It’s been awhile since I’ve done a personal type of blog here, but I’ve been so busy with work, the kids, and the holidays, it’s been tricky to find the time to blog, even though it’s honestly one of my favorite things to do!

Anyways, about four years ago, I blogged about Ms. Avery Etta’s 1st Birthday Party back in Brooklyn - you can read it here. So I can’t believe now I’m here writing about my second baby’s first!

Since Ms. Eden Sienna is our Cali Baby (we call Ms. Avery Etta our “Little New Yorker”), I was thinking about themes, and kept coming back to California sunshine. In a way it is already her nursery theme. We even have a rustic sign in her nursery that reads “You are My Sunshine”, so it all just sort of fell into place.

Then I found this invitation on Paperless Post which sealed the deal. I’m a huge fan of actual solid paper birthday party invites…I’m that weirdo that actually enjoys addressing and stamping cards and invitations and dropping them in the mailbox! But having two kids (and a furbaby!) and working full time, I’m admittedly a frazzled mom who will take any shortcuts available to make my daily life a little easier, as long as I don’t have to compromise on style. That’s why I love Paperless. So. Many. Options. I was also considering this one and this one.

But in the end, the simple and symmetrical sun design was my favorite. It sounds silly, but the invitation is super important, as it sets the tone for the whole party. I love that Paperless Post still delivers the feeling of an actual personalized mailed invitation. And better yet, you can track all the RSVPs in your account. Again, simplifying for the crazy busy person like myself - and likely all of you reading!

Setting the tone with the white, yellow, orange and pink invitation, I set to work gathering inspiration and decorations. And delegating some tasks!

My sister who I refer to as “Jill of All Trades” made not one but TWO amazingly beautiful birthday cakes. One larger one (plus cupcakes!) for guests, and the smaller as the “smash cake” for Eden.

Not only were they gorgeous but also delicious! I speak from experience.

She also made this gorgeous floral letter E, using entirely products from the dollar store!

It totally made the dessert table! And, we’re going to display it in Eden’s nursery.

Some more decor details, because if you know me at all, you know I love a good theme and color story:

I found this cute birthday banner from Target (natch) and my mom helped me to assemble and hang it up. It was a great addition to hang over the dessert table, and is now hanging in Eden’s nursery.

I also made this balloon/ribbon garland for the smash cake backdrop with a foil balloon from Target and assorted ribbons from the dollar store.

The hoarder in me hasn’t thrown it out yet! Thinking we can use it in future years and just switch out to a different number foil balloon. Nothing like a little recycling and reusing!

Since this was a Sunday brunch celebration, and it was a sunshine theme to boot, naturally mimosas were involved. I grabbed these orange slice candies awhile back with the party in mind, and ended up garnishing the mimosas with them for an extra sweet touch.

A few more decor details:

I’m not sure if Eden was as enthused about the cake as the rest of us were, but I’m sure she’ll learn to love sugar as a food group, just like her big sis!

“What is this strange substance on my hands?”

“How rude. They have me sitting here topless in this ridiculous outfit, and everyone is watching me get dirty and laughing.”

“Ok, wait. Maybe this isn’t that bad…”

All in all, the party was a smashing success! I’ll admit it people - I get REALLY stressed out right before hosting a party at Casa Saccullo. There’s always the worry - do we have enough food and drinks? Are people going to have fun? Is the music too soft, too loud? There’s never enough time to prepare, etc, etc. etc. But as soon as the first guest comes, (and a mimosa or two in!) I start to relax and realize that no one cares about the small stuff. Like if you don’t have disposable guest towels in the powder room that tie in with your party theme and personalized alphabetized party favors for all the kids. After all, what is a house if it can’t be a home where you can make a mess and make memories with your loved ones and friends for years to come?

And last but not least, no party is complete without a party favor:

The picture frame was a freak find at Marshalls. So perfect! And found these pink and orange sippy mugs at the dollar store (dollar store for the win here!) as well as the bakers twine and gift tags. Using a simple printable template, I made little labels for the tags. (Much better than my handwriting! Hah.)

We had a fun little “candy sorting” party with Avery while assembling these. She helped pull out all of the red starbursts that didn’t go with our color scheme. And she definitely managed to eat 1 or 2. (Or ten!). We now have large stock of red starbursts in our pantry which we hope to repurpose for Avery’s party in January.

Well, that’s all folks! Thanks for sharing a little slice of sunshine with us today and for stopping by and reading about Eden’s 1st! And special thanks to Rachel Howden Photography for capturing these special family moments for us!

Until I Blog Again,

~L.S.