For Jacob’s very first birthday party, we decided to play homage to his favorite things: barnyard animals. Despite living in the city (and having no outdoor space), we turned our home into a “barnyard” where family and friends celebrated Jacob special day.

We chose a traditional barnyard color scheme of red, white, and blue — and added pops of gold. I threw red and white gingham table clothes over pieces of furniture to create “picnic tables,” and accessorized with crates and actual bales of hay. Paper pinwheels in blue and gold were hung on the walls, along with a “ONE” balloon.

For food, we ate “piggies in a blanket” (aka mini hotdogs), “rabbit feed” (aka salad), “garden fresh veggies” (aka crudités), mac ‘n cheese, mini meatballs, and an assortment of cheeses (for the mice). Our “watering hole” of beverages included homemade spiced apple cider, champagne, and beer that we drank out of mason jars. For dessert, guests feasted on bales of hay (rice krispie treats) and carrot cake cupcakes accessorized with sugar barnyard animals. My favorite part of the party was watching Jacob enjoy his homemade smash cake, which was decorated with cream cheese “grass” frosting, a brown fence, and a duck and a pig (Jacob’s favorite animals).

Everyone had a blast and Jacob loved being the center of attention. Such a special day that we’ll remember forever!