Last summer was new territory for me. Navigating through my busiest wedding months with a baby on my hip doesn’t aid productivity, and I found myself staying up almost every evening working until midnight or 1:00am. Needless to say, I was exhausted all time & I wasn’t the most pleasant person to be around.

 

Add to that pile of work a first birthday party to plan and prep for. My son is a summer baby, born smack dab in the middle of July in 2012. And while I gave myself a little slack those weeks prior to his birth & purposely didn’t book weddings in the summer of 2012, I wasn’t so kind to myself in 2013. Who knows why I allowed myself to book so many weddings so close to my son’s first birthday, but you better believe I’m not letting it happen for his second.

 

There are a ton of things I would have done differently, and am kicking myself for some of the party details that weren’t executed as planned. I had envisioned this perfectly put together “Baseball” themed first birthday party. However, time got away from me & many ideas that I was so excited about just didn’t happen. On top of that, some guests arrived almost an hour early (I know, right?)…..which lead to me not being able to finish setting up, changing into a presentable outfit, or doing something with my hair (still wet from a shower). As soon as the party “officially” started, it started to rain cats and dogs (thank goodness we rented a tent). I was one.frustrated.mommy.

 

Thankfully, my son was none the wiser to the craziness that ensued before and during the party. He was having the time of his life (with the exception of the cake debacle – see below). That alone brought a big smile to my face, and every worry and stress of mine disappeared. Here are a few recaps of his big day…

 

 

The invitation – a laser-engraved wood card, complete with a custom “Rookie of the Year” baseball card, baker’s twine & miniature pennant flag.

 

 

The absolute most perfect cake – created by my insanely talented cousin, Jennie of Jennie’s Cakes!

 

 

The Birthday Boy playing in the balloons (with a cameo from my sister, Lori from Boldly Chic Events).

 

 

 

 

This photo isn’t the greatest quality, but it captured the moment in all of it’s essence. My husband felt that our son was taking too long to dig into his cake (or maybe my husband was just ready for his slice?), and so he literally shoves our son’s hands into the smash cake. This photo was taken just seconds after that moment – my son is screaming, I’m scolding my husband, and my husband thinks it’s all hilarious. Father of the Year nominee, for sure.

 

 

Once our son calmed down, we let him tackle the cake again.

 

 

This time, he did just fine on his own. No help needed from dad. =)

 

 

Time to open presents! He was most excited about the paper and boxes – typical one-year-old.

 

 

Now, if your treat bags are smaller than 4.25? wide, I’ve left plenty of space on the sides of the graphics. This way, you can cut down the sides, as needed.

 

Such an easy and fun little DIY project, right? Enjoy & Happy Halloween! =)

 

 

Best,

 

We hope this list was helpful!

 

Remember, your welcome bags can be as simple or as extravagant as you’d like (or have budgeted) them to be. So, don’t stress too much over what you include in them….your guests will be surprised and delighted in the gesture, no matter the size or contents of the welcome bag.

 

 

Best,