Simon’s Safari-style Soiree // 1st Birthday Party Details

Although we celebrated our littlest guy’s 1st birthday party a couple of weeks ago, I wanted to share some of the safari-style goodies and a few shots of the birthday boy himself. I am still pinching myself that a whole year has passed since he was born. I know this isn’t the first and certainly won’t be the last time I say, where did the time go? 

A first birthday party is such a special celebration of all of the big milestones of the year, as well as the sweet little moments that you never want to fade from your memory. Things can be tough at times, especially in the beginning, getting used to something, or rather someone, new. But each day that goes by, it gets a bit easier, and then eventually busier, sillier and then crazy all over again! Simon’s party was no exception – a fun-filled day and night celebrating with our family and friends, with lots of little ones in attendance, too!

Here is how we celebrated safari-style…
W E L C O M E   T O   T H E   J U N G L E !

The bunting was a quick & easy DIY. Well, I guess it was DIY, but I didn’t do a whole lot, at least this time around. Remember back to the buntings I made for Henry’s 1st birthday party and his 2nd ABC & 123 birthday party, too? Well, this time I bought the chipboard triangles in packs with pre-cut holes (at Michaels), then I added the chalkboard letter stickers and strung them on my favorite jute twine. 

I did far less work since I didn’t cut out the triangles, punch the holes or stencil + paint the letters. These birthday / welcome banners have hung in the very same spot with mini command hooks on the window trim and acted as a backdrop for the food & dessert tables.

The “vines” alongside the bunting were these leaves, hole-punched and strung on twine (with knots in between each leaf) and hung by a command hook from the nook ceiling.

Aren’t those cookies the cutest?! If you are local, check out A Sweet Touch by Sara T. They are not only adorable, but the almond flavor is to die for! My version of cookies are animal crackers – party animals, rather 😉
DIY food labels were printed & then popped into old place card holders after a couple of coats of gold spray paint. Party label printables coming in a follow-up post!
Two simple larger décor pieces were made using foam core board, some animal print wrapping paper & photos. I hung them with the same twine (that I always use!) and more clear command hooks.
The black & white framed word art was printed off the computer on cardstock.
I strung small stuffed animals with Velcro hands on some twine across my formal living room window so each child could pick out one to take home along with a treat bag with their name on it. The bags were filled with an animal mask, animal stickers and these super cute animal sunglasses!
A few more DIY’s below and a closer look at the gold touches…
 Printable here!The chipboard crown was another Michaels find. I added gold foam stickers & more chalkboard letters to the front, then tied a long piece of twine around the top of the crown & then simply added a few strands of animal print ribbon to each side to hang down from the twine. It was taped underneath his highchair tray to hold it in place.

My dear dad painted this incredible canvas banner for us to hang as party décor, too. I asked him if he would mind painting a small jungle animal of some sort and this is what he came up with. He is so talented and sweet!
and now for the King of the Jungle in action…
 post-cake…
He even kicked back to relax with one knee up.
and I can’t forget about my other monkey who had an absolute ball that day…
And to think he is turning 3 in July…my oh my.
The kids played. We all ate & drank. It was undoubtedly a super safari-stylin’ start to our Memorial Day weekend. 🙂
ONE last shot of my one-year-old. That crooked little smile gets me every.single.time.

Now, I am off to tend to my basement punch list. I thought these lists were supposed to get smaller & smaller as you cross things off, but for some reason, this dang basement one is doing the opposite. Gearing up for a full day tomorrow to return the pendant lights (yes, the ones I shared on IG…I will dish more on the lights soon, but they just weren’t quite what I wanted), pick out door handles & closet door knobs and hopefully find a custom glass shop to do the shower door & the bar shelves. Oh and order the carpet. Woo hoo!

See you right back here for the rest of the party sources & DIY details soon!
*updated – Safari-style source list + printables !

*Affiliate links were used in this post.