Looking for Alice in Wonderland birthday party ideas that feel whimsical, elevated, and totally unforgettable? This wildly creative first birthday party theme for girls—dreamed up and captured by our talented Guide member and mama Nicole of Nicole Colwell Design & Co—is proof that when it comes to celebrating your little one, more magic is more.
Welcome to Ella in Onderland, a bold and beautiful take on an Alice in Wonderland first birthday party, complete with flying books, giant florals, “Eat Me” sweets, and a Mad Hatter tea party designed just for kids.
If you’re searching for:
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Alice in Wonderland birthday party decor
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First birthday themes for girls
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Mad Hatter tea party birthday
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Whimsical kids party ideas
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Over the top first birthday party inspiration
You’re in the right place.
The Vision: A Whimsical Alice in Wonderland First Birthday
Inspired by the animated classic Alice in Wonderland, Nicole designed Ella’s first birthday as a fully immersive Mad Hatter tea party.
From giant playing cards to ironic singing flowers, bread butterflies, and croquet lawns, every detail embraced the wonderfully “wonky” spirit of Wonderland. The design leaned into bold, unexpected color combinations—bright pinks, reds, blues, and yellows layered together in a way that felt chaotic in theory but magical in execution.
Because as the signage reminded guests: “We’re all mad here.”
Statement Moments: The Decor That Made It Mad
This wasn’t just a themed party—it was an experience.
The Arbor Installation
An arbor suspended above the main table held flying books and teacups, creating the illusion of floating magic overhead.
Giant Florals + Mushrooms
Oversized flowers and whimsical mushrooms anchored the space, echoing Wonderland’s surreal scale.
Giant Playing Cards
Dramatic, oversized playing cards stood guard like the Queen of Hearts’ soldiers.
Topsy Turvy Cake Cart
A tea cart displayed a turning birthday cake alongside real topiary roses painted red—a playful nod to the story’s most iconic scene.
Signage included:
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“A Very Merry Unbirthday”
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“We’re All Mad Here”
The overall vibe? Eccentric, immersive, and beautifully over the top—exactly what parents search for when planning a luxury first birthday party.
Custom Details Parents Will Love
If you’re Googling custom first birthday party ideas, this is where it gets good.
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Handmade butterfly escort cards with each guest’s name in calligraphy
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Personalized stationery and signage
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Floral plates and teacups woven into real arrangements
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Confetti-flavored birthday cake
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Personalized mini cakes for each guest
The dessert table featured:
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Playing card Rice Krispie treats
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“Eat Me” macarons
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Mushroom macarons
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Personalized cookies
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Cake pops
This is how you elevate a dessert table for a first birthday party into something editorial-worthy.
Kids Activities: A Wonderland Experience
Parents searching for interactive birthday party ideas for toddlers—take note.
Activities included:
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A white bounce house with ball pit
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Pin the Tail on the Cheshire Cat
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Croquet
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A fully styled kids’ tea party play station with pretend food, tea cart, and birthday cake
One of the sweetest moments? The kids arguing over who got to “serve” tea.
Favorite Moments from the Day
Nicole shared that her favorite part was watching her vision come to life—seeing something that lived in her imagination transform into a real, joy-filled celebration for her daughter.
And of course, Ella’s first bite of cake.
Because first birthdays aren’t just about the theme—they’re about the memory.
Food & Drinks: Playful but Practical
While the decor leaned maximalist, the food stayed parent-friendly:
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Pizza for easy crowd-pleasing
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“Drink Me” bottles kids filled with punch
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Honey favors from the family honey farm labeled “Eat Me”
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Floral seed packets labeled “Grow Me”
These thoughtful favors double as DIY birthday party favor ideas parents can actually recreate
Planning Tips for an Over-the-Top First Birthday Party
If you’re planning a first birthday and wondering whether it’s “too much,” Nicole’s advice is simple:
Make it personal.
Make it meaningful.
Make it magical.
“They aren’t little for long.”
Whether you’re planning an Alice in Wonderland birthday party, a Mad Hatter tea party, or any whimsical first birthday theme, remember: celebrating your child in a way that feels special to you is never silly.
It’s Wonderland. Go bonkers.
Venue: The Ivy Rose Barn | Planning & Design: Nicole Colwell Design & Co | Photography: Nicole Colwell Photography | Rentals: The Heirloom Collection | Florals: Grace and Greenery | Cake: Blush Baking Co | Cookies: Nat Sweets | Stationery: Epoch Design
