Set the scene with a stylish table

Choose one area to be your design showpiece and do it up! Many people like to make the dessert or sweets table the center of attention. Label food and snacks with cute signs that match your party's theme and hang a pennant banner with your child's name or a festive message. Add fun props and accents to the table and color coordinate everything for a picture-perfect setup.

Personalize in an unexpected way

I love incorporating the child's photo as part of the party decor. These hilarious toothpicks are a fun way to celebrate how your child's face and expressions have changed over the first year! Create these yourself by printing out photos, cutting out the faces, and attaching with clear tape to toothpicks or lollipop sticks. Use them in food or as cupcake toppers!

Strike a pose

Create a fun photo booth area with props and let the kids get into character! Use large sheets of printed paper from your local craft store or drape fabric as a backdrop. Keep child-safe props in a brightly colored bucket nearby on the ground and start shooting. The silly photos will be fun to share with guests and make a great keepsake for your baby.

Dress the part

Why wait for Halloween? A birthday is a great excuse to dress in costume. Make outfits to match the party theme by creating personalized t-shirts at home. Print your artwork on iron-on transfer paper (sold in office supply stores like Staples). Just remember to print your design backwards because the art will flip when you iron it on the shirt!

Choose one thing to splurge on

Go for it! Hire an amazing baker to design your cake, rent a bounce house, or bring in a clown or singer to entertain the little ones. (For me, the splurge is always on the cake!) It's worth it in the end to have the amazing memories and photos of you and your little one enjoying the party -- priceless!

Want more design inspiration? Check out these amazing nurseries