Evan’s First Birthday: Food
I spent so much time painstakingly cutting out paper triangles, sewing yards of banner and hunting down just exactly the right font for my invitations that I completely forgot about providing food for Evan’s circus birthday party until the last minute. All I had planned was cake and candy and – although those are two of MY favorite food groups – I don’t think most people consider Pixie Stix and fondant a balanced meal. Also, I thought maybe giving all the kids an option besides SUGAR SUGAR SUGAR SUGAR SUUUUUUUGAAAAAAAAAAAAAR would be a wise choice. I’m all about the wise choices.
I tried to stick with my circus/carnival theme, which made munchy, snacky food a good option. Here’s what we ended up with:
Popcorn
Hot dogs
Soft pretzels
Cotton candy
Nachos
Animal crackers
Fruit
Salt water taffy
Rita’s Italian Ice
Cake
Jones Soda
Pink and Yellow Lemonade
…and a whole bunch of random candy I used as decoration rather than food.
Circus cake by Amanda, covered in homemade fondant, top layer is rice krispie treat, second layer vanilla, bottom is chocolate. Delicious AND gorgeous!
Dining room table buffet. The empty bowl is for the giant soft pretzels. Also missing: nacho dip.
My mom cut up GALLONS of fruit because she loves me and would like to let me keep all my fingers
$10 popcorn machine from Craigslist, boxes from party store online
Mini-cotton candy bags bought in bulk from BJ’s (Circus tray from Goodwill)
Hot dog trays from iParty, old-fashioned ketchup & mustard from grocery store
Jar from a flea market, animal crackers from Target, candy stand from TJMaxx, taffy from Christmas Tree Shops
The lemonade has lemons floating in it, the pink lemonade has pink ice cubes with cherries in them. Cups from Celebrate Express online, straws from grocery store, milkglass vase from flea market, drink pitches from Target.
Rita’s Ice! I got a 2.5 gallon party bucket, which was MORE than enough and they let me borrow a scoop and gave me free cups. Loooooove Rita’s!
Vanilla smash cake with buttercream frosting for Baby Evan – the pictures are FANTASTIC. It was a GREAT idea thought of and baked by Amanda. Cake stand is mine from a flea market.
Check out more party posts including circus party decorations and our circus party photo booth.
Tags: baby evan, birthday, boy, cake, carnival, circus, circus birthday party ideas, first birthday, food, party, pictures
Bonjour! No I'm not French, it just sounded fancy. Sorry for the confusion. I'm Suzanne, a 36-year-old mom, photographer, Navy wife, blogger, baker, and amateur at pretty much everything else. The stars of the show are Evan, born 4/5/09, Caroline, born 12/19/2010 and Lincoln, born 7/23/2014. The last bebeh is Finnegan, born 8/30/2016 so he's a toddler now but don't talk to me about that. We live in Connecticut and enjoy it very much except for most of February and March. You can find more of my photos (or even hire me!) over on my photography site, 
Good God, Suzanne. It all looks AMAZING! Lovely, lovely, lovely. The popcorn machine!!!! The different types of lemonade!!!! I now feel EVEN MORE slummy than before!
Srsly? This party looks AMAZING. You did a fantastic job with everything. I’m so happy I’m not the only one who loves a theme! :o) Although your execution is much better than mine has ever been! Happy Birthday Baby Evan!
So cute!!!! I love the theme and the food looks great. I’m so impressed.
Rita’s is the best. Mmmm Rita’s.
Wow, so awesome! Seriously, I’m not the type to just say that shit to be nice. What a wonderful little party.
I don’t like to call my friends insane, but my GOD woman – do you realize this kid is going to have tons and tons of birthdays?! :P Not to mention future hypothetical kids? This looks crazyamazing. I don’t know how you’re going to top this, but at least the party stores in your area can rely on a steady line of business! Shock and awe aside, it looks like you provided a fabulous and fun experience for E :)
you did not miss a single thing! this party looked amazing and im sure everyone had an AMAZING time! wtg! and that pic of the three of you with the clown noses…omg! SO CUTE!
oh my gosh you are TOO CUTE. can you plan my first birthday party?
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This is super cute. Nice job!