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🎈 Pittsburgh First Birthday Party Checklist

  • Writer: Ken Weimer
    Ken Weimer
  • Jan 20
  • 3 min read

A simple, stress-free guide for planning the perfect 1st birthday


Your baby’s first birthday is a HUGE milestone.

It’s the moment you celebrate surviving sleepless nights, first steps, and an entire year of memories. For many Pittsburgh parents, a first birthday party is more than just cake and balloons—it’s a chance to gather family and friends and celebrate together.

But planning a 1st birthday party can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we created this easy Pittsburgh First Birthday Party Checklist to help local families stay organized and stress-free.


6–8 Weeks Before the Party


✔ Choose a Date and Location

Most first birthday parties in the Pittsburgh area happen:

  • At home

  • In the backyard

  • At a local park

  • At a community hall

Backyard parties are especially popular in the South Hills because they’re relaxed, affordable, and perfect for kids.


✔ Create a Guest List

Think about who you want to invite:

  • Family

  • Close friends

  • Godparents

  • Neighbors

  • Other kids and parents

Having a rough headcount early makes everything else easier—especially when planning tables and chairs.


✔ Pick a Theme

Some fun Pittsburgh-favorite themes include:

  • “One-derful Year”

  • Sports themes (Pirates, Penguins, Steelers!)

  • Jungle or Safari

  • Mickey or Minnie

  • “Rookie of the Year” baseball theme

Your theme will help guide decorations, cake design, and party colors.


4–6 Weeks Before the Party

✔ Reserve Tables, Chairs, and Party Rentals

This is where we come in!

For most first birthday parties, families typically need:

  • 6 ft or 8 ft tables for food and seating

  • White folding chairs for guests

  • Black or white linens to dress everything up

  • A 10’x10’ canopy tent in case of sun or rain

In Pittsburgh, weather can change fast—so having a tent over the food area is always a smart move.

A simple setup might look like:

  • 3–4 tables

  • 20–30 chairs

  • 2 canopy tents

  • A cornhole set for older kids and adults

Booking rentals early ensures you get what you need on your preferred date.


✔ Send Invitations

Whether you use paper invites or online tools like Evite, aim to send invitations about a month in advance.

Be sure to include:

  • Date and time

  • Address

  • RSVP info

  • Parking instructions (important for Pittsburgh neighborhoods!)


2–3 Weeks Before the Party

✔ Plan the Menu

Popular first birthday party foods include:

  • Pizza

  • Sandwich trays

  • Fruit and veggie platters

  • Snacks and finger foods

Using a few 6-foot tables as dedicated food and drink stations keeps everything organized and easy to reach.


✔ Think About Entertainment

First birthdays are as much for the adults as the kids!

Fun ideas include:

  • A small play area for toddlers

  • Bubble machines

  • Music playlists

  • Our cornhole sets for older kids and grown-ups

And for evening parties, an outdoor movie screen setup can be a fun way to wind down the day.


1 Week Before the Party


✔ Confirm Your Rentals

Double-check your order with Ken’s Party Rentals:

  • Tables

  • Chairs

  • Linens

  • Tent

  • Games

We deliver all over Pittsburgh and the South Hills, so everything arrives clean and ready to use.


✔ Plan Your Party Layout

Think through where everything will go:

  • Tent over the food tables

  • Seating area for guests

  • Gift table

  • Cake table

  • Space for kids to play

Having a simple layout plan makes party day MUCH smoother.


Day Before the Party


✔ Set Up Early

One of the best parts about renting equipment is being able to set up ahead of time.

  • Put out tables and chairs

  • Add linens

  • Decorate

  • Set up the canopy tent

This way you can actually enjoy the big day instead of scrambling.


Party Day!

Relax and enjoy celebrating your little one!

With the right planning—and the right rentals—your first birthday party can be fun, organized, and totally stress-free.

Let Ken’s Party Rentals Help Make It Easy

At Ken’s Party Rentals, we love helping Pittsburgh families celebrate special moments like first birthdays.

We offer everything you need for a perfect party, including:

  • 10’x10’ canopy tents

  • 6 ft and 8 ft tables

  • White folding chairs

  • Black and white linens

  • Cornhole sets

  • Outdoor movie screen and projector setups

We proudly serve:

  • Scott Township

  • Mt. Lebanon

  • Bethel Park

  • Upper St. Clair

  • Carnegie

  • Bridgeville

  • Greentree

  • And all surrounding Pittsburgh communities


Ready to Plan Your Baby’s Big Day?

Let us handle the tables, chairs, and tents so you can focus on what matters—celebrating your child’s first year!

📞 Call or text: (412) 667-2329🌐 Website: kenspartyrentals.com

Ken’s Party Rentals – Your party, our priority!

 
 
 

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