These are a collection of ideas that I have gathered from the net and came up with myself. These ideas are all themed in butterflies and hearts, which is what I will be using for my daughter's 1st birthday. (Please keep in mind these can be used for any age)  First thing first: make a guest list and figure about how many people will be attending. This should give you a rough idea of how much of everything you need. (Make sure and have guests rsvp so you don't get to much or to little, always expect the unexpected!!) Also make yourself a reasonable timeline. Of when to send invitations when to make the crafts when to get the food ordered and picked up or made. This helps so that you will not feel overwhelmed when it comes time to do all the fun things. If you are having a teen party it would be a great idea to let the teen and his/her best friend do most of the crafts, so that you are not so busy and so that they take pride in their party!  For the plates, cups, balloons, tablecloth, streamers, napkins, invitations, thank yous, ect.. I am going to buy these at the store. I won't have time to make them all considering the amount of things I am planning. You can easily make your own though. For the invitations get some construction paper and craft supplies and you child, as well as a huge clean area and have fun! Use your imagination. People will love the fact that they are made by mommy and the birthday girl/boy!  For thank you notes I plan on putting a picture of each person with my daughter and the gift they gave her in them. If you are not going to purchase thank you notes, you could use the picture as the cover of the card. You could also do a group photo of the kids and put it on the card.  For cups, plates, tablecloth, personalized streamers and balloons you can use a stamp and go crazy with your theme colors. Another idea is to use non-toxic marker and draw you theme all over, once again have your child help out, they will have a blast! (A very pretty idea would be to use silver and gold paint pens found at any crafting store, but make sure and keep it on the edge of the plate and on the bottom half of the cups, as I think you don't want to mix food and drink with this, also make sure it dries for at least a good 24 hours before the party) I plan on melting some chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa, then letting it cool for 2-3 minutes (this helps keep the flavor) and then drawing butterflies and hearts on the wax paper, after cooled these should easily pop off, I will then put them on the plates as decoration and on the tables scattered here and there. For the cake I plan on baking a half sheet and using buttercream which has a very smooth finish to it , here is the recipe:http://www.pastrywiz.com/wedding/wedding11.htm I also plan on buying wafer paper (also known as rice paper) butterflies to cascade of the corners of the cake.  Here is the recipe: http://www.sugarcraft.com/catalog/misc/waferpaper.htm (scroll to the bottom of the page) Unfortunatly I have no picture to show you of the finished cake. Here is a recipe to make edible sugar decorations for any theme: http://www.cakeworkscentral.com/tips-hints/sugarmolds.htm (I am sure that you can also find these items at a bakery or wedding cake store) The Cupcakes I am making are here (http://family.go.com/recipes/special/cake/cake_delight/) I also plan on purchasing a personalized cake and cutter set to use for each of her birthdays as a tradition. There is a set that oriental trading company has for $12.95. Very cheap. For the ice cream I am going to cut the solid block in slices and use a cookie cutter to cut out butterflies and hearts. I am going to string chocolate over them. And possibly use some sprinkes. I will them put them on a cookie sheet and put wax paper over them and put them back in the freezer, remember this needs to be done as quickly as possible so have all your things ready and some space cleared. For the food I plan on having sandwhiches. A popular thing to do is to cut out the middle of the sandwhich with a cookie cutter in desired shape. Instead of wasting all of the bread I am going to buy both wheat and white bread and cut out the middles and interchange them. So that there is a wheat butterfly in the white sandwhich and a white butterfly in the wheat sandwhich. I am also going to serve chips and dip. As well as some  chex mix (http://www.lowsodiumcooking.com/free/OriginalChexMix.htm) artichokes with pretzels (http://houseandhome.msn.com/food/recipes/RecipeDetail.aspx?rid=2521) fruit kabobs deviled eggs stuffed mushrooms (http://houseandhome.msn.com/food/recipes/RecipeDetail.aspx?rid=1976) chile and cheese spirals (http://houseandhome.msn.com/food/recipes/RecipeDetail.aspx?rid=501) and anything else that I can find that will be inexpensive quick to make and healthy. I plan on putting all the food on one table (covered by a tablecloth) on platters. Each platter will have the wrin dipped in water and then in sugar so it sparkles. I am going to paste small butterflies to the rims on the sugar so that it looks like they are eating. I will use a small amount of paste (elmers glue) which I should easily ba able to pull off after we are done. For the drinks, I will be serving pink lemonade and yellow lemonade since I am going for the pastel look. I will cut lemon slices and then cut small betterflies and hearts out of them and put them in the lemonade. This can also work with punch using fruits. I am going to make foam flowers (foam can be purchased at crafting stores) and punch a hole in the middle of them. I will paste them on lids which I got from McDonalds (which will fit the cups) and then put a straw through them (pastel or desired colors) and place them next to the drinks with the cups. Lids will hopefully prevent some spills. For the treats I plan on going the same on another table. I will get some tall round glass vases from walmart and line them with butterflies the same as above. So that they look like bouquets I am going to purchase some small heart and butterfly lollypops and make some(http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/12162.xml) I am going to fill a vase full of "butterfly candy" which consitists of two round hard candies glued together on their edges and a banana runt in the middle which will be atached with icing. (Make sure that these dry before sticking them in the desired container) I will serve double dipped chocolate strawberries (http://www.bhg.com/bhg/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=26426) on a platter with of course butterflies around the rims. I am going to make a bouquet of pretzel wish wands in a vase (http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/birthdaywands_08202001.xml)(make sure and click on the recipe link) as well as some birthday celebration sticks (http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/birthdaysticks_09052001.xml) I plan on making some cutout cookies (http://www.bhg.com/bhg/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=34999) Chocolate Truffle Dessert  (http://www.bhg.com/bhg/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=22606) Coffeehouse Chocolate Spoons (for the adults) (http://www.bhg.com/bhg/recipe/recipedetail.jhtml?recipeId=38902) I plan on making some large heart shaped sugar cookies and before cooking cutting a butterfly out of the middle. After cooked I will put them on wax paper and pur some chocolate in the butterfly cutout and then after drying they will come off the wax paper. For the games I will have only three of them. A variation of musical chairs. Wrap a present with several layers and play the music, have the present passed in a circle and each time the music stops the person holding the present unwarps a layer. Whoever gets to the box get the present! If having a large amount of guests use more than one gift. Have the person playing the music face the other direction so that they cannot play favorites. I am going to have two gifts for the adults (to pass at the same time) and a one for the children. I also am going to have a variation of a easter egg hunt. I am going to get a few bags of candy and glue printed butterflies to them. (colors to match theme) I am going to hide them around the yard and give each child a small butterfly net (found at the dollar store)(will also double later as a favor bag)to "catch" the butterflies with. I am going to hang some from the trees with fishing line (to get the flying/floating illusion) I am going to put them in the flowers and of course for the smaller kids I am going to lay some in the grass. I will also purchase a pinata. (which I am sure you can find instructions for making on the web)  For placecards I am going to use business cards, print the names on them and punch two holes in the top. I will wrap wider ribbon through them and make a bow. For the place card holders I am going to chop off the bottom half (wide end) of a strawberry and set it on the plate. I am going to make a small slit in the end of the top half (small end) and slide the card in. (It would probably be best to use frozen strawberries) As for favors I am going to put each different favor out in a bowl and keep the kids favors seperate from the adults. For the kids favors I am going to get plastic baggies (found almost anywhere, cheapest at the dollar store) and put matching theme colored jelly beans in one corner of them. Enough to make the platic baggie look sort of like a cone. (Kind of like a cake frosting bad but not so big) Then I will tie the baggie of using a bow of ribbon in matching colors and cut the excess of the bag off. A pencil bouquet (http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/heartybouquet_01212002.xml) remember that you can use any design on the end of the pencil. I am going to purchase personalized pencils with my daughters name and birthdate on them from Oriental Trading Co. (http://www.orientaltradingcompany.com/) Custom noisemakers purchase the long noisemakers (can be found at party supply store) and wrap in desired color construction paper. Use invisibla tape to attach. Trim off end. Wrap in same color tissue, and once again tape and trim. Then make some fring out of either the contruction paper or both. To make fringe cut about a 2" strip from the end of paper. Then cut strips (on the short side) not breaking the strip. Attach and trim. candy filled crackers (http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/newyearcrackers_08212001.xml) I am going to make bubble wands. You need to purchase cinnamon sticks (grocery store) and wire (most housing supply stores?) You need a cookie cutter in desired shape. Wrap the wire around the outside of the cookie cutter and twist the ends, then cut. Make sure the twisted end is about 1" long. Pull the wire off of the cookie cutter and insert twisted end into the cinnamon stick. (the heavier the wire the better)  For the adult favors I am going to purchase small tins (metal can usually be found at craft supply stores) and then I am going to buy some sticker paper for my computer (can be found at staples and other office supply stores and I think at walmart) I am going to print out stickers of my daughter (in black and white) that will fit on the top of the tin. After placing the sticker on the tin. I am going to put jelly beans (party colors) in the tin. I am going to wrap it with wide ribbon and tie a bow on the top. I am going to cut out a piece of white netting in a square. I am going to place a cookie cutter on the netting and fill the cookie cutter with jelly beans. I will then sinch the netting around the cookie cutter and tie with a bow. I am going to purchase large white envelopes and print off my daughters name and birthdate on them. I will then using the same method as the place cards, punch two holes in the flap of the envelope and place a burnt cd inside of all the pictures of my daughters first year. These will be great keepsakes! I am going to make candle holders (http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/tumbledcandles_08172001.xml) replacing the stars for butterflies and hearts. I am going to save and clean (remove the wapper) of my daughters baby food jars. I will then decorate them as I see willing. Once again use your imagination and include your child.  Inside of the baby food jars I am going to put "hidden messages" I will cut white paper into small hearts and butterflies (use heavier paper, but not cardstock) Using WHITE crayon write on them messages like love, peace, hope, believe and dream. Roll them up and tie them with a small ribbon. Place them in the jar. Hand out sets of small watercolors with these. Explain to them when they watercolor on one of the butterflies or hearts (or whatever) they will get a secret message. (When you use the watercolor the crayon protects the paper and the paper becomes colored but the crayon does not) You can also find a ton of things at Oreintal Trading Company for almost any theme as well as cheap streamers and curling ribbon.  For the keepsakes. I am going to have a silver pen with stand (found at wedding supply store) and I am going to tie appropriate colored ribbons on the end. I am going to have some scrapbook sheets next to the door so that when people arrive they can sign them. I am also creating a (I hope) unique time capsule. I am going to use a glass vase, once again rimmed with sugar and butterflies. I am going to purchase blank business cards. On one side of them I will print happy birtday and on another side I will print her name on the top and her birthdate on the bottom. The middle to stay blank. The guests will then write a birthday wish for her in the middle. (Something for her to read when she is 18) Place the cards next to the vase and the pen and let people write on them and drop them in the jar when they are done.  Later during the party when and if you get a chance empty the jar and place them into protective sleeve holders. I bought a planner at walmart and some of the business card holder pages for it. I emptied everything out of it and put in the card holders. Place the birthday wish cards in here and keep until your child becomes an adult. I am planning on passing the planner around so that the guests can read the wishes. I also notice that disposable cameras are popular for weddings so I thought why not do it for the birthday? I bought mesh colored bags (craft store, maybe dollar store or sew your own) and I am going to place the disposable cameras in them. I will then place them on the tables and let the guests take pictures, make sure and collect cameras before everyone leaves so no one accidently takes one. Get the film developed asap and laugh at all the fun people had. I am going to get my daughter a tiara which I am sure you can find in wedding stores or in the kids section at walmart and they have some at Oriental Trading Company. I am going to get my daughter a single rose to represent turning one (next year I will get her 2 then 3 and so on) I am going to get a gold paint pen and write a note to her on the inside of the petals. (I have no idea whether or not this will work correctly I have never done it before, so check with one before buying a dozen) I am also going to save a noisemaker and a baby jar full of sayings and other things for her.  For the decorations I have always liked the look of balloon archs. I have found the kits (without balloons) for as cheap as $6 at wedding stores. I am going to make a wire one though. I am going to unfold clothes hangers and make a "rainbow" arch out of them to the desired size. I will then put the balloons on them using tape and/or glue. This will take a while, so I am making it a week before the party to get it out of the way. Remember to store in cat and child weather and point proof area. I have been saving my daughters formula cans (we get the big ones, but any size and type of can should work) I will have my husband sand down the edges. I am going to make balloon bouquets. (I am not exactly sure how yet, but I am sure you can figure yout how) the balloons will cascade out of the can onto the table and I am going to put cardboard butterflies in them. I am going to make butterflies out of coffee filters and clothes pins (die the coffee filters desired colors and place clothespin in the middle, you can also paint the body if you want) I am going to hang them from the ceiling and from the ceiling fan. I will turn the fan on low so that they look like they are flying. I am going to use sidewalk chalk to put butterflies up the walkway and write the words butterfly and my daughter's as well. Make the butterflies random places and sizes and colors to match the theme. I am going to put bunches of balloons in the corners of the rooms with cardboard butterflies in them. Outside we have walkway lights and I am going to tie 3 or 4 balloons to each of those. I am also going to put confetti and/or glitter in some of the balloons to an add extra touch. I am also going to make about 100 stained glass butterflies (http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=tvs6934) to use as I see fit.  My daugher is going to wear a white slip dress I bought her at a second hand store a pair of butterfly wings purchased from Oriental Trading Company and her tiara.   Remember to have lots of film and lots of fun!  Thanks for your wonderful website and all the great ideas!!