Beachy Pinwheel 1st Birthday Party: Decorations

Recently, I created a party plan for a mom who said she's never been very crafty and her creative skills are lacking. Ummm, momma was wrong! Just look at this DIY invitation!

If she hadn't mentioned her lack of craftiness, I would've thought she was a scrapbooker! I love all the layers!

Invites set the tone for an event, and this party was no different. Momma P put together such a colorful beachy pinwheel party for this pretty little girl's first birthday!

Aren't her gold accessories gorgeous? Grandparents sure know how to spoil the little ones! Baby girl's ruffle romper was from etsy shop Pretty Petals Hair which coordinates perfectly with the rest of her party...

Since the party was outdoors at a forest preserve picnic site, Momma P opted for white melamine dishes from Party City. They easily passed off for real plates, but were cheaper, safer and lighter to transport..and still reusable.

Momma P and her friends and family spent long hours DIYing all the decor. But, they were one of the most fun hours they had ever spent with each other; reminiscing of fun times, laughing when they goofed up, and just being excited for the party.

Sand from Home Depot is cheaper than the play sand at Babies R Us. Pails are from the always trusty Target $1 spot.

I love how Momma P incorporated coordinating fabrics to transform a forest preserve picnic shelter into a beachy paradise! A square of fabric under the centerpieces (taped down so it wouldn't flip up in the wind) made for a perfect finishing touch.

She also used fabrics over plastic tablecloths at the food, gift and giveaway tables. Using twine also added to the beachy vibe.

I always tell mom's to designate a place for guests to put presents. It's the first thing people look for after saying hello.

  

 I love how Momma P carried the lace from the invite into this monthly pictures banner, complete with seashell clothespins hanging from twine. Dad did such a wonderful job taking the monthly pictures!

A fun table cloth including markers and trinkets kept the older kids busy.

How cute is this cake shaped like a fish? Momma P's friend made it, and one of the bubbles served as baby girl's smash cake! Her fun birthday hat headband was a Party City find. For other party supplies, Party City was quite pricy unless you had a coupon. Wal-Mart carried items in similar colors for much cheaper.

And for giveaways, guests were able to keep the fish they "caught." How clever!! Momma P also shopped her house to embellish this table.

Great job mom and dad! The month of planning, 2.5 hours set up before the party and half hour to clean up after wasn't so bad, was it?

I think baby girl loved her party. She says thanks momma! J

It's all worth it for these smiles, right??

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