first birthday party: inspiration

My sweet Miss E turned one in June, and in the months leading up to that milestone I poured over loads of inspiration photos to help me plan my big event (thank you, Pinterest).

The starting point for Miss E's party was this dress:



My mom and I walked the mall the afternoon before I went into labor. At Janie and Jack, we saw the most adorable dress I've ever seen. Since Miss E's gender was unknown at the time, we left empty handed. But Mom and Dad stopped off at the mall to buy the dress on their way home from the hospital after meeting baby E.

I had initially envisioned an ice cream social or vintage soda shoppe party, but I wanted the food to be easy and make-ahead, and to be able to set all the food out and not worry about it. So I went with the theme "sweet" (for my sweet little girl) and planned a pretty dessert table as the centerpiece. That's when I discovered the joys of pinning. Here are some of my favorite party table inspirations (images via referenced links):

Gorgeous first birthday party by Lovely Little Parties (photographed by Melanie Mauer, via Amy Atlas Events' blog, Sweet Designs). I love everything about this party, down to every last sweet detail.

 

Love the pale blue hues, pom poms and banner on this table by Style Me Gorgeous. 

 

Love the pretty details and color palette on this table created by Amy of Our Daily Obsessions, via Amy Atlas Events' blog. (Also love the baking theme of the party; saving that for a future Miss E birthday!)

Bright and cheery candy buffet found on The Party Dress. Love the layers and bunting.

~Kristin