ONE Big Luau First Birthday

If you checked out “An Ode To Your Last Baby,” a couple weeks ago, you know my sweet little MJ turned one. In a massive transition from sappy to happy I wanted to share some of the details of her luau first birthday party and how you can, too.

[ReviewDisclaimer]

First, let’s get past how out of hand kids’ birthday parties have become these days. Ours indeed put the “X” in “extra” but we justified it by merging MJ’s luau first birthday with an overdue housewarming in our new home—with literally any other excuse we could find to host a massive blowout. We like to party. #whateverworksmom

Anyway!

WHY A LUAU FIRST BIRTHDAY?

Hawaii holds a special place in my heart! I’ve been there a total of 4 times, with the last as a super-pregnant, toddler-toting mama about 15 months ago.

Seeing as how MJ only experienced a luau in utero, it seemed only fair to celebrate her with one in real-time. My husband came up with the idea and I enjoyed bringing all of the little details to life.

HOW DID WE DO IT?

I started sourcing all of the party gear about 3 weeks before the party. The timing couldn’t have been better. For all of my regular Target mamas, did you happen to see all of the fabulous Hawaiian themed décor in the bargain bins around mid-May? I DID!

I also couldn’t believe the wide assortment of luau-themed gear I found on Amazon—Prime no less! Between Target, Amazon, and Hobby Lobby, we were able to find most of the supplies we needed. (And no! We didn’t break the bank.)

 

DECOR

I generally love that my home is VERY neutral. But after all of the luau décor came together, I adored the color and vibrancy. UGH—why can’t farmhouse chic be tropical, Joanna?

The tropical tissue paper garland was my ultimate favorite! I wasn’t expecting it to be so high quality but it’s absolutely gorgeous. I also adored MJ’s precious pineapple romper. She received compliments on it all evening!

 | TROPICAL GARLAND / LUAU PARTY LEIS |

| ALOHA SIGN / PALM LEAVES / PALM FRONDS / GRASS CURTAIN |

| FIRST BIRTHDAY SIGN / BABY’S FIRST YEAR BOOK |

| MJ’S PINEAPPLE ROMPER / KAITLIN’S ATTIRE |

FOOD & DRINK

No luau is complete without an epic menu. To complement the traditional luau meal, we served:

• Pulled pork and King’s Hawaiian rolls
• Jasmine rice, (see this recipe for making rice for a crowd!)
• Cilantro black beans
• Fruit and cheese buffet, with marshmallow fruit dip
• Chips

We also served beer, wine, and had a mai-tai bar. (I might have mentioned earlier that we like to party.) This party was for the adults as much as the kids, but we made sure to serve non-alcoholic mai-tais as well.

There were also custom koozies. We make koozies for pretty much everything—weddings/birthdays/showers—and a luau first birthdays was no exception. You can judge us. We’ll probably make a koozie about it. 😉

 | ICE BIN |

| HULA BOTTLE SKIRTS |

| PINEAPPLE STRAWS |

| CUSTOM KOOZIES |

DESSERT

(Doesn’t dessert warrant its own category?)

We ordered our cupcakes from Publix—they’re always so delicious and reasonably priced! I especially loved the cupcake toppers that we found from both Hobby Lobby and Amazon.

BUT FOR THE REAL SHOWSTOPPER… check out this PERFECT pineapple smash cake made by my baking-extraordinaire step-mom. She also made Lils’ smash cake back in 2016, but this one offered no competition.

| PINEAPPLE CUPCAKE TOPPERS / FLAMINGO CUPCAKE TOPPERS |

(OMG, can you even handle it?)

| GRASS SKIRTS |

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

The party was such a wonderful time because we were able to celebrate with our families and friends.  Special shout-out to my Poms2Moms girls that were able to attend—I am so grateful to always celebrate the big things together, no matter the distance!

What are some of the cutest birthday parties you’ve attended or hosted? I’d love to hear about them!