Katelyn’s Pinwheel Themed 1st Birthday

Description

The light pink, hot pink and green colors were a perfect combo for my daughter’s bright and cheery back yard birthday party. Large paper pinwheels lined the perimeter of the house and guided you into the party, small homemade paper pinwheels hung from the trees and bushes, different sized pinwheels where placed throughout the garden spinned in the breeze. The gazebo was decorated with pink and green paper lanterns and lots of pink and green pillows were placed along the benches for guests to sit comfortably. A wishing tree was covered with little tags for guests to write a special note for Katelyn to read on a future birthday. Kissing balls lined the lawn, decorated with matching pink and green ribbon. Paper pom poms hung above the food and dessert tables in matching colors. My daughter wore a pink tutu with polka dot leggings and my son, husband and I were dressed to match. I chose a modern pinwheel design for her invitations, goodie bags and drink cups. I kept to a simple menu of hot dogs and veggie dogs with all of the fixings, 2 kinds of salads, chips & dip, individual strawberry yogurt parfaits topped with sugar flowers and popcorn served in specially made treat cups. The kids enjoyed pink lemonade and 3 kinds of flavored milk which I served in cute pink carafes. I also served pink sparkling wine in plastic flutes with matching name tags. I had the most fun styling the desert table -- matching cake pops stood in white ceramic planters with faux grass to look like flowers, surrounded by cupcakes topped with edible wafer pinwheels and pink and green chocolate dipped Oreos . Glass jars and tin buckets were filled with pink and green colored candy. Favors were pinwheel sippy cups and large pinwheel s tied together with ribbon. The highlight of the party was the exotic bird show which was set up in a separate area of the yard complete with a matching "bird show" sign as a back drop. Kids tables had activities set up, including make your own pinwheels.

Design Inspiration

My daughter was born on the first day of spring and pinwheels are a perfect way to represent the changing of the season in a fun and creative way.

Decorating Style

I love simply stated things.  I like to go for the wow factor, but in a sophisticated, simple way. 

Project Details

Etsy.com!  There really isn't anything you can't find there.  I start planning my party’s months in advance to give myself enough time to search for unique finds.  TJ Maxx and IKEA are a great place to start.  I also try to reimagine decorations from other party's to save money.  The ribbon wall and pompoms were from a Shabby Chic baby shower I gave my best friend a few weeks before.  http://gallery.projectnursery.com/projects/952-Shabby-Chic-Baby-Shower-Elegance

Favorite Items

The cake pops!   They turned out so cute and tasted yummy too.  We served banana chip, red velvet and vanilla. 

Advice

FInd a picture you love as an inspiration to start from then add your own personal touches from there.  Go crazy with lots of pinwheels.  You can buy them on-line or make them yourself.  Skies the limit!