Staci Brooks started thinking about her daughter Charlotte’s first birthday party right after she was born. Brooks’ love of throwing a great milestone birthday party quickly led to a Pinterest board full of ideas — some, admittedly, pretty over the top — for the one she planned to have for her daughter at their home two years ago.
It wasn’t until Brooks’ mom bought Charlotte a gingham dress with a ladybug on it that the perfect theme hit her: an old-fashioned picnic. The ideas of classic gingham, sunflowers, ladybugs, galvanized vases, and burlap started coming together.
With Charlotte’s birthday being in the peak of July heat, she knew she would need a covered space to throw the party. She took advantage of her garage and transformed it into an ideal picnic area. Complete with picnic tables, a ladybug photo backdrop, picnic baskets, and gingham teepees, it was the perfect picnic setting. She even had turf installed so her daughter would have a protected surface to show off her new walking skills.
Eighty of the Brooks’ closest friends and family gathered at the garage picnic to celebrate their little ladybug turning one-year-old. They enjoyed barbecue, lawn games, drew pictures of the birthday girl, and helped her blow out the candle on her sunflower cake. They couldn’t have asked for a more perfect celebration.
As for how she’ll follow up the picnic gathering for Charlotte’s other birthdays? Staci has a strategic five-year birthday party plan for her daughter. So, you can be assured she still has some tricks up her sleeve.
Want to throw your own picnic party? Check out the resources Staci used!
Photographer:
Frank Couch
Invitations and Signage:
Kathryn Sesser Dorne
Balloons:
Bags and Banners
Ant Cup Party Favors:
Southern Way
Draping, Backdrop, and Sound:
We Are Absolute Entertainment
Tables, Chairs, and Linens:
Decor to Adore
Picnic Benches and Tent:
Deborah’s Party Rentals
Teepees:
Teepee Joy