First Birthday Party

My daughter's first birthday was over a month ago, but I still wanted to post about it. I love looking at party blogs, but sometimes all they serve is sugar...cake, cookies, candy, frosted marshmallows. It all looks beautiful, but is too much. You don't have to give up the sweets, I'm not that crazy. Although, I did hear of some parents who gave their kid a block of cheese instead of cake...interesting. Anyway, serve one favorite treat and make sure there are some fresh fruits and veggies to snack on. I love to bake, so I make sure I use good quality ingredients. I stay away from boxed mixes that contain preservatives and such. When I am serving a group of people it can be hard {budget wise} to feed them foods that I typically recommend. I just pick and choose what is most important, bake from scratch, ask for help, and make reasonable portions.

We had a baby farm animal theme. I made a cow print cake for the birthday girl and...

marble cupcakes which was perfect, I didn't need to use artificial food coloring.

I ordered these cute cupcake toppers from {here.}

I was dead set on making pigs in a blanket, probably one of the most unhealthy things you can make. But, I couldn't think of anything that better suited my theme. I made due. I wanted to get hot dogs from Whole Foods, but that was too pricy. So, I bought turkey dogs and cut them into thirds, making them the perfect portion. Instead of croissant dough I used puff pastry dough which doesn't contain partially hydrogenated oils.

My mother and mother-in-law brought the veggies and strawberries.

We also served hormone-free chocolate milk.

I had to have pink paper straws.

As a "thank-moo" the kids could make their own snack mix or "little chickie feed" with pretzels, raisins, Annie's Cheddar Bunnies, Back to Nature Madagascar Vanilla mini cookies, etc.

Overall, I think it was a success!

What are your favorite {healthy and budget-friendly} ways to entertain?