Winnie’s One-derland: A Modern Winter Wonderland First Birthday in Irvine

A modern Winnie’s One-derland first birthday celebration in Irvine near Great Park, featuring a custom balloon installation and soft play setup designed for a cozy winter wonderland feel—without the holiday look.

January birthdays have a charm of their own, and Winnie’s first birthday was the perfect example of how a winter celebration can feel warm, modern, and thoughtfully designed.

Hosted on January 3rd in Irvine near Great Park, this Winnie’s One-derland celebration was inspired by Winnie’s name and brought together soft winter tones without leaning too heavily into holiday décor. The result was a custom, elevated setup that felt seasonal—but not Christmas-themed.

A Thoughtful Venue for Young Families

Great Park Neighborhoods continue to stand out as one of the best areas in Irvine for young families. The community parks and event spaces are well-designed, family-friendly, and practical—especially during the winter months.

ig post 2025 9 compressed

Winnie’s mom had initial concerns about wind and rain (very understandable for a January event), but the venue ended up being completely dry and protected. One of the biggest advantages of this location was the outdoor park just steps from the door, giving older kids a place to play while the younger ones stayed inside.

Luckily, the weather held up beautifully with no rain at all, making the day stress-free and enjoyable for everyone.

Balloon Installation with a Modern Winter Feel

For the balloon installation, we focused on a palette of soft red, mint, green, and cream, creating a winter wonderland look without crossing into traditional holiday colors. The mix felt intentional, modern, and custom—perfect for a first birthday.

ig post 2025 8 compressed

The balloon design framed the backdrop and signage, adding depth and softness to the space while keeping it clean and photo-ready. This color combination worked especially well for a January first birthday, offering a seasonal nod without feeling overly festive.

This install was designed to be playful for kids while still polished enough for parents who appreciate elevated design.

Soft Play for the Littlest Guests

Since Winnie and her cousins were on the younger side, we set up a small beige soft play area that blended seamlessly with the overall design. The neutral tones kept the space cohesive while giving the littlest guests a safe and comfortable place to play.

ig post 2025 10 compressed

Soft play is especially ideal for first birthday parties—it creates a designated area for babies and toddlers while keeping the event feeling organized and intentional.

Helping with Layout and Flow

In addition to providing the balloon installation and soft play rentals, we helped guide the layout of the space to ensure everything flowed well—backdrop placement, soft play positioning, and guest movement all mattered for this venue.

Small layout decisions make a big difference, especially in community spaces, and this setup allowed the celebration to feel open, functional, and welcoming.

A Special Client and a Memorable Day

We’re incredibly grateful for clients like Winnie’s family who trust us with such meaningful moments. From navigating winter weather concerns to creating a modern Winter One-derland design, this celebration came together beautifully—and we’re so glad the day stayed dry and stress-free.

First birthdays are always special, and this one was a reminder of how thoughtful design and the right venue can make even a winter event feel effortless.

About the Pepper Play Team

We’re parents in Orange County who know what it’s like to juggle planning, logistics, and making birthdays special. That’s why we started Pepper Play — to bring soft play, bounce houses, balloons, and ball pits straight to families like yours. Every post here is written with OC parents in mind, because we’re right there with you. Learn more about us!

– bee&chan

all about kids parties

Read More About Everything for Kid's Parties!

A Woodlands Baby Shower with a Rainy-Day Pivot

A Woodlands-themed baby shower on November 15, 2025 in Mission Viejo featuring an indoor balloon installation after a rainy-day pivot. Organic neutral balloons paired with a deep green backdrop created a warm, cozy celebration.

2025 foil balloons

2025: A Year in Review at Pepper Play

This year marked a major chapter for Pepper Play, from expanding our offerings to creating memorable soft play, bounce house, and balloon setups across Orange County and Los Angeles.

Orange County's Favorite Kids Party Planner

At Pepper Play, we make party planning seamless and stress-free for parents! From toddler-friendly activities to exciting soft play and bounce house rentals, we bring the fun to every event. Our custom setups ensure a unique experience tailored to your theme, creating the perfect space for little ones. Whether you’re planning a first birthday, playdate, or special occasion, we’re here to make it unforgettable! 

OC Kids Party Planner