A Soaring First Birthday--Hot Air Balloons for All

To kick off my new party planning business, I wanted to throw my son a first birthday party that would never be forgotten. I choose a Hot Air Balloon theme to fit our Forest Preserve venue and create the same whimsical feel that we have experienced since our son, Georgie, joined our lives.
The birthday boy wasn't the only one having fun at this soaring 1st birthday celebration. It was a themed party with DIY touches, designed to both entertain the children and allow the parents an opportunity to celebrate making it through Year 1. Family and friends gathered in the park on a beautiful spring day join in the merriment.

Along with a variety of canned craft beers (complying with the park's no glass laws) guests sipped beverages out of plastic mason jars that doubled as party favors.

Organic fruits and veggies, along with cheese platters were placed out for nibblers to enjoy. For dessert cookies, brownies, macaroons, and a scrumptious cake from Bennison's Bakery, in Evanston, IL, were served.

Little baskets were placed out at toddler height and filled with blueberries and pita wedges to meet the munching needs of little hands.

Younger guests were also provided with other surprises. Felted hot air balloons dangling from the picnic tables (that they could take home), a hot air balloon basket to climb in and smile for the camera, a picnic blanket equipped with books and balls, and a kiddy pool/ball pit assured children of all ages have fun.

• Desserts

  Macaroons, cookies, brownies, and delicious cake

• Party Favors

  Mason Jars for the adults and felted hot air balloons for the younger guests

• Activities / Games

  pools filled with balls, bubbles, hot air balloon basket to climb into, picnic blanket with books and toys

• Budget

  under $500

• Best Moment

  The birthday boy blowing out his candle and eating his blueberry pancake "cake" with home-made peach yogurt frosting

• Funniest Moment

  All the babies toppling over each other for a baby photo shoot

• Most Touching Moment

  The birthday boy and his cousin posing in the hot air balloon basket

• What People Ate

  Organic Fruits and Veggies, Artisan Cheeses

• What People Drank

  Craft beers, lemonade with frozen watermelon cubes

• My How You've Grown

  Pictures taken each month of the birthday boy's life were hung between two trees for all to see his growth.

• Bennison's Bakery

  Cake designer

  http://Bennisonscakes.com

• Rachel Gansner Events

  Party Planner

  http://www.facebook.com/punchparties
  [email protected]
  773.771.1670