Whooo's Turning One - Gianna's First Birthday Party

My love of owls has been forced on Gianna since before she was born.  Have you seen her room?  Gianna loves owls too, though.  She has grabbed a few stuffed animal owls off of store shelves, and she claps whenever the book "Little Hoot" is read at storytime.  I think it's probably because she's surrounded by them all the time.  Anyways, an owl theme seemed natural for her first birthday party.











The invitation from Old Paper and Prints.  Barbara (the creator) was awesome to work with - let me change the colors and styles, and was quick!

We got really lucky with the weather and were able to utilize the backyard.  It was gorgeous on the day of Gianna's party, then cold and rainy the day after.  We set up the drinks on the bar (borrowed almost a year ago - thanks mom and dad!)

Sangria Blanca, and "Hoot's Hooch" (also known as beer) and soda for the adults, capri suns for the kiddos.

I am always so inspired by Kim from The TomKat Studio's dessert tables.  She often uses the frappuccino bottles (yay for being Earth friendly!)  I've found that the Archer Farms brand (Target) ones are my favorite - they're slightly more rounded.  Paper straws from Hey Yo Yo.

Food.....well, I totally forgot to take pictures of the food.  There was plenty of it, it was simple and it was good ;)

Since we had such gorgeous weather the kids spent a lot of time playing outside, swinging and playing wiffle ball.  I think the big highlight for them was the piñata! 

Then it was cake time.  Gianna was so dainty with her cake - such a girly girl, already!

Gianna's crown, cupcake toppers and clip in the very first picture all custom made by Haute Blue B:

Gianna really didn't make a mess.  After a few bites of cake she was over it and shaking her head no.

My friend Heather made the most gorgeous owl cookies:

I made some (not so cute) "owlie pops"

and Safeway made some cupcakes.  Felt flag cupcake toppers  by Haute Blue B sugar owl toppers by Layer Cake Shop:

 

Details.....the decorations were a lot of fun, and I got a lot of compliments on the ruffled streamers, which were also made by Haute Blue B.  (Thanks, Erin!)  Do I have talented friends or what?

 I stuck with an avian theme for my fireplace mantle.  The bigger apothecary jars I filled with brightly colored feathers.  In the smaller ones I got some vintage wooden spools from Etsy, and wrapped different owl fabrics around them.  I also scored two clearance owls from Kohl's. $2.50 from $30 - holla!

Now that all of the big parties for the year are done I feel like I can breathe!  Thanks for checking it out! :)