When it came time to celebrate my daughter Coco’s first birthday, I knew I wanted to create something unforgettable—a whimsical festival experience that would transport guests to a world of fun and creativity. And so, COCOchella was born! Despite the chilly January weather, this theme brought vibrant, boho-chic energy to our celebration, proving that festival vibes aren’t just for the summer.
If your little one’s name isn’t Coco, don’t worry! This theme is easily customizable—imagine SophiaChella, PartyChella, or even BrittanyFest. The possibilities are endless!
Decor: The Magic of Fringe & Festival Vibes
The heart of the Cocochella décor was DIY fringe—flowing from the entrance, across ceilings, and throughout the party space. This simple yet stunning detail set the perfect festival tone (and the best part? It cost less than $20 to make!).
Other key decor elements included:
- Metallic Balloons – Covering the ceiling in one area for a dreamy, floating effect.
- Wildflowers – Arranged on the food table for a natural, boho touch.
- Custom Signage & Printables – Every guest received VIP wristbands and badges upon arrival, just like a real festival! Signage helped direct guests to different activity stations—an easy way to add an authentic festival touch.
Activities: Festival Fun for Everyone
No festival is complete without entertainment! To keep guests engaged, I set up several activity stations, including:
- Karaoke Station – A chance for guests to belt out their favorite tunes.
- Style Station – Braided hairstyles with colorful extensions, rhinestone face gems, and star freckles gave everyone a festival-ready look.
- Flower Bar – Guests could create their own wildflower arrangements to take home.
- Treat Wall – My husband built a display featuring cool sunglasses and flower crowns, letting guests pick a fun accessory to wear and keep!
Food: Easy, Delicious, and Bite-Sized
Festival food is all about grab-and-go eats, so I focused on delicious, easy-to-eat bites:
- Charcuterie Cups – Individual servings filled with Coco’s favorite snacks: cubed cheese, salami, crunchy breadsticks, grapes, chocolate pretzels, orange slices, and Goldfish crackers.
- Mini Sliders – Beef patties with cheese and garlic aioli on soft buns.
- Pulled Pork Mini Tacos – Slow-cooked to perfection in the crockpot.
- Cotton Candy – We rented a machine to add a nostalgic, whimsical festival treat!
A Birthday to Remember
Cocochella was pure magic, proving that with a little creativity, you can bring any theme to life—no matter the season! Whether you’re planning a spring bash or just looking for an excuse to gather friends and family, this theme is sure to be a hit.
Recreate Your Own PartyChella!
Want to bring the magic of Cocochella to your own celebration? I’ve got you covered! To make it easy for you to recreate this festival-themed party, I’m offering a free download of PartyChella-themed stickers that you can print and use for your event.
For a one-stop shop to purchase all the decorations, supplies, and accessories needed to bring your festival party to life, check out my curated shopping list HERE.
And for those who want a step-by-step guide to making this party truly spectacular, my eGuide provides everything you need, including:
- A complete shopping list with direct links to where you can buy all the party essentials
- DIY tutorials for all the handmade elements
- Recipes for party-themed food
- Customizable printables for invitations, badges, signage, and wristbands
Click the links below to grab your downloads and start planning your own unforgettable festival-themed celebration!
