Simple Tips for a First Birthday Fit for Royalty

MISSION, KS--(Marketwired - Jun 25, 2014) - (Family Features) Celebrating your little one's first birthday is a special opportunity to create cherished memories. For a fresh theme idea appropriate for boys and girls alike, take a note from contemporary pop culture and plan a "royal" first birthday party for your little prince or princess.

"Having an established theme simplifies planning and makes decisions for everything from food to decor much easier," says Jenn Sbranti, entertaining expert and editor of the blog "Hostess With The Mostess."

For example, a "royal" theme that's tailored to a first birthday calls for lots of bright colors, simple shapes and age-appropriate toys. Use this to inspire regal decorations -- such as "castle turrets" made from Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack® toys topped with golden sugar cones and felt flags.

Party Planning Made Easy
Sbranti offers the following advice for throwing the perfect first birthday party fit for a future king or queen:

Activities are king. Keeping the little ones happily entertained is the key to a good time. For toddlers, designate a large, kid-proof play area to serve as the "Royal Fortress." Fill it with age appropriate Fisher-Price toys such as Baby's First Blocks, Corn Popper® and Rock-a-Stack® toys. Craft projects are another great way to continue your royal first birthday theme.

Let's eat (and smash) cake. Every party needs a cake, but a first birthday actually calls for two. You'll need one cake to serve your guests, and a smaller one for your baby to taste -- and smash. Make sure to designate an extra special (and safe) place for the royal highness to enjoy the smash cake. Add scalloped felt garland to the back of the high chair seat, and edge the tray with fringed tissue to create the "birthday throne."

Toy-inspired decor. Garlands are an easy way to transform any room into a party. The colorful plastic balls typically found in a children's ball pit can easily be pierced with a large sewing needle and strewn into colorful birthday garland that is both toy-inspired and age appropriate.

Food for little fingers. Think simple flavors garnished with fun. Use large crown shaped cookie cutters to make tot-sized "crown sandwiches." Thread cubes of fruit onto bamboo skewers and top with a star-shaped piece of watermelon to create royal "fruit scepters." You can also add fun by simply giving everyday foods creative names on display cards, such as "Your Majesty's Mac-n-Cheese" or "Regal Raspberry Yogurt."

For more inspired first birthday party ideas, visit www.fisher-price.com/myfirstbirthday.

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