BROOKLYN’S FIRST BIRTHDAY
I can’t believe Brooklyn turned one! We celebrated with just family at our house and it ended up being a great little afternoon. I cooked a yummy lunch, we watched Brooklyn ‘open’ gifts then popped some bubbles and enjoyed treats. I spent weeks trying to come up with sweet details to make the day special even though I know she won’t remember any of it. I really do find so much joy in the sentimental aspect of creating unique gifts and traditions for birthdays, holidays, etc. She will appreciate and love the details when she’s older…
MENU
This ended up being a perfect lunch menu for 11 adults and 3 kids. Was summery, a good assortment, and perfect portion (nothing makes me happier than making just the right amount of food for a group).
Fruit Salad - Pro tip : use for smoothies if you have any leftovers. I just threw this all into a blender with some almond milk and ice, both Brooklyn and I loved
Chicken Salad - I purchased two different kinds from Chicken Salad Chick and bought mini croissants from Fresh Market to make this easy
Grilled Sirloin - Marinated in honey, worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, garlic, pepper, soy sauce overnight then thrown on the grill. So easy and delicious!
Oven Roasted Shrimp - 7 minutes in the oven at 400. Threw on some different seasonings nothing special but a crowd pleaser
Smash Cake and Cupcakes - my SIL made these and they were both delicious
SPECIAL/KEEPSAKE GIFTS
Matches - I copied the matchbook tradition from an influencer I love, Ashley Kane. Started making them for special occasions which has been so fun to give as party favors but also to have around the house after. I plan to make them for every birthday for B so that when she’s older she has matches from her all of her birthdays up until she was 18.
Cake Knife - I found a vintage one at an antique store I love and hope B will use at her wedding one day.
Vintage Handkerchief - Found it at an antique store then had ‘B’ monogrammed on it. Hopefully she will use at her wedding around her bouquet one day…
French Ribbon - Sourced from Etsy and plan to use on a special gift every year.
Art - I have sung Bridge Over Troubled Water almost every single night to Brooklyn since she was born. I wrote out the lyrics for her with a little note on the back as a forever keepsake.
Birthday Hat - Made this myself. I took a party hat we already had, opened it up and used it as a guide to cut out some white foam, glued the pink ribbon and glued the ‘1’ on the front.
Birthday High Chair Sign - I made this myself and was so proud! I just used some leftover fabric I had, cut out the scalloped edge then purchased velcro dots to attach to her chair. I didn’t want to sew on anything specific so that I can use it again in the future for her or potential future children.
Mini Cake Plate - Sourced from an antique store
OTHER GIFTS
Bubble Machine - Such a fun thing to use in the backyard with her
Peekaboo Books - She is obsessed with every one of these
Pajamas and Robe - Both from Petite Plume
Bookbag and Tote Set - Note that the bookbag is pretty small. I got the tote for her to use for her mother’s morning out that she starts soon