Nellie's 1st Birthday Party

I decided on a garden theme for Nellie's party, I don't remember what prompted this, especially since I have a brown thumb and no gardens.  

Caleb's first birthday party was sports themed with ball cakes, but in general no decorations.  Lucy's first birthday didn't really have a theme and we hosted it at my parents house so we did not decorate at all.  Toby's first birthday is where I realized that I like to party plan and have a theme.  His party was a circus theme.  I will have to dig up pictures, but we had a hot dog stand, nachos popcorn and lemonade for food.  He had a lion cake. We hung streamers from the ceiling to make our living room look like a red and white circus tent.  My favorite part was we got all of our animal stuffed animals out and made part hats and circus clothes for them.  

For the garden theme I wanted just simple elegance. I made a Happy Birthday Nellie banner out of wrapping paper.  Our floral centerpiece was annual flowers planted into tin cans I had been saving.  Each household got to take one home.  I wanted to have a watering can out, and didn't have one.  We had done a paper mache project earlier in the week so I decided to whip one up.    

  

 I used tin storage baskets that I had around the house to put out plates, utensils and napkins.

We covered  our kitchen storage with an old floral valance and put out cute pitchers of punch and water.  

I used a flower pot filled with ice and a Pyrex bowl to put out veggie dip.   

 

 I made flower cupcakes with marshmallows. (I will post directions)

  I did not have a cupcake stand so I made one (I will post directions) to match the banner.

  The birthday girl eating a colorful lunch.

  I put her down with the cake on the tray and without realizing it really.  Andy told her not to touch it since we were not ready and I think it scared her away from digging in when it was time.  Daddy and Toby helped her try some pieces and she picked off all the marshmallows.  

  

  She loved her new toys and is looking like she is ready to start a new school year with all of her new clothes! 

  

She is still not walking all the time, but will let go and walk places now.  The day of her party was her first day really becoming adventurous and she showed off her skills for her guests.