What are some ideas of celebrating LO's 1st bday?

I brought my son and my mom for a trip to Bali. We also had a separate day that just my hub, my son and i went for dinner. Because i refused to spend thousands on renting a place just for a few hours, or a dessert table which my son won't be eating, or a giant fondant cake which again my son wont be eating or if it can even be finished. Honestly will the 1 year old be able to enjoy a 1st birthday party? Or is it just like the usual "5* hotel wedding dinner" theory? Its more like "for show only". I'd say anything intimate and memorable will be really nice. Spending precious times people that would make an impact to you and you little one's life.