Black Lab Themed First Birthday Party

AJH’s big first birthday bash was a hit and I’d love to share some of the intimate details.We went with a black lab theme because our black lab, Henry, is one of her favorite things. She loves to watch him run in the yard with his cousin, Hokie, and feed treats to them through the window. Since birth, she has been very attached to her Henry dolls (we have one in pink and blue to avoid too much wear and tear, and,of course, match her different outfits) so when I sat down to really plan her first party it seemed only right to go with the one thing she really understands and loves at such a young age. As she gets older and understands things like The Wizard of Oz and rock-and-roll, we’ll definitely branch into those kinds of fun themes, but for now, her life is all about HENRY!

I couldn’t find where I packed my “spring” doormat so I had to buy a new one. I thought this  would be fitting for the party theme.

from Walmart

I would say our amazing cake, modeled after AJH’s Henry doll, was definitely the highlight of the decor.

 From Buttercream Dreams, LLC

The cupcakes were made my mother-in-law. I printed the black lab silhouette, cut them out, and attached them to toothpicks to make my own cupcake toppers.

I was inspired by these adorable baby face cupcake toppers from the “One Year in a Flash” birthday party on Hostess With the Mostess and decided to make my own. I  just cropped a picture of AJH’s face, attached a party hat on Picnik.com, cut them out, glued a mini-pom to the top of the hat, and glued it all to a toothpick.

The cake table.

 Party Poms by Martha Stewart (next time I will use clear fishing line rather than white string to hang them). The “Happy Birthday” banner is from Old Navy. We also got in touch with https://professionalavcompanies.co.uk/ and blasted Happy Birthday all throughout the even and used their visual tools to show slideshows.

“A” picture holder found at T.J. Maxx. Polaroid shots taken at AJH’s 2.5 month photo shoot with Jason Keefer Photography.

 Shirt from Stitch This Etsy shop. Skirt from Target dress-up aisle. Shoes from Target. Headband from 2 Little Birdies Etsy shop.

The food table (missing some of the food).

 Circle garland from Lazy Catepillar Etsy shop.

 Animal crackers in mason jars with gingham ribbon and personalized stickers from Zazzle.com.

“Puppy Chow” made by my sister-in-law.

Check out this post to see her recipe. Dog bowls from T.J. Maxx.

Pictures of AJH with her Henry doll from 2 days to eleven months old, hanging from an abandoned window pane that’s been in my basement for a few years. It’s my favorite color…antique aqua/teal blue.

Paper Pennant Bunting from Lazy Catepillar Etsy shop.

The favors were dog bone and black lab sugar cookies, made by my mother and sister-in-law and party bags for the kids filled with puppy stamps and puppy silly bandz.

Her birthday cake eating attire, which didn’t last long!