cade's first birthday party: decor & details

We decided to have a small party for Cade at our house, with just family and a few close friends - most were the ones he stays with at Mrs. Kims everyday. I didn't want to do a "theme", per say, but I found adorable aqua chevron fabric at a fabric sale a few months ago and knew I wanted to keep with the aqua and orange colors of his nursery. For his invites, I saw this on Simply to Impress and knew we had to use it for our "little cupcake". 

The story behind the "cupcake" is that sweet little Elyn (she's almost 2) would always yell "CAKE!" when Cade walked in the door at Mrs. Kims because she really thought that was his name. She didn't understand we were saying Cade. Well "cake" led into calling him "cupcake", now all the girls at Mrs. Kims then referred to him as "cupcake". Is that not the cutest thing ever? So I couldn't resist this invitation, especially when it was orange/aqua and incorporated chevron.

Pro of having a party at your house: you can begin decorating a week before. I did a little bit at a time, throughout the week. It was easy because as I decorated, I knew what I was missing. That was nice because I am SO last minute.

Cons of having a party at your house: major cleaning while having a tornado, I mean Cade, come through the house at all times. That was exhausting.

Cade's Shutterfly book of his first year arrived just in time. Guests signed the book with birthday wishes! I also had my pregnancy/cade birthstory Shutterfly book on display. It came in months ago. I'm a bit obsessed with Shutterfly books if you can't tell.

 Another pro of using the aqua/orange colors from his nursery was that I already had a lot of fun things (wreaths, banners, etc...) from my amazing friends when they did our baby shower! Hello, recycle. They were TOO cute not to reuse! 

 The party favors were cotton candy, bubblegum and lollipops. Just a few sweet treats!

we moved our antique sewing machine into the sunroom for his gift table. 

adorable banner my sis in law made

I covered a photo in our dining "area" with the aqua fabric to display his monthly photos.

Smurf punch, so I called it. I was going to make this Pinterest recipe but ended up just using premade Hawaiian Punch Polar Ice that was on sale at Bi-Lo. Easy!

orange cream soda

LOVED his little cake! Kim Brown, in Anderson, made it. She does an awesome job and has made almost every single one of my nephew's birthday cakes. Not only do they look great, but they taste even better. If you are in the area, I'd definitely recommend her for your next event! I just sent her his invitation and one picture from Pinterest and she created exactly what I wanted. 

 his smash cake incorporated the cupcake, for "our little cupcake" which I loved

 Up next, how Cade enjoyed his cake and time with family and friends!
He had an absolute BLAST

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Vendors I used that were awesome and deserve a shout out...

Birthday cake by Kim Brown of Anderson, SC
Cade's custom applique birthday shirt  - Three Lulus
Cade's custom birthday hat - Dainty Couture
customized food labels - SoireeChicShoppe
"Cade is One" banner - my sister in law, Monica. Let me know if you need one for your next event!
Water bottle custom printables - Cupcake Express
Paper straws and chevron bags - Enchanted Frog Events
gumballs, polka dot lanters, flag banners, etc... - Oriental Trading Co.
cotton candy - Ingles
chevron fabric - All About Fabrics, Williamston SC