Have you ever tried to get a one year old to sit still? It’s similar to trying to reign a bull in a rodeo. Or maybe trying to tag a great white shark. In other words, it’s not happening. Especially when said one year old is not on his best game. As in, he clearly hadn’t been told to prepare for this mini-photography session. Next time I’ll give him a week’s notice. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.
Our friend’s son, Ryder, graced us with his presence the other day. At our house. For an overnight! Now, before you tell me how amazing I am for taking a one year old overnight, you must know, I also took his parents on the overnight. So really, I didn’t do much. Except a lot of soul-searching. But if you want to tell me I’m amazing anyway, I will gladly accept the compliment.
Ryder is so cute, one could get caught up in wanting a little-mini-Ryder of their own. Ryder knows how to handle this in a very mature way. He promptly cries, poops, and wakes you up at 5:45am. Just to prove to you how cute those little bundles of joy are.
In all reality, Ryder is super cute and we love him. So when we found out we couldn’t make it to his first birthday party, I definitely wanted to help his parents with the decorations. I may have been a little overwhelming (note to all the other parents who accept my help)…but they handled it well. I’m sure the texts at midnight, asking if I should add fringe to the birthday hats were much appreciated.
Centerpieces
I wanted to keep them within a really low budget. You’ll need a pool noodle, a bucket, red/white crepe paper, yarn, wooden sticks, and the blue stuffing paper. I used Google for nautical images, printed them on cardstock, and taped them to wooden sticks. To make the life preserver, you need to cut the pool noodle to size, tape it in a circle shape, and wrap the crepe paper around. I used yarn (because real rope was a lot more expensive), to twist into “rope” for the handles. Hot glue worked to keep them on the preserver.
Nautical Themed Birthday Hats
I bought birthday hats at the dollar store, and used nautical themed paper to cover them. Then I made my own fringe with the corresponding colored crepe paper. They turned out super cute, not sure if Ryder thought so:
Ribbon Birthday Banners
Just grab some ribbon from your local fabric store in various colors/patterns. Cut them in about one inch strips, and knot them onto ribbon/twine. I used my Cricut for the “ONE” banner, but you could do one by hand just as cute.
We finally got a smile out of him. Right in time for him to go home.
For more Nautical themed party ideas and free printables, check out Kaleb’s first birthday party here.
This party and his face. So adorable!
Haha thanks!!! He is pretty cute, isn’t he!
I think this had to be a favorite of mine. So cute.
Awwww thanks! 🙂
Love the theme and details of this party! Great job! Happy Birthday, Ryder
Thank you so much! I loved the theme too, I was happy his mommy picked it! 🙂
I love all of these ideas! You can come help me anytime. Even if that means text messages at midnight. ?
Oh my gosh! I would totally help you! Especially with four kids, I would always be planning something! 🙂
So adorable! Love the nautical decorations!
Thank you!!! I think they turned out super cute, wish I could have gone to the party!
You did such a great job! He’s adorable.
I think you should make stuff for Evelyn’s party! 🙂
Super adorable party, I’m going to have to borrow this theme and try some of your DIYs!
The decor is just as cute as Ryder. And yes, keeping them still is impossible. My nephew is becoming quite that handful, and I love the cute baby talk. It reminds me of when my kids were young (OMG SOOOOO long ago).
I’m going to borrow (kinda parts) of your banner for our upcoming office cruise.
Always love your ideas. I’m still working on all the Halloween props and already trying to figure out the swag bag items for Christmas… lol
Ohhhhhhhh I can’t wait to see your parties!!! Are you an official event planner, or do you just take it on for your office? I would love to do it as a career, sadly I just do it for fun for now. 🙁
where do you buy cardstock paper. I’m trying to make something similiar for a baby shower but ordering things online are so expensive.
I buy all of mine at Michael’s. It’s just the easiest place to pick it up. Wal-mart has it too, or you could probably find it on Amazon if you want to order it online. Hope this helps! 🙂