If diamonds are a girl's best friend, then T.J. was surrounded by friends of all kinds at her birthday party: Our daughter T.J.'s first birthday was slowly approaching - what other theme does a little princess need but a "Blinged Out 1st Birthday!" There were diamonds everywhere!
I did lots of research for her invitations and as a graphic designer and scrapbooker, felt I needed to do them myself! They were based on wedding invitations, but perfect for our girl's first birthday!
The party was broken up into two parts: first, there was a family BBQ and then T.J.'s friends were invited for cake and dessert. The biggest hit was definitely the dessert bar. Center stage was the 3-tiered cake with glittered monogram that my Mum (who came in from Australia for the event) and I spent the night before making until 4.45am! My mum had done the same for me ever year when I was little, so this was very important and special for us.
The colors of the party were primarily black and pink with accents of silver glitter and diamonds. Of course, T.J. wore a pink tutu and I made her top with a glittered "1" on the center. Her shoes also said "Birthday Girl" on the front.
Thanks, Shelley!
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Holding my tongue here.
What a fabulous party! Congratulations to you and your mom for creating the beautiful invitations and that spectacular cake. Most important, T.J. looks like she had a wonderful time.
I'm with you "leepert"
OK, please accept my apologies for leaving such a grumpy comment above. I do agree with everything heather77 said.
The comment was a reaction to the fact that I bristle at encouraging gender-specific and consumer-focused things ('bling' for a 1yo!).
Having said that, you did it nicely and it moreover, you did it yourself. Well done!
The girl, adorable.
The invitations, gorgeous.
The theme, well-executed.
The attention to detail, stunning.
Your joy and pride, undeniable, and well-deserved.
But trotting out a diamond/bling themed party for a one-year-old in front of THIS crowd is just asking for trouble.
I had the pleasure of attending this party and it was beautiful. Despite the "bling" theme, the decor was not ostentatious at all, and all of the delicious food was homemade.
Shelly has set the bar VERY high for 1-year-old parties, and thankfully it was not in the same direction as we've seen elsewhere, with clowns and puppet shows and other extravagances. All decorations and food were put together by hand, but displayed with a professional presentation.
We're already looking forward to her 2nd!
Come now.
Babies like shiny things. I don't think this birthday party theme would change the consuming habits of the one year old.
The homemade invitations, cake, outfit and decorations were very nicely done!
Unless, of course, the cupcake decorations were made with actual conflict diamonds. In that case, shame on you!
(j/k)
I think it's adorable. Over the top, but all handmade, which makes it even better. And if you can't go a little over the top for your daughter's first birthday, when can you? Also, my 5-year-old would love this!
Thank you all for the kind, and honest comments. I know some of you think this theme is insane, but for us it was perfect. T.J. is our first born, and she's such a sweet, fun and precious daughter - she was most deserving of it!
The theme was definitely over-the-top. But the party was not. A small family bbq and T.J.'s friends for cake and dessert.
I must admit, months were spent researching and designing aspects of the party for her, but it was all for love.
Everything was handmade - from the invitations, cake, cupcake toppers,to the dessert table and all the food and the favors (each child got their own set of plastic cutlery with a rhinestone on it).
Yes, I am already thinking about her 2nd birthday party (and the 3rd!) but it will be toned down from her first, don't worry!
I am glad that those of you who liked it did, and those who didn't that's ok! It's obviously not for everyone.
T.J. had a wonderful time and we hope she will enjoy many more years of wonderful birthday parties!
Martha would be proud! The party was great and the decor was amazing. Perfect for T.J.!
It's also wonderful that everything was homemade. And the desserts were delish! So happy to have been there.
What's next year's theme?
I thought the party was perfect! A lot of love and creativity went into the preparation and execution of a lovely event. It was worth travelling from Australia for it. Can't wait for T.J.'s second birthday!
SUPER cute party!!! I love kids parties that have a theme that isn't store bought!
however.. the address and email address on the invitation are blocked out.. but the phone number is still fully visible. o.O