First Birthday Party: Planning an Easy and Memorable First Birthday Party

I had great birthday parties my entire childhood, that's one of my many fond memories. My mom always did such a great job of planning some festive affair and they were so wonderful. Many of my early birthday parties were at home, either I remember them or I can see all the pictures--and they were perfect. When your child is too little to remember their own birthday party, you can still create something festive but make it easy on yourself. I always talk about my friends and I have seen first birthday parties at both ends of the spectrum. One friend had a very casual bbq with cupcakes for the kids, which of course they loved. Another friend had a big elaborate affair at an overpriced venue, of which all the kids were way too young to even remember. For me, a first birthday is more about the parents and family than it is the little one. Sure, it's their first moment in the spotlight, but as long as there's a celebration of some kind you are doing your job as a parent to mark the occasion.

I think that a first birthday specifically can be something simple, you can even make it as easy as cake and ice cream for a few friends and family. Since many of us feel it necessary to go above and beyond, come up with some simple theme or idea and run with it. For example, as an over planner I already know what I'm doing for my daughter's first birthday party. (and she's only seven months--yes I have a sickness!) I'm having a pasta bar complete with 2-3 different kinds of pasta, 2-3 types of sauce--you make your own pasta dish. I'll have any of the necessary toppings, salad, and garlic bread. Simple, easy, and I guarantee that everyone can find something that they like! One of the most important elements of the first birthday party is of course the cake. Yes you want to get something yummy to keep your guests happy--but this is all about the cake for baby! You either want to bake a tiny little baby cake or pick one up from a local bakery--one that they can get messy with. Come on, admit that the best pictures of any kid's first birthday are the ones that include their hand in their cake with frosting all over their face! This is their big day, so let them indulge and have fun! If you're worried about healthy eating for such an occasion, then pick up an organic cake from a place like Whole Foods.

Keep it simple, light, and fun--baby only has a first birthday once! Of course take tons of pictures, and enjoy watching them have more fun with the wrapping paper and boxes than the gift themselves!