baby-food

My Story: 1st Birthday Party

Posted by tricia on 08.25.09 | 11 Comments Short Link: http://onceamonthmom.com/?p=3294  Print This Post

Several weeks ago I asked you about birthday parties. I asked, among many reasons, because I had a first birthday party coming up and this is a whole new ball game for us. Your comments were very helpful.

I decided on a theme, just because that is how I am, but decided not to go crazy. We decided on a Go, Dog. Go! theme because my son is really in to animals, dogs especially. It has also been his favorite book (at least the pop up version). He can sit and play with that book for quite a length of time.

So we sent the invite to family and friends and begin planning. I dreamed up a cake idea in my head after someone asked if we were having a party in a tree (see Go, Dog! Go!). I thought that would be tough but perhaps I could make a cake that would symbolize that? (I don’t know about you but I am one of those people that has these great ideas and visions but has a really hard time making them come to life. So I was a little worried). I also decided to not go crazy with decorations but did purchase some “dog” napkins. I found a large dog bowl at the dollar store and made puppy chow for the table as well. That was fun!

I was worried about the cake because I needed to make it before the big day but didn’t have any where to store it because my refrigerator is packed because the next day I was doing my August OAMM cooking (yes, I am certifiably crazy). So what to do? I did some research and found that many bakers freeze the cakes for 4-24 hours before working with them so that they aren’t crumbly and cut easier. BINGO! That is perfect for me.

So I baked the trunk (a chocolate cake) and the leaves (white cupcakes) and froze them. The morning of the party I got them out, and transferred the cake to a cookie sheet, cut it, and placed in on my foil covered cardboard. I placed the cupcakes where I wanted them. I then added whipped cream frosting, tinted green, to the top and added a few sprinkles. Next was the dogs. PERFECT! That never happens for me. But this is exactly what I was hoping for.

For my little guy, I made a sugarless cake. I still added the whipped cream icing because it just didn’t seem fun without it. It was loads of fun and the party was a huge success. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to bed. I am dog tired!