Owen's Hot Air Balloon Birthday Party

A Project For: Owen
Age: 1 year
Location: Tennessee
Description:
I wanted Owen's first birthday to be unique and special, while using as little money as possible. My goal was to decorate with things I already had in the house, buying only a few basic necessities. The result was a very simple, handmade party... nothing extravagant or expensive, just a sweet little celebration of our baby's first year.
Design Inspiration:
The little graphic on the invitations inspired the entire party. I didn't want it to feel overly themed - just light and fun.
Decorating Style:
I'd much rather make things than buy them. I'm a cheap DIY-er who likes old-fashioned things.
Project Details:
Invitation - DIY in Photoshop, printed on cardstock; copied from an Instagram I can't seem to find anymore :/

Orange Envelopes - Office Max

Big Hot Air Balloon - DIY; Japanese paper lantern, colored tissue paper for the stripes, yarn, half an oatmeal container for the basket

Circle Garlands - DIY

Party Hat - free printable from mrprintables.com/printable-party-hats-stripes.html, DIY yarn pompom

Little Hot Air Balloons - DIY; mini Japanese lanterns, mini cupcake liners

Cake Topper - DIY; mini Japanese lantern, toothpicks, mini cupcake

Pretzel Hugs - sallysbakingaddiction.com/2012/03/12/pretzel-hugs/

Popcorn Containers - Target

Stripey Straws - Target
Favorite Items:
The big hot air balloon is my favorite... I spent the most time making that. I also loved Owen's face when he saw the party favors (helium balloons tied to animal cracker boxes) sitting all in a row - balloons just make everybody happy.

http://www.eastwitching.etsy.com Alison Fennell

Oh now this is ingenious and so sweet! The cloud templates on the shelves made me smile and the draped circular bunting that tied in with the shapes of the hot air balloons is magical and very professiona looking.

What is darling to me is the little balloon on top of the cake – a show-stopper and perfect for a little boy. I hope he had a delightful birthday!
mychael13

So cute! Simple and sweet.
Tasha Cune

Those hot air balloons are so creative! Such a lovely idea! Will definitely try making them one of these days.
Faith

I voted for you!:) I voted for Owen’s birthday party because it’s unique, creative, and AFFORDABLE. It’s nice to know that you can have a chic and fun party without having to go overboard on food and decor.
Ekie

I vote for Owen’s birthday party I like the colors and food ideals.
annabear

very creative!
Nrmk

How did you make the DIY mini cake topper?
Elizabeth

The basket is a mini cupcake, and the top is a mini Japanese lantern that I pulled off a string of lantern lights. I taped toothpicks to the inside of the lantern, and stuck the toothpicks in the mini cupcake :).

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Owen’s Hot Air Balloon Birthday Party

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