This cake stand makes me happy just looking at it – how about you?! It’s from a wonderfully creative & unique wedding that was featured in the Summer 2010 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, and it’s on my mind right now for 2 reasons:

1. I think this would be a fantastic display in holiday colors for a big Christmas party/celebration or with gold/silver shingles for a dramatic New Year’s Eve dessert table…

2. because my daughter turns 8 months today, so I’m starting to get excited about planning her first birthday party – and the theme is going to be “Macy’s Birthday Parade” – as a play on the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! I’ve always been a sucker for circus/carnival type themes, so a birthday parade fits right in there… and we just couldn’t resist the play on words!

Details on this cake stand from Martha Stewart Weddings:

Here’s some more party inspiration that I’m loving from this same wedding…starting with the adorable table escort cards, which I’d probably use as food flags and make from decorative paper instead since Macy’s party will be much less formal. (These would be super cute as place cards too though!)

And for party favor inspiration, these glassine envelopes look super cute with a favor tucked inside and a red stitching closure. I’ll probably need to borrow my mom’s sewing machine for this… usually I’d shy away from something that requires sewing, but I think even I might be able to stitch in a straight line! =)

I know that a wedding magazine probably isn’t the first place one would normally look to seek out ideas for a first birthday party, but you just never know where you’re going to find inspiration! Thanks, Luke & Joanne, for throwing such a fun & creative wedding!