We threw the most joyful first birthday for Arlo with a colorful “To Infinity and Beyond” theme inspired by his favorite party trick and our love of Pixar. Since we never had a baby shower or sip & see, we decided to go big: family and friends flew in, and we celebrated with an abundance of planets, rockets, rainbows, clouds and bright colors—everything that felt like him. It ended up being the happiest, most relaxed party I’ve ever planned because so many people helped bring it to life.
We moved the party from our unfinished backyard to The Coop Los Angeles, a kids’ play and event space with a ball pit, bounce house, toys and a pretty party area. It was the best decision: the venue team handled logistics, the built-in entertainment kept kids busy, and I only had to worry about decorating.
Balloons were a major focal point. I collaborated with the team at Bonjour Fete to create a balloon rainbow, a rocket ship, and a colorful “To Infinity And Beyond” phrase. Their installation elevated the whole space and made the theme feel magical.
Desserts were extraordinary. Alana Jones Mann made a diptych rainbow shag cake inspired by Arlo’s wall hanging and a blue-sky smash cake just for him. I added a DIY rocket ship candle, and there’s a plan to share a tutorial for that soon. Theresa Rountree created adorable rocketship cupcakes that were a hit with the kids. With three cakes and themed cupcakes, the dessert table matched the party’s colorful energy.
We created a simple guest book by buying a Toy Story coffee table book and inviting guests to leave notes on any page. It’s a sweet keepsake that can live on our coffee table until Arlo is old enough to enjoy it.
The rocket decorations were painted wooden birdhouses, and yes—there were tacos, because we didn’t eat dessert only. For favors, adults received custom boxes of star gummies and kids could “adopt a planet” by choosing a giant play ball from a rocket-shaped playhouse. That moment—opening the rocket and letting balls roll out—was so much fun for the kids.
In lieu of gifts, guests were asked to bring books for donation—something we plan to keep doing for future birthdays. Pro party tip: get a giant sign with your baby’s face on it. It made Arlo beam and gave us non-stop smiles and photos.
For decorations above the high chair, I DIY’d planets using smooth foam balls and craft wreaths: paint, dry, and secure together with bamboo skewers and fishing line for hanging. We also wore simple rocket pins and scattered small space-themed details throughout the venue.
Outfits were special too: I designed Arlo’s onesie (it will be available in our shop soon) and he wore a beautiful embroidered jacket by Daily Disco. Jeff and I spent the party admiring the jacket’s craftsmanship.
Photos by Mary Costa
Thank you, Mary, for capturing these moments so perfectly.
Party sources and credits
Venue: The Coop Los Angeles
Balloon installations and partyware: Bonjour Fete
Cakes and cloud/rainbow cakes: Alana Jones Mann
Rocketship cupcakes: Theresa Rountree
Favors: Sugarfina star gummies and adopt-a-planet play balls
DIY planet supplies: craft store foam balls and wreaths
On Arlo: custom onesie (coming soon) and jacket by Daily Disco
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who helped bring Arlo’s birthday to life. Working with friends and talented makers made this celebration so meaningful. We still can’t believe we have a one-year-old—thank you to everyone who celebrated with us and shared the love. He can’t say it yet, so I’ll thank you for him: you all are the best.
*Some items were graciously gifted; all opinions are my own.