Our nugget turned ONE this past weekend and in honor of such a momentous occasion, we threw her a Winter Onederland Owl themed party complete with confetti filled balloons, homemade buttermilk biscuits, and SNOW ... lots of snow.

E loves owls. You can hear her on the monitor waking up from her naps, "whooooo, whooooo," pointing to the owls that sit atop her bookshelf. So, it wasn't difficult to decide on a theme for her first party! For her invitations, I watercolored an owl with a crown just like the one that sits on her bookshelf. Calligraphy by Abigail T. Calligraphy. 

I think that this is the owl that started it all (a gift from her Meme). Somewhere along the way we gave him a crown and he's been king of the nursery (and now the party) ever since.

We filled our little house to the brim with all things owls and all things winter. Owl feathers dipped in glitter and snow ball garlands lined the mantel where her daddy built a roaring fire. We actually ordered a snow-making machine in hopes of filling our front yard with snow for the party. God took care of that one for us by making His own winter wonderland. :)

On the invitations I asked guests to bring books to be donated to a local school in lieu of gifts. I made little owl bookmarks to include in the books when they're donated.

I perched E's collection of owls everywhere, including one that built a nest in our chandelier!

Brunch time on a Saturday meant the perfect time for a Southern biscuit bar and our fave Five Daughter's Bakery 100 Layer Donuts. We set up a table in front of a mural of our two dogs that also hung at our wedding (painting by Beth Affolter). E couldn't stop pointing at them "wooooof!". She's good at animal noises ...

Coming in from the snow, everyone was ready for a warm cups of apple cider and hot tea.

The kids (and kids at heart) enjoyed chocolate milk and apple juice in these Ball jars turned sippy cups.

There were adorable hats for all but I think my sister (the good sport she is) and I ended up being the only ones wearing them.

I had a banner made for the front of her high chair (that was her daddy's when he was little). I made a "healthy" (sugar free, egg free, dairy free, nut free) banana cake for her smash cake which she neither smashed nor would eat. haha! Sugar next year E ... I promise!

E had the best time walking from grandparent to grandparent, arms raised, asking to be picked up. It was a room full of all her favorite people ... and she was beaming from ear to ear.

Each child guest left with their very own Jelly Cat owl (E's favorite stuffed animals). They were all perched in a tree by the door waiting for their new homes.

I have to say it was one of the best weekends I can ever remember. Jacobs was stuck home from work, we baked and cooked and played in the snow. Our friends and family braved the elements to help celebrate our precious daughter who couldn't stop giving me kisses once everyone had headed home. I couldn't be more thankful for our precious E Bear and our amazing little life. You might also like:Gingerbread Party featured on Draper JamesFairytale Fern and White Linen Luncheon for The Scout GuideTea Party: If Teacups Could TalkBackyard Movie Night featured on Draper James