1st birthday - what did you do?

[MantaRay]

We just had a family lunch. We waited until the 2nd birthday for a party - he was more aware then and really enjoyed it.

[Snoopea]

We had a friends and family BBQ, I asked family to bring a salad each and we put on the drinks and meat as well as the dessert. It was a great day and has since become a birthday tradition for the family!
Snoopea

[Ngala]

I like the idea of a BBQ.. I am thinking of maybe doing something late afternoon so family can come and then who ever wants to stay later can for drinks!

We could always lock the dogs away for the night...

And OOPSIE! I have just seen there is a forum for children's parties. Mods, please feel free to move it to correct place!

[smiles4u]

Veronica, ... We went ' all out ' with our only child's 1st b'day party (our daughter Cendrine)

... She took some years to arrive (I had her at 40), so I guess it was a personal celebration for DP & I too

We invited about 93 people & guessing about 50 or 60 came !!

Party started at 1pm (many were traveling far to get to the party) & we had the hall all night if we wanted. But most started leaving about 4pm, some 5pm. Which was great as we were so tired & wanted to go crash.

... Had it in a hall as we remembered her actual birth-day was a cold one. Lucky we didn't have a marque in the backyard like we originally decided as it turned out her 1st b'day party was raining & freezing cold (the hall was fantastic, cost us $80 to hire, was big & very clean, & plenty of heating. We were so warm some guests asked to turn some heaters off, LOL).

We didn't have a theme as such. We had 1st b'day balloons & banner. But we chose the colours more as a theme. Bright Orange (DP's fav colour) & Hot Pink (seeing she is a girl).

Sadly my parents couldn't come. So, we had fish & star decorations, etc ...here & there. My Dad's nickname for her is "Little Fish" & Mum's is "Little Star".

We had alcohol at the party as I was pregnant with her on my 40th b'day party ... So, I said it was making up for that, hee hee

Did a BBQ (hamburgers, sausages, kebabs), had tons of salads, sliced bread & bread rolls, hot foods like homemade sausage rolls & party pies & pizza wheels. For desserts we had everything you could possibly imagine (it was worth watching the kids eyes light up there).

I would suggest to use the Birthday Cake as part of the desserts

I not only gave loot/party bags to the children BUT also the Adults. If they were a couple I gave them one to share. I can't tell you what a hit it was with the adults ...They LOVED that idea !!

... To be honest, DP & I were so stuffed & tired because we had to do the entire party on own (as we live far away from everyone).

We didn't feel like we had anytime to spend with our daughter on her special day
But, luckily her actual b'day was the next day (a Sunday) & it was just us "3"

*** I would suggest if you are going to go ' big ' with a party DON'T do it on your child's actual birthday !!!!!!! ***

We have NO regrets because it made us so HAPPY that so many people that came to the party were still talking about it a year later what a GREAT time they had And we were happy the party wasn't on her actual birthday.

DON'T FORGET YOU NEED TO " ENJOY" THEIR BIRTHDAY TOO !!!!!

[Beach Mama]

Hey V! Suc a big decision hey! We decided that although she wouldn't remember it - we would!! We also wanted to celebrate the fact that she has brought us so much joy in the last year and wanted to spoil our girl a little! Plus she had an absolute ball! We had about 35 people at home, afternoon tea! I got MIL, mum and sister to do a bit of cooking, plus we did easy nibbles and hot food. I bought napkins, plates, cups etc so the only cleaning was a few big platters and the general vacuuming etc! If you have nice weather I think a park would be great = that is what I would do if she was born in a month where it isn't 11 degrees on the day!

I did little party bags for the few babies and kids that came and the adults got cake! I made her cake ( in my gallery I am very proud!!) and cupcakes etc! I loved that we did it and wouldn't change a thing!!!! Enjoy whatever you decide to do - have fun with it all, and it is great to plan now hun, it comes up really quickly!

[shellbell3]

We just had a BBQ at our place with family and friends. Was a really nice day and thankfully weather was perfect.

[mbear]

i read somewhere that a childs 1st birthday is just as important for the mother also - as a mother often reflects on her labour, first hold of bub etc on this day. And i kinda agree. It is a special day for you, DH and your lil girl. Close family, nice meal, and a big ole fuss over your little girl sounds perfect.......

I guess it depends on how many people you intend asking???? - and will other kids be going too ?? We recently had our DD#3 christening at a Sports Club @ $12 per person for sandwiches. It was the BEST day. No cooking and cleaning on my part, and it was perfect just to sit back and relax. I made the cake. It was all over in 2 hours.....no waiting for people to leave your house, it was a really good day..

Good LUck.