Dear Debra,

I need some tips and ideas to celebrate by daughter's first birthday.  Amanda

Dear Amanda,

Your baby's first birthday is an important milestone and such a cause for celebration.  Here are some thoughts to help you get started.

First, time your daughter's party for when she is at her best.  Often this is about 1/2 hour after they wake up from their nap.  Plan for a window of about two hours before baby starts to be overwhelmed by all the festivities.

When thinking of a theme for your baby's first birthday party give some thought to what makes your baby light up.  Does she love teddy bears, have a favorite doll or book with pictures that she favors?

Other ideas might be a princess, ballerina or fairy party.  Or an ABC or 123 party using primary colors and building blocks with letters and numbers as centerpieces. Farm animals, Sesame Street and Winnie the Pooh are always popular.  Since your baby's party will be in the summer consider doing a water park theme.  Have a blow up pool with floating ducks, pails and shovels, water guns and bottles of bubbles.

Instead of a big birthday cake serve cupcakes - much more manageable for baby!

Create a memory book and have each guest write down their number one wish for your baby.  Add pictures from the party and save it as a keepsake for your daughter.

Here are some resources for paper goods to help with your party planning.

Best wishes for a memorable celebration.