Our second daughter Millie Grace turned one at the end of January. Firstly, how could a year have been and gone already?! Secondly, how could we best celebrate all the joy she has brought to our lives?! I love planning a party so there was never any doubt in my mind that we would throw a party for all Millie's family and friends to come and celebrate with us. Afterall, getting through a baby's first year is a huge thing! Earlier in the year I was lucky enough to win some beautiful pastel ice cream invitations from Sugarcoated Events (see below) so with that, the theme was set and away we went. It also tied in well with Millie being a summer baby (and as sweet as ice cream!). Plus, as you may have seen, ice cream decor is everywhere at the moment! It was not difficult to be inspired. Every party I have, I try to stick to a couple of theme colours to base the event around. I find that easier when choosing decorations and the tableware. For Millie's party I chose gold, peach and pale pink. We tried to do as much preparation we could before the party day but invariably, as always, there is last minute running around and the usual pre-party meltdowns (I'm guilty of those). My husband and I joked on the day that we wanted to divorce each other five times as we prepared for the party! It didn't help that we were landscaping our yard (the party venue) right up to the day of the party (note to self: don't do that again!). At the end of the day, the main thing was that Millie and our guests had a great time - and I'm pretty sure we succeeded in that. Before we get to the party photos below, here are some things at the party that I really liked.

The Skylta Children's market stand from IKEA

We first purchased this as an activity for the kids to use at Millie's naming day. Prior to Millie's birthday party, my lovely cousins helped me paint it up and we turned it into a ice cream stand where we served assorted Gelato Messina ice cream to both kids and adults alike. So much fun!

Kids Food Packs

Inspired by Michelle Glew-Ross of My General Store I prepared food packs for the kids which we handed out as they arrived. Inside was popcorn, sultanas and other snacks that they could eat at their leisure. We also had a plate of Hungry Caterpiller shaped sandwiches which my mother in law made for the kids to enjoy later in the afternoon.

Photography

Usually I'm the person running around taking all the photos on the day. Instead I was lucky enough to have Nicola Greenaway of Concrete & Honey to come and snap some pics of the party. It took a lot of the pressure off me and meant that I could enjoy the party (or in reality allowed me to continue to run around like a headless chicken!).

The cake

My favourite cake designer, Hello Naomi, shared on social media an ice cream shaped cake she had made for another event. I loved it, emailed her, and booked her to make the same cake for Millie. Easy. Sorted. And far from just looking great, it tasted delicious too. If you aren't following Hello Naomi on instagram, I strongly encourage you to! Things that didn't work:

Pass the parcel

I'm not sure why we insist on this party game! I think we've done it at various parties and not once has it actually been successful! The kids get bored and wander off, try to open too many layers of paper, or hog the parcel and not want to pass it on! I think the 'winner' at Millie's party was the child who hung around till the end. So next time when it comes to party games, we are going to 'pass' on pass the parcel!

Last minute running around

Is it always the case that you are running around like crazy person before hosting an event?! Every time I think I'm going to be far more organised than I am. I was literally chucking decorations and things around the yard minutes before people arrived (and then threw my outfit on!). Pass me a champers! Here is a gallery of the photos from the day. Most were taken by Concrete & Honey. The others are quick snaps we took on our phones. I hope you enjoy! Who we used: Invitations: Sugarcoated Events Ice cream pinata and tassel garlands: Party Pony Pinata and Ruby Rabbit Partyware Honeycomb decorations: Leo & Bella and Poppies for Grace Sophie and Millie both wear Bella and Lace vintage tutu dress. Millie wears crown and moccasins from Hubble + Duke. Cake: Hello Naomi Teepee: Mocka Australia Cookies and cupcakes from: Tastee Treats 4U Photography: Concrete & Honey

millie's 1st birthday

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