First Birthday Fiesta!
No time to siesta (nap!) it’s time to Fiesta (party)!
With a big sister who has a November birthday, I was so, so, so excited to get to take advantage of a late spring May birthday to plan a fun, outdoor, first birthday fiesta!
We couldn’t wait to make use of our new deck and worked really hard to get it party ready in the days leading up to our celebration. As I pondered various themes for the little miss, it quickly became apparent to me, just what would be perfect for us this year.
A first birthday fiesta! With leftover Cinco De Mayo decorations, a laid back outdoor atmosphere, and lots of cheese and tacos, I knew we had our perfect party plans.
In previous years my Mom and I have put in tons of prep work into making all of the food and decorations for our parties.
And while I actually love doing that(I really do!) I opted right on out of it this year.
This year was my most laid back, less planned, easy going party that I’ve ever thrown and it was wonderful.
I had all of the food catered and we picked it up about 30 minutes before the party, I ordered a sheet cake from Wal-Mart(they toss in a free smash cake for 1st birthdays!), and tossed up a few Party City decorations.
We put out lawn games like croquet and bocce ball, turned on the Cinco De Mayo Pandora station, and we were ready to party!
Every year for Abigail’s parties, we have always planned them indoors because it is in November. And I’m pretty sure for 5 out of 5 years the weather has been warm and beautiful enough that we could have had them outside.
For Mabel’s middle of May party I was confident that the weather would be perfect. The day before her party? 80 degrees. Day of her party? High of 60. Blah! Fortunately it was sunny with little wind, so we made the party work- but man, an extra ten or fifteen degrees would have been much appreciated.
First Birthday Fiesta Food
All of the food was just perfect, though, I think their portion sizes were ENORMOUS because we had so much food leftover that we ate it the rest of the weekend AND I froze four bags of beef, rice, beans, and cheese.
Our deck being put to good use!
I had this adorable Carter’s romper picked out for Mabesy to wear but the weather tried to thwart my plans! Luckily I had this sweater and tights to help keep her warmer and she was still able to wear her original outfit.
This girl had SO much family come to celebrate her! Both sets of her grandparents, both sets of MY grandparents, two aunts, an uncle, and a great aunt too!
Also, we need to take a second to talk about this adorable Sadie Sky Boutique bow that Jess custom made and sent Mabel just for her birthday party. The bright yellow color was just perfect for her first birthday fiesta!
This girl put away a surprising amount of cake! At first she was picking off the sprinkles one by one, then she smeared a little icing, so Jim helped her out and cut it up so she could see what was inside. Once he did that? Whoa boy! She ate and ate that cake.
And somehow she miraculously didn’t get any of her clothes? Not sure how she managed that, but I was proud of her for it nonetheless.
Then it was time to open gifts! She got the best, best gifts. Gift cards, diapers, wipes, a small rocking chair, a water table, and a few small toys.
All things that will absolutely be used and were very much appreciated.
Seriously, everyone did such a great job giving her wonderful and thoughtful items.
Last year, in our small church we welcomed four brand new baby girls between May and December. So naturally we had to stick mini sombreros on their heads and celebrate together! They were too cute. Not a one of them minded. Hilarious.
Click to shop the tiny sombreros! 
Look at all of those Grandparents! From Kansas City, Phoenix, Florida, and Indiana. All to celebrate Miss Mabel!
Click to shop the tiny sombreros!
It was a most wonderful party filled with the very best things- food, friends, and family. We’re so thankful that Miss Mabel’s first birthday fiesta was such a success and we can’t wait to continue to get to utilize our backyard and deck for many, many more special celebrations to come!
Looking for more birthday party inspiration? Check out these other theme ideas!
Down On The Farm
Woodland Creatures
Need a birthday gift idea? Check out this post for First Birthday Gift Ideas!
What a fun party! I can’t believe how much food you had left over!
Mabel {Abigail, too} are such loved little ladies. The four of you are so, so blessed! It looks like all of your parents / grandparents get along really well! That is so wonderful!
LOVE the first pic of Miss Mabel! And love the party, Courtney! Happy first birthday, Mabel!
Sounds like she had a great party! I love the pictures with the smash cake 🙂 Happy Birthday, Mabel!!
Mabel in that sombrero is the cutest thing ever!!! Bummer about not having the perfect weather, but nobody seemed to mind. Happiest of birthdays Mabel!
Cute! Your deck looks so great! And I love how everything was so relaxed! 🙂
What a beautiful party! Love the theme! She looked so adorable on her big day!
How cute I love it!! With not making anything it is less stress then you don’t have to clean up from cooking love it 🙂 Happy Monday!! Chelsea @ http://thewilliamsjourney1.blogspot.com
Love the picture of her sitting in the little rocking chair. So cute! Glad you had a good time even though it was a bit chilly. Your deck looks great!
Oh my goodness, those mini sombreros are the cutest thing ever!! I die. Such a cute party theme!!
That darn weather! It was such an adorable party!
Looks like it was an awesome party! That last photo of you and your family is perfect! Love Mabel’s outfit and bow- so cute.
Oh, Mother Nature. Always got to go throwing curve balls, lol. Looks like you guys still had a great time and celebrated sweet Mabel with lots of fun and food. My kind of party:)
And two words: mini sombreros. Dead. Love that!
What a fun party! XOXO I wish it had been a bit warmer for you, though! Why does that always happen?!? I still can’t believe she’s already 1!
Awww… This party looks so precious!!! Happy birthday little Miss Mabel! <3
Such a fun little party! I love the fiesta theme idea! And goodness sakes, if Mabel isn’t the cutest in that little sombrero! How fun that so much family was able to come and celebrate her special day! You did a wonderful job with her party!
I love this theme! I bet she (and all of you) had a blast!
What a great party!! And so nice to have so much family there to celebrate! Those sombreros are perfection!
Happy Birthday Mabel! Love your party theme and your deck is perfect for entertaining! And I know exactly what you mean about the weather! Noah’s birthday is November 2nd and I never feel like I can plan something outdoors but usually it turns out to be a nice day! Oh and I love those little sombreros and your top!
Those tiny sombreros are the cutest things EVER! I fully agree about buying a cake talk about saving precious time! Love the theme and your sweater!
i am sooo glad yall were able to have great weather for a party outdoors!! that is seriously the best. i’m with you, abigail!! november birthdays! and mine is on thanksgiving half the time! let me tell you how many people don’t care about your birthday when it’s on thanksgiving… haha!!
I love the idea of a first fiesta party and I can’t even handle the cuteness of the tiny little sombreros! I totally didn’t realize Abigail was a November baby. My due date is right around her birthday – maybe they’ll end up sharing the day! 🙂
Mabel and the tiny sombrero…so freakin’ precious! Everything about this party was perfect. Love the theme!
How fun! I love the fiesta theme and the little hats are to die for! Happy first birthday to Mabel!
What a fun birthday theme!! And I get you on the November parties – we have October and November birthdays so any time we can celebrate outdoors is a must!
yay for a relaxing party! boo on the weather. i think the romper looks super cute with the tights and cardigan though. but that cake!! i want it for myself. i wish smash cakes were a thing for adults. i don’t want to smash it though, i just want a small (but also big) cake all to myself. hahahaha. those mini sombreros are adorable as well.
Those teeny sombreros! I am dying!
Looks like a great time! She’s such a cutie 🙂
Blessings,
Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.wordpress.com
How fun! Happy birthday, Mabel!