One Love First Birthday

The "One Love" Jamaican theme is great for a boy or girl. From red, green and yellow tie dyed tablecloths to musical gift bags, this theme has something for everyone. Nothing could be more laid back for a birthday party than a day full of reggae.

Reggae culture and music caters to the party crowd. The smooth, laid back vibe of reggae music complements most social settings and gives people the image of the Caribbean Islands. Choose reggae and steel drum band music as the soundtrack for your party. Include reggae idols Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff. Add ska's Desmond Dekker and Toots and the Maytals. Round out the sounds with some rocksteady , Delroy Wilson and Bob Andy.

Here are a few more ideas to add to your party to give your guests an authentic reggae experience.

Decor: Reggae culture has a definitive color scheme: red, yellow and green with black accents. So, at your next reggae party, you do not need to worry about choosing a color scheme for your decor; it is already chosen for you. Decorate with flags, napkins, plates, forks and streamers that come in the solid reggae colors. also, thatched huts and even some sand will give your guests an authentic island experience. Purchase inflatable plastic or cardboard palm trees and place throughout the party venue. Place green and yellow table cloths on the tables. Make tropical centerpieces by filling wooden or glass bowls with tropical fruits such as pineapples, mangoes and bananas. Scatter seashells around the tables.

Food & Drink: Make Caribbean appetizers such as festival (fried cornbread), fried plantains and rice and peas. Serve raisin rum cake, mango ice cream or sweet potato pone for dessert. Sweet potato pone is a sweet bread made with sweet potatoes, milk, coconut and raisins. Serve tropical drinks such as coconut water, or Jamaican fruit punch. Jamaican fruit punch ingredients include Jamaican strawberry syrup, orange, grapefruit and grape juices and sliced fruit.  Many cities have Jamaican restaurants that cater. Provide trays of fresh tropical fruits. Top off the birthday with a pineapple upside down birthday cake.

Activities: Can be centered around water play - so provide water guns for the kids, a water table, and if possible a pool. Consider setting up a "Lively Up Yourself" photo booth. It's always fun to include props in a photobooth. Think baby sized dreads, a rasta beanie, sunglasses, and a Jamaican drum. You can use Jamaican flags for the backdrop.

Party Favors: Send your guests home with a small, tropical-colored, gift bag containing a bottle of sunscreen, some seashells, or even a bottle of Caribbean hot sauce. Another fun idea is to send them home with a nice pair of sunglasses or a great new pair of flip flops to relax in. If you handed out shell necklaces when guests arrived, allow them to take those necklaces home as a party favor. Seashell-shaped cookies or chocolates make tasty, edible favors that guest will appreciate. Other great favor ideas include seashell-shaped candles, CDs of Reggae music, island themed picture frames, or bags of dried tropical fruit.

One takeaway from these ideas...there ain't no party like a Reggae party! Get groovin' friends!