Maybe it’s because Isla is our third, but we decided to forgo the traditional first birthday bash & opted for a fun family night instead. I recall talking with a stationer last year who said first birthday invitations were nearly as stressful as wedding invitations, because it’s the first big celebration after a wedding. I can’t help but think that a first birthday party is for the parents, not the birthday “girl.” At one, they become easily overwhelmed, don’t know half of the guests extremely well & are just content with eating cake. I am NOT against first birthday parties, I just didn’t feel throwing one for Isla was right for us. I hosted a 20 guest, crammed in our tiny house first birthday party for Adalyn. By the end, I was exhausted & realized I barely spent any time with her. Aniston had a joint first birthday party with Adalyn, where we invited just immediate family. Last night was just perfect – for us. We had a picnic at the park, enjoying lots of laughs & fresh air, followed by presents & a pretty little rose cake at home. Knowing that she’s our last baby, I’ve been extra sentimental & focused on spending quality time enjoying her.
I purchased a miniature cake at our local bakery, but wanted to add my own special touch to it. Don’t feel too sorry for Isla, we started the day with homemade doughnuts! In just 5 minutes from start-to-finish, Isla had a beautiful cake to celebrate with.
Supplies:
cake {purchase or get my simple tutorial to make your own}
bouquet {I used a grocery store bouquet of roses, but you can use any variety of flowers}
floral or kitchen shears
Prep your flowers. The day before, I cut the stems at an angle & put them in room temperature water to allow the roses to open.
Select your first stem, preferably the biggest/most open. Cut the stem to about 1″, at an angle. Rinse & wipe the stem since we’ll be eating this cake later 🙂
Inset the stem vertically into the cake.
Cut your next stem, leaving it long enough to carry the weight of the bud, just over an inch. Insert it at an angle.
Continue to work your way around the cake, just as you would in a bouquet, ensuring all holes are filled.
I alternated the colors some, but with a small cake, you’re bound to have a couple of the same color next to one another, just embrace it!
Using some of the greenery that comes with the bouquet, or leaves from the remaining part of the stem, snip & insert it at a sharp angle starting at the base of the middle flower. If you are doing a larger cake, do this in between each layer.
and DONE! It’s so easy, I created the cake, photographed it & entertained the girls in just 5 minutes. You cannot go wrong!
Isla’s birthday is just another way I’m trying to live big by living small. This 5 minute diy cake was a way I could make the celebration special for her without adding stress & taking time away from what’s truly important.
For more easy inspiration, follow along on Facebook & Instagram & pin with me on Pinterest!
Coordinately yours,
Julie
This is so sweet! I love your philosophy on living big by living small. It’s really these little moments that mean the most and you made it so beautiful. Happy birthday to Isla!
Thank you, Kari! I needed your sweet comment today. Have a beautiful weekend!
I am in love with this sweet little cake & that sweet little baby face. Everything about it is so lovely. I am also in love with your photography! It’s all so stunning. New to your blog & I’m in love. Where is that sweet little print from? I think I’m in need of it for our little house 🙂 xx Liz Marie
Thank you! It’s Rifle Paper Co. I’m obsessed!
Never mind.. found the print! Considering ordering it now 🙂
I love it for Spring, Summer & Fall. & replace it with a sheet of her wrapping paper for Winter.
Julie: I absolutely love your creative ideas! I have tried to many of them, they are easy and elegant! Your belief, “live big by living small” are truly words to live by: I thought spending more time with Isla than planning a huge party really showed you practice what you preach. BTW I love the framed picture behind the cake. Is that a Julie “original”?
Thank you, Dede! That’s one of the few pictures I have purchased. It’s Rifle Paper Co. It fit perfect with our kitchen, I couldn’t resist! I really appreciate your kind words!
Very pretty cake! Great, simple idea. And, happy 1st Birthday to your sweet little girl.
Hi, thank you for sharing your idea! I was wondering where I can find the frames print that is shown behind the cake? Please email me at euncoh@gmail.com if you have any idea where I can find the print! Your help is greatly appreciated!!!
It’s Rifle Paper Company. Thanks for reading!
I totally agree with you. My cousin’s kid was absolutely miserable and cranky during her 1st birthday party. She wanted her parents attention, which they certainly couldn’t give , thanks to the amount of guests there. It definitely was a party for the adults than the birthday girl. Babies definitely don’t need parties.
Your baby looks so sweet and innocent in the light green frock and so cute eating cake.
Thank you! It’s difficult to keep it in perspective, but I think we’ll continue with the same philosophy this year – just a few family members & a friend or two for the older girls.