Smash cake. If you have been to a birthday party for a one year old baby, then you know the the best part of the party is when the baby eats their birthday cake (sometimes for the first time). While eating cake for a first birthday is a long standing tradition, the idea of a smash cake is a newer concept. A smash cake is a small, specially designed cake for your baby to eat, or smash into. Most bakery’s will opt for lighter and healthier alternatives for your baby. Here are some of the best recipes we found if you choose to make your own.
First birthday photos. Be sure to capture your little one through out the party. But consider taking first birthday photos to commemorate her turning one. Take them yourself or hire a professional. Check out these adorable first birthday photos for some great ideas.
Decorate the highchair. Pick up a plastic table cloth to go underneath the highchair. This is will be an easy help when it comes to clean up. Also, decide what your little girl will wear when eating her smash cake and have a back-up outfit ready for afterwards.
Show pictures of your baby’s month by month progression. You’ve probably spent the last year documenting your baby’s every
smile, milestone, and outfit. Pick out your favorites to display so your friends and family can see your little loves growth in the last year. If you have been making a memory book you can leave that out. Otherwise try hanging them as a backdrop behind the cake and dessert table.
Create a board or poster with your baby’s favorites things to do, eat and learn. Every baby is different. Your guests will love to see what your baby is interested in. Does she like sweet things or salty things? What’s her favorite thing to do? What does she dislike?
Practice opening presents. Practice opening presents with your little one a few weeks before the big day. Put tissue paper in gift bags and show your baby how to pull it out. This way she will be prepared to open one or two and get excited about it.
Write a letter to your daughter on her first birthday. Take some time to compose your thoughts about your journey with your daughter the last year. What did you learn by being her mother? What are your favorite memories you had? What are your wishes for her? Another thing, be sure to hand write this, sentiment is what is important.
Pick a theme & create a menu. Picking a theme is part of the fun of planning a first birthday. Keep in mind your audience. How many kids will be coming to the party? In addition to the usually sugary items, look for healthy alternatives for snacks and drinks and for the younger kids.
