Hostess With The Mostess

quick links...

+ party styling and invitation: paperwhitesblog.blogspot.com

+ paper goods: Shop Sweet Lulu (shopsweetlulu.com)

+ photography by Jenna Beth Photography (jennabeth.com)

party background & details...

My daughter's first birthday party was celebrated on the beach, with a casual and vintage picnic feel, full of everything red and pink. The party was inspired by her party invitations, using the heart symbol which was repeated over and over in the food and decor. 

All the food was made my family, and the decor included a few DIY projects:

+ red gingham table runners

+ floral centerpieces made with kraft paper and red-and-white twine

+ tags for food labels

+ Mari's birthday hat

It was an afternoon party on the sand, so we offered easy grab-and-go items that didn't requre any utensils but a napkin:

+ tomato, basil & mozzarella skewers

+ melon, mint & prosciutto skewers

+ shrimp ceviche dip in small cocktail cups, topped with tortilla chips

+ heart-shaped organic sandwiches with wheat bread, cream cheese and strawberry jam

We offered a dessert buffet, including:

+ banana cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, topped with heart sprinkles

+ heart-shaped sugar cookies

+ rice krispie treats

+ candy: red and pink jelly bellies and pink lollipops