The First Birthday Party

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...

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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)

Paper cups from Woollies (stamped with rubber tips on pencils, ink pads from Spotlight)

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?)

Made: dotty invitations

In Brazil first birthdays are a big event. Almost on par with weddings. We haven't had a wedding yet - just a beautiful, simple engagement party in the these Rose Gardens. When it happens, our wedding will be intimate and it will speak of the two of us, and Saskia and maybe another little one.

So we have decided to throw a Brazilian first birthday. Although I felt nervous about this at first, I am happy that we will have the opportunity to celebrate with all our dear family and friends who have played a special role in Saskia's first year. After all, it takes a village to raise a child...

I can't even bring myself to type out the number of people we have invited...it's pretty enormous though. So I made some simple and fun invitations over a few nights in front of Goonies, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen and Call the Midwife. It was quite a therapeutic process - how great are menial tasks after a day with an 11 month old? They are so easy to make it's laughable. I was inspired by an idea on Pintrest (naturally).

I used these ink pads from Spotlight, a couple of rubber tipped pencils, some translucent paper from an art store and some heavyish watercolour card. Of course making invitations was just another way I could add to the washi tape collection.

*Speaking of parties, there's a lovely series to celebrate spring at Che & Fidel and a pretty ace little giveaway. I'd be happy with just the pillowcases or the beeswax candles...

Two little friends

Sassy's little friend Tilly turned one on the weekend. We drove out of town to the Scented Rose Gardens for her party on a blustery spring day. We gathered in the mint green teahouse and watched as all the people who adore that sweet little girl filled the room.

Kelly is one of my dearest friends and it's been so wonderful to share the journey of mamahood with her. For this reason (and more) she will always be a very special person in my life and I'll always be especially fond of little Tilly.

There's something so charming about two little friends following each other about, oblivious of the action happening above them. Dressed in party dresses and tights, wearing matching bows.

Happy Birthday Tilly x

*Kelly wrote a beautiful post about the day here

Dancin' shoes

We went to a charming little engagement party this weekend. My best friend (and cousin) is marrying her lovely American beau and we all gathered to toast the beginning of, what is sure to be, a beautiful life together.

Naturally Saskia was wearing her best party outfit - which included her exquisite new pair of Heidi Walks shoes. Big love to this blogging genius and the Heidi Walks crew for putting together the giveaway. Her first pair of dancin' shoes. Bless.

The party was held in and around vintage trains which are part of the family's bed and breakfast accommodation. It's a pretty special place ordinarily, but for this occasion the carriages had been dolled up with strings of lanterns and buntings, and freshly picked posies and old tablecloths decorated the tables on the train's verandah. At night we all danced to records and hung out on hay bales dragged up to the side of the dance floor.

I have to say we only lasted until 11pm though. Little One was just beside herself with excitement and loved the funk and soul music just a little bit too much. A long, dark and quiet trip home was enough to send her off to sleep...

Ps. Did I mention that I baked 50 red velvet cupcakes for the party? Crazy pre-baby idea that was pulled off successfully...thanks to my own dear Mum for spending all day Friday cuddling the Little One while I mixed, poured and baked those little red gems. Great recipe from here.

Peek

A little look at the set up pics that K managed to snap...more to come soon. We had such a lovely afternoon and I think the little one loved being centre of attention, bounding around with every belly rub...uh oh...