Taco ‘bout a Party
Tacos, beergaritas, and churro cupcakes... what more could you ask for at a first birthday party? After all, first birthday parties are more for the parents, am I right? Come take a look at Bella's birthday fiesta!
One year ago, as I anxiously awaited for my little bambina, I already (mentally) started planning her first birthday. Crazy, I know. But I was already on maternity leave and I'm not one who knows how to relax. So with my due date being May 5th- I came up with a Cinqo de Mayo theme.
My husband and I love all things Spanish inspired- the culture, the food, the drinks, the vibrant colours, the weather, and the fashion. We were recently in Southern California and began gathering items for Bella's bash.
My sister-in-law brought us to an authentic outdoor Mexican market in LA and we found so many unique goodies for the celebration; sombreros, maracas, blankets, and handmade paper flowers.
I also found some great party items locally, such as a donkey piñata, streamers, and paper fans. I found it less stressful to slowly gather items here and there, rather than rush to find everything right before the party. Planning ahead is key to pulling off a successful soiree.
My husband and I constructed the photo booth above by attaching streamers to a photo backdrop frame. It was inexpensive, relatively easy and made for a fun background for guests to take photos at, as well as for photo ops when opening gifts.
Balloon from Balloonatic
A themed table really brings the wow factor to any party. Sometimes it is difficult to know where to begin with planning an event, and I find it helps to start with the table. This is where you can come up with your colour palate and really tie everything together. I started with this gorgeous Mexican blanket (that will be repurposed for picnics this summer) and planned around it's rainbow of colours.
My (patient) husband was sweet enough to construct the backdrop for behind the table. We wrapped the base in wrapping paper, and then attached the foil balloons and paper fans.
A party is only as good as it's cake. Is that a saying, or did I just make it up? Either way, that is something that I live by ;) I love a good cake and the more over the top the better- another motto of mine. I was swooning over lavish Mexican wedding cakes on Pinterest and my talented mother-in-law was able to take the inspiration and make it her own. It was more beautiful than I could have imagined and tasted as sweet as it looked. I love that it was personalized and made with love.
The taco bar was a hit! Taco in a bag is simple, delicious and always a crowd pleaser. Guests can top their tacos as they wish and it's (hypothetically) easy to eat with one hand while running after little ones. The sugar cookies were also made and decorated by my mother-in-law and I and I'd say they turned out pretty well for our first attempt at them. The cherry beergarita and variety of Mexican beer seemed to be flowing easily... maybe because it was so hot in our house ? Note to self- turn on the air conditioning sooner next time. Sorry guys :I
After only taking a few bites of the vegan, sugar free cake smash cake we made for Bella, we decided to let her go all out with real cake for her big day. She loved it.
Mom fail- we sadly forgot to video record everyone singing" Happy Birthday" to Bella. I was so sad when I realized. No matter how much planning and organizing you do, there will always be something you forget.
A big thank you to my best friend and sister wife Desiree Martin, for helping me plan and execute the fiesta, as well as for taking all of these gorgeous photos at the party. She is my right hand girl for almost everything it seems. Contact her for your event photography, as well as everything else.
After that fiesta, mama needs a siesta!
Adios amigas!
Xo Kk
