This last weekend we had our now 1 year old’s birthday party! It wasn’t because our kid was going to remember this party or because I wanted to put together a “Pinterest-Worthy” occasion -although, it was a little selfishly because I really do love any reason I can get to put together a good party. But, rather, it’s because I wanted to gather together our closest community who have helped us survive this first year of parenting and celebrate the fact we’ve all three made it out alive.
There was a reindeer cake, there were hot cocoa mug cupcakes, there was a hot cocoa bar, there were streamers and balloons. But, most importantly, my home was packed full of people I love and am so thankful for. People who I have texted to ask if I am feeding my baby enough. People I have asked the most detailed questions about breast feeding and postpartum recovery. People who have watched Knox for us so that we can have a day together. People who have watched Knox in the nursery at church every single Sunday, and people who pray for all of us often.
No, I didn’t throw a party for Knox. I mean, I did… But, not really. It was a party to celebrate a joyous year as a mom and dad to the sweetest little boy with the best friends and community around us that a family could ever ask for. That’s what I was celebrating. And, our community’s love and overflow of generosity was on full display when very much to our surprise Knox had dozens of sweet gifts to open. Like, I am not kidding, we legit thought we would be opening family gifts afterwards and maybe a few others. But, wow. Just… WOW. I was so overwhelmed by the outpouring of love on our sweet bubba.
For our Merry Knoxmas theme, it honestly was really easy considering I deck my home out for Christmas as is. I kept things really simple. I am not a great baker, so I bought a plain round chocolate cake at Market Street, and I purchased this antler cake topper. I put a Cherry Sour for the Rudolph nose and done! I then used this idea from Pinterest for the hot cocoa cupcake. We are talking boxed cupcakes people and they were a hit! š
We set up a cocoa bar with cute little odds and ends from the dollar section at Target, and I used my cake stands I already own.
For the streamer back drop, I intended on doing a supposedly “cheap DIY” project I had found on Pinterest. I am serious, it was to purchase big crepe paper and cut hundreds upon hundreds of little slits into the sides… for an “impressive” $30…. Well, I got to Party City and found these white ones ALREADY with the slits and the perfect width… for $3.99 a piece. I bought two and it was the perfect amount. I am not kidding y’all. I saved about $20 and at least 3 hours of my life by getting these pre-made crepe paper streamers.
I cut them in roughly 4.5 foot long pieces. I then taped the top, twisted down- all done in the same direction for each piece- and then taped the bottom. That’s it y’all… SO. FREAKING. EASY.
For entertainment, I set up a table with blank pages to write letters to Santa with crayons. And then, I had a cupcake decorating station where I had frosting, sprinkles, candy bars, and marshmallows. The biggest hit of the party was a $3 inflatable penguin bowling set from the dollar section at Target that the kids legit played with almost the entire time. Best $3 I have ever spent haha.
Our cute wooden truck out front to greet people was made by our sweet friends, Kristen and Brian, and it was seriously too perfect! Such a fun photo backdrop for people.
Frankly, the most money I spent to go a little “extra” on this party was on the balloons. But, I think every party needs balloons and it was $40. I didn’t break the bank, but it transformed the whole room! These letters were only $2.99 a piece and are self-inflate. It was way easier than I expected and went fairly quickly.
All in all, Merry Knoxmas was simple and so fun with people we love! I had such a blast putting together this party for our sweet miracle!
