Over the weekend, we had a little shabby chic garden party to celebrate Ella's first birthday.
We had a pleasant evening with family and close friends, all picnicking out on antique quilts!
I think Ella was completely mesmerized by the whole thing. Everyone wanted to shower her cute little chubby cheeks with kisses. There were people constantly sneaking her treats, and lots of kids and kitties to play with.
This picture below is Dianne, and and this beautiful garden and home belong to her. I have loved her home ever since I was a little girl and I used to dream that someday I would grow up and have a home like hers.
Not only did she put this beautiful table together, but she arranged those gorgeous flowers last minute just to match, and all from her yard no less. I know what you are all thinking, and it is true. She is amazingly talented. And her house would absolutely fit in the best magazines.
For the food, I wanted it to be simple and yummy, so we did all kinds of things that people could put in their "lunch boxes" including cups of cherries, bags of chips, chicken salad sandwiches on croissants, watermelon, cookies, cupcakes, and other tasty treats.
I made the bags for the chips out of paper place mats! I think they would be so cute for other things... and a much less expensive alternative to the pricey paper party bags you see everywhere now. And, in true Ella Claire style, I will be posting a tutorial on how to make them soon!
I have to apologize for the pictures. They are a little off due to the overhead lighting.
Here is a shot of the boxes that we used for the food. I lined them with rectangular paper doilies to match the shabby chic theme. And, I always love to find any excuse to use swirly straws!
Aren't these girlies lovely!? Just sitting, enjoying the evening, Right behind them the horse kept coming over to check them out. My niece, who loves horses, probably wanted to ride away on one!
I can't believe how much Ella looks like her daddy in this picture! Oh how I love them...
And, as I am sure you can imagine, she has him wrapped around her chubby little finger!
I would't have it any other way.
On the deck, I hung these lanterns that I made. The white one is made out of coffee filters, the striped one is an old bed skirt that I bought at a thrift store and ripped up, and the third one is made of vintage doilies. The doily one is completely hollow on the inside, so it looks really pretty in the light.
Dianne has these lights hanging all around the deck and I love to sit out there whenever I am over there.
She also has a beautiful little vegetable garden where the kids {and I} love to explore and play around. There is a swing down there, and one of these days Dianne is going to find me out there taking a nap.
Ella was so cautious when it came to her cake, and at first she seemed more interested in playing with it than eating it! But, eventually with some prodding, she dug in! I have a few more cake pictures I will be sharing tomorrow.
This is my very best childhood friend, Blair {Dianne is her mom}. I love this girl. And I love how she loves my baby girl. She is so good to me, and I cherish the memories we have in this house. As girls, we used to play dress up, sleep out on the trampoline, float the canal behind the property, ride bikes, watch old movies, and so much more. She is still, truly, the kindest {and prettiest} person I know.
This year has been the best year. I have enjoyed being a mommy so much. As I am approaching my 30th birthday next week, I find myself so grateful for the love of family, friends, and my sweet angel baby. I feel truly honored to be her mommy.
I have so many more pictures to share tomorrow!
Thanks for reading!
