1st Birthday Party In The Making

I've been gathering inspiration for Lucy's 1st birthday party next month from all over the web, and I'm getting very excited about it! It's a "Storytime" party...you know, my take on a book theme. Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, etc. will take their moment in the rocking chair (yet to be procured from Craigslist and painted a bright color...you know, maybe) to read their favorite book out loud to the group.

I'll be reading my most absolute favoritest book ever, Zen Shorts, but the inspiration for the party comes from the cover of Zen Ties (which I also adore and highly recommend). I'm trying to get my friend Hannah to watercolor the invites for me...but she just had a baby and moved 2 weeks later with her 4 kids in tow...and it just might not happen! But we'll come up with something.

I'm going to have a brand-new copy of Zen Shorts on hand for everyone to sign for the birthday girl, and I'd love to request family-favorite books (autographed by the guests, of course) as gifts, but I don't know if that's appropriate. This wording seems non-tacky. What do you think?

We'll definitely use our collection of books to create a cute table top.

You know, like this.

The color scheme that I can't get enough of is the pale blue and red. Love love! (Obviously. I did Lucy's baby blessing luncheon in those colors. And her room. Which I never did take photos of. Hmm. Such a 4th child!)

I'm hoping to hunt down some scrapbook paper to make homemade hats like these, using Jordan's tutorial.

And use it to make paper chains to hang from the trees, too...
Because I'm all about cheap & cheerful decor, I may whip up a bunch of Jordan's paper streamers in light blue & red. Maybe hang them on the front porch, or from the trees...

I've vowed to keep the food super (super!) simple, but I'd love to incorporate book pages as food wraps, a'la this adorable superhero party.

Perhaps book-page cones for the make-your-own snack mix bar?
As for the rest of the food, I really do want to keep it very simple. I'm thinking a lemonade bar (with berries & syrups to mix in) and some beautiful cupcakes.

The top right would be my first choice, but I know I'll never pull that off.
But the top ones here might be doable. You know, with help from my clever friends! :)
And for Lucy's smash cake, I'm conflicted. I adore the look of the un-iced rainbow cake. (A big bunch o' balloons is also a yes please!)

But I'm also obsessed with the pink ribbon icing.
Favors will be very simple, too. Nose and glasses for sure. And since it's an outdoor, under the trees type party, maybe bubbles? Or big bouncy balls? Packs of sidewalk chalk? Thoughts?

I know I've shared some of these links/photos before...sorry to be redundant! :) I just wanted all my thoughts in one place.

So! Any input? It's just over a month away. I can't believe Lucy is going to be 1 so soon!