Sam's Little Party

After much thought and consideration on how to celebrate Sam's first birthday we ended up deciding on a small dinner party with a few of our dear friends, the Hahns and McAlisters. A big party would have simply overwhelmed little Sam, so we'll save that for another year! First birthday parties are really for the parents, so why not make it fun for all! We served up a fairly sophisticated menu, one of Justin's home brew and wine . . . and we enjoyed a lovely evening with friends even after our little birthday boy went to bed.

When it comes to first birthdays (or really anything for that matter) who is the chief muse? Why Martha, of course! After seeing this party in the October issue of LIVING I was inspired to use of few of the ideas and managed to create a cute little party without hiring a French chef (maybe next year???). I adapted the "all animals theme" to woodland animals for a more seasonal winter look. Here are a few photos of the fun!

The menu with one of Sam's baby pictures

The table - we had some really neat clear balloons to add but who knew there is a helium shortage in Kansas (not a joke) so had to forgo the balloons. Sam forgave us, thankfully.

Brown Sugar Layer Cake with Caramel Buttercream. Some day when Sam is a teenager and thinks his parents are mean and don't like him, I hope he will look at this picture and remember that his mother stayed up at night making woodland creatures out of marzipan for his 1st birthday cake. Hopefully that will remind him that he is most certainly loved. 

Another view of the tablescape . . .

The sweetest little birthday boy! 

Blowing out his candle - with Dad's help. 

The Hahns (right), McAlisters (left)  - Baby Genevieve is hidden behind Madeline

The cake with Vanilla Bean Gelato . . .

Can you tell we are really into the cake?