Evie's Madeline Party {the details}!

When Evie was just a few weeks old, I learned that the little dog in the Madeline stories was named Genevieve.  Within 30 seconds I knew we had a theme for her first birthday party.  My family threw a Hungry Caterpillar baby shower for us/her, so it seemed fitting to keep with the story book theme. Anything to avoid princesses and Disney while I have the power!

I was torn between having a small little cake and ice cream gathering with a few family members, and renting out the parish hall for a full blown affair.  I settled for something in between.

Since we were still living in our apartment (and making box forts in preparation to move), my parents graciously hosted the party at their home. My mom was a tremendous help with the decorations and my dad assisted with the food. Both went above and beyond, as usual.

 INVITATIONS

In order to have our guests arrive at half-past nine, I ordered a custom version of these from Etsy.

{invitations} From executivecreations on Etsy

ENTRY WAY

The front entry way was decorated for Fall and we added a yellow hat like Madeline's, a welcome sign and some balloons.

 {Hat}  Dollar store beach hat painted yellow, black ribbon 

{Balloons} Party City

{Welcome Sign} Mom's Cricut machine, scrapbook embellishments, and icons printed off the internet.

FIRE PLACE MANTEL

For those of you who are new, I took monthly pictures of Evie.  I had the pictures printed for a birthday banner.  I also had a dozen pictures of Evie and Eric and I through out the year printed in various sizes and framed with random frames my mom had.  My mom also bought brown paper mache letters, painted them black and then decoupaged scrapbook paper over it. 

{Banner} Monthly photos of Evie on Cricut made banner, tied with satin ribbon

{Big letters and numbers} This project from Joann's

{Framed photos} Various size family photos in assorted frames 

TABLE SCAPE

I wanted the decorations to be in theme with the Madeline stories, so French, primary colors, etc.

{Eiffel Tower} Hobby Lobby?

{Candle Sticks} Family heirloom

{Flowers} Disco Kroger , Atlanta, GA

{Madeline and Genevieve Doll} Madame Alexander Dolls, gift from my grandmother

{Cake, Cake Topper, Smash Cake} Cakes by Darcy, Roswell, GA, gift from Grandma Buergler

SMALL TABLES

On all the end tables throughout the house we put more family photos, our family photo books, and assorted birthday decorations.

WELCOME TABLE

On the table in the foyer we put the guest book, a photo of Evie from the hospital, and the goodie bags. The goodie bags includes some little favors I found at Birthday Express

{Guest Book} An abridge board book of the Madeline story - with pens for everyone to sign a well wish (We did the same at our baby shower for her on a Hungry Caterpillar book).  Amazon (affiliate link)

{Frame} Kate Spade - wedding gift

{Bowl} Mom's

{Treat Bags} Madeline stickers, noise maker, tattoos, and a dog finger puppet all from Birthday Express.  I did not buy their treat bag kit. Tied with satin ribbons and a little tag that said "Merci" with a picture of Madeline and Genevieve

THE FOOD!

 I like the idea of having a short party early in the day. The kids are usually in a better mood in the morning, too. And then the adults have the rest of their day.

We served a light brunch that met the needs of our guests (a vegetarian, a gluten-free, a peanut allergy, and a severely lactose intolerant).  

Something for everyone : two types of egg stratas, biscuits and gravy, bacon, make-your-own crepes bar with tons of toppings, mini yogurt parfaits (inspiration), micro fruit salad, and toddler snacks.

THE CAKES

I don't really like cake (we had an ice cream sundae bar at our wedding), but for one of my wedding showers the hostess ordered a cake from Cakes by Darcy and Oh! My! It was a little slice of pastry heaven.  I knew I'd be ordering Evie's cake from them.  Even though Darcy does dozens of flavors and fillings, I kept with a vanilla cake with fruit filling and buttercream frosting since it was only 10:30am.  They made the topper out of fondant and food markers. Isn't it stunning? She said it'll keep for ever in a shadow box.

They also do small coordinating smash cakes for the birthday girl!

BIRTHDAY GIRL!

Mom made a precious little banner for Evie's high chair.

{high chair} antique store

{birthday bunting} cricut

{Madeline outfit} Dress, custom order on Etsy from Whimsy Ranch

{dress shoes} hand me downs from Maria

Thank you for stopping by!  It was a great day :)