Ethan's First Birthday- Carnival Party

For Ethan's first birthday party, I wanted to do something special.  I wanted to find a fun theme that would work for his outside party at a nearby park.  I scoured Pinterest and found so many carnival/circus ideas (see my inspiration board here!)  Honestly, I had no idea how much work it all would take.  I've now decided that Pinterest is the devil and although it provided me with TONS of ideas, it also made this party almost impossible to prepare.  Working full time (and having a husband with 2 jobs) and taking care of a child doesn't leave much time for party planning.  I enlisted the help of my family and the night before Ethan's party, we cranked it all out.  (It also didn't help that I ran a 5K and was out of the house from 7-9 am on the morning of his party.)  It was crazy but we did it!  (I already feel sorry for our future children who will never have this much energy or creativity put into any of their parties.)

Without further ado...Ethan's party!

I LOVED how the popcorn cupcakes turned out.  So easy and so cute!

Party favors

Hot dog bar for lunch

Now for the fun part!

Adorable birthday t-shirt from LeeLynn Crafts.

My mom let us repaint our childhood highchair that she now uses for Ethan.  Thanks for the idea Young House Love.

Happy birthday, Ethan!  Thanks for all of the friends and family that helped make Ethan's day special (and for helping me not lose my mind preparing).  Xoxo

Cupcake holders and cuffs, popcorn bags, plates, silverware, table cloths, stickers, lollipops- Oriental Trading Company (they have TONS of carnival decor and item)

Plastic Popcorn Holders (for favors and chips), red bowls, balloon bases, foil tins, ketchup/mustard- The Dollar Store

Hot dog Wrappers and Cracker Jacks- Amazon

***Since I was asked, the dress is from Old Navy.  They only have it in navy blue and a small.  The dress runs big (I'm wearing a small).  I bet you can find it in the clearance area in-store too!