We had a lovely family gathering at the weekend for Sophie's second 1st birthday party. The birthday girl was very happy and good the whole time, though I think she was a little overwhelmed by all the attention. She certainly slept well that night!
Having two birthday parties was a necessity for us, as our home is not large enough for a lot of people, and I didn't want to miss out on celebrating with the friends that Sophie and I have made this year. The first birthday party involved babies crawling everywhere; the second was a bit more sophisticated! We had afternoon tea with champagne. The room was decorated with bunting and there was a lot of buttercream!
Sophie's first birthday afternoon tea party
Finger sandwiches
Birthday cake
Rose macarons
Scones, clotted cream and jam
Chocolate cupcakes
Fruit and crisps
The birthday cake was an iced lemon madeira sponge, and in keeping with the bunting theme I decorated with little sugar flags, and some simple sugar flowers. I made the cake in advance and froze it, iced it two days before and decorated it the evening before. It worked well! I was really pleased with how the cake turned out.
My macarons were flavoured with rose water and rose extract. I had to add way more than the recipe asked for to get the floral flavour. I'm still practising my macaron technique. I saw some on the Great British Bake Off the day after and felt how inferior mine were! They tasted good though.
I didn't take many photos at the party because I was busy encouraging everyone to eat (the British can be so reticent about going up to a buffet, even when they're hungry!) and enjoying the champagne. And admiring my little girl. She's grown up so fast.
Congratulations Sophie on turning one. Thank you for all that you are. We love you and we are so proud and thankful to be your parents.
