Dana's First Birthday Bash!

For birthday parties, I'm always torn between going with pretty themes I love myself vs going with kid appropriate themes.  For A's dohl (first birthday) a few years ago, we only had a handful of kids (mostly 0-2 years old) so I planned a luncheon at an elegant restaurant and went with a sophisticated, girly color scheme.  Check out pictures here. 

For D's party, I knew we were tackling a whole different beast.  More than 50 kids were set to attend and having it at an elegant restaurant was absolutely out of the question.  I ended up renting out a gigantic indoor playground.  As friends were leaving at the end of the party, I noticed that child after child was walking out with a huge smile and a sweaty mop of hair and I knew the party had been a success.  When kids are having fun, parents get to relax and chit chat.  Winning!

A few months ago, I started seeing pictures of rainbow themed parties pop up all over the internet and I was sold.  I love the impact the vibrant colors have and how cheerful and happy it looks.  

All the paper goods were by chickabug, including the invites, cupcake toppers, banner, favor labels, etc. I bought the files and printed everything at home.  She was so great to work with and very helpful!  And I think the paper goods are what really brought everything to life.

Hubby's assistant is an ex-professional baker and still makes cakes for her side business. She made us this amazing rainbow cake!

I got these markers for 28 cents during the back to school sale. I put them in a ziploc bag and covered them with a label.  The entire favor cost less than 50 cents, which is nice when you have to make 50 of them!

I got these giant lollipops from Oriental Trading Company.  I added the sticker labels to personalize them.  The base is foam blocks from JoAnn's that I wrapped in rainbow paper.  I just stuck the lollipops into the foam blocks to have them stand up.  

I've been wanting a Polaroid camera forever and I finally used D's party as an excuse to get one.  I also got these props from etsy.  I had them set up on one of the couch areas and people got to take pics and take home the picture.  I will probably use these props and polaroid at every future party I throw!

Here are the props in action.

D changed into a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) for more pictures.

Not to be outdone, A had to don hers as well of course.

Dohl Ja Bee. This is a traditional Korean game played at first birthdays.  You set up different things in front of the baby until they grab one and it's supposed to predict what their future will hold.  For example, pencil means they will be a scholar, golf ball means an athlete, microphone means an entertainer and so on.  Here's D planning her attack.

She ended up choosing the stethoscope.  My grandfather was a doctor so maybe she will follow in his footsteps! Oh and excuse my sexy expression and why did no one tell me my slip was showing the entire party?? Ah...never a dull moment!


With my mom (who flew 17 hours to be here!) and my girls.  Blessed!

The party was fun but I am so glad that it's over.  Now, Thanksgiving and Christmas to focus on!