First Birthday Party

Charlotte is turning ONE in just a few short days.

And now I am in a frenzy, as per usual, to find some last-minute party ideas.

I'm planning a small party inviting just my family and a few of the babies who are Charlotte's age.

But, what in the world does one do for a first birthday party? What types of games can we play? How do I decorate? What type of cake? What kind of food do I serve? (Hot dogs are not 1-year-old friendly, in my opinion) What about prizes and loot bags?

I googled. I'm the Queen of Google.

Games:
I found THIS website with some great game ideas. I really like the Baby Bottle Bowling because the babies can do it. They live for knocking things over!

Cake:
Personally, I adore "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. And so I also adore these cakes I found online:
(Will I be able to duplicate them? No probably not....)

Decorations:
Again on the caterpillar theme, I love this banner from Ciaobambino's Etsy Shop. It's sold but I think I may be able to enlist the help of my Cricut and DIY it.
Add some colourful balloons and streamers, plates and cups and napkins on a polka-dotted table...and voila!

 As I'm typing this and googling all things "Hungry Caterpillar" I'm loving the idea more and more

Food...
Babies at this age love finger foods. So....
Since the Caterpillar ate
1 Apple, 2 Pears, 3 Plums, 4 Strawberries, 5 Oranges and an assortment of cake, ice cream, pickles, swiss cheese, salami, lollipops, cherry pie, sausage, cupcakes, and watermelon...finished off with a leaf...
Then I could serve all of the above....(like THEY did here)!!

Party Favours
Now what about those famous loot bags that the kids love so much?
THIS website has some nice suggestions, all of which are age appropriate for the wee ones:
•beach balls or large colorful playballs

•blowing bubbles
•animal crackers
•picture book
•finger puppets
•stuffed animals
•bath toy
•sand bucket and shovel

Wouldn't it be great, in keeping with the theme I now have in mind, to give every kid a "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" book to go home with (instead of a bag full of candies and tiny party toys they can put in their mouth)?

Have you planned a party for your one-year-old? Did you have a theme? Did you have a big party? Or just a small home gathering with your close family and friends?

Have any more ideas you'd like to share?