Name: Desmond (1)
Location: San Diego, CA
Being a florist and former event planner, I knew I would be a little crazy when I had my first child. A few months after Desmond was born I found some popcorn bags at the Dollar Tree (which ended up being favor bags) and started planning his Circus themed 1st birthday.
I am thrifty and hate to be pressed for time, so I gathered items from various stores throughout the months — the Target Dollar bins were amazing! Most of the items were store bought and DIY'd to match the Circus theme. The hats were just striped party hats, and I added poms and trim to get the clown vibe, without the clowns! I ended up finding the elephant for the cake topper at Ross ($6) and hand painted it to match the colors for the party. The #1 is from Target ($1), and I glued on the teal felt for the Muppet look.
I took a plain white tee and added the buttons, ruffles and handmade bowtie to make a comfortable and cute tuxedo shirt. The ringmaster vest with tails is felt, buttons, hot glue and a ton of patience!
The kids played in a ball pit and with hula hoops on a big blanket that I added circus letters to that read "PLAY". I even picked up a little circus tent from IKEA. We also had a photo area set up behind the tent with props including clown noses, giant sunglasses (both from Dollar Tree), hats and handmade items from Events by Elisa, which was fun for the adults too.
The invites and all of the other graphic elements were created by Elisa Sutter of Events by Elisa . The smashcake, delicious cupcakes and adorable cakepops were made by Nikki of Calculated Whisk.
Desmond may not remember the day, but we have amazing photos and I know everyone else will remember it for a lifetime. So worth it! Now I need to get started on his 2nd!
Thanks Desiree! Readers, see more of Desmond's party on Penny Blooms Floral Design.
(Images: Lindsey Gage - Eyelet Images)
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The popcorn. It's hydrangeas. Love.It. Love.
Can't stop looking at his ridiculously cute little outfit!!! And you make me feel better for already thinking about my unborn son's first birthday party!
Love the popcorn hydrangeas also! We were doing a circus train theme for my son's upcoming party, but now he wants it to be of the NYC subway trains. But I'm still hoping to make a circus party one day, so saving this for future reference.
Linnybee, I was just commenting on another blog about planning my kids' parties since I was still pregnant, so don't worry, you are not alone. ;) I've been buying for their parties since the beginning of the year, for late summer/early fall parties.
he is so big and cute!
and great party! I too am blown away by the hydrangeas.
how fun! were having a circus themed birthday party for our daughters 3rd Bday in sept!...also were planning on naming our next baby(if its a boy) desmond! LOVE the name :)
The invitation and the sign about the amazing Desmond are so fantastic. This entire party makes me want to start putting a circus theme into my son's brain now so that by December he will think he chose this idea!