Ariella's 1st Birthday - Rustic Winter Wonderland

A Project For: Ariella
Age: 1 year old
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Description:
Ariella is our little winter baby, with her birthday falling in the first week of January. Even though we live in Los Angeles and it's not technically freezing over here, I still loved the idea of making a 'winter wonderland' themed 1st birthday party for her. I'd seen quite a few winter wonderland kids parties floating around on the web, but I didn't want recreate those typical winter parties with penguins, polar bears, and igloos. Instead, I had the idea in my head for a rustic/shabby chic winter wonderland party that still had the winter feel, but was a bit more girly & sophisticated. Just like our little girl!
Design Inspiration:
My design inspiration for the party constantly evolved, but in the end I settled on a rustic & chic winter themed party. I was drawn to lots of burlap, lace, jute twine, and birch, and I mixed those elements crocheted snowflakes, snow covered manzanita branches, and blush & cream colored roses.
Project Details:
A special 'thank you' to all my wonderful vendors who helped make all the party details come to life!

'Ariella' banner on mantel: Prop Shop Boutique

Gourmet Marshmallows: One More Bite , Mia Mallows , Guimauve Confections

Birthday Cake, cake pops, & chocolate covered Oreo's: Sweet E's Bakeshop

Fondant Cupcake Toppers: Two Sweet Cakes

Winter Truffles: Whole Foods

Snowflake Cookies: Lori's Place

Manzanita Centerpieces & birch vases: designed and created by me, branches by Blooms & Branches

Mason Jars w/ Lace & Burlap: designed and created by me

Burlap & Lace Table runner on Hot Cocoa Bar: Little White Boutique

High Chair Banner: designed and created by me

Lace Crown: Sweet Louise Boutique

Crocheted Snowflakes: Sew Fun Creations, Edangra, Zolayka,

Bottle Brush Trees: Love It Shabby

Snowflake Food Picks: Pink Cherry Mama

Invitations Suite & Thank You's: Designed and created by me, Lace Envelope Inserts: All Things Angela's

Chalkboard Signage: Designed and created by me, Frame by Shugabee Lane

Wooden Snowflake Silverware: Tulle and Twig

Handstamped Wooden Heart Spoons: AngieHeartsJared

Front Door Wreath: Dandelion Crafting Company Letter A: This Makes Me Happy

Snowflake Balloons: Single Source Party Supplies

Flower arrangements: Designed and created by me

Rentals - Linens, tables, & chairs: Classic Party Rentals

Birthday girl attire: Baby Gap and Poppy Bows

Lace Placecards: Designed and created by me

Catering: Whole Foods Catering

Return Address Stamp: eDanae

Photography: Beth Stirnaman & Emily Klaparda
Favorite Items:
Manzanita Branch Centerpieces: I had fun crafting these myself! I found an online tutorial about setting the manzanita branches in Plaster of Paris. I followed the steps and was very pleased with the end result! I then put Oasis wet floral foam in the top and inserted the cream roses into the foam. Then, I glued dried flowers onto the branches to complete the look for the centerpieces

Hot Cocoa Bar: This was a real hit with our guests, who loved the gourmet hot cocoa and unique toppings - especially the handmade marshmallows! Perfect for a chilly winter party!

Mantel Decor: I was especially pleased with out the mantel decor turned out, which was a great backdrop for the birthday girl and her cake smash. I purchased some bulk burlap and designed the "swag" and then tied it up . I found the pink trees at Michael's, and then added the floral centerpieces and the birthday banner.

Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Shooters: I saw these at a party awhile back and thought they would be a great addition to Ariella's party! They were a great, warm comfort food for a cold winter day! Guests loved them, and even asked for refills.
Advice:
Start your planning early! I think I started for looking for winter wonderland themed items 9 months prior to the party - this way I felt I had the time to research items and vendors that would be perfect for my theme.

Plan a "seasonal" party in the actual season it occurs in - it was easy for me to find plenty of winter wonderland themed items, which started coming on the shelves in late August! Lots of great sales, too!

http://www.facebook.com/kimmy.doraine Kimmy Doraine

This party is like something out of a magical dream. The decor’s amazing and impeccable. And Ariella looks like such a winter angel!
Katie

It’s hard to believe that so many of the items are DIY, they are so well-made and coordinated!
http://expandng.com/ lisacng @ expandng.com

What an amazing party and so elegant! Congrats!
http://www.facebook.com/charlotte.friedman.92 Charlotte Friedman

AWESOME…. so gifted :)
Jillian

just gorgeous! love every single detail!!

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Ariella’s 1st Birthday – Rustic Winter Wonderland

Project By: Emily7112