K.T.
Everyone in my family makes reservations at children's playplaces to have huge birthday parties with so many people that you can't even say a simple "hi" to all of them, but for my sons 2nd birthday, it was just him & me. We played outside, he wore a birthday hat around the house, we blew bubbles, ate cake, he opened three small presents from me, and we watched a movie together. It was a great night. We both had fun...much much more fun than we would have had at a party with a ton of people. I know many people feel there is some obligation to invite all of the relatives to birthdays, but to me the huge parties are not fun at all and certainly aren't special or memorable. For a young child, it's a lot of pressure to look and act perfect in front of everyone and it's overwhelming especially for a baby or toddler. Plus, they don't need the boatloads of toys that these huge parties produce. I'll have a big party probably a few times as my son grows up, but certainly not every year.
So I say, since he will only be turning one.... take him on a walk, or to an aquarium [my son was mesmerized by all of the fish at that age], or maybe to a park to sit in a swing for a little bit, ...whatever he enjoys the most...and then go home! Don't feel bad for making your sons birthday something special FOR HIM.