Our little man turned 1 this November! His birthday was just 3 days before the presidential election. We thought that the timing couldn’t be better for a VOTE FOR MAV themed birthday party! I absolutely love to plan parties and after our wedding, many people said that I had missed my calling…. so it was no surprise that I went all out for Maverick’s first birthday party! The custom Catherine Webster Designed invitation really set the tone for the entire day. We wanted to recreate the feel of a voting station with yard signs galore – amognst the Hillary, Trump, Vote no on 1, and yes on 2, was Mav’s very own sign! The invitation requested guests join us at “campaign headquarters” as we celebrated his first term as one year old! With a matching campaign logo, Maverick was ready to be the BEST choice for this election. We had to set some ground rules with such a heated election in the polls as people where voting that same week! Hand painted signs saying “Swing left or Swing right – on this day we unite for MAVERICK” and “Vote Here – NO POLITICS beyond this point — just party” politely reminded guests to celebrate our sweet boy and not let the theme get a heated debate going.

 

 

Like many first birthday parties, there where more adults than kids so we were sure to keep the adults entertained with beer (all red white and blue labels including an all american PBR) and champagne with fun striped straws! A photo booth station perfect for making your best Trump or Hillary impersonation complete with fun sayings like “Im moving to Canada” and “Its going to be YUGE, believe me”. Guest enjoyed getting in the spirit of the event and shared their images using Maverick’s very own hash tag #imwithmav.

 

 

 

 

There was plenty of entertainment for the littles! Games included “Pin the tail on the political party” and “Donkey Races” with the adorably popular inflatable donkeys! Party favors included goodie bags with a pair of star shaped sunglasses, bubbles, a presidential bust figurine and custom made crayons in the shape of donkeys and elephants. Even the adults joined in on the fun, racing their own donkeys to the finish line!

 

 

 

 

We decided that like any presidential candidate – we would have a custom logo made along with campaign buttons! What better way to host your pride than wearing your favorite candidates face on your shirt! Guests got to show their pride for Mav with a little keepsake button and family members wore custom vinyl printed tees by Karyn Bersch Embroidery!

 

 

 

 

Guests enjoyed some all American BBQ from Holy Hog BBQ – mac and cheese, collard greens, pulled pork, ribs, baked beans and texas toast – YuuuuMMMMMM! Every tummy was satisfied.  We didn’t forget those sweet tooths either! Like all birthday parties, there had to be a BIG CAKE! With patriotic bunting, stars and stripes, this two tiered cake adorned with a donkey, elephant and the number one was made by Leilas Cakes.  For those who don’t like cake… there was custom cookies with each candidate’s face – not one guest took a Maverick cookie, but we found plenty of Hillary and Trump cookies being consumed ;)! …and if cookies and cake didn’t hit the spot we had All American popsicles to seal the deal.  We absolutely couldn’t forget the birthday boy either, as we had a tiny buttercream smash cake just the perfect size for those tiny little fingers to smash away (courtesy of Publix bakery). The highlight of the whole day was when Mav smashed his cake and then threw his hands in the air for the whole crowd yelling “YAY” with him. He did it over and over and over again!  Absolutely PRICELESS!!!

 

 

 

 

Photos of Mavericks first year hung from twine for guests to see his exciting first year of growth! In leu of gifts, guests where asked to bring a book for the Anderson’s new little free library that is open to all who visit it…. a true memory to his great grandmother who believed every child should have books (and actually read them). He even received a few very special books appropriate for the day including the custom “Mav for president” first edition!

 

 

 

 

 

Maverick’s day was truly special! He had all his friends and baby sitters there to wish him well on this grand day! After all, he was the best candidate and certainly everyone who came voted for him!

 

Invitation/logo: Etsy – Catie Webster Design (https://www.etsy.com/shop/CatieWebsterDesign?ref=listing-shop2-all-items-count#items)

custom button: Etsy – Buttons for all (https://www.etsy.com/shop/ButtonsForAll?ref=l2-shopheader-name)

Custom shirts: Karyn Bersch Embroidery (https://www.facebook.com/karynbersch.embroidery)

Catering: Holy Hog BBQ (http://www.holyhogbbq.com)

cake: Leilas cakes (https://www.facebook.com/leilascakes/?ref=ts&fref=ts)

smash cake:Publix

cookies: Alessi’s Bakery (http://alessibakery.com)

letter candy dishes: amazon

Other signs: hand painted by mom

Pin wheel wall decor: Amazon

star sunglasses: Amazon

President figurines: Amazon

donkey/elephant crayons: Etsy- Once Upon a Crayon (https://www.etsy.com/shop/OnceUponACrayon)

photo booth props: Amazon

birthday boy’s outfit: H&M

Stars and Stripes shorts: Gap kids

custom book: “Mav for President”:  Hallmark