After sharing our dessert table last week, I wanted to share a few of the fun details from Bodhi’s first birthday party. The little man theme continues with more beautiful photos from Canary Grey Photography. Enjoy!
A few of the details above were stand-alones and didn’t make it into other photos.
My obsession with making bow ties for all of Bodhi’s little friends played a big part in my decision to go with the “little man” theme. I searched and searched online for inexpensive bow ties, but quickly realized that if I needed 10 to 15, I would save a lot by making them myself. So I did! I will share a DIY tutorial on how to make no-sew bow ties for little guys soon.
All of Bodhi’s little friends (and a few big ones) wore these simple clip-on bow ties or hair bows. See below for a shot of the hair bow.
Alexandra was Bodhi’s favorite guest that day! These two were inseparable!
Party favors were chocolate mustache pops for the adults. These were very easy to make using mustache pop candy molds.
One of my favorite details was the “a wish for Bodhi” station. Most of our party guests wrote Bodhi a note on 4×6 note cards designed by Shana at Belva June.
Bodhi has some of the sweetest notes from all of his favorite people saved in a book for when he is older. And of course, having Wing of Canary Grey Photography at the party to capture all of the special moments is something we are so thankful for.
I reused a vintage Samsonite suitcase that we own and a little suitcase set from Bodhi’s room for decorations.
My biggest challenge and favorite part of planning any party in my home is finding ways to reuse or repurpose items we already have. It’s always fun to use a piece of furniture or decor items in a new way.
Shana from Belva June came up with some really fun phrases for us to frame throughout our home.
I’m not one to spend a lot of time making home-made food for parties. This is something I may try to improve in the next year. But, for now, I focus on ambience, decor and dessert! So, Trader Joe’s is always my go-to store for easy appetizers.
We kept beverages pretty simple with water and lemonade… in mustache cups, of course!
My mother-in-law makes the most beautiful vegetable sandwiches. She always makes everything home-made so it is really nice to have a dish or two by her at every gathering.
I decided to make a backdrop for Bodhi’s smash cake. I wasn’t super happy with how it turned out, but it did add color and I learned from my mistake this time. :)
Bodhi enjoyed the singing and the attention almost as much as the cake!
We practiced singing happy birthday with Bodhi leading up to his birthday. When everyone sang to him, he was quite the happy little man.
And he’s off!
I expected Bodhi to completely dive into his cake, but he was actually more interested in finger painting with the frosting.
The final post and two tutorials on creating bow tie party favors and a dessert table backdrop are coming soon! For shopping resources and vendor information, check out my first birthday party post. Thanks for stopping by!
Everything is awesome. Love the theme, love the bow ties. Love the adorable little man. Amazing job! He’s a lucky little guy!
Thanks Jenna! We had a great time.
Hey I can’t find the luggage bags anywhere. Where would be a good place too look! His lil man party was too cute. Great job!!!!!
Ate you looking for the little stackable/nesting paper suitcases?
Try Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003TLNI2Y?cache=bcce2f902b808bd9b895a66b44d97934#ref=mp_s_a_1_1&qid=1393788495&sr=8-1
Land of Nod also carries some: http://m.landofnod.com/blue-red-bon-voyage-suitcases-set-of-3/s587397
And Shop Sweet Lulu:
http://www.shopsweetlulu.com/search.php
Love it!! So cute and creative!!! Well done!
This is so amazing! I’m so inspired for my son’s birthday party coming up VERY SOON. I can’t find your DIY bow tie tutorial. Can you point me in the right direction?
What a great party! You’re blog was an inpiration for my little man’s party. I’d love to know what those colorful mats are under the food, the DIY bows, drinks, etc… I’ve been trying to come up with something like this and was wondering what they are and where you got them. Thanks in advance and of course for the inspiration as well!
Hi Marissa,
Thank you so much for stopping by! So, I tend to use different types of scrapbook paper under dessert and other details every time I plan a party. I love the look. That’s all it is under there. :) I pick up my paper at Archiver’s, but you can get it anywhere. I would love to see your son’s party too! Cheers! Jessica
Thanks for the info! I’d never know that was scrapbook paper. Love the look!!
It works so well! Thanks again for stopping by Marissa!
Please let me know when your DIY bow tie tutorial is up.
I am wanting to do the same thing as favors for the boys for my daughter’s 2nd birthday!
Love your ideas! Inspiring!
-Ellen
Love the whole party! Great ideas! Did you ever get around to posting the how-to for the bows/bow ties? I looked through the blog but may have somehow overlooked it. Thanks!
I LOVE your party!! The colors just pop and all of your display pieces are gorgeous! Question– where did you get the white picture frames (I guess that’s what they are) that display the sign asking guests to leave a birthday wish? So cute!
Just 99 cents at Ikea! :)
I am wondering how you made the backdrop behind him during his cake smash? I love it, but can’t come up with what you used for the colored strips that hang down. And is there a tutorial on how to make the tissue balls. I have never seen them look quite like those? Let me know asap! Party is soon! :o)
Thanks in advance!
Jamie
Hi Jamie, Sorry for the long delay on this. I actually followed a tutorial from Oh Happy Day! Super easy and fun!
Jessica,
Love the party!! Did you have to do a lot of add-ons from BelvaJune for the party packaged you purchased from her?
Hi Natalie, You know, I can’t remember at all. I think I just did her main package and changed up the colors. It’s been almost two years and I really can’t remember for sure. So sorry! :)
Do you have the Bow tie instructions?