My Story: 1st Birthday Party
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! 
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!
What a great party idea!! The cake turned out great!
hahaha. dog tired. that was a good one.
i think the cake is adorable. good job! going to have to have a little party in just a couple months for shepherd.
lol. yea, I get a bit corny when I am exhausted.
what a cute idea!!
Loved the cake. Obviously your little man did too. Thanks for sharing. Great goin gal.
Awesome 1st birthday!
you did GREAT! your little guy is so adorable! =)
Most creative Mom of the year award goes to you. LOVE it!!
The cake turned out great, Tricia! Love the cake/cup cake combo.
[...] 47. Kim B 48. Chandy (Star Wars Birthday Cake) 49. Tracye 50. Alligator Cake @Kelleigh’s 51. Once A Month Mom – Go Dog Go! 52. Erin 53. erin hutchison 54. Cheapo McFrugalpants 55. Barn Cake and Animal Cupcakes (Shelly) [...]
[...] up some Paw Print Dog Treats (via Martha Stewart Living) Decorate a Go, Dog, Go Party Cake (via Once a Month Mom) Make a Pink Poodle [...]
Birthday party invitations for children can be a wonderful project for parents and children. With some of thought and creativity they can be the start of a great party. I have many examples of nice birthday party invitations for kids on my website.
Hi There! I found your blog post awhile back when I started planning my little boy’s 2nd birthday. I am going to copy your cake idea! In fact, I’m making a practice one this weekend. I have searched high and low for a pop up version of Go, dog. Go! but have been unsuccessful. Do you remember where your bought your copy?
Thanks so much!
Awesome! And unfortunately the book was a gift so I am not sure where it was purchased. I think just a Barnes and Noble. Send me a picture of the cake after the party!
Shucks! I’ve tried b&n, amazon, bam, and Random House. I am assuming Random House published the popup version, too. I am making a practice cake now. Whew….I don’t know about this cake business. Thanks for your help.
I did it! The cake turned out perfect! Thanks so much for the idea! If you will email me, I’ll send you a pic.
[...] dance on to the tunes. And balls? How can you go wrong with balls? I seriously remember that at Isaac’s first birthday party that all of the kids were tripping over each other to play with this jungle gym. And if the kids [...]
Hi! I am going to do a Go Dog Go theme for my son, but
trying to come up with a creative invitation for the party. What
did you do for the invite??
I made an evite card and used the quote about the dog party at the end. I’ll see if it kept a record to link too.