1st Birthday on the Farm Decorations

One of the cutest ways to ring in a baby's first birthday is with a party that's down on the farm. People don't need to move to rural Alabama, but can easily create a farm theme in any home, apartment or catering hall. Decorations for a down-on-the-farm theme should be filled with barnyard animals, functional-yet-decorative party favors and lots of fun.

A pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey poster is a must, even if no one is old enough to play the game. The donkey poster makes a great addition to the wall, as will balloons and other décor embellished with pigs, cows, horses and goats. A happy first birthday banner, also embellished with farm animals, makes for another festive touch. Creative parents can make their own décor out of heavy-duty construction paper and cardboard, or themed supplies can be purchased at party stores or online (see Resources below).

A paper tablecloth is a great way not only to embellish the table but to keep the area clean when messy toddlers start digging at the cake. Farm-themed tablecloths are sold where other supplies can be found, or you can create their own. A large, light brown paper cloth can be easily decorated with markers as a blueprint of the farm, complete with little illustration or stickers of all the animals that live there.

First-birthday-on-the-farm decorative party favors should be something fun for both the parents and kids to take home. Little cloth bibs, complete with a pig or cow, are a great choice. They can even use the bibs at the party while they are eating the cake, and then take them home as keepsakes. Small, plastic spill-proof farm animal cups are another great favor which can be used at the party and then taken home for later use.

The best farm birthday cakes will be decked out with farm paraphernalia. Parents can make an entire farm scene, with little rows of plantings, plastic farm tools, a miniature tractor and small animal figurines. You can even add a small plastic barn. Another cake option that promises to please is a cake in the shape of a farm animal. Again, options include a pig, cow, horse, goat or donkey.

The party theme should be kicked off right from the start with farm- or barnyard-themed invitations. You can make them in an animal shape out of construction paper, with all the party info in a child-like handwriting. More professional invitations with a barnyard theme, often featuring a whole gaggle of farm animals just waiting to party, is another option. Encourage people to bring their invitations to the party to add to the wall decorations.