You know what one of my biggest fears is? Throwing a party and having no one come. Know how to get rid of a fear? Have it happen. Ha! I’m kidding… kind of.
I knew I wanted to keep Hailey’s birthday small, but it didn’t mean I didn’t want to put effort into it, so a lot of effort was put forth!
I seriously wouldn’t have gotten it all done with out my mom’s help. It took a full day of prep work and the whole family pitching in on the day of to get things ready.
Then, throughout the day, I kept getting messages from people that couldn’t make it for one reason or another. My heart sank a bit. My party shrunk to half it’s original size. At first I was disappointed. I really wanted Hailey’s first birthday to be special.
Then, with David’s help, I got a reality check. It WAS special. All four of Hailey’s grandparents were there, her Uncle Kris and Aunt Cara traveled from afar and any friends that showed up were there to celebrate her big milestone. I put my petty pouting aside, reflected on the wonderful year that had flown by and focused on my baby girl’s big smile.
Sometimes even my optimistic self needs help gaining perspective. Once I focused on what was important, a party ensued!
And what’s a party without food?
I decided on heavy hors d’oeuvres. Shrimp cocktail. Fruit skewers.
BBQ chicken sliders, deviled eggs.
A veggie tray, chips and onion dip.
Mac ‘n cheese bites. Oh, and cake, of course.
I made vanilla bean cupcakes and vanilla buttercream frosting… from SCRATCH. You guys, I actually scraped a vanilla bean! That was a first for me, if you can’t tell from my proud gleam. I also made Hailey a smash cake. With sprinkles!
One of my best decisions was having Magen come take pictures at the party. Her natural light photography is gorgeous. I trusted her skills and it allowed me to relax and enjoy the party, knowing she would capture the moments. I highly recommend her!
She snapped away. She even caught Hailey’s friends on camera, too. Hi Garrett!
As people arrived, we ate, mingled, then got right down to presents!
Looking at the above picture, I can’t help but hear Cookie Monster’s voice coming from Hailey saying PRESENTSssss!!
Hailey was showered with books, toys, clothes and lots of love.
After every ribbon had been untied and chewed on, it was time for cake.
We all gathered, sang and prepared for cake chaos!
Hailey stuck in a finger, licked it and didn’t seem to get what all the fuss was about. My ferocious eater was rather apathetic about cake.
She explored in gently, but her favorite part was feeding it to me.
I guess the girl doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth. Like mother, like daughter! Everyone else seemed to think the cupcakes were delicious.
The day was gorgeous, so Magen snapped some pictures for us outside.
Then, we played around for a bit while the party died down.
At the end of the day, I couldn’t have cared less how many people were there. Hailey was surrounded by love and it was a beautiful day with family and friends, celebrating Hailey’s one year milestone.
Tina @ Best Body Fitness says
SUPER impressive! And even more importantly – super special.
Molly @ Duchess of Fork says
Hailey’s party was perfect! I know what you mean. I love planning parties and put in a ton of effort. You want people to come and see the fruit of your labor. But how special that Hailey’s closest friends and family were there. I don’t know about you, but after Julia’s party (with 50+ attendees) I felt like I’d been hit by a bus. Woof!
Shari says
What a beautiful and special day you had. The smile on Hailey’s face is priceless – it’s obvious what a wonderful time she had! 🙂
Jessie says
You did such a wonderful job on everything hunnie! The party looks like it turned out amazing!! Hailey is such a little doll!! You and the hubs are going to have your hands full once she gets older 🙂
Lee says
Looks like a great party. I love the Cookie Monster photo. Me want presents!!
Jenny says
What a perfect day you had for the party and we had a lot of fun! Those Mac n cheese bites were delish! Great pictures too!!
Erica says
Aww that party looks so adorable! I would have also been a bit disappointed but David was 100% right – having that much family there is truly a blessing! The most important part was that Haley have a good time and she definitely looks like she did!
Kaitlyn @Keeping up with Kaitlyn says
Sounds like a great party!!! I would like one of those cupcakes too!!
Jessica T says
Sounds like a great day! LIke you said, all the important people were there and that’s all that matters. 🙂
Kristy @ Breath of Sunshine says
The 2nd to last picture of you and Hailey is worth every penny you spent on her party!!!!! Happy Birthday to your sweet girl!
Lauren B. says
Those photos are gorgeous! Great call on having a pro do it!
Christie says
I was so upset about not coming! =( With how many times i’ve complained to you about people bringing their sick kids to daycare I couldn’t then go and bring Riley to Hailey’s party and chance her getting others sick, especially the birthday girl! So sorry!
Everything looked great- decorations, food (bummed I missed those fruit skewers and sliders!).
I LOVE those pics of Hailey on each of your shoulders- so cute!
Brittany says
Oh Christie, I completely understand! It must be the season because I lot of people weren’t feeling well and no one wants to spread germs, which I’m grateful for. I was glad I got to see you and Riley that morning! 🙂
christina says
Happy birthday to your little doll! The second to last picture is absolutely stunning!
natalie says
The photo of Hailey on your shoulders is absolutely gorgeous!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Precious pictures! Wow, you made such a nice spread of food!!
Marie says
That looks like a wonderful party! You did a really great job.
Lauren @ The Unlikely Runners says
What a beautiful party! I love the cake and I’m super impressed! It looks like she will have many great pictures one day!
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
Looks like a beautiful party! Not hiring a photographer is one my biggest ugh moments for Em’s party. Love the photos!
Heather says
So cute! My little lady turns 9 months next week and this makes me realize how close one is! Her dress is so precious, where’d you get it? Good job with the party momma!
Brittany says
I found it while playing on Etsy.com. There are so many adorable kid clothes on there! Have you checked it out?
Maria says
Such a cute little party and your cupcakes and smash cake are adorable! So simple and sweet.
I love the photos and think that’s a great idea of having a photographer there!
Danica @ It's Progression says
The pictures are beautiful–that was a great idea to have someone else take them so you could focus on the party! Don’t worry about the number of people being there, it’s really about the intentions of all of those people that made the point of being there to support you and your family. They’re the ones to focus on! It looks like you threw a fantastic birthday party for Hailey–she’s a very lucky little girl!
Shanna, like Banana says
Beautiful beautiful beautiful!
Because my baby’s bday is Dec 28th, I fear his 1st won’t be widely attended, particularly since we will be in a whole other state, but as long as he is loved and has fun, that’s what matters.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
It looks like a huge success!! Everything is beautiful- I love the decorations, and those mac and cheese bites are too cute! So glad you had your mom to help, too. I’m definitely a fan of keeping things simple, too… although your simple is a step up from mine. 🙂 Happy first bday to Hailey!!
Stacy K says
You did a fabulous job! I think parents put too much pressure on themselves for the first birthday party. I might be singing a different tune next year for my baby boy’s first birthday, but they are so young for their first birthday I would rather make it a small family/close friends occasion than a big event. We don’t need to put any additional pressure on ourselves to be super moms and have huge themed birthday parities at age 1.
Chantal says
What a beautiful party!
I hate when people drop out at the last minute. Disappointing!
nicole @ making good choices says
beautiful pictures! Hailey is definitly surrounded by a lot of love! 🙂
Ashley says
I have that fear every time I have a party. I had my little guy’s 1st birthday 2 weeks ago, and unfortunately we had folks who didn’t even bother letting me know they weren’t coming. Extra frustrating.
I went through the trouble of making a FROM SCRATCH smash cake for the wee one, and he had no interest in eating it either. He also enjoyed feeding me some. No complaints here, though!
Amy@ahealthyandhappyheart says
It looked absolutely perfect! You did a wonderful job! Is it too soon to start planning my little guys party…he is only 3 and 1/2 months! LOL
Great idea having someone else take pictures so you could just focus on your special girl!
Erin says
You did such a great job, Brittany! Everything looked perfect, and I just love that last picture of the two of you. 🙂
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
looks like a great party to me!
blackhuff says
The important people was there. The people who find Hailey important, was there and that’s all that matters.
I waited to long for this post and here it is. Thanks for sharing.
Kayla says
that cake looks so beautiful! great job! i’m always the designated dessert-baker in the family for birthdays, holidays etc.. love it!
Heather says
I LOVE that you had someone else take photos, what a great idea! Must remember for one day!
Amanda @ Sistas of Strength says
Those pics are amazing. Seriously, sometimes small parties work out awesome. That happened to use with a Christmas party once. We were so bummed, but ended up having a fun time and some of our friends go to know each other which was cool.
Katie @ Pop Culture Cuisine says
Looked like a great party, so hard to believe our little girls are now entering toddlerhood! I wish our party had been a little smaller actually, because I ended up running around playing hostess the whole time, but it still ended up being nice!
Sarah @ Our Little Belly Bean says
Looks like Hailey’s party was very special and beautiful! I absolutely love the pictures, so sweet!
Emily says
The picture of you with Hailey on your shoulders is perfect. You need to get that framed!
Jen says
hailey’s first birthday party looks perfect and it’s clear that you put a lot of thought and energy into it. everyone looks so happy – especially hailey and her cake! 🙂