Nothing is sweeter than a slice of juicy melon, which is why a One in a Melon theme for your sweet baby's first birthday party couldn't be more fitting. While a cheery pink-and-green color scheme will definitely scream summer, you can channel the warm poolside vibes no matter what time of year your baby was born. Just keep in mind the One in a Melon eats you want to serve may be easier to find in-season. No matter when you plan the party, there are tons of unique theme ideas that can bring your bash to life.
"Who doesn't love watermelon? Beyond being synonymous with summer, a One in a Melon theme is such a fun way to celebrate a first birthday with a witty pun and adorable color scheme," say Linda Siongco, who co-owns London's Party Design with her partner Leo Siongco in Orange County, California.
Read on for professional advice on how to plan a first birthday party, plus tons of inspiring watermelon-themed ideas that'll make your baby's One in a Melon birthday a memorable occasion.
One in a Melon birthday party decor
Go all out with pinks and greens
To set the scene for your One in a Melon birthday party, go over-the-top with your watermelon-themed color palette. A variety of hues — ranging from pinks to reds and bright greens to more forest-colored hues — will add dimension to your decor. Try working them in via streamers, paper fans, garlands and more.
Create a focal point with balloons
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A lush balloon garland hung above the buffet table will add extra oomph to your One in a Melon set-up. "It's a great addition to any One in a Melon party and creates a great backdrop for photo ops," Siongco says.
Opt for a variety of balloon sizes and hues to add layers to your design. Including a few polka dots — whether you paint them on yourself or purchase polka dot balloons — will help mimic the look of watermelon seeds.
Honor baby's milestones with a chalkboard sign
There's no better way to honor your baby's milestone year than with a sign showing off all of that growth. From your baby's height and number of teeth to first words and favorite activities, this sweet sign makes a great talking point for guests. "It's the perfect way to add a personal touch to your One in a Melon celebration," Siongco says.
DIY watermelon vase centerpieces
Turn fruit into the focal point for your One in a Melon tablescape. "I love the idea of carving out a watermelon and using it as a vase and adding flowers as a centerpiece," Siongco says.
Hollow it out (just like you would a pumpkin), insert a glass vase into the hole you've carved and fill it with water and flowers. "Instead of discarding the insides, use them to make fresh juice for guests," she suggests.
Display utensils in style
This One in a Melon birthday DIY is as adorable as it is easy to make. Paint a few terra-cotta pots to look like watermelons, and use them as a creative way to display your plasticware for a low-budget, high-impact accent. You can then repurpose the planters as party favors or as summer patio decor.
One in a Melon birthday party food
Bake a One in a Melon smash cake
A slice of cake has never looked so sweet! This first birthday smash cake idea will make for the perfect — albeit messy — photo op for baby's One in a Melon birthday. Bake a round cake; then cut it into the shape of a watermelon slice before frosting with a green rind, pink interior and black seeds.
Serve up other watermelon-themed eats
Green cupcakes topped with pink icing and black watermelon "seeds" are a great way to serve partygoers dessert without cutting into your baby's smash cake.
You can also serve watermelon pizza, Siongco suggests: "Serve watermelon sliced like pizza and, encourage partygoers to add yogurt as the sauce and other fruits as toppings, or put together a melon charcuterie board, featuring different sliced melons and fruits."
One in a Melon birthday party games
Make a video montage of baby's first year
Honor your little one's first-year highlights with a sweet montage of video clips or favorite photos. Display it on the TV during your One in a Melon birthday bash — either to watch as a structured party activity or to keep running in the background throughout your event.
Play watermelon bowling
"For a first birthday party game idea that's perfectly on theme, play watermelon bowling," Siongco suggests. "Use a watermelon as a bowling ball to knock down pins in the yard or in your driveway."
Host a watermelon eating contest
"What fun it would be to host a One in a Melon birthday party race?" Siongco says. Whether you serve it in shapes — cut out using cookie cutters — slices or wedges, set a one- or two-minute timer and see who can consume the most fruit before the timer goes off.
Guess the weight of the watermelon
For a more passive game, place an uncut watermelon on a table, and have pens and pieces of pink or green paper nearby for partygoers to write down guesses of how much it weighs, Siongco suggests. The person who guesses closest by the end of the party could win a fun prize — like getting to take the watermelon home with them!
One in a Melon birthday party favors
Send guests home with fruit baskets
A pink berry basket with painted-on seeds is the perfect container for One in a Melon party favors. Fill it with green tissue paper and assorted pink and green goodies to end your party on a sweet note.
You can also send guests home with "goodie bags filled with different items related to watermelons, such as watermelon-flavored lip gloss or watermelon-scented hand sanitizer," Siongco suggests. "And of course, don't forget to add a cute note, like 'Thanks a Melon' for coming to my party!"
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