Wednesday, October 24, 2012

The First Birthday Party

Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket
I have some beautiful memories of the Little One's first birthday party, held last weekend in the Village community centre. Walking through the gate to the courtyard, holding her on my hip, her tutu sticking out from under the baby belly, a crocheted crown on her head, and feeling a little teary as her little cousins called her name in excitement. My doting, big-hearted parents and my mother-in-law hard at work, preparing food and greeting guests. Watching friends and family (re)connect. K's heartfelt speech. Her little cheer as everyone hip hip hoorayed for her. Our little cuddle in the midst of the party, in acknowledgement of such a special occasion. Sass and her little boyfriend Archie, chalking graffiti on the courtyard walls.

It was a big party, an enormous amount of work, but oh so worth it. She is so very loved, our Little One.

We made the classic mistake of not taking many photos on the day (I am thankful for friends and family who picked up our camera or emailed through their own captures). Above are the party left overs that are still scattered about our home. I just can't bring myself to put them away, just yet...
...
Dipped glass vases inspiration (vases are recycled)
Tassel garland tutorial here and tissue paper from this Etsy store
Photo timeline monthly dividers sewn with Spotlight fabric and typewriter font stamp set from this lovely shop (I'll reuse these in Saskia's baby book)
Giant balloons from here
Recycled Papel Picado banners from our engagement party bought from this Etsy store
Fabric and ribbon party hats - template here
Fabric favour bags inspiration
The Saskia skirt (how could I not?) and gold mouse Mary Janes (again, how could I not?)

29 comments:

  1. Oh it looks fab! I'm taking all this for inspiration. You did a wonderful job Mama xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Nell. It was a lot of work, but so so enjoyable...and a lovely, lovely friend came over for 'crafty nights' most weeks so it really was just lots of fun :) x (you'll have a ball party planning too)

      Delete
  2. Love it all!! Those hats are adorable and Saskia's skirt is SO pretty. I love the month cards and the way you're playing to re-use them in Saskia's baby album. Well done Mama on putting together such a wonderful celebration for your darling girl xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the month cards were one of my favourite things in the end...oh and the skirt, yes! She looked so delicious x

      Delete
  3. What lovely glimpses of a sweet day indeed! I love the fabric-month cards especially!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I've been making numbered fabric cards for little ones' birthdays for a while now so I'm glad I thought of using the concept for the cards. So simple! x

      Delete
  4. What a beautiful celebration. I love the garden flowers in the first photo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My dear mum gathered them all from around our 'village' and in her garden. They were super sweet x

      Delete
  5. goodness time flies, can't believe she's 1! but looks like you celebrated in style x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know! One year....I've felt so reflective ever since her birthday, and some days I can't stop staring at her wondering where this little girl came from...x

      Delete
  6. Bright, colorful, simple. Everything you could ask for in a perfect first birthday if you ask me! ;) Just lovely. (And happy birthday little one!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kate! That's what I was hoping to achieve...and it really was the most joyous occasion x

      Delete
  7. Oh I love everything! It's all so beautiful! The colours are lovely. And the Saskia tutu is amazing! Saskia will love looking back on these pictures, knowing her Mum put so much love and care into her special 1st birthday celebration. What a clever Mama you are, Claire! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh thank you Jess...I was inspired by your monthly photo timeline - and think that was one of my favourite 'decorations'. She wore the tutu with a little singlet...and that adorable baby belly just poked out all day. So funny x

      Delete
  8. So happy, colourful and pretty. I just love the month cards and party hats. The floral arrangements are just simple and pretty.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sarah. The party hats were so cute, hey? They actually took a bit of work adhering fabric to card...so I was so glad to see kids wearing them...one little boy especially was so taken with his. So sweet x

      Delete
  9. oh so gorgeous! love all of it. and those party hats are ridiculously cute. happy birthday Saskia!! i can't believe how quickly 1 year can pass.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anna, you would find the party hats so easy to do. Just time consuming adhering the fabric to card...I can imagine you'd have some beautiful fabric and would come up with great little combinations x

      Delete
  10. So happy i found your blog and perfect timing, I'm making tissue garland today! happy to be your latest follower...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So happy you found me too! The tissue garland was fun fun fun. Hoping the little one stays asleep a little longer so I can have a sticky around your blog x

      Delete
  11. What a gorgeous party for a gorgeous girl! xo
    (and i've just popped over to seed to drool over those cute shoes!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh the shoes! I never thought I'd be one to buy 'animal' shoes, but there was just something about these little guys that suited her little personality. And she loves them! She always seeks them out in her room and holds them up to her feet waiting for me to put them on.....Uh oh....x

      Delete
  12. i just found your via che and fidel ... what beautiful birthday memories and captured in the most beautiful light. "one" is a milestone and a moment to be treasured. enjoy x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why thank you Sarah. It was a special day for us - and I'm sure little Saskia felt the love x

      Delete
  13. The party looks lovely. I love your monthly photo photoboard idea. I think I'll have to borrow it for when my daughter turns one.
    And the shoes are adorable.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do! It's a lovely exercise in reflection putting it together. Oh the changes....was she really so teeny tiny?! x

      Delete
  14. There's so much beauty here in the party you threw for Saskia. I love the gold sandals and blue tutu. Just gorgeous. I hope you don't mind if I steal your photoboard idea for Joy!? xx

    ReplyDelete
  15. What a gorgeous post, so colourful and pretty. I especially love the hats, I've featured them on my latest post 'perfect party hats' http://www.stylemyparty.co.uk/blog/perfect-party-hats/ pop over, they are sitting pretty! Hope you like it!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hey!! This is adorable. Your birthday décor is fantastic. Loved birthday caps the most. For my niece’s birthday have to arrange one party at one of New York venues. Want to make it memorable with best arrangements.

    ReplyDelete