L.B.
You can get ideas for themes and whatever supply you need from:
http://www.1stwishes.com/
or - http://www.birthdayexpress.com/
I used them for my son's B-day and was really happy about the supply.
This may seem a bit early, but my daughter will be turning one this summer. Specifically, she'll be turning 1 on july 6, two days after independence day,and as this is my first child, I'm not sure how to go about planning her party. I've decided to have it the weekend after the 4th so as not to coincide with a popular summer holiday, I just need some ideas about how it should be planned. Any suggestions for a location in the brooklyn area? I'd also like suggestions for a menu, a theme (I'm going to have a companion cake made for her so she can smush it!!!), and anything else anyone thinks I should know. Thanks in advance for your help!
You can get ideas for themes and whatever supply you need from:
http://www.1stwishes.com/
or - http://www.birthdayexpress.com/
I used them for my son's B-day and was really happy about the supply.
Can't help you with location info cause I live in TX, but the first b-day party is for family, not for the kid. They don't know what's going on, so plan for the comfort of yourself, family, etc. and enjoy. You could even just have a cupcake for her - my son loves cupcakes, and the mess is more manageable. Enjoy!
For my son's 1st, I had a frog theme (not that he really cared). I agree that it's for family only. Only 3 other kids came, ranging from 3-7yrs old. I gave them one game to play, where they had to go on an Easter-Egg-Type hunt, looking for frogs. There was adult cake and cupcakes for the kids with a frog on top of each one. With a few adults and just a few kids it was not so overwhelming for my son. There were just a few presents to open too, so again, not so overwhelming.
At this age, your daugter probably doesn't care what theme, so come up with either something that she'll probably never choose herself (hawaiian t-shirt) or something very simple that doesn't require much work on your part.
On the table that had the cake and food I made a tablecloth and ironed on photos of our daughter through the year. It took a long time to do so if you start today!:) We had ours at my mother in laws and invited the family and friends. She had a really cute dress on and played with her cousins and friends. It was also in july and we catered portillos in our area. Disney has a great magazine you can purchase with more ideas. Does she have a favorite character? Our daughter didn't get into characters until 1 1/2 and she loves Curious george. Just make it simple so you can sit back and enjoy the day!