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!
kwana
Hi there!
Stumbled on your blog via Pinterest!
Do you/will you have a tute on making those lanterns??
So cute! Wanting to use them for my wedding later this year!
Please? 🙂
Heather
I love your lanterns, especially the striped one!
Marissa @Life On Our Mountain
Happy Birthday, Ella! How sweet! I love everything about Ella 's beautiful, dreamy party!
•PS - Diann's gardens are gorgeous! I can see why you love it there. Does Diann have a blog?
Charity
What a sweet little party! You are amazing 🙂 I love the little cherries in the cupcake liners. Such a simple and beautiful touch. The whole thing is just perfect. 🙂
Crafty Sisters
What a pretty party for your baby girl! Your right, I would probably find myself out in the middle of that beautiful yard taking a nap too.. 🙂 -Candace
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage
What a beautiful family, a beautiful day and a special celebration. You have so much to be thankful for 🙂 Blessings!
mary beth
Happy Birthday, Ella Claire! Loved perusing/reading through your birthday recap...everything is truly adorable! And the gardens? Don't even get me started. Stunning! Found your blog through Emily at thenetznest and I'm your newest follower/liker on Facebook. 🙂
Suzanne@Meridian Road
What a great party~I'm looking forward to seeing how you made those bags out of place mats. That doily lantern is beautiful!
You have a darling family!
Kristin @ Simply Klassic Home
What a beautiful party. I love the little details. Those lanterns are amazing!!
KendaWalter
What a sweet birthday party for a beautiful little girl! I would like to try to make the doily lantern and wondered what type of glue you used and where you found a round shaped balloon? Thanks so much, Kenda
Cozy Little House
Oh, it all looks so festive and fun! What a beautiful home this woman has.
Brenda
Shan
What a beautiful party, Kristen! I'm so glad it went how you wanted it too!
cathywhatisoldisnew
What a wonderful way to share your daughter's first birthday- beautiful environment with special people.
Solange Hooks
I have been waiting to see pictures of the party for a while. I saw the invitations and all the pretty things you have been pinning on pinterest! I was not disappointed. Everything turned out amazing! Your family and friends are beautiful and I adore your friends mothers house! And garden!!!! The hanging lanterns are so amazing and I want your water pitcher! I could not wait to have a big family that I had three babies under three years and these have been some of the best years of my life as well!
Little Vintage Cottage
Looks like such a fun and relaxing party! I love all the decorations and the food choices sounds scrumptious!! And what a beautiful yard to have the party in, lucky you!
Tania
Emily's Mum
What a wonderful set of pictures. Really give a feeling of love and friendship. Love the food ideas and those lanterns are cracking. Well done as ever
Emily's Mum
Kristen "Cracking" is a great English coloquialism meaning "terrific, wonderful or somehting similar . Perhaps a bit like "Ace" . Sorry for trying to confused. If you google "Wallace & Gromit" the animated film you will find Wallace says "Cracking toast Gromit" all the time to show how much he is enjoying it. Ha ha ha it does sound odd when its written down doesn't it. Hope this all makes sense x
Sheila
Hi Kristin,
I just recently found your blog,and well i instantly became a follower. You are to sweet and your little family are just too cute. i love your ideas and that way you create. I love,love,love the font you used on your blog header too lol...I am very observant obviously lol again. I hope you have a wonderful day!!!
Smiles,
Sheila
Angela
What an awesome setting for a relaxing party! Beautiful!
Allison
I love this theme so much! Such an adorable party Kristen! Love those hanging lanterns!