for the party! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! We’re definitely going to get all sappy and embarrass her when she’s 18 and reads it. Haha.
xo,
s
renee says
I write my kids a letter every year on their birthdays and will give them the big stack when they turn 21! They have no idea :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s amazing! What a great gift!
xo,
s
Michelle says
Nona means grandma in Italian, right? my mom wanted to go with that but I used my new-mom VETO because we’re not italian like you guys!! She went with Nana instead.
We’ll see what happens when Rose starts actually talking. My husband called one grandpa “Beanpa” because that just how it came out!!
Party on tomorrow, guys!!
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, my mom is a tiny Italian grandma just like in the storybooks. Haha. Although we keep joking that Clara’s spin on Nona will be no-no or something. Haha.
xo,
s
Silvana Kathryn says
I love the pom poms. I made about 80 of those for a friends wedding a while back. So simple and cute.
Also hope the weather is nice for you!! I live a few miles north of you and I am hoping for nice weather for much less fun reasons. The husband and I need to change out break pads this weekend and that is no fun in muggy rain fall.
Gina @ Runningtothekitchen says
The pom poms are so bright and colorful. Love them!
Hopefully the thunderstorms will be passing. Enjoy!
Cara says
How adorable! I love the colors and the poms. So cute. I am stealing your idea for the weekly pictures when my little one is born, plus the time capsule idea! That is great! Hope you have a great weekend. I am disappointed about the rain forcast too. Hope the weatherman is wrong.
Kristina Strain says
Knowing you guys, I’m actually a little surprised you didn’t go with some greener options for partyware. Compostable plates and cutlery (or reusable!), for example. I love the DIY items– the banner, the runner, even the dubious piñata– and I think it’d be great to expand on that each year so by the time she’s five you won’t have to buy a thing! Not to bum ya’ll out or anything, you’re amazing, but might be some food for thought for Clara’s next birthdays. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah with 25 people we couldn’t use glassware and plates that we already owned (didn’t have enough), and we looked at compostable plates but they were tan and not as fun looking (and about five times the cost of the disposable paper ones that we found). We figure they’re still paper and not plastic so it’s not too bad (we can recycle them!). Maybe next year we can do something even greener (like save up for glassware from garage sales or something). Although we’re not sure how kids and glass would go…
xo,
s
Amanda says
Happy 1st birthday Clara!
I remember my son’s 1st birthday: we were threatened with thunderstorms all day. His outside party started at 3:00, the sun was out, then the wind picked up, the skies got dark, and by the time the last guest left at 5, it poured! We couldn’t have timed it more better. I’m going to hope the same happens for you too! You’re going to have sooooo much fun though!!! Birthday parties for our little ones are THEE best!
Stacey says
Totally adorbs…but, then again, would we expect anything else from you guys?!? ;) Rain or shine (c’mon sunshine!!!), Clara will have a fabulous 1st bday celebration filled with the love and laughter of family and friends!
I hope she enjoys her smash cake as much as my 1st-born May baby did. I still die laughing when we watch the video of Jack COVERED in icing, raising chubby fistfuls of cake in pure, unadulterated glee with the biggest, cutest smile on his face! I’m misty just thinking about it because my baby is now a 5’7″, size 11.5 shoe-wearin’, will-be-12-in two weeks young man! Whoever said “time flies”, was definitely a parent.
Meredith says
I hope it will be dry for you! My son’s 1st birthday last July was the first day it rained here in about 7 weeks. I couldn’t believe it. But we had fun anyway. :)
cammie says
I like the idea of a time capsule…I think I might try this for my sons 1st birthday in December. [which I’ve started planning already lol]
I love your blog & I’ve started taking weekly pictures of my baby [Ive missed a few weeks here & there] forget sometimes w/ a toddler running around but its fun to see how much he has changed week to week.
Happy First Birthday Clara!! & I hope it doesn’t rain!
Lori @ Richmond, BABY! says
Awh, have a wonderful day tomorrow! (I think the rain will hold out for you.) I hope you all have a blast! Everything looks fabulous!
Ashley says
I didn’t go through and read all of the previous comments about paper mache and not sure your exact process… BUT, making sure each layer is dry before adding the next one seems to help. It will dry faster and should make for a smoother look as it helps give a foundation for each additional layer. (Okay wow, I promise I’m not a paper mache junkie lol)
Also, HAPPY BIRTHDY CLARA! I’m praying for good weather for your amazing birthday party! When did 1-yr birthdays get so cool?
rachel says
Still love that we share a birthday :) Happy birthday to us, Clara!!
Becky S. says
Just wanted to wish “the cutie girl” (as my 3 year old so calls her) a very Happy 1st Birthday!!!!! I hope you all enjoy the day!! Clara is a very lucky little girl to have such wonderful parents!!
Melissa@Julia's Bookbag says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLARA!!! Oooh I am flashing back to Julia’s 1st birthday. It was very fun but she did have an epic meltdown when we finally had to clean up the smash cake remnants. . . She was like, ALL DONE WITH PARTY! Have a wonderful, wonderful time!! xo, Melissa and Julia
Mindy says
Love the paper poms! Will look fun in her room aftewards :) (I hung Olivia’s name banner that I made for her first bday in her room… she points to it and babbles every morning, so cute.) And I love all of your ideas, like having guests hold up the paper for their names… she will love it. And a time capsule…! Party planner much? :) New endeavor, maybe?
Elizabeth says
Too funny…just watched True Hollywood Story at lunch and today it was about P!NK!
Kristin says
I’ll be thinking good thoughts for you about the rain. We celebrated my daughter’s 2nd birthday last weekend and I was frantic and going absolutely nuts over the weather. The forecast was for scattered T storms occurring at noon (when the party started) and then again at 2ish. We had a bounce house, parachute activities, bubbles and balloons all planned for outdoor activities. We were having 8 small children and 20 adults. In my mind I had the party perfectly orchestrated to be outside. Well, to make a long story short (sort of).. the rain ended up holding off and it was bright and sunny until about 2pm. We had a brief downpour and then it cleared up in a matter of minutes and we were able to return outside. So, don’t worry. It might all work out! Here’s hoping. Happy 1st Birthday, Clara!
YoungHouseLove says
That makes me feel better! Thanks so much! I hope we have that luck…
xo,
s
Anna says
Happy 1st Birthday Clara!
I feel your pain, about the rain! We’re supposed to start the big fence building project this weekend. I have 10 pallets of lumber currently killing the grass in my back yard that’s growing like weeds because of all the rain.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for goot weather for you (and me) tomorrow!
Anna says
And it’s Friday, that must be the reason I can’t type. Ooops!
Jenny @ DIY Newlyweds says
Happy Birthday to Clara! Hope you have a fabulous party and the rain holds off (and you get to enjoy the beautiful new patio), best wishes!
Katie says
Everything looks so fun!!! We got those same bubbles for my daughters birthday party for her favor bags :) They were a hit!
Cair says
Happy birthday to Clara, and congrats to mom and dad for a great first year as parents.
I love all your attention to detail with this party (and, well, everything you guys do)! I’ll do a rain-rain-go-away-dance for you, but if it doesn’t work I am sure that the party will be great no matter what.
Enjoy the day, enjoy the bean!
Kana says
Happy (early) Birthday Clara :) I hope you have an awesome 1st birthday!!
Blanca A. says
I love the color theme and those pom poms! i want some in my room :D thanks for the link of the tutorial, they dont look as complicated to make as i thought. good luck on your party and remember to enjoy it! Happy Birthday Clara!
Sarah says
How exciting! You all have a lot to celebrate. Good luck tomorrow.
I was curious if you had plans for those weekly photos! Like a book or a collage or something?
YoungHouseLove says
Yup we want to make a big hardcover book for ourselves (and the grandparents).
xo,
s
Nicole B says
Best of luck with her party! Happy Birthday Clara!
SingleMama says
Hope little miss has a fabulous party! Can’t wait to see the pics!
Donna Huebsch says
Looks like a fabulous fiesta coming together! Happy Birthday to your little Bean :o)
Reenie says
Oh everything looks so cute, fun and colorful.
~ praying for sunshine ~
Robyn says
I love all the party stuff you have planned! I also love creating my own personalized invitation. Last year I designed one on the computer and printed it out on photo paper. It came out really nice, but I wonder if you have any suggestions on a different material to print on or a different method (ie- kinkos?)?? Please help! I’ve just started working on my son’s 2nd birthday Car invitation!
YoungHouseLove says
We used winkflash.com to print our cards and even googled around for a discount code and scored 60% off! So it was only like $10 to get 20 invites printed on nice matte stationery paper (not photo paper). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Ally says
Random curious comment: I notice in the pinata-in-progress shot that you’re wearing your ring. Do you usually leave your rings on when doing projects or take them off? I take them off because I’m afraid of gunking them up, and set them somewhere that’s so safe that I can’t even find them for a few days. :o)
Sounds like it’ll be a great party! Congrats on your first trip around the sun, Miss Clara!
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, John and I never take our rings off. Like ever. It’s weird but I think I’d have a heart attack if I felt it missing. The funny thing is that it was super shiny after I rinsed my hands from the paper mache project so maybe flour and water is an organic ring cleaning solvent. Haha.
xo,
s
L says
Happy 1st, Clara!
If any rain shows up your way, please-O-Please send it to South Georgia. We will be thrilled to take it!
Your party plans are awesome and here’s major hope that outdoors works for you.
FUN!
Mardel says
Everything looks so great. If the paper-mache doesn’t work out the way you would like it here is another easy pinata tutorial that you could try. It is also very easy to adapt into a pull string pinata. Here’s to fun and rain free day for your birthday girl!
http://aliciapolicia.blogspot.com/2010/09/empire-strikes-back-birthday-episode-iv.html
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for the link!
xo,
s
Kat says
Happy Birthday Clara!!!
I hope you guys have a fun and dry party!
Also, not to beat a dead horse, but I also made pinatas like that all the time when I was younger and they always turned out fine! Just needs to dry out a bit more. I second the hair dryer idea!
karen says
Love the sneak preview! Rain or shine, Clara’s party will be perfect.
Have a fun time planning…number 1 such a special birthday!!!
Erika says
You guys have done an outstanding job pulling all kinds of great things together for her first. We did not do a big first year party for our little guy last year because we were out of town visiting one side of the family right before and then had company from the other side the following weekend. Instead we ended up having three smaller “parties” to celebrate the day. The first was complete with a cake that we thought he would dig in to, but once the candle went out he just started balling and wanted to hide from his audience. The second time around (on his actual b’day) with just his dad and I in attendance we attempted a second treat- a homemade, big cookie decorated like a monkey head (something he loves). He cried again when he saw the candle and did not want to eat any of it. The following weekend we celebrated with the other side of the family by just letting him open his gifts. We decided he was becoming traumatized from big desserts with fire on top. We have some funny pictures though.
We wish you the best for Clara’s first! Happy Birthday!
Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage says
Psst…if your pinata is a flop you can whip this one up in a few minutes:
http://www.infarrantlycreative.net/2011/05/paperbag-pinata.html
I have this bookmarked for my next kid’s party!
Meghan says
Your description of the balloon goiter just made me snort out loud.
Wom-mom Ethne says
I can’t wait to see all the pics. And the outfit you put Clara in. And the punch cake. And if it t-stormed. And the paper mache pinata. Have a fab weekend! So joyful!