First birthday party: Down on the Farm

Penny Needham shares her little boy's delightful farm-themed first birthday.  

PHOTOGRAPHY: Penny Needham 

WHERE WAS THE LOCATION AND WHAT WAS THE THEME?

We had the party at our home, the bonus of this was that I could easily set things up the day before. I went with the theme of ‘my first farm’ which I think is such a sweet theme for a first birthday party and especially perfect for Billy as he loves animals. He’s always spotting cows and sheep around the rural area where we live.

TELL US ABOUT THE PARTY...

I had in mind simple, vintage style farm decorations when I was planning the party. I always love to DIY as much as I can, and the rest I sourced from our favourite NZ party stores. We had a little party with family the day before his birthday which was neat having Billy’s cousins, aunties, uncles, poppa and nan to celebrate with him. For the food we kept it simple: just a few afternoon treats with some yummy platters and snacks.

For his actual birthday we did the little farm-themed setup. It’s a tradition for us to have a birthday breakfast table decorated. This setup flowed on for me to take pictures of him doing his smash cake which I think is a fun way to celebrate, and for little ones to enjoy their cake.

After all the smash cake fun our little birthday boy slept the early afternoon away then we finished the day off by going to visit some animals at a local centre, with Billy’s favourite people in the world – his big brothers Jaxon and Zac. It was the sweetest day creating memories that will forever be cherished.

WERE THERE ANY SPECIAL MOMENTS THAT STOOD OUT?

Billy’s reaction to everything was priceless. There were lots of ooohs and excitement especially for the smash cake. Once he tried his first little lick of his fingers with the icing his eyes widened and his little hands were just so quick to get stuck in and taste more. I loved watching Billy’s big brothers help him with his presents. What was special was that it was equally as exciting for them too. 

TIPS FOR PLANNING A FIRST BIRTHDAY?

Remember that however you celebrate this special milestone, whether it's a big party or something small and intimate, it will be perfect. It’s about just having fun and celebrating your little one.  

SHOUT-OUT to the PARTY PEOPLE

Billy’s outfit: Bambolina baby sheep hat, Ziggy Lou bodysuit: ziggylou.com.au; number one balloon & Baisk leather party hat: babebumpandbeyond.com; wooden toy fence: fairyplay.nz; milk cartons, plates and cake stand: soflo.co.nz; Ginger Ray animal hats: sweetpeaparties.co.nz; Birdie Bakes vintage style cake: facebook.com/birdiebakes; Olli Ella rattan trolley: littlewhimsy.co.nz; Maileg polka dot wrapping, Jaime Kay clothing & Snuggle Bunny: littlegatherer.com; flags & banner from beigestories.co.uk; number one candle: sophiestore.co.nz; table runner: homelabstore.co.nz.

Goki Natural Wooden Farm Animal Set, $19.50, littlewhimsy.co.nz, Olli Ella Rattan Child's Luggy Basket in straw, $135, Olli Ella Piki Basket in straw, $72, teapea.co.nz, Living & Co Classic Milk Bottle, $4 each, thewarehouse.co.nz, Adairs Belgian Natural Check Vintage Washed Linen Tablecloth, $69.99, adairs.co.nz, Artline Calligraphic Pen 3 mm Loose Black, $10, Sharpie Pro Magnum Permanent Marker in black, $6, both from warehousestationery.co.nz, OhLillyParty Cow Print First Birthday Party Hat printable template, $8.95, HappyPaperTime Cow First Birthday Party Hat printable template, $5.60, PartyWestStore, Black Cowhide Dessert Plates 8 pk, $3.20, all from etsy.com/nz, The Party Room Large 60cm Pearl White Balloon, $6.99, White Milk Boxes 10 pk, $9.99, both from thepartyroom.co.nz, Jamie Kay Neve Sherpa Vest in natural, $54.99, jamiekay.co.nz, Liv For Cake white chocolate cake recipe, livforcake.com/white-chocolate-cake.