I finally did it!

Thanks to the prodding and faith of my SIL.  I finally took the plunge and did my first (dummy) fondant cake for my adorable niece's first birthday party.  Wow that was two years in the making from the time that I attended lessons at Heny Sison which I posted here.  The reason why I have been avoiding making fondant is because it really is tedious and tiring to deal with.  But I have rediscovered the excitement of conceptualizing the design and seeing the finished product.  I definitely need more practice, but I give myself a pat on the back for finally taking the plunge.

I did the desserts buffet which consisted of Mini choc chip cookies, mallows, gummy hearts, cake pops and assorted candies.  All DIY!  Styling was by SanFo Treats. 

Dessert Buffet.

My cake pops!

I scoured for jars at home and only bought one apothecary jar.

Here is my pride and joy, hahah!  

Turning ONE

Finally, the party is over! My anxiety was heightened as the day to my son's 1st birthday celebration was nearing. I was a bit worried about two things.  First would be the attendance because the celebration coincided with the Pacquiao fight - and you know how people are during a Pacquiao fight (everyone is glued on the television, no one is out on the streets). But we are very blessed to have wonderful family and friends who prioritized the party over Manny - no vacant tables and we were full house! Those who watched the fight still made it to the party. We truly appreciate everyone for coming! It was a true test of family and friendship (those who didn't come were the usual suspects). The second reason was because it was my first shot at planning a party and I was nervous how it would turn out.  We didn't want an extravagant one with too many balloons and shows.  Our top priority was the food and out caterer (Tjioe) did not fail us.  We  received very good feedback from our guests how delicious the food was.  My FIL, who is a very picky eater also commented that the food was great.   That's was indeed a good sign, whew!


It was truly a dream come true since I have always wanted to plan a party all by myself.  I had a lot of fun planning and executing everything, even if it was a bit tiring.  Anything for my son!


The pictures below were all taken before the party.   I'll post the official photos from Ibaby once I get them.

DIY Sweets Station was a hit!  (M&Ms, Flat tops, assorted candies from S&R and Popcorn)
Eco Loot Bags in red and blue from Robinson's supermarket.
Loot bags contained a bag of sweets, oreo and M&M cookies, a bubble bottle and Toy Story toys.

Balloons by Pink and Peach Party

 Handmade Table decors to keep with the Big Top theme.
 (Popcorn Box template ordered from Michelle Bradley, Tent template from FirstPalette.com)

Kept the Kiddie Table simple with candies and a set of coloring materials to keep them busy.

Made Chocolate Cupcakes with Nutella buttercream for the Birthday boy.
DIY Big top cupcake toppers

Inside the Brown paper bag were... candies and chocolates!

Paperbags with DIY seal

Tarpaulin design ordered from Bigstock.
DIY paper lanterns

Gamebooths from Kiddie-party.com

Caterer: Tjioe (pronounced as "choo") 8546600

Balloons and Bubble show: Pink and peach party 09052930905

Venue: Valle Verde 1 clubhouse

Party planning

My husband and I were initially planning to just have a super small gathering of family and a few selected friends for our son's first birthday party mainly because we had him baptized before his first birthday ( Chinese tradition is to just have one party for the christening and 1st birthday). We were looking at having it at a Chinese restaurant, but I had reservations because the theme that I had in mind will not really jive with the ambience.  It really is pretty hard to limit the guests to just 70 especially since my husband comes from a big family.  So anyways, we decided to look for a bigger venue.  Secretly I was so ecstatic!

For the theme, I veered away from the usual party themes.  I want a unique one, hence I thought of a carnival/ big top circus theme.  I don't know why but I was so drawn to this theme when I saw a kiddie party with this theme.   Probably because it's different and I can use the colors that I  love (red and turquoise), or obsessed about!  The idea of having this theme may seem grandiose, but we are just planning to have a low key party, nothing extravagant with jugglers and stilt walkers.  It's making the decorations and desserts that I will be doing that I am excited about, and again, the COLOR!

As early as February I have already been doing my research and as early as April I have started doing some of the decorations.  I need to start early because I do not have a yaya to watch over my son (thanks to my parents, my hubby and our helper for taking turns in playing with Rocco while I do my stuff).   I never realized how helpful the internet can be!  I was able to download templates and pictures and got design inspirations. My favorite site is Etsy.com and just so love Michelle Bradley's designs. I will be posting pictures of the party next month, but here is my inspiration board.

The possibilites are endless and there were nights when I couldn't decide that the decorations will be.  I just can't wait to see the end product!