I think by now it goes without saying that party planning is my jam. I mean, I’ve started putting together pretend parties just for funsies. Still, I told myself that for James’ first birthday party I wouldn’t go over the top and I’d keep it on the same level as Maddie and Annie’s first birthdays…you know, the big costume party and the large backyard bounce house bash. So not over the top, just touching the top. At least I’m consistent!
As I mentioned yesterday, I went with a dance party theme, but for the decor I went with a disco/James is One mash-up. I raided Party City, Oriental Trading, and Birthday Express for their disco and standard #1 stuff, and I picked out some really cute personalized stuff courtesy of Minted’s Colorful Balloons party decor line.
Inflatable disco balls, blue pom-poms, first birthday cutouts
On our front door I hung this personalized sign from Minted, and added disco people to our birthday wreath.
I made a whole table of “club gear” that also served as the kids’ party favors.
There was temporary hair dye.95 a can!), 
While I was trolling around Amazon for the “club gear,” I thought I’d see if they sold a disco ball piñata. I typed “disco piñata” into the search and this amazing piñata
We also hung up tons of pictures of The Birthday Boy. The playroom housed the entire “While You Were At Preschool” series (I had them printed on 5×5 photo paper at Costco), while the doors to the outside were the perfect display for his monthly photos.
We covered the tables in the backyard with butcher paper and put out tons of crayons and markers. Our guests drew some fun stuff!
I made James’ bib and was happy with how it turned out (although, if I was going to do it again, I’d make the number bigger). He didn’t want to wear his crown, no biggie!
I thought some of the kids might get a little overwhelmed by the dance truck, so I put out a ton of sidewalk chalk in my driveway. This turned out to be a huge hit! Our driveway is still covered in awesome chalk drawings.
Above all, the kids had fun. My dance trailer mix up was a good reminder that while kids definitely enjoy something special and unique, they can be entertained with simple things, too. Most importantly, they like spending time with each other as much as I like spending time with their parents.
But still…watching those kids dance and sing karaoke? Hilarious life highlight.
We’ll see what the next birthdays will hold. Who knows what James will be into when he turns two! Mike mentioned going to the Disneyland Hotel for Annie’s next birthday and Annie seems really into this idea. I’m down with whatever she chooses. I love planning the parties but the house cleaning? Not so much.
alimartell says:
Your parties are always so perfect. Just the right amount of just touching the top.
Shannon says:
That was truly impressive! I’m kind of glad we don’t have any mutual friends who could compare your parties to the ones I throw.
Jess says:
Love your parties! Thanks for the great ideas! Do you open gifts during the party? I’ve heard of people not and I’m wondering how to get around it. To me its very time consuming and stressful!
Heather says:
Nope, no presents during the party! I have yet to be to a kid party where the presents were opened. Maybe it will happen when they get older. I agree, I think it’s stressful, and a bit boring for the other kids!
Nicole says:
You are so creative! You should start your own little company for decorating/throwing kid birthday parties, you would make a killing!!
Glenda says:
Looks amazing!!! YOU are so creative!
JT says:
Such cute pictures. I love how you displayed his monthly pictures and the while you were in preschool ones. I love when guests can see how much the kids have grown.
What do you do with all the decorations you buy? Do you get rid of them or save them to reuse them? I’m just asking because you always throw so many parties, I’m wondering how you keep your supplies/decorations organized. I always end up losing things in random boxes after I store them. Sigh.
Heather says:
I used to save them, but as my garage filled with stuff I realized I couldn’t save stuff on the off-chance James wanted to reuse a party theme. So now I either give them away or post them for sale in my local Craig’s List/parent swap/facebook groups!