Party Theme

• Make your little girl's first birthday party extra special by giving it a theme. A princess theme is not only girlie, it will give her the opportunity to wear a crown for a day. You can even convert her highchair into a throne. Other girlie themes include angels, fairies and pretty in pink. Alternatively, because it is her first birthday, give her a party with a No. 1 theme. Banners, balloons, napkins, plates and cups can all have the number 1 on them. If she is a young animal lover, try a theme with zoo or barnyard animals. If she has a favorite cartoon or storybook character, you can design the party around them.
  
  

Party Decorations

• Every birthday party should have balloons; big No. 1-shaped balloons will highlight your little girl's milestone. Homemade banners, if you have time, mean you can personalize them with "Happy First Birthday!" and your little girl's name. Highchair kits allow you to decorate your child's highchair with appropriately sized banners and streamers. The kits usually come with a mat for the chair to sit on and a party hat for the birthday girl. These kits come in a whole host of themes, including first birthday. Consider getting an empty piñata and stuffing it yourself with small age-appropriate toys and treats. Decorate the venue with pictures of your little girl to highlight her first year.
  
  

Party Food

• You need to be extra careful when serving food at a party where young children are attending. It is a good idea to ask parents to make a note on the RSVP part of the invitation of any dietary needs or allergies their child may have. Basic finger foods such as sandwiches, and raw vegetables are good options. Personalized first birthday cookies and cupcakes will be just the right size for a small child to feed themselves. Your little girl's birthday cake can either fit in with the party's theme, or make a large No. 1-shaped cake and ice her name onto it.
  
  

Activities

• Although the birthday girl and her party guests are only young, there is a variety of party activities you can do to keep them entertained. Sit the children on the floor, with parents to supervise and encourage them to roll a ball to each other as music plays. When the music stops, whoever has the ball wins a prize. Alternatively, you can have story time, with either you or another adult reading the birthday girl's favorite story. A nursery rhyme singsong is another activity that should be a hit with the birthday girl and her guests. Give each child a party bag, personalized with her name and a No. 1, containing a piece of cake, small toy and edible treat.