Addison's Candyland

It didn't take me long to decide on Addison's theme for her 1st birthday party. I knew I didn't want to do a "princess-y" theme and Candyland was one of my favorite games as a kid so it only seemed fitting.

Now I didn't spend $60,000 like Taylor did on RHOBH 9absolutely insane), but it was certainly a lot of fun and pretty dang cute!!!!

I started planning about 5 months out. Seems crazy but I am so glad I did. It was less stress when the party drew near and I already had most of the details all done.

I couldn't have planned or pulled the party off without help from my amazing mother, Erin and Karah! Deets to come. Thank you to you all. You kept me sane during all the crazy (but fun) planning.

One month ago today (Oct. 9th) we celebrated Addison's 1st birthday... here are the details...


Theme: Addison's Candyland


Location: Our home. We decided to have it outside because we have a big backyard that we could utilize.




Invitations: I ordered them from Little Beane Boutique on Etsy. I was beyond pleased with the quality and timing from this shop. They turned out so cute. They even came with pink envelopes and return address labels.






Favors: We had cotton candy and lots of other candy the kids could take away and the bags they candy went in had this sticker on it (or course with Addison's name). They were ordered from Little Beane Boutique too.





Outfit: I ordered her dress on Ebay (thanks to Karah's heads up). The brand is Claire and Charlie. It had smocked bubblegum machines on the top. I made her bow and we got her birthday hat on Etsy from Shop Lissy. I cannot express enough how awesome she was to work with on getting Addison's hat custom made and her prices... ummmm... AMAZING!

Food: We served hot dogs and chili with all the fixins. We had strawberry cupcakes with "1" toppers. Karah made the amazing toppers. My mom had this trash can made for the party!

Decor: The main decor was the table centerpieces, the "take away" candy buffet, homemade poms, about 180 balloons, pinwheels, Candyland games and "candy" hanging from the trees. I borrowed an idea from Kristin, we had a table with a picture from each month Addison has been with us. Karah made the numbers that we stuck in each bucket to coordinate with the pictures. We had two precious banners made by sweet Karah. One hung in the living room and one hung outside. Erin made me an amazing candy wreath that we hung on the back door.

Special tradition started: I borrowed this idea from Kristin also. We bought a tablecloth and had "Happy Birthday Addison" monogrammed on it. Each year we will have the number and the theme monogrammed around the bottom. This year is was (obviously) 1 with a lollipop. We will do it until she is 18.

Smash cake: It was supposed to be a large cupcake but it turned out not quite big enough so we had to run out last minute and grab a chocolate round cake. The only one the store had when we went. Oh well. It was fun anyway to watch her dig in and get so messy!

Presents: I wasn't going to do presents but ultimately we decided to do them.

Guestbook: We had everyone sign a Candyland board game.

There was a lot going on that day but it was so so fun. It was very special to have our friends and family there to celebrate Addison's special day with us. I was so excited to have Amy, Natalie and Jennifer there. Meant so much that they came so far.

We have a lot of great pictures from that day thanks to my friend Amy :) I will cherish these photos forever. This was my 1st baby's 1st birthday! I wasn't as emotional as I thought I would be. I took care of all that on her actual birthday (Oct. 5th). My baby is growing up. She is turning into a toddler right before my very eyes. I love her more everyday and thank God that he blessed me with this amazing child.

If you are curious about anything or have questions, I welcome them!