A Flower Garden Themed First Birthday Party

A year. One whole year has passed since Addie arrived. It’s hard for us to believe that she is already one, her first year went much too quickly. We celebrated her turning one with family and friends on her actual first birthday. From the day we found out we were expecting a girl and the first floral sleepers made their way into our home I knew I wanted her to have a Secret Garden first birthday party. 

The Secret Garden was one of my favourite books to read when I was younger and add in all the flowers that have just surrounded Addie since the day she was born and it seemed like the perfect fit. I wanted to do as many DIY touches as I could manage with the party happening after I returned back to work.  

I created a banner with the pages of a Secret Garden book that was destined to be recycled. I took out the first page of each chapter and hole punched them, this allowed me to put a ribbon through and string it together. There was also a cake stand made out of clay pots. I also used clay pots for the cutlery holders and snack containers.

The main DIY was the wooden hoops that I connected together and then decorated with greenery and flowers. I am so thankful that my husband goes along with my wild ideas because he was the one who had to figure out how to hang it up. We managed to find some large command strips and hooks that worked perfectly. Sitting in the middle, above her highchair that was covered in a lace bunting, was her gorgeous pixie doll that our friend made. 

Thanks to a friend of ours who arrived at the party location to help wrangle kids, plus it was the day a large wind storm was predicted to hit the area and she offered to check on things for us, we were able to get everything set up before all the guests arrived. Everyone was welcomed into an open space that allowed for the kids to run around and play with Addie crawling back and forth and visiting everyone.

To eat there were egg salad sandwiches shaped liked butterflies thanks to a large cookie cutter, fruit and veggies trays for snacks to nibble on, kid-friendly trail mix, popcorn, and much more. A big hit were the cups of “dirt” to eat. These consisted of chocolate pudding covered in crushed Oreos on top. Then, there were all sorts of toppings that could be sprinkled on top…. marshmallows, pumpkins, candy worms, and mini m&ms.

One thing I have learnt from this party is that I am never making anything with red icing ever again. It is a miracle that there was not red icing all over the place. Sure the mini-mushroom cupcakes looked cute, and Evie was pleased as could be about the fact that she helped make them. Red is just not a forgiving colour to clean up. 

The other favourites from the food table were the homemade sugar cookies that I baked and iced. I also hand painted three different designs onto the cookies. Flowers, Addie, and 1. I was surprised with how easy it was to paint sugar cookies. The one snack though that I am still hiding a couple off in our fridge were strawberry and rose marshmallows. They were perfectly squishy and you could taste both flavours in one bite. So good!

I ended up making Addie’s smash cake twice. Thankfully I started making it a few nights before the party so that night I still had time to redo it. Poor Jason had to go out late one night to get me everything I needed again to allow me to bake into the night. The second time round it did turn out. 

tAddie was surrounded by people who love her and we could not have asked for a more special day. Kids were running around and playing together. Decorating flower pots that they got to take home as well as bird seed ornaments to put outside for the birds to enjoy.

One idea I picked up from another party recently is to let the child who brought the present for the birthday kid help open it, especially if the birthday kiddo is too little to open it. This helped with avoiding any conflicts about opening gifts. The kids were all excited to help open the gift they brought and show Addie it. It just made it all the more special and is a memory I will always cherish.   

An outfit change later, Addie was ready to eat some cake. We sang happy birthday and the poor little lovie started to cry as friends and family stood around her. Whether it was our singing or the crowd, one thing is certain, it’s not a party until the birthday girl cries. Big sister swooped in fast though to comfort her. Plus Evie had been asking all day if she could help Addie cut her birthday cake. Which kind of worked because Addie did not want to get messy and dive into her cake. She is dainty that is for sure.

The presents were opened. The food and cake were all gone. Nap time was right around the corner for the guest of honour and several of her friends. It was a fantastic day celebrating Addie with family and friends. The storm that was predicted held off and the party went smoothly thanks to all who pitched in.

We cannot thank everyone enough for showering Addie with so much love. We are blessed to have an incredible group supporting us and loving on her.

Happy first birthday darling Addie!

Addie’s Dress – Gap (sold out)
Addie’s Moccasins – Minimoc Moccasins
Addie’s 1st Birthday Headband – Peekabloombaby
Wooden Hoops – Ikea
Seedling Doll – Semilla Handmade
Lace Garland –  Peach & LuLu
One Balloon – Northstar Balloons
Strawberry and Rose Marshmallows – Marsh&Mallow
Tree Cake Stands – HappyCakes 
1 Cake Topper – Paper and Parties 
Pink Balloons – Turkey’s Party Makers

We would love to have you follow us on social media, find us here:
Facebook // Instagram // Twitter // Pinterest