A Circus Themed 1st Birthday Party
Noah turned 1 almost three years ago, but since his 4th birthday is quickly approaching (one month away!), I thought it would be fun to do a little flashback post and share his circus themed 1st birthday party. I know it’s cliche to say, but I really do feel like this day was just yesterday. I had SO much fun planning this special day. My husband would likely say that I had TOO much fun. Maybe it’s the event planner in me, but I had his theme picked out before Noah even turned 6 months old!
What’s a circus theme without a tent?! Okay, so this tent was mainly out of necessity for seating for our guests, but hey, whatever works, right?! Our house at the time was fairly small, and we didn’t want our guests to fill crammed inside our house, so we moved the seating outside. We hung paper lanterns to add a pop of color inside the tent.
I created these “popcorn” centerpieces for the tables with white hydrangeas and fun little popcorn containers I found at Party City. I added a little weight to the bottom of each centerpiece so they wouldn’t blow away in the wind. Super simple!
We tried to keep within a reasonable spending limit for the party, but we agreed that we would splurge on one item, so we chose a popcorn machine! I loved having this little extra surprise for our guests. I think we ate leftover popcorn for 3 days following the party. I’m not complaining though. Who doesn’t love movie theater popcorn?!
Here is how I decorated our fireplace mantle. Together, the hubby and I designed this little chalkboard sign that we also used as a photo prop for Noah’s one year photo. And a friend of ours made the birthday banner for us.
A close up of Noah’s smash cake with a DIY bunting flag cake topper I made.
Some smash cake fun. We had to help Noah figure this whole cake smashing thing out, but once he got a little taste of the icing, he was all in!
I put together this dessert table with some yummy homemade treats along with some circus-themed candy. I added a cute little sign that read “Welcome to Noah’s Sweet Shoppe” to finish it off!
Noah’s official one year old photo!
Reminiscing back on this day has me super excited for his 4th birthday party next month. This upcoming party is the first year where Noah is actually playing an active role in the planning. Our little car lover requested none other than a Lightning McQueen theme for his special day!
What theme did you choose for your baby’s 1st birthday?
xo,
Sumer
14 Comments
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons
So cute, Given that I work full time (outside of blogging), I never have time to plan these fabulous kinds of birthday parties, luckily there are plenty of great places in my city to throw a great bash!
Sumer
That’s awesome! Nothing wrong with that! That’s nice though because they do all the planning (and cleaning up) for you. All of the bday party prep is fun, but two hours later, it’s time to clean it all up!
Amber
It looks amazing! I can’t wait to see how the Lighting McQueen theme turns out! My sons birthday is August 13th and is requesting a Mickey Mouse Space Adventures party. His first birthday was pirate theme. I sure do miss him being a little toddler boy!
Amber/ http://www.everydaydame.com
Sumer
Aww! I LOVE the pirate theme! Noah’s birthday is August 25th. I was due the 16th though…little man was WAY late to arrive 😉 A Mickey Space party sounds super cute, too!!
Amber
I feel your pain! I was due August 6th! And my daughter was a week late too! 🙁 I guess they were comfy! lol
Kate
This is so cute! I love how you incorporated so many details. My son is almost 8 months old and I’m already thinking about his party… which my husband thinks is way too early!
Sumer
It’s never too early to start planning 😉 Best of luck, and thank you for reading!
M
Very true, it always seems just like yesterday when our kids were newborns. Time really flies by so fast when we become parents. And the cake is cute, I like it. Advance happy birthday to your young gent!
Jacki
This is the cutest theme!! You did a great job! Happy birthday!!
Sumer
Thanks so much, Jacki! 🙂
Krysten
My son is turning 1 in less than a month.
I have been digging and trying to figure something out, but I absolutely love this idea!
Happy birthday to your big boy, I can’t even imagine being at 4 yet. ?
Sumer
Aww! Happy soon-to-be Birthday to your baby boy, too! Good luck with the party planning!
courtney
OH my gosh he was just so cute! You did an amazing job pulling the theme together and really setting the tone! I love the sweet shoppe and the popcorn vases.
La Belle Sirene
Sumer
Thanks so much, Courtney!