{"id":179,"date":"2015-11-18T18:29:15","date_gmt":"2015-11-18T18:29:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.pinkimono.com\/?p=179"},"modified":"2017-07-21T02:05:35","modified_gmt":"2017-07-21T02:05:35","slug":"4-rules-plan-stress-free-first-birthday-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.pinkimono.com\/2015\/11\/18\/4-rules-plan-stress-free-first-birthday-party\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Rules To Plan A Stress-Free First Birthday Party"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Repeat after me: \u201cPlanning the perfect first birthday party DOES NOT HAVE TO BE STRESSFUL!\u201d Say it again!<\/p>\n

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I know it’s hard to believe especially when everything in the world makes you feel the opposite: blogs overflowing with gorgeous 1st birthday photos, parents posting adorable Facebook pics\u00a0of their parties, the neurosis around having a dream party that would make Martha Stewart swoon, (if she actually swoons.) Well after saying the above a few more times and following these four rules, I managed to have a memorable and unique party for my son, Westley, at NEST Chestnut Hill without losing my mind!<\/p>\n

Rule No. 1: Stay Focused On Who This Day Is Really About<\/h2>\n

To me, it seems a lot of people forget who this special day really is all about – that precious one-year-old-to-be! You know the kid who is just as happy playing with your grocery bags and pots as he is with that expensive toy truck.<\/p>\n

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\"Westley<\/a><\/dt>\n
Westley’s nightly ritual of playing the pots.<\/em><\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n

The secret to creating the perfect 1st birthday party while operating with a sense of practicality is to keep your eyes on the prize – the genuine happiness of your one-year-old, not filling your Facebook feed or blog with drool-worthy photos of the decorations and food. I mean really? Show me a blog where there are at least 5 photos of the child savoring the expensive food or admiring the whimsical decor. Remember who this day is all about and you\u2019ll be able to make practical stress-free decisions.<\/p>\n

Rule No. 2: Take Your First Birthday Party Cues From Your Kid<\/h2>\n

Keeping Rule No. 1 in mind, I stopped worrying about MY vision and just sat back and watched my son. I watched him on his own, with other kids, with his babysitter, and with his family. Three key things jumped out:<\/p>\n

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  1. This kid does better in smaller, intimate environments<\/li>\n
  2. He enjoys playing with\u00a0animals (we have 2 cats and a ton of stuffed animals)<\/li>\n
  3. He really loves his family<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    These observations are what I used to influence my party planning. The result was a jungle animal themed party with select family and friends! Simple and Westley-focused!<\/p>\n

    Rule No. 3:\u00a0Get Organized<\/h2>\n

    All parties operate on the same level: they all need guests, a location, food, decorations and party favors. Sounds simple, but pulling it all together isn\u2019t always that easy. Get yourself a checklist! So many sites offer free downloadable checklists. So find one you like and USE IT! I really like the printables from GET BUTTONED UP. Their Birthday Planning Checklist<\/a> was perfect. I actually ended up customizing it a bit, but all the key pieces are there on the original PDF.<\/p>\n

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    \n
    \"Your<\/a><\/dt>\n
    My modified version of the Get Buttoned Up Birthday Party checklist.<\/em><\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n

    Rule No. 4:\u00a0Let Your Checklist Be Your Guide, Let Pinterest Be Your Inspiration<\/h2>\n

    Ahh, Pinterest! My friend and my nemesis. Such a beautiful place to indulge, but it can quickly take you away from following Rule No. 1. Use your checklist as your guide map through this process and go to Pinterest when you get stuck. Don\u2019t let Pinterest become your guide or you will quickly kiss your money, time and sanity goodbye. (Google Pinterest Fails<\/a> if you don\u2019t believe me.)\u00a0Use your\u00a0checklist to\u00a0identify\u00a0what party elements require a lot of money and time and what doesn’t! For me each element\u00a0fell into one of four groups:<\/p>\n