How darling is a butterfly birthday party theme? Emily K. of Emily K Paperie shared her daughter Liesl’s 1st birthday to show you, and it certainly one to see! Full of whimsical hanging butterflies, charming pink hues, and garden touches, we are in love with this sweet party.

“Ever since little Liesl was born a year ago, I think I was already secretly planning her 1st birthday party ;) The butterfly garden theme was born out of her love of a butterfly mobile that hangs above her crib. From a very early age, she would point to the mobile when we said “butterfly”. I knew this HAD to be the theme for her 1st party.” – Emily Klaparda (Birthday Girl’s Mom)

All of the paper details were created by Emily herself. She said, “ I had so much fun creating Liesl’s 1st birthday party! I’m a graphic designer as well as a mom, so I was excited for the chance to use my trade in creating a wonderful party for her!”

COLOR SCHEME: Pastels – Mostly Pink and Mint, with hints of lavender and yellow.

FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP:
JoAnn’s, Michael’s: (all the butterflies, moss, papers)
Party City: (paper lanterns, plates/napkins/silverware)
HomeGoods: (serving trays/platters)
Target: (cupcake stands, tiered silver platters)
Etsy: (Lori’s Place – custom butterfly and #1 cookies)

Emily’s DIY Projects: invitations, pennant banners, high chair banner, table tents with food names, floral centerpieces and all table decor, front door wreath

Emily’s Favorite Details:

1. CENTERPIECES – these truly were a labor of love. I went with a friend of mine to the flower mart in downtown LA to purchase all the flowers, wet foam, and vases, and assembled each centerpiece myself. My car was completely full of hydrangeas, carnations, and roses, I could barely see to drive home! I saved so much money by doing them myself – each table’s centerpiece cost me about $40! I received a ton of compliments on them, with guests asking who made our centerpieces. “Me!” I replied!

2. BUTTERFLY PAPER LANTERNS - I bought these on a whim at Party City a few months before, not quite sure if or how I would even incorporate them. It was a last minute decision to hang them from the ceiling around the buffet table, and I attached a bunch of butterflies to them. I really liked the ethereal quality they added to the room.

PLAN YOUR OWN BIRTHDAY GARDEN PARTY

“Planning a butterfly garden party in the spring time (near the Easter holiday) was oh-so fun, but also a little dangerous! Everywhere I went, I saw butterflies! I really had to resist the temptation to buy EVERYTHING I saw at Michaels, Party City, JoAnn’s, etc. My best tip is to start early – plan ahead! I slowly purchased the items for my party for about 4 months. If I saw something I thought could work, I would buy it and add it to my stash. Be patient – you will find good stuff! I also looked to Etsy for inspiration, and then ended up creating many of the things myself and tweaking them so they were perfect!” – Emily K.

VENDORS + CREDITS

Photos: Noel Bass Photography and Emily Klaparda
Sprinkles Cupcakes – Cupcakes
Whole Foods Market – Catering
Butterfly and #1 Cookies: Lori’s Place on Etsy
Centerpieces and Table Decor: Emily Klaparda
Graphic Paper Items, Banners, & Invitations: Emily K Paperie