Polka Dot First Birthday Party - The Decorations

When I was coming up with party ideas for Baby E's first birthday, I knew that I wanted to keep it pretty simple.  I wanted it to be something cute and girly and fun, but I also did not want to stress myself out trying to match a specific party theme.  

I settled on polka dots!  A polka dot theme is pretty easy to stick to since most party places carry party goods in a polka dot pattern and polka dot fabric is generally easy to come by.  To keep it bright and fun, I chose the colors hot pink, purple and lime green with orange and turquoise.

I made a "Happy Birthday" banner to hang over the food table and included a couple bunches of balloons - pretty simple!

I used a white tablecloth and skirt so as not to make it overwhelming with all the other colors we had going on.  I made a scrap rag bunting out of polka dot and solid fabric in the party theme colors.  That sucker was HEAVY!  After trying to keep it up with tape, I threw in the towel and hot glued the thing to the tablecloth. 

Remember this table?  I put it out to hold the gifts and added another bunch of balloons to make it more obvious.  I also made a picture collage for each month of Baby E's life.  I stuck the pics directly onto the wall with gift wrap tape so it wouldn't pull the paint off when removed (don't take my word for it - test an inconspicuous area first).

I replaced the red bow on my book page pom wreath with a hot pink polka dot bow.  I also made a picture banner with Baby E's monthly pics.

At the last minute, I realized I had nothing on the front door - whoops!  I threw this paper "wreath" together using supplies left over from other projects.  It took me about 10 minutes and cost me $0!

Most of the projects for this party weren't time consuming and could be done in 30 minutes to an hour.  I had grand ideas for the party after seeing all these amazing parties on Pinterest.  However...I had a little epiphany in the midst of planning this party.  I could spend every spare minute making sure every last detail was just perfect and be a anxious wreck by the time the party rolled around OR I could cross some things off the list, focus on the projects that were important to me and took little time and ENJOY my daughter's first birthday party.  So, I let go of living up to Pinterest Perfection (I'm coining that phrase right here & now!) and had the best time at the best first birthday party for the best little girl. :)  And for me, that was the right choice!

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