Macy the 'ONE-derful''s First Birthday Party

First of all, you should know that I have been planning this since before Macy was born. Themes and colors changed several times, but there were some things that I knew I had to have. I wanted it to be big. I wanted lots of fun, personal details that made this party all Macy's own. And last, but certainly not least, I wanted to serve lots of good food. In the end, the vintage circus theme with bright red and turquoise colors won out against all others. 

We decided to have the party at a fabulous, local restaurant, Railway Cafe, in our city Athens, TX. Macy came to her first lunch at Railway when she was only two days old. Many times she is referred to as 'the Railway baby' and waitresses can often be seen carrying her around as they refill drinks. We literally love everything about Railway Cafe from the waitresses, to the atmosphere, to the food, to the owners. I guess the only things we could complain about is that they are only open for lunch and we can't eat there for all three meals in a day. 

Macy was so excited when her friends started coming in. She really loved getting to see all of her buddies.

Guests were asked to write a special note to Macy on red and turquoise tickets.

Since it was Macy's first birthday, we didn't plan much entertainment, but we did plan lunch! We decided to serve all of Macy's favorite things, but it seems a few of Mommy and Daddy's favorite things snuck in there too... 

The menu included: Sweet potato fries, petite grilled cheese sandwiches, yeast rolls, puffs, animal crackers, goldfish, BLT sandwiches with chips, pimento cheese sandwiches with chips, flatbread pizzas, heirloom tomato salad with goat cheese and balsamic dressing, and edamame.

But we can't forget all the sweets! We also had homemade banana nut bread, a fruit tray (to make us feel better about everything else we were eating), homemade pear and peach fruit sauces made and sold by local farmers at the Athens' Farmers Market, and family-tradition sugar cookies made using Macy's great-grandmother, Granana's recipe. 

We used popcorn buckets filled with animal crackers and anchoring balloons, as centerpieces. The kids also enjoyed eating all the red and blue candies out of the Mason jars that held the food markers. 

Oh, the wonderful high chair. The only one Macy has actually wanted to sit it. Maybe I should create decorations for her high chair at home?

Tutu That* made Macy's over-the-top birthday outfit. Everything that company makes is fabulous and Macy's outfit was no exception.

This detail was the crowning jewel for me. Railway Cafe is already a very picturesque setting with the exposed ceilings and brick walls, but I wanted a very eye-catching element right in the middle. I asked for a chandelier of some sorts, with lots of color and pop, and they delivered!

Macy Water! Macy loved these little bottles, and she carried one around with her most of the party.

Adorable and very yummy red velvet cake balls, with a tutu cake stand? How could a girl refuse?

After a little help from Mommy, Macy was able to dig in to her cake ball. 

Macy seemed more interested in feeding Mommy pieces of cake ball, but I couldn't refuse. They were delicious! Then somehow whipped cream got involved... 

There's a good Daddy who stares lovingly at such a mess!

A little washing up before returning to the party.

Guests took home bubbles, with a precious tag that said, "Thank you for making me feel ONE-derful on my special day!"

After all was said and done, we hole-punched all the tickets and birthday cards and put them on a ring with the oh-so fabulous invitation.

This is one of my favorites, written by my 13-year old brother, Noah.

Sadly, these were the only things left. NOT! We made it home with so many fabulous treats and eats to last us until dinner, which was also catered by Railway Cafe but served in our home 

(see Macy's Birthday Phase Two).

Overall, it was exactly what I had always hoped for our little daughter. The party was so fun and beautiful, and we were surrounded by those we love as we celebrated a full year with our precious blessing.

 Credits:

Tutu That*: Birthday Girl's Outfit and Headpiece

Amylu Photography: Invitation and Photography

Railway Cafe: Party Planning Help, Chandelier Construction, Food and Service

BushelandPeckPaper: Water Bottle Labels

Mary Had a Little Party: Door Signs, Food Markers, Gift Bag Tags, Toothpicks

DKDeleKtables: Straws

Treehouse Cupcakes: Cake Balls