Baby's first birthday: tips for hosting a first birthday party

In just 365 days, you've watched your tiny newborn grow into a curious, inquisitive and engaging baby. Your youngster's first birthday party should commemorate this milestone birthday with food, fun and festivity that you can enjoy with your family and friends.

• First birthday celebrations do not have to adhere to a rigid theme, but themes can also guide your party decor, activities and more.
• Think about what your youngster likes. Perhaps he has a favourite book, such as Pat the Bunny, that you read every night.
• Maybe she is enamoured with balloons, butterflies or buses. A favourite character, story, toy or animal can serve as the inspiration for your party decor.
• For one-year-olds who love ladybugs, you can choose a black and red colour palette for your decor and choose a ladybug-shaped cake for your guests to enjoy.
• If you don't want to plan the party around your youngster's favourites, choose a colour scheme or pattern — such as stripes or polka dots — to guide your decor, from the invitations to the centrepieces and party favours.

• Your one-year-old has come a long way since the day he or she was born. Reflect on his or her first year with creative decorations.
• Create a photo collage featuring photographs of your youngster throughout his or her first 12 months of life.
• Use a chalkboard or poster board to display all of your youngster's firsts, from the time he or she got his first tooth to the first words, steps and more.
• Centrepieces can display photographs of your growing baby as well.

• It's easy to let a first birthday celebration become a big event. After all, you want to celebrate the big day with family and friends.
• Find a venue that can support your guest list. Don't let your guest list become overwhelming. Limit your menu to those food items you can prepare and afford.
• If you do not want to serve dinner to 40 folks, host a late morning or mid-afternoon party instead, which would require less food.
• Nix the kid entertainment if you'll have just a few kids at the party. Finally, create a budget so that you can focus your spending on those essential party elements.

• Look back on your youngster's first year at a party that celebrates milestones and is inspired by his or her favourite things.
• By creating a realistic party plan, you can ensure that your one-year-old, family and friends enjoy celebrating the birthday boy or girl.