Julian's 1st Rodeo

Maybe it's because he's my first, maybe because this is my guilty pleasure, maybe a combination of BOTH, but believe it or not, I started envisioning/planning my son Julian's 1st birthday party when he was just three months old. I wanted to do something that screamed 'boy', something that didn't seem too baby-ish or too generic. As I peered through countless party sites searching for my niece's 3rd birthday party ideas, I stumbled across several generic cowboy invitations and such. I thought, 'oh em gee, this is absolutely adorable!' It was something that I could do a lot with, and the more I looked into it, I realized I could make most of the decor with just a couple of trips to my local craft and hardware stores. Granted this is only the second party I've done in which I've had full control over, so I borrowed a few ideas from others and made them my own.

We took a trip to Old Town San Diego and had my brother take his birthday pictures. For the invitations I designed a Wanted poster on Microsoft Word and added Julian's picture with the words 'Julian the Kid' below, the party information was to be in the back. I printed the invite on recycled brown paper and crumbled it. Pretty simple and still really cute!

My brother (@grafxproductions) takes all of my son's holiday pictures; he does amazing stuff! It's too bad he was out of town for Julian's  birthday party. Check out his work here.

As I  browsed through different sites in search for the perfect banner I came across this one on Etsy and immediately fell in love with it! I figured, hey I can probably make that. I rummaged through my hubby's unused boxes and got to work. It came out pretty AMAZING if I do say so myself:) 

Tables were adorned with lanterns (that I found at Ikea), recycled cans filled with yellow flowers, mason jars, aluminum pie plates, and bandannas, sheriff badges, fake moustaches, and cowboy hats for guests to wear that I got from Oriental Trading.

I thought it would be really cute to recreate a western backdrop. I made these with a few large cardboard boxes (it'd be ideal to use like an old refrigerator box or something, I had to make due with what was available lol) and some paint. I wanted them to look as authentic as I could make them...heck I even stuck "money" bags behind the bank windows! A couple of my friends also had a ball tagging western sayings inside the jailhouse walls hahaha....THESE are my pride and joy!!

I had this adorable cactus pinata custom made in Mexico--one of the perks of living just minutes from the border!

Originally I wanted to buy these already made, but everywhere I looked they were either sold out, on recall, or just too pricey. I googled hobby horses and came across this tutorial. I was amazed at how easy they were too make, I wish I would've had the time to make more of these for the kids (I only made three). Everyone loved them and even asked where I bought them!

At one time Dillard's carried ornaments for a western-themed Christmas tree. The garland was a rope with strands of red bandanna attached to it to make it seem like little lassos. I used it to spread across the porch ceiling and attached lots of pictures of Julian's first year with clothespins.

I lined the patio with several Wanted posters with pictures of all the kids that were invited, they were able to take them home as souvenirs after the party.



These were made from white card stock, I grabbed some black paint and a brush and added cow spots! I got the idea for this from Dulce Design as featured on Tip Junkie, they had absolutely darling ideas!

Birthday boy had a blast!

Hobo/goodie bags for all the kids:)

Putting this party together, although a bit stressful at times, was a blast! Guests were served barbecue chicken and St. Louis style ribs (my father-in-law makes the absolute best!) alongside potato salad and chili beans! Since my son's birthday is in August, we decided a pool party was best. The kids all had a great time, and everyone was raving about how adorable the party turned out. On to the next!