“Let’s keep it low-key. Just family. We’ll do it in our backyard. Perfect!”

This was the conversation I had with my husband surrounding our daughter’s first birthday party.

Well. What turned into a “keep-it-casual family party” soon turned into an all-out affair.  A project grid was created, weekends were spent crafting a giant pennant banner, hours perfecting the perfect “smash cake” (she has two teeth — she can’t even eat it!). We agreed on a signature drink and even created signage for it.

Yes, we had a signature drink for our party. This was for family. And we had a signature drink.

A timeline was created for birthday weekend and day-of event flow, fruit skewers were assembled – because those are all the rage for kids’ parties on Pinterest – and I’m just skimming the surface.

But, you only turn one once and we like to throw a good party. Now, when she turns two, we’ll finally just have a small, family party…

Giant red balloon welcoming guests.

The birthday girl and her crown.

Homemade pennant banners.

Month photos of the birthday girl.

Art project for the cousins.

Signature cocktail.

The “smash cake.”

Confetti cake, thank you Pinterest.