A candy-hued color palette and collection of over-the-top confections is the sweetest way to celebrate your little one, which is why a Sweet One birthday theme is such an enticing first birthday party idea.
"Having a Sweet One birthday theme is a lovely and memorable way to celebrate your baby with family and friends," says Justyna Ogrodnik, who co-founded the event design company Blooms & Balloons by JB with her sister Bozena Roszkowski.
Read on for their professional advice on how to plan an enchanting Sweet One birthday party that'll leave you with the sweetest memories for years to come.
Sweet One birthday party decor
Lean into pastels for a Sweet One birthday theme
"Soft pastel colors are the most popular choice for Sweet One birthday decor," Ogrodnik says. "Shades of pink, yellow, light purple and light blue go well together." Use balloons, banners, streamers and other party decor to establish your chosen color scheme.
Go over-the-top with sweets-inspired accents
"Adding props to your balloon backdrop or garland elevates your party theme and creates a Candy Land-inspired atmosphere for guests," Roszkowski says. Consider decorating with giant gummy bears, cupcakes, lollipops, donuts or a huge balloon ice cream cone.
Create a welcoming spot for guests to chill
Make your party set-up kid-friendly and memorable by surrounding a low picnic table with assorted pastel floor pillows. If sitting at a low table isn't feasible, you can also pile pillows or poufs in a corner for little ones to lounge in.
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Sweet One birthday party food
Design an enticing treat table set-up
"A Sweet One birthday theme calls for a dessert table or candy bar that's overflowing with different kinds of sweet treats, from colorful gummy bears and marshmallows to sprinkled donuts, cupcakes, cake pops and cookies," says Ogrodnik. "Freshly made cotton candy or a self-serve ice cream bar are also great options for a Sweet One birthday theme."
Get creative with your drinks and desserts
Extra confectionary accents can take your Sweet One birthday theme to the next level. Donut-topped cupcakes are the perfect example, but you can also add rock candy swizzle sticks to drink glasses or serve sprinkle-coated popcorn.
Pile on treats for the sweetest cake of all
Add all of the candy-licious goodies you can find to make your baby's first birthday cake an over-the-top success. "Decorate your cake with different kinds of sweets and candies, donuts, macaroons and sprinkles for a delightful first birthday cake that is fun, colorful and oh-so-sweet," says Roszkowski.
Party safety tip: Remove the add-ons from whichever layer you use as a smash cake, since hard candies and things like lollipop sticks can pose a choking risk.
Go simple with an ice cream cone cake
For a cleaner look that's still tons of fun, "A cake that looks like a melting ice cream cone is the perfect eye candy!" says Ogrodnik. Plus, this themed cake is fairly easy to make. The "ice cream cone" on top is a cake ball covered with ganache and topped with a sugar cone.
Sweet One birthday party games
Engage kids with an edible necklace-making activity
For an adorable Sweet One-themed craft, "Let kids make a 'healthier' version of candy necklaces using different types of cereals that have holes," suggests Roszkowski. It'll keep little hands busy without adding to the sugar rush.
Set up an artsy sweets-making station
"Building an ice cream sundae out of play dough is the perfect Sweet One birthday activity," says Ogrodnik. "Or you can set up an activity station where kids can decorate mini ceramic cupcakes with paint and glitter."
Sweet One birthday party favors
Send guests home with Sweet One-themed favors
"Lollipop candy kabobs, customized thank you cookies, cotton candy to go or goodie bags with mixed candies all make scrumptious Sweet One birthday party favors," says Roszkowski. "For a non-confectionary take-home gift, you can gift guests bubbles or lollipop-themed play dough kits."
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