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This had to be the most unique party theme ever imagined – a Farmer’s Market first birthday party!

We were practically planning this first birthday for my granddaughter Scarlett since her first week of life.

Or at least it seemed that way. 😅

Celebrating Scarlett’s ‘1st Year of Growth’

It was a given that I was going to pull out all the stops. We had to make this a memorable celebration!

“I will sleep when it’s a success!” And even better, I would be getting more time with my daughter and Scarlett while we plan!

My daughter had a super cute idea of having a Farmer’s Market first birthday party theme, and she had no doubts that I could pull it together. And I knew it needed to be really grand.

Big Show-Stopping Farmer’s Market Party Decor, On A Budget.

First, there had to be a show stopper and this 12×16 foot backdrop did not disappoint. 

I needed a cost-efficient solution that was manageable as well as easy to transport. 

What can mimic a storefront and look realistic?

The base of this backdrop is made from an insulation board. It is a thick foam core, 4ft x 8ft, used in home-building between walls and can be found in any home improvement store. 

Next, we had to cover the boards, and paint just didn’t really give us the look we wanted. I found this shiplap style bulletin paper that fit the width of each board exactly, and we used that instead! (Much easier 😅)

The Making of the Market

I used spray adhesive to smooth the paper onto each insulation board, then duct-taped them all together in the back, to make one cohesive wall. 

We added an additional board horizontally (above the first 3), to add the height for the gable, and secured it with three meter sticks and some duct tape in the back. 

Every detail added had to be considerably lightweight to ensure the backdrop was stable. What is as light as foam? More foam!

The sign, three cross windows at the top, flower window boxes, and shutters were hand-painted to look like wood. As well as the trim. It was all foam core poster board that I cut to look and act as lumber. 

One of my favorite things about being creative is scanning for shapes in items that you wouldn’t normally think could create something new. 

DIY Details, Details, Details.

I found a plastic bowl, and sports cone that I stacked on top of each other, and all I needed was something I could manipulate to hold a chain…I also finished off some salsa in the meantime to fuel my creativity. 

Then, I adhered all pieces once I added two holes in the salsa lid to connect the chain. After it was all assembled, I spray-painted it white to make it seem to be one solid piece. 

I used this metal bracket to hang it!

This theme was perfect for me because I had already jumped on the modern farmhouse trend so I had all props on hand to fit the aesthetic. 

I love to personalize a party, after all the focus should be on the birthday girl. Anywhere I could add personalization, I did. 

Farmer’s Market Photo Op

I created this area as a fun opportunity for photos of all the great things you can find at your local Farmer’s Market!

I personalized a tote to fill while the families shopped for take-home goodies. This was the first time I’d ever tried screen printing… it took a few trial runs before I got the hang of it – but they came out so cute!

All goodies were created with labels for Scarlett’s Market and even a souvenir magnet for the fridge! 

Games And Activities Fit For A Farmer’s Market

Where there is a party, there must be activities to keep the birthday girl and her guests entertained. 

Scarlett and all her guests adored seeing the animals in the petting zoo!

She also caught up with her friends with a game of Apple Tic Tac Toe.

Our Apple Tic Tac Toe was simple enough to make! Just a poster board and some Cricut magic.

We added in that farm charm with some hay bales from a local feed and supply store, and we used red and green apples — straight from the market, of course 😉 — as our X’s and O’s! 

Before tending to her fruit and vegetables, Scarlett played a round of ring toss while her other guests painted some pumpkins, played corn hole, or enjoyed some barbecue. 

At the vegetable stand, you may notice these shelves and the Farmer’s Market stand are also made from the foam core poster board and painted to look like wood. 

I wouldn’t believe it myself if I didn’t spend so much time cutting and building it all! 

Thank you for stopping by our Farmer’s Market first birthday party! 👩🏽‍🌾

Scarlett thought it was a success 😉

Stay tuned as we plan her 2nd over the next few months! Any guesses what the theme might be?

Hint: She loves to dance! 🎶 👀

See more photos from this party here!