There's less than thirty days before my little will be one. In a few fleeting moments, I feel as thought this has been the longest year of my life. Mostly though I feel this year has absolutely flown by. Fastest year of my life. I can't believe I've not slept longer than 5 hours in a year. What a depressing stat that is! I've planned this party in my head since before he arrived. I know that Renner won't know it's his party and won't remember it, but I will. And really, I kinda feel like this is a party for me, too.
Based on the lists I have for this first birthday party, you might think I'm planning another wedding. Just like my wedding, I'm DIY'ing a lot of elements plus we're having the party in our house. Finding room for 25 to 35 people in our house is a list on it's own! I tried to find a venue that wasn't a cinder block basement room and when I couldn't, I started striking deals with my hubby. For the party to be at home, we have to get a new couch and paint the kitchen and living room. J is still insisting we need a new TV but that's just not happening. We're not doing anything I wouldn't want to do anyway, so I think it's a win-win.
We all know I love a good list and this party needs to be amazing. I've made plans for the theme, each area of activity, and the food. Straight from my handy dandy notebook, my planning notes:
Renner's First Birthday!
Farm theme - main colors red/blue/white/black
Patterns and textures - cow print, burlap, gingham
3 Zones
* Gifts (living room)
* Eating & Activity (garage)
* Food (kitchen)
Gifts (living room)
Centered around fireplace
Cardboard display barn
Accordion flowers
'Happy Birthday Renner' or 'Renner is One' bunting
Monthly photo display (above couch)
Eating & Activity (garage)
3 - 6 ft folding tables
18-24 folding chairs + 2 stools
White tablecloths, red gingham or burlap runners
Mason jar centerpieces
Kid table activities (farm coloring pages, crayons, ?)
Food (kitchen)
2 - 6 ft folding tables
White tablecloths, red gingham or burlap runners
Wall behind sweets table - accordion flower display
Ceiling - streamers
Sweets Table
Cow patch cake (for everyone)
Cow patch smash cake (vegan for Renner)
Cupcakes (by Flour Power Bakery) with animal picks and gingham liners
Mini caramel apples
S'more pops
Cow chow (aka puppy chow/muddy buddies; vegan recipe)
Hen scratch (aka chex mix)
Fruit skewers ?
Chili Bar
Crockpot of chili
Fritos/Tortilla chips
Onion/tomato/cheese/sour cream/jalapenos
Water/Tea/Coffee
Ice
Plates/Bowls/Cups/Cutlery/Napkins
Other
Outside - balloons on mailbox, bunting on porch, balloon wreath
High chair - 'I am one' sign
Kid gift bags
Renner party outfit
Renner cake outfit
This isn't the only list I have. In addition to the master list, there is a furniture list (pieces needed and what needs to be moved), supply list, food list, guest list, and complete project list (all the DIYs I need to work on). Six lists. And that won't be all. Closer to the party I'll have food prep breakdown and a daily task list for decorating and food. I'm actually kind of impressed with myself, so if you're thinking I'm crazy, don't tell me!
I've wanted the farm theme since before Renner was even born. When you think about it, you really only get the first and maybe second birthdays to choose the theme for your kid's parties. After that, they know what they want and can ask for it. I grew up on a farm, so I'm a sucker for all things barns/tractors/cows. Pinterest fueled my need for a farm themed first birthday party. Speaking of Pinterest... here are some images from my 'Renner's First Birthday' board.
Where am I in the to-do list? All the accordion flowers are done, the DIY'ed invitations are done and waiting on chevron bags (for the first time, I was hosed by a seller on Etsy!), and I've purchased the supplies for the buntings, cardboard display barn, and other bits and pieces. This week and next week I plan to purchase the rest of the supplies. We also have paint for the kitchen (we're probably not painting the living room) and got a new couch and chair this week. Thanks to craigslist we got the couch shape and style I really wanted for cheap. We can deal with the current fabric for now (more on this later!) but it's really dying for slipcovers in the near future. At least I'm marking things off the crazy list.
A few years ago I received a comment on a post: "Written dryness, but an okay read." Does an entire post about a to-do list deserve that same response?
