Set the tone with invitations that feel like they were pulled from a classic children’s storybook. A gentle rocking horse illustration paired with elegant script and vintage blue plaid instantly tells guests this celebration will be charming and beautifully styled. Add gold rocking horse wax seals for a touch of heirloom elegance, and finish with navy blue velvet envelope liners to create a truly luxurious, old-money inspired first impression.

Think gold frames, soft blue ribbons, gingham accents, and touches of antique brass layered throughout your space. Add blue tartan bunting and a coordinating tartan table runner to bring in that classic, old-money charm. A wooden rocking horse makes the sweetest photo-op moment, while a rocking horse piñata adds playful nostalgia. For the tables, style wooden rocking horse place cards and gold horse cupcake toppers, and finish your cake with a darling tartan bow topper. Printable signage from Wilde Peach Party ties everything together effortlessly—welcome signs, favor tags, food labels, and banners that perfectly match your beautifully curated theme.

Keep the theme going with favors that feel sweetly nostalgic and perfectly on-theme. Offer miniature wooden horses for an “Adopt a Horse” station, complete with little name tags so guests can pick their new companion. Add stick horses for children to ride and take home—an instant hit that doubles as both an activity and a keepsake. Round out your favor table with tartan-patterned treat bags, chocolate horse favors, or sugar cookies shaped like rocking horses. Finish everything with personalized favor tags for that boutique, small-shop touch your guests will absolutely adore.

For a kid-friendly birthday spin on this classic theme, set up activity stations that feel creative, hands-on, and totally on brand. Rocking horse coloring sheets and themed sticker pages make an easy starter activity for little guests as they arrive. You can also offer wooden rocking horse ornaments or figurines that kids can paint, pair them with a horse painting DIY craft kit that includes brushes, paint pods, and mini palettes so everyone has their own supplies. These simple, screen-free crafts keep kids entertained while giving them a sweet keepsake to take home. It’s the perfect blend of fun, creativity, and charming rocking horse whimsy.

Lean into the vintage blue palette with outfits that feel timeless and picture-perfect. For little ones, think smocked dresses, soft knit rompers, monogrammed bibs, or tiny plaid bow ties that tie in beautifully with the classic theme. For the birthday boy, a rocking horse–themed first birthday hat adds the sweetest celebratory touch and makes for adorable milestone photos. Adults can complement the look with classic preppy attire—navy dresses, soft neutrals, or subtle tartan accents that blend seamlessly into the overall aesthetic. It’s a simple way to keep everyone looking coordinated while still feeling comfortable and elegant.

Photo idea: Add a wooden rocking horse prop for the cutest milestone moment.

A simple white cake with soft blue ribbon details or a small fondant rocking horse topper is all you need to make a stunning statement. Surround it with matching cupcakes, delicate macarons, and tartan-wrapped chocolate bars for a coordinated dessert display. Add freshly baked cowboy cookies for a nostalgic, rustic touch, and include horse-themed gourmet chocolates to elevate the table with a charming (and delicious) nod to the theme. Together, these treats create a dessert spread that feels both classic and irresistibly curated.