Big Family Steps: Little man's mustache bash!

Everyone always told me how time really does go by in a flash. When I was a kid, I just couldn't seem to fully grasp this. But then the elementary years flew by. Then high school and college came and again, they flew by in a flash. Next thing I know I'm married and living in a new country. It was only then that I even began getting this lesson. Then came the birth of my first child, and again friends and family told me this time will fly and I will miss it. But now, I suppose this is a lesson I will continue to expand on every day of my life. As my son has just celebrated his first birthday. And though I don't wish to go back in time (I'm liking this age so much!) there are times I can't believe this big boy is the same child I held so carefully in my arms just one year ago.
I have been looking forward to throwing my child's birthday parties long before I even had parties. I had so much fun at birthday parties when I was a kid, and I couldn't wait to share that joy to my own little one. And so, the planning began. I spent countless hours scouring the internet for creative 1st birthday party ideas. I thought of a Japanese theme (but did that for the nursery), I thought of a hungry caterpillar theme (but that's been done too many times), and finally found something that stood out to me. A barber shop. Though this theme wasn't geared toward a 1 year old, I thought it was perfect for our situation- since Zach is as bald as they get. But as I researched more and more, I found this was going to be extremely difficult for a FIRST birthday. Maybe in the future. But that's when I began brainstorming a new idea- a mustache bash with a little man spin on it. I mean it doesn't get more manly then a mustache bash with ties! And so, the planning began.
I found someone online to help me design all the favors and decorations. Thank you so much to Three Little Monkey Studios for all your help in my little man's bash! These items really set the scene for my party!

Loved these labels!

I'd love to stay and chat, but I really "must-dash"

These were supposed to be tie shaped turkey melts but they didn't work out well

I mustache you a question but I'll shave it for later

how adorable was this sign?

And so with the food prepared and decorations set, the friends began arriving!

Ready to party!

Whatcha looking at?

I had the great idea of setting up a photo booth upstairs. I've seen it done a few times before, and thought I could definitely put a "little man" spin on it. And so, I decorated the hallway with green wrapping paper and blue crepe paper and supplied props for guests to dress in. Guests were allowed to take three shots and I then would email them out. This was a huge hit and the guests had so much fun doing it!

Alicia and I

Natalie and Courtney

Emmy, London, and Joey

The Coats kids

Ben and Claire

Eric and Ashley

Jess and Claire

Steve and Louise

Courtney

My crazy husband

Yes- a photo of me!

My family

And it was time for the must fun part of a 1st birthday party- the cake! I decided to make a bunch of "mini" cakes in the shapes of mustaches and ties. I spent a LONG time trying to get these cakes to look right. It was extremely hard, and I was not happy with the result. This is why I don't bake! But thankfully, nobody seemed to care about the appearance because they tasted great, including Zach!