Belated Birthday Pictures: Le Fete

Here are pictures from Ella's Secret Garden birthday party.  I chose the theme because one of our favorite things to together (and with the Grandmas) is to visit botanical gardens.  Ella really enjoys watching birds and looking at flowers.  So the theme seemed appropriate.  Since having Ella, we haven't really thrown an all out party like we used to, so I was really excited to go all out on this one.  Then I found out I was pregnant the week of her party and my energy was zapped.  Fortunately, I planned ahead somewhat and had most of the preparations done.  We ended up simplifying a lot of things, but I think Ella enjoyed the event nonetheless.

This way to Ella's party!

I LOVE these moss letters I found on Etsy.  I embellished them with some butterflies to give it a whimsical touch.

We catered from Lemonade, that specializes in light, fresh faire.  Perfect for a summer party.

I scored this wire terrarium at HomeGoods for super cheap.  It housed some spring flowers and served as table decor!

I saw these fabric napkins on clearance at BHDLN, and I fell in love.  You can always use fabric napkins in cute, girly prints.  Always.

Ice cold lemon water, sweet tea, and raspberry lemonade kept things refreshing.

As did lavender soda (gotta have herbs at a garden-themed party!) and some Fat Tire beer.

Found these flower-themed alphabet cards on The Land of Nod, and couldn't resist using them for a first birthday party.  I love when ideas come together!

Some birdhouses I found at HomeGoods, and some paper fans to help beat the heat.

Handmade paper party hats for guests to wear.  I made these with help from Donna and Ashley.  Clearly this was done before I found out I was pregnant and and lost all my energy.

Little lunch boxes for the smaller guests.

Don't let the pout fool you.  Ella was a party animal!

Wearing her hat for all of 15 seconds.  I'm saving it for her 15th birthday and making her wear it all day long so she can better appreciate her mom's handiwork.

Picnic-ing.

Blessed with so many gifts.

We saved her cake for her actual birthday (the day after the party).  So we celebrated with mini cupcakes from Dots instead!

Fascinated by her 1 candle.

It was a sparkler candle and I realized it maybe wasn't the most appropriate one to use.  Ha!

First time having a cupcake.  First time having a baked good.  First time having so much sugar in general.

She just liked posing with it.

And she didn't really want to eat it.  Just maybe throw it around a little.

We nibble on these 1-year-old legs on a regular basis.