Ideas of Venues for a Baby's First Birthday Party

I would recommend doing it at home. That way if your son gets tired or overstimulated, he can retreat to his room, take a bath, have a nap, whatever. And the party can go on around him. I did a huge party (at least 30 people) with out of town relatives and lots of friends for my first son and he HATED it! He cried for over 4 hours. He was miserable - too many strangers, too many people passing him around and he hated, hated, hated the smash cake. I learned my lesson and had my second sons' party as very small, just my family, and grandparents. That's it! It was so pleasant and lasted from afternoon until very late in the evening. My baby was napping when everyone arrived, got up, ate dinner with us, played, got some presents, went for his bath, said good night to everyone, went to sleep and we were still celebrating! Much more fun for everyone. Oh, and I didn't do the smash cake the second time around either. Just gave him some bites on a baby spoon - he loved it! Good luck with your planning!

For 1st birthdays your home is the best, followed by a park (weather in January permitting), or a restaurant with a large dining room that is sectioned off. You want your son to be comfortable and not overwhelmed wherever you do it, so home is best, and you want to keep it short and sweet, not long and drawn out, at a year he's still a baby and more than likely may not care for all the hoopla. He won't remember a thing, up to 4 years old parties are really for you and the other adults, so take lots of pictures!

Banquet room of a restaurant? Kids play place (not sure what you have there--like a Chuck E. Cheese?)
But really it's going to be overwhelming. I'd do it at the house & don't plan for too many hours. Maybe 1-2 hours tops. And try to plan it around naps. :) Have fun!

You can rent a party hall from a restaurant and hire an entertainer.

In Maryland, we have a place called "My Gym" and I think they are similar to places like Gymboree. They do good little kids parties. Check them out online.

The party is for the adults who are bringing gifts, they want to see your bundle of joy open their special present. If you cannot do it in your home due to limited space or just wanting to have it somewhere else then try some place cheap that will provide a good backdrop for pictures. In NC I would imagine it will be chilly in January so do it indoors for sure.

Good luck finding just the right venue.

If you can, I would just do it at home. It's a waste of money & energy to do it at a "venue" for a one year old, IMO. Your child may be tired, overwhelmed, cranky, scared, and won't even remember the party, let alone really get to enjoy it if it's a "play" type place. If he needs to a break, to rest, etc, it's easier to be at home. Nice, simple, and easy is the best way to go.