Your little guy's first birthday is an event to remember, so dial up the glam with a Mr. Onederful birthday theme. From bowties and suspenders to mustaches and top hats, there's so much fun to be had with this unique first birthday party theme.
"A Mr. Onederful theme allows you to celebrate your little guy in a fun yet fancy way while also celebrating the fact that as parents you've made it through this first year," says Amber Anderson, founder of the Authentically Amber Blog. Anderson would know — she used this theme for her own son's first birthday party.
Read on for Anderson's professional advice, from tips for planning a first birthday party and the best foods to serve to aww-worthy Mr. Onederful decorating ideas and more.
Mr. Onederful birthday party decor
Dial up the glamor with black, white and gold
Set the tone of your Mr. Onederful bash with the color scheme. "If you want something that's a bit more formal (aka "man glam"), try a black, gold and white color palette," suggests Anderson. You could lean into this black-tie theme even more and consider asking partygoers to dress up for the event!
Keep the vibes casual with blue, gray and white
"If you'd like to go a bit more casual or traditional with your Mr. Onederful party, baby blue, gray and white make a great palette to work with," Anderson says. You can still incorporate bowties, mustaches and suspenders — but they don't scream "black tie" when done in these slightly softer hues.
Jazz up balloons with DIY bowties
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"Lots of balloons will make a strong impact when guests first arrive," says Anderson, and if they're adorned with little bow ties to fit your Mr. Onederful theme, even better!
"Whether you use die-cut cardstock bow ties or DIY your own by folding cardstock accordion-style and cinching it in the center with tape or ribbon, attach them onto the ends of balloons for that extra touch of awesomeness," Anderson says.
Take your Mr. Onederful tablescape to the next level
There's no need to stop with the balloons! "Some easy and festive Mr. Onederful decor ideas are leveraging bowties and suspenders throughout all elements of your party decor," says Anderson. "Try napkins folded in the shape of bowties and centerpiece vases made to look like suspenders."
Lean into dapper accents for Mr. Onederful eats
If you're serving finger foods instead of a sit-down dinner, add some gentlemanly accents to your buffet table. Adorn popcorn containers, juice boxes or signs with nods to the theme. "Top hats make lovely decor elements," Anderson says.
Mr. Onederful birthday party food
Serve up a scrumptious brunch
When planning your Mr. Onederful party, "Consider breakfast or brunch timing, which allows you to catch your 1-year-old at their best — either first thing in the morning or after their first nap," Anderson says. This start time lends itself to a fun menu, too.
"For a breakfast theme, you could serve pancakes shaped as the number one, fruit trays in the shape of a one, and breakfast meats and eggs," Anderson says.
If you host your party later in the day after your baby's nap, "You can extend the menu to breakfast and lunch items including all things 'miniature' — mini sandwiches, mini waffles and wings for chicken and waffles, fruit in cups or on a stick, shrimp and grits, mini quiche, and breakfast meats or salmon," she says.
Dress your Mr. Onederful cake for the occasion
"No Mr. Onederful party would be complete without a cake,'" says Anderson. Yours could feature a bowtie, suspenders and buttons — or maybe a cake topper that highlights the number one or specifically calls out Mr. Onederful. Separate the top and bottom tiers before serving, and use one layer as your baby's first birthday smash cake and the other layer to serve to guests.
Mr. Onederful birthday party activities
Encourage guests to contribute to a time capsule
For a sentimental activity that guests can participate in throughout the event, "Ask guests to leave words of wisdom and advice for your Mr. Onederful at every age, and place them all in envelopes for him to open during various milestone years throughout his life," suggests Anderson.
Play background music for the ultimate Mr. Onederful party vibes
To bring this glamorous theme to life, set the scene with music. "Live music — whether it's a family friend who knows how to play a guitar or a professional — can help create a fun atmosphere that goes well with a breakfast or brunch," says Anderson. A playlist of jazz tunes is an easy, yet effective, alternative.
Designate the number one spot for photo ops
"A number one sign — whether it's a lighted marquee, a poster board cut-out or a balloon display — will provide a great backdrop for photo ops with Mr. Onederful himself, while doubling as eye-catching decor," Anderson says.
Hang a number one piñata in honor of Mr. Onederful
"If most of your Mr. Onederful party attendees are grown-ups, fill a number one-shaped piñata with items that are good for adults — like colorful bow ties or mini hand sanitizers and lotions," Anderson says. "If you are anticipating other children, add a few fun and age-appropriate items for them, such as small toys — it doesn't have to be candy!" (Keep party safety in mind and skip choking hazards smaller than 1.75 inches across.)
Mr. Onederful birthday party favors
Send guests home with gentlemanly favors
Thank guests for attending (and for any first birthday gifts) by sending them home with goodie bags. "Beautifully designed cake pops or cookies make excellent party favor ideas," says Anderson. "For younger kids, you can always do animal crackers or unsweetened applesauce pouches, and add a bowtie and suspenders to the packaging to go with your Mr. Onederful theme."
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