Name: Miles (1)
Location: Rockville, MD
We wanted a low-key but vibrant celebration for our littlest Miles' first birthday. The gathering was mainly to celebrate Miles' dol -- a Korean first birthday.
We thought using an ombre blue scheme would be festive, bright and fun. The party details include a DIY ombre blue crepe paper backdrop, a delicious ombre cake made by a local baker, blue balloons, flowers and homemade good/desserts. We also made ombre friendship bracelets as favors.
We spent hours making bean/bead towers that are typically placed on dol tables. We ordered tons of rice cakes. We also held a doljabi, which is a ceremony that "predicts" the baby's future. Half a dozen items (typically money, rice, a ball, thread, pencil) are placed in front of the baby and whatever he/she chooses will signify his interest as an adult.
Overally, we loved that Miles' party was filled with the essentials: our close friends and family, hearty/home-cooked food and loads of fun.
Thanks Ellyn!
(Images: Ellyn Navarro)






Shaw's Original Fir...
Looks bright and happy ! Your boy in the first photo is so cute !
Beautiful family, lovely party. It's very nice to see a party theme that ties into family heritage and cultural traditions rather the pop culture, although I'm sure that will come as little Miles grows up.
Happy Birthday/doh to Miles!
Really cute!! I wish I did a doljabi when I was a kid! That looks so fun!
By the way, when did everyone start calling gradients "ombre"?? And why??
So...what did he choose?
We do the same thing for babies on their first birthdays! A dollar, a shot glass, a prayer book..... and we're Polish!
Hi @Staceysk, he chose a pencil (scholarly future?) and a spool (long life)! :)
Love the colors and especially the simple, but way cool backdrop! Good job Ellyn!! :)
Haha I was going to ask what he chose too.
Love all the adorable details! What a fabulous party. Miles is such a cutie!
What a beautiful family! Miles is adorable. I hope the scholarly future and long life come true. Thanks for sharing your photos.
Everything looks amazing! I never comment on blogs, but had to come out of hiding to say how fantastic it is to see a dol party on here. What a lovely family!
We're about to throw a dol birthday party too! I love how you kept it simple but still made it beautiful. Happy birthday Miles!