A "Tweet" Bird-Themed First Birthday Party!

Yay! It's Friday. And, Friday is the day I said I'd show you all the birthday deets. And, show I shall!

But, first, let me just say that I love all parties.

I love homemade cake, crepe paper streamers, cardboard hat, parties.

I love Party City, pretty pink princess, everything's included, parties.

I love happy birthday, here's your favorite pie and a funny card, parties.

And, I love elaborate, let's call TLC because we're going for broke and we want you to witness every moment, parties.

I just love parties. Why? Because, a party is all about celebrating someone. The entire idea behind a birthday party is that you're saying...gee, the world is a better place with you in it.

And, what's not to love about that?? So, maybe that explains why my daughter's very first birthday party has been so special to me.

 Because, gee, the world is a better place with her in it. 

For the love of my daughter, I actually baked something more challenging than is typical for me: Iced Sugar Cookies. I rolled the dough out and everything. And, then I made icing. In my stand mixer. And, piped that icing onto the cookies with the authority of Martha Stewart.

And, I only grumbled once.

Or, twice.

But, rest assured, no one else was awake.

Because, it was 3am.

That, dear friends, is true, maternal love.

I decided to just make party favors for the little kids. And, though you can't see through that pink "grass", the party favors were butterfly-shaped crayons that I made in a butterfly muffin pan (I was pretty excited to find any variety of flying creature, nevermind it wasn't a bird). Oh, and said muffin pan was silicone and only $2. Win-Win.

(I should mention that this was a dollar tree, dollar spot, dollar bin affair!).

A few things to note: I have the single most difficult kitchen to photograph in. I swear my walls aren't painted dark, avocado green. The middle picture is probably the most true representation of my actual wall color. Just had to throw that out there. Second, my ruffled table runner was a project of the no-sew variety. I'm debating sharing my tutorial because, how practical is a table runner held together with hot-glue??

(But, it sure is pretty!)

For Merritt's wishing tree, I used an after Christmas bargain tree and Michaels dollar bin tags.

Details, details. Yes, I filled my DIY Display Lamp for the occasion. Yes, I scored with the most perfect free printable from The Handmade Home.  Yes, I made a wreath just for the party...and, added one of the cute birdie invitations for good measure!

See how happy Sweet Baby is eating that cake?? Every late night...so worth it.

(Cute, customized bib from Head Over Heels!)

I didn't get a full picture of my party girl in her party outfit. Bummer! She found the beads from the photobooth fairly early and they didn't leave her neck until nap time. But, I'll just say her outfit was pretty stinkin' cute. Why, yes. Yes, she is wearing a baby scarf around her baby neck. Thank you H&M. In fact, thank you H&M for the dress, leggings and cardigan.

I made the headband and my sister sewed the "1" to her cardigan.

Remember when I raved about Village Cupcakes? Well, they provided me with the cute cupcake toppers. I love how they turned out! And, I made the name bunting for M's cupcake.

And, let's not forget the photobooth fun! I simply hung leftover wallpaper on a large wall with thumbtacks, covered the ugly sides with crepe paper and shopped my house (and the dollar spot) for props. It turned out to be a lot of fun!

If you're just now joining us, the mantel details can be found here.

(PS. I've had some questions about the large bird. It's actually part of her nursery decor and it was made from MDF and covered with paper. My father-in-law jigsawed it out for me. Email me if you have any specific questions)

The timeline details can be found here, in case you're dying to read all about it!

If you've read this far, pat yourself on the back!! That was one wordy, picture-heavy post!!

Thanks for all the sweet birthday wishes everyone's sent me this week for my precious girl. I really appreciate every. single. one. of your kind words!

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