Selected as Party of the Day on June 12th!

Ryan & Will's 1st Birthday

Mae A By Mae A  in Birthday

Drinks

Party Recap

I was inspired by all the handmade parties I've seen online and wanted to give myself a similar challenge. Planning for this party began five months in advance. I wanted it to be super special for my twin boys and husband. All three of them share the same birthday. How amazing is that!

The trick of course was finding the time to finish all the different elements I wanted. Between all of my normal mommy duties, household chores, errands and freelance gigs, I was able to sneak some time to research, learn a few DIY birthday projects, design and create my very own handmade birthday party.

The aqua and blue circus theme was inspired by a paper carousel from Meri Meri given to my boys. I loved the elephant especially, so that became the centerpiece of my design.

After creating the party invitation, everything began to fall into place. I sewed a simple elephant themed fabric pennant and a crochet banner. I repurposed my old baby food jars into these pretty little containers for Jelly Beans. I whipped up some homemade caramel popcorn as another party favor, we added a jar full of animal crackers and goldfish to our dessert table. I made birthday shirts, pj's and bibs for the boys. I also created three giant smash cakes. The party hats were handmade too!

As an added touch - my husband hired his co-worker to play 'Happy Birthday' and some other songs on his bagpipes. It was an ode to the boys half-Scottish heritage and filled the neighborhood with some pretty cool tunes.

Happy 1st Birthday to the sweetest little boys in the whole world and my loving husband. Thank you for putting up with me when I am in my crazy creative moods. I love you and am looking forward for many more years of celebration.

Idea

Party Highlights

  • Best Dressed

    Daddy, Ryan & Will

  • Desserts

    Cake, Caramel Popcorn & Jelly Beans

  • Activities / Games

    I purchased a bunch of outdoor toys for the kids. I placed everything inside a big box and kids took what they wanted. I got some hula hoops, Benny the Bull riding balloon, plastic baseball set, soccer balls and backyard gold toss game

  • Budget

    600

  • Best Moment

    Bagpiper playing.

  • What People Ate

    Lamb & Beef Meatballs Picadillo Empanadas Grilled Chicken Wings with Teriyaki Sauce Turkey Lettuce Wrap Orzo Pasta Salad Pigs in a Blanket wrapped (used Phyllo dough with sesame seeds) Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Crostinis Veggie Tray Fruit Tray

  • What People Drank

    Assorted Organic Fruit Juice Assorted Soda & Kirkland Beer Bottled Water

  • Most Touching Moment

    Bagpiper playing.

  • Funniest Moment

    My husband smashing the cake.

Hand

Party Helpers

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14 comments

  • Busy Bee Party Designs *

    Busy Bee Party Designs * wrote:

    These hats are just awesome. This entire party is fabulous! KUDOS to you!

  • Busy Bee Party Designs *

    Busy Bee Party Designs * wrote:

    WOW - AWESOME!!! I love to make wreaths for parties. FANTASTIC!!!

  • Busy Bee Party Designs *

    Busy Bee Party Designs * wrote:

    This party is something else. You are a true talent. Keep up your awesome work!

  • Mae A

    Mae A wrote:

    Thank you for your sweet comment! I truly enjoyed every detail of this party. I wanted to give my boys something extra special.

  • Mae A

    Mae A wrote:

    Thank you so much! The hats were also handmade. I am going to get the tutorial up on my blog soon. Hope we can help each other plan amazing parties. Let me know if you need help with some designs.

  • Iheartparties U

    Iheartparties U wrote:

    LOVE this!!

  • Iheartparties U

    Iheartparties U wrote:

    Gorgeous party....love the photos of dad getting in on the cake smash!

  • Mae A

    Mae A wrote:

    Thanks Jema! My husband did not disappoint. My twin boys were a little timid.

  • Busy Bee Party Designs *

    Busy Bee Party Designs * wrote:

    Those babies (husband included) of yours are precious (LOL). You inspire me even more. Love the usage of the old jars of food. I did the same thing with old Crystal Light containers- used as party favor "bags" for my son's Sonic & Yoshi Carnival this past March. It is hard to believe you did everything for $600.

  • Rachel Z

    Rachel Z wrote:

    I love your party and was wanting to do a circus theme for my son's first birthday party. Did you design everything on your own? I am trying to learn to create the party banner and other labels etc. Any info and help would be appreciated!

  • Mae A

    Mae A wrote:

    Behar Party Designs - thanks these guys inspire me everyday. I have a tutorial about the baby food jars on my blog. Btw, using Crystal Light containers is such a brilliant idea. I have to try that someday.

  • Mae A

    Mae A wrote:

    Hi Rachel - I have some tutorial on my blog regarding some details about the party. I was also featured at Pure Joy Events yesterday for their Tuesday Tutorial series. I have the party hat on there. I designed everything for this party. The banners were created using fabric and bias tape. Sewn together. The other banner I made was crochet banner. I'll do a simple tutorial very soon. If you're interested I can package these items for you and you can print from home. Email me at [email protected] for more information.

  • Busy Bee Party Designs *

    Busy Bee Party Designs * wrote:

    Thanks Mae. I am thinking of self teaching myself some graphic design very soon. The crafty part I have down pat - LOL. I will definitely stay in touch with you.

  • Andria B

    Andria B wrote:

    Haha! Look at their dad luvin' his cake!!