Pancakes & Pearls!

{invitation designed by Hayley Hardcastle}

Oh how I LOVE this theme and the invitation! Of course my stylish friend, Julianna, is behind this party. See her other creative parties here, here, here and here. And how cute is her favor idea...monogrammed pillow cases! Sorry if I ruined the surprise for anyone who will be at this party. =)

This party is perfect for a little girl's birthday, but the colors and theme would be perfect for a Valentine's party too!

I'm sure I'll have lots of pictures to share with you once the party is over, so stay tuned!

Sneak Peek: Nicklaus' 3rd Birthday

{invitation designed by Hayley Hardcastle}

I am really excited about the color scheme and patterns that I am using for Nicklaus' third birthday party...which is right around the corner! Nick is into singing at the moment, so I am having a good friend, who happens to teach preschool choir, come over and lead the kids in silly songs.

It's a Wonderful Life: Photo Booth

I can't believe I forgot to include these pictures in the party post!! Instead of having our guests write their names on a sign-in sheet, I had each child or family pose for a photo. I'm going to order an album with everyones picture and have that serve as the sign-in/guest book. Here are a few snap shots from the party...

I searched everywhere for a vintage looking frame and just happened to stumble across this one at Ikea.

Birthday Girl Blog Feature!

Birthday Girl is one of my FAVORITE blogs, so I was beyond thrilled when Becca featured Conrad's first birthday party!! I am sure you are all familiar with her great site, but if not, head over there right now! Among other things, I really love her inspiration boards.

It's a Wonderful Life: The Party!

Conrad's first birthday celebration was a little over a week ago and I am so excited to share the photos with you!

The color scheme came from our Christmas tree and other seasonal decor around the house...gold, copper & ivory.

We often call Conrad, "C", so when we were designing the invitation, I wanted to use the initial instead of his full monogram. The "C" was present throughout many party elements. I was very tempted to have my favorite florist make a "C" wreath that matched the exact font, but instead of paying $300, I decided to give it a shot myself. It turned out okay.

On the kids tables, I set out gift centerpieces instead of using vases because inevitably, they would be knocked down by one of the little ones (probably my 2 year old!).

Jingle bell wreath ornaments served as favors which helped tie in the theme of the party.

Cinnamon hot chocolate...so yummy!

We had a make-your-own parfait station along with other breakfast goodies.

One of the party activities was a pull string pinata that matched the color scheme as well.

Face first!

The three of us...Nicklaus would not stand still long enough to join us!

All photography by Angela from Bella Smile.

A few party details you might be interested in:

* Invitation, favor sign, hot chocolate sign, napkins & cup stickers were all designed by my talented friend Hayley Hardcastle.

* Tiered cake & smash cake from Ooh La La.

* Custom bib designed by another talented friend, Amanda Skelton Yocum. Find her Etsy store here!

* The pinata came from Birchangel Pinatas through Etsy. Joylyn was so great to work with! She customized the pinata with the party colors and even took my order at the last minute.

* Linens were from Distinctive Details here in Houston and the table and chairs came from another Houston firm, A Finer Event.

* Caspari wrapping paper found at The Container Store.

* Apothecary jars came from Pottery Barn.