For her party we only have about 20 something people coming (counting the kids). I want it to be cute but also laid back, but it is easy to get distracted while looking at my inspiration at Pinterest (if you want to check it out, look for Zoe's 1st birthday). Often, I have to remind myself that: 1) I can't spend much (I haven't officially worked on a budget but I'm trying to make things myself as much as possible and cut costs as I dream of the perfect party). 2) there is no perfect party and she won't remember much. Mainly, she will look back one day and just be happy that we were celebrating. 3) don't make it a big deal, there will be more years to come and she will even enjoy it more later. 4) this big 1st birthday party is a late trend. Don't just do things to be cool, do it for your baby. Too much IS too much for them. Keep it simple, have fun and work around their schedule. Zoe's party will be a 2 hour pool party on our building, so if she gets tired we can be home in 1 minute.
I do have to remind myself of those things because I do get distracted and want to get more decoration or order food or bake perfect little cakes. As long we have a cake, family and friends, and a birthday song it will be perfect.
The garland I am making for decorating the walls.
The garland I am making for decorating the walls. 
