Must-haves for baby’s first birthday celebration

Your baby’s first birthday is an exciting milestone! Many parents go to great lengths to make it special in some way, whether that be an intimate family get-together or a full-blown bash. No matter which side of the spectrum you’re on, there are a few must-have items you can’t throw a party without.

Decor – Set the scene

Under the Paper Lantern designer paper decorations

This whimsical design company makes it easy to create a Pinterest-worthy centerpiece or backdrop for your party (or baby shower or wedding!). Want to keep things simple? Opt for the traditional paper lantern. Have that whole go-big-or-go-home mentality? Combine the paper and accordion lanterns with paper fans, honeycomb balls and paper pompoms.

When my daughter turned 1 last month, we threw her a “Goodnight Moon”-themed party and chose a mix of red, cobalt and turquoise blues, yellow and hunter green in a variety of different sizes and textures. I just loved the way it turned out! They offer just about every color (pretty blush and minty green to lemon yellow and shimmery bronze) and size under the sun, so no matter your vision, you can achieve a fun and memorable look.

Be sure to check out the Under the Paper Lantern blog for tons of decor inspo.

Treats – The sweeter the better

Magnolia Bakery cupcakes

I’ve always gone the cupcake route for birthdays. They’re easier to serve, easier to eat and just so darn cute. Magnolia Bakery is a favorite of mine for its “just-like-momma-made-it” goodies. The confetti cupcake–a rich, buttery, old-fashioned cake filled with a colorful mix of confetti sprinkles inside, topped with chocolate or vanilla buttercream and then topped off with more confetti sprinkles–just screams “celebration!” And if cupcakes aren’t your thing, the full-sized confetti cake is just as dreamy.

Gifts – Sentimental touches

Uptown Artworks custom pillows

In my family, we know that the grandparents are totally good for covering the “fun” gifts such as toys and games. Which usually gives my husband and me the opportunity to give more meaningful gifts that baby might not fully appreciate now, but that they will grow to love.

Uptown Artworks birth announcement pillows fit that category perfectly. Sure, it might be one year since your baby was born, but you still remember that day like it was yesterday, right? Just choose your child’s name and birthdate, plus whatever other info you wish to include such as time of birth, weight, length and city. The pillow makes a sweet photo prop, too, for first birthday smash cake sessions. And it can be washed! Win!

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