<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?attachment_id=582" rel="attachment wp-att-582"><img alt="birthday banner" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/os-first-birthday-031.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Let's face it, all of this cake decorating business is just practice for the one event every year that really matters to me: O's birthday!  We chose a farm theme (I know, sort of hoaky to those who actually live on or near a farm, but we had fun!).  I made this adorable banner after seeing a similar one at a friend's party.</p>
<a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?attachment_id=579" rel="attachment wp-att-579"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-579" alt="farm decorations" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/os-first-birthday-017.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a>

Bushel baskets were freebies from my husband's work.  Cheesy yet adorable "Moo" and "Oink" ribbons made the baskets just festive enough for a toddler's party.  I was lucky to find several yards of gingham fabric remnants on clearance.  There wasn't enough to cover every table entirely, but they made pretty runners.
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?attachment_id=580" rel="attachment wp-att-580"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-580" alt="sunflower decorations" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/os-first-birthday-018.jpg" width="326" height="500" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Sunflowers are very much out of season in January, but to me, nothing says farm like a giant, vibrant sunflower.  I've been into Mason jars for a while now (who isn't?)...so, I had accumulated enough for centerpieces, decoration, and drinking glasses alike.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?attachment_id=585" rel="attachment wp-att-585"><img alt="o's first birthday 063" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/os-first-birthday-063.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Lord knows that I do not have 50 sets of matching silverware.  So, I rolled up mismatched sets inside towels and napkins that I use for food styling.  I wrapped them with jute and tied them with pig cutouts.  My poor cousin and housemate, Steph, got carpal tunnel from helping with this tedious project.</p>
<a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?attachment_id=581" rel="attachment wp-att-581"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-581" alt="o's first birthday 021" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/os-first-birthday-021.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a>

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<a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?attachment_id=583" rel="attachment wp-att-583"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-583" alt="farm birthday" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/os-first-birthday-035.jpg" width="333" height="500" /></a>

Ah, yes, the best part: the cakes.  The giant cow (too often mistaken as a pig. boo.) was cut from 2 layers of devil's food cake, filled with homemade raspberry jam and frosted with buttercream.  O's barn smash cake came together from some vanilla scraps leftover in my freezer.  Don't even ask how much red food coloring I used in that little number!

<a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?attachment_id=584" rel="attachment wp-att-584"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-584" alt="o's first birthday 061" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/os-first-birthday-061.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a>

Scrap wood, burlap, straw from my father in law's yard, berry baskets, brown eggs, creamers found at a flea market and a plethora of cake stands completed the buffet table.

<a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?attachment_id=586" rel="attachment wp-att-586"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-586" alt="o's first birthday 092" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/os-first-birthday-092.jpg" width="500" height="476" /></a>

I think it's pretty obvious that O and I were having a good time.  I wore my Farmer Jane overalls that I've had since 1992!  O's bonnet came from our Halloween outing to the petting farm, and her dress came from Etsy (way too much cute stuff on that site!).

<a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?attachment_id=587" rel="attachment wp-att-587"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-587" alt="o's first birthday 128" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/os-first-birthday-128.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a>

While she was delicate about att her cake, she, no doubt, enjoyed herself!  We made the right decision by stripping her down to her diaper and a bib for cake eating.  Let's hope she doesn't grow up to be a "woo hoo girl".

<a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?attachment_id=588" rel="attachment wp-att-588"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-588" alt="barn smash cake" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/os-first-birthday-130.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a>

As a thank you for celebrating with us, guests left with a baby chick shortbread cookie.
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?attachment_id=578" rel="attachment wp-att-578"><img alt="chicken cookies, favors" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/os-first-birthday-007.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We had so much fun, I'm already planning the next one.  Happy birthday, O.  I never knew I could love someone so much.</p>