I can’t believe that I am about to write this… But Clara is one! My little girl is actually 1 year old. What just happened? More than ever, I am thinking about my mother’s words to me, when Clara was born: “Hold on to the tiny moments and cherish the little snuggles… They grow up so fast!” She was right!

We had the most wonderful weather on Clara’s birthday…Everything was just perfect!

It is no secret, that Clara is our little miracle! Frenchie and I went through some hard times trying to conceive – so when I finally became pregnant, we could hardly believe it! Clara is, what her grandfather so beautifully calls her, – a “Trésor”. She is very special to us and we all agreed, that she deserved the very best on her first birthday! Besides promising to devote the rest of our lives to providing her with unlimited love and affection, she had a fabulous garden party! Here a few glimpses of what went on this lovely sunny day in May

We are fortunate to have a rather large garden, so there was plenty of room for all the guests, that came to celebrate Clara. 

I had bought a lot of helium balloons and pom poms to decorate the garden…

Tip: We made a mistake by inflating the balloons a few days too early, so I actually had to buy more hearts and stars as some of them looked rather sad on the big day! Even though the seller said, that they could last around 10 days, they didn’t. So here is my advice: Wait until the night before to inflate the balloons

Being half French and half Danish, I had decided to decorate the delicious canapés from Ideal Party by Chef Bertrand Munier with French and Danish flags… 

We had a selection of cold, hot and sweet canapés. This is the cold version “Anna”: Open prawn with tomato mousseline, smoked salmon tartar with mascarpone and blinis, baguetine with parfait de canard and orange confit. So delicious! 

The most popular of them all, was the Plateau Gourmandise: Mini pissaladiere, mini croque camembert and mini choux gougere and chicken sweet spices

Those croque camemberts were divine – and as half of the guests were French (and know a lot about good food!), I was a bit nervous about their verdict – but everything was eaten with great pleasure! Bravo!

“No party without macarons!” That’s what I always say! And the sweet canapés delice did not disappoint! We enjoyed beautiful macarons, strawberry eclairs and lemon tarts!

Bonus-info: The canapés from Ideal Party are prepared on the same day of delivery. Ideal Party delivers fresh canapés, dinner delivery and finger food all around London. The canapés are packed in a disposable card box or on presentation slates ready to serve. (All canapés are made to order and hand delivered)

These are probably the most beautiful bespoke, handcrafted, luxury biscuits, I have seen in my entire life – and they were specially made for Clara by the very talented Zuzanna from ForestCakeCrafts 

I can’t handle the cuteness…

Garden Melamine Dinner Plate from Joules 

The whole “Under the Sea” theme was so lovely – and if you look closer, you can see, that Zuzanna made some biscuits with the letter “C” on them – as well as the number “1″! Absolutely gorgeous and such a hit amongst the guests! (Almost to pretty to eat, if you ask me…But we did – and they were so yummy)

The crown jewel of Clara’s birthday party was this stunning 2-tier Ice Cream Parlour Cake from award-winning, family-run cake maker Anges de Sucre

Anges de Sucre was founded by Londoner Reshmi Bennett. She was trained in classical French cuisine in Paris at École Grégoire Ferrandi and then worked in the depths of Paris under Michelin starred chefs before starting Anges de Sucre

Et Voila! Three layers of super moist vanilla and chocolate sponge, with vanilla Swiss Meringue buttercream in marbled ice cream hues. The Ice Cream Parlour cake is then decorated with a large “dropped ice cream” waffle cone with brownie fudge and chocolate glaze, mini ice cream “soft-serve” cones, large and mini “freakshake” style cupcakes loaded with oreo cookie crumbs, Rolos, baked buttermilk mini doughnuts, sprinkles and chocolate sauce and finished off with a swirly whirly buttercream piped cascade… Just gorgeous!

 – And if you thought, that this was it – you are wrong. Ladies and Gentlemen! May I introduce you to…

The most yummy Mille Feuilles, I have ever tasted from Orée Boulangerie: Delicious puff pastry layers made with Normandy butter and filled with crème pâtissière

Orée Boulangerie also spoiled us with the beautiful summer dessert “Lemon Yuzu Tart”: Gluten free ingredients tart case filled with lemon and yuzu curd. Finished off with italian meringue and yuzu jelly. It was so fresh and people loved it! 

Bonus-info Orée was born by the experience of founder Laurent d’Orey and the aim was to bring a taste of the boulangeries and patisseries of rural France to London, I have visited Orée many times and they offer freshly baked viennoiserie, artisan bread and fine patisserie, alongside a selection of breakfast dishes, salads and coffees, to eat-in, or takeaway. What makes Orée different from many others is that they also cater for those looking for healthier alternatives, with a unique range of gluten-free breads and cakes!

This little one was very much in love with the Mille Feuilles…

Now that is how to eat a cake!

Psstt… If you keep an eye on my Instagram, you might be the lucky winner of one of these cakes from Orée Boulangerie. Stay tuned… 

 – And then these arrived! (Picnic Water Resistant Rug from Joules!)

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this stunning bouquet of long-stemmed roses from RosesOnly ? These are the 12 long-stemmed soft pastel pink roses delivered in a signature gift box. Absolutely stunning!

The beautiful and gracious roses are grown in the Ecuadorian mountains and measure 65cm

When my mother saw them, she could hardly believe that they were real – that’s how perfect, they are!

Food, roses and sunshine! It was time for Clara to open her presents (and read the birthday cards! Did I say, that she is a very clever girl?)

The Tripp Trapp chair from Stokke was a gift, that meant a lot to me! Being Scandinavian I grew up with Stokke – and basically every child in my family has had this fantastic high chair

The Stokke Tripp Trapp chair is a classic Scandinavian design by Peter Opsvik

Bonus-info: The Tripp Trapp is an ingenious highchair that revolutionised the children’s chair category back in 1972 when it was first launched. It is designed to fit right up to the dining table, bringing baby into the heart of the family, allowing him or her to learn and develop alongside you. The intelligent, adjustable design allows freedom of movement with both depth and height adjustable seat and footplates. When adjusted correctly, the child is ensured a comfortable and ergonomic seating position at any age! As clever as it gets!

What really meant a lot to me was this very special feature! Clara’s name was engraved in the chair – just to let her know, that this chair is hers – and hers only! How cute is this? (I actually cried, when I saw it, as I didn’t know about this lovely surprise)

It was a lot of fun opening the presents…

One of the most adorable presents Clara got, was this Grey Wicker Dolls Pram from Scandiborn

The wicker toy pram is beautifully made and an absolute classic. It is actually one of those rare toys that delivers on both fronts – so fun to play with as well as fitting beautifully in with our home decor! (The pram comes complete with pillow and bedding)

A ball-pit is a must-have in a play-room! My mother gave Clara this Scandi style modern Pink Ball-Pit from Scandiborn. Isn’t it great? We love it!

Another highly popular gift was this super cute Nattou “Mia the Bunny” Rocker from Hippychick

 – and even though Clara was a bit uncertain, when trying it the first time, it didn’t take her long to fall in love with Mia the Bunny

As you can see, Mia the Bunny is still very popular and has found a happy home in Clara’s nursery

As some of you know, Clara loves books! And I love reading for her! So it was a wonderful surprise receiving a Children’s Picture Book Subscription from The National Theatre Book Shop

Each month Clara will receive a new picture book through our letterbox, wrapped in exclusive signature gift wrap, along with a personalised book mark

Bonus-info: If you love beautiful illustrations, creative plots, and cheeky rhymes, this is the gift that will keep on giving. Every month will be a surprise, with a mixture of paperbacks and the latest hardcover picture books for your little one. At checkout you will be asked to choose the date you would like the subscription to start, and The National Theatre Bookshop will send out a welcome card detailing the subscription

Is your little one having trouble falling asleep?

Then I can warmly recommend the top selling Lulla Doll from The Kid Collective

The Lulla doll is a sleep companion for preemies, babies and toddlers.

We love Lulla’s soft feel and real-life sounds of breathing and heartbeat.⁣ She basically helps Clara to stabilise her own breathing and heartbeat, resulting in longer and better quality sleep as well as added security! Perfect!

No birthday without a new teddy! And Clara was gifted with one of her favourites – Miffy! 

We already have A LOT of Miffy things, but no books – so it was lovely to get a book suitable for the occasion “Miffy’s birthday” 

Clara was also gifted with some really pretty jewellery, a keepsake and other beautiful things, that we have decided to keep private…

Frenchie and I went completely flower-power in our outfits, while Clara’s gorgeous dress is from The Baby Edit

Nothing beats the “day-after” leftovers enjoyed in peace and quiet! Sunhats, sandals, picnic-blanket and picnic ware from Joules  

Clara enjoying the sun in her super cute Felicity woven top and bloomer set from Joules

On this day a year ago, I received the best gift, I could have ever received! My beautiful baby girl was born and has blessed me ever since… We love you so much! Happy birthday, little Clara

Louise x