Arrrrgh! Michelle from Vintage Junky just celebrated her son Jack's first birthday with a swashbuckling pirate bash! Now we're even more excited for Talk Like a Pirate Day...

We love the pirate theme! What was your inspiration?

We actually came up with the theme soon after we found out that we were having a boy. I think we both really wanted to throw a pirate party and finally had an excuse!

It seems like you were trying to be budget conscious with your decorations (dollar-aisle items from Target, barrel from an auction, etc.). Do you have any tips for saving money on decorations?

Since we came up with the theme so early, we had time to look around for the decorations at vintage stores, yard sales, etc. We also didn't want to use disposable party decorations, so we purchased items that we could use later. We made a lot of the decor ourselves as well. I purchased the plates, napkins, and treat-bucket fillers from online discount party-goods retailers.

The “X” on your mailbox is a nice alternative to balloons. Did you make it?

Yes, we made it. I didn't want to have balloons around such young kids.



The treasure-chest cake is adorable. Can you tell us a little bit about it?

It was our splurge. We contacted the lady that made our delicious wedding cake and asked her to make Jack's first birthday cake. I simply showed her a couple of photos of cakes we liked and she worked her magic. I really wanted him to have his own personal cake to smash/eat.

What other food did you serve?

We tried to have simple, fun, pirate-inspired food. We had Salty Dogs (hot dogs), mini key lime pies, Chex Mix with Goldfish added, black and red M&M's, a fruity slush in a hollowed out watermelon (the hit I think!), Pirate Punch (limeade and lemonade mixed), chips and salsa, and soft drinks.

Where did you get the idea to have guests sign the Dr. Seuss book? Is this a birthday tradition in your family?

I really wanted him to have this book because I received a copy when I was younger, and I loved it. I am always looking to start new traditions or create a memento to pass to him later. I thought of using it as a guest book on the way home from the bookstore. I thought that he will never remember his first birthday, so why not let him be able to look back on it through the eyes of his guests. And, then he will know how loved he has always been.


Thanks for sharing Jack's party with us, Michelle!

See more great birthday party ideas.