Time Flies (the Details)

I cannot believe that Oliver’s airplane-themed first birthday extravaganza was over two weeks ago and I am only just now getting around to posting about all of the details I used to carry through the theme. Time flies, indeed …

There were two centers of action for the party. The first was the “Play Zone” we set up in our great room. It contained a play structure (complete with ball pit), bubble machine, various toys, and an airplane-themed craft table (for the bigger kids to create paper airplanes and foam gliders). This set-up worked extremely well — our minor passengers were all happy and engaged, leaving our adult passengers free to drink and socialize!

Baby Play Zone!

The second center of activity was, of course, the dining room! In terms of refreshments, our first class passengers were greeted with beer, wine spritzers, soda and juice boxes, fruit kabobs, and spinach dip upon arrival.  Mid-flight, we served pulled pork sandwiches, mini-quiches, and pasta salad. Scrumptious coconut and devil’s food cupcakes were served just before landing (many thanks to my friend, Gretchen, for the awesome recipes!). Given the complete and total lack of leftovers, I am assuming everything was actually as delicious as I thought it was!

Please Drink Responsibly

Fresh Fruit Skewers

Toddler SnackMix (Cheerios, goldfish, dehydrated fruits)

Food Runway (designed by Auntie Sarah)

Coconut Cupcakes

Devil's Food Cupcakes with Fudge Icing

Ready for Takeoff

Upon departure, all of our minor passengers were invited to stop by “Baggage Claim” where they received a mini-suitcase (made by my mom) filled with a pilot rubber duckie, chocolate airplane sucker (made by me), and either toddler trail mix or a book of airplane stickers.  Each bag was tagged with a personalized luggage tag (also made by me).

Baggage Claim

Favors

Toddler Treat Bag

Some other details we used to carry through the theme included placing balloons tethered by giant suitcases in the front yard, themed signs throughout the house, and an airplane mobile in the front entryway.

Signs (Bathroom, Favor Bags, Exit, and Gift Table)

Banner (from PartyHoppers' Etsy Store)

Airplane Mobile

Overall, I could not be more pleased with and proud of the way the party turned out — everything looked and tasted great, our house was alive with laughter and good conversation, and Oliver had a complete and total blast! I really hope that one day my sweet little guy will look back at these photos (and the many hundreds more) and feel the love that surrounded him on his “special day.” 

P.S. I previously posted photos of the “boarding pass” invitations here, and photos of Oliver decimating his chocolate cake here.  Check them out!