Sam's Man Cub First Birthday

Our son, Sam was a huge baby and I immediately started thinking of him as a little bear cub. So when it came time to plan his first birthday, I knew that had to be the theme. I started by creating some watercolor illustrations of bears and foliage, which were used in the invitations and printed goods. I stuck with a mostly black and white color scheme for the party, and worked in brown and green foresty elements like hand-sawn wood logs (thanks handy husband!) a big, reclaimed wood sign above the dessert table, wooden crates, and eucalyptus garlands on the banquet table. I accented with copper elements including bakers twine, flatware, and picture frames.  I also wanted to have a bit of a wild, little boy feel so I worked in some tribal elements like feather garlands, tribal-print birthday hats, and a teepee for the kids to play in. My favorite element of the party was the banquet table. We had a big eucalyptus garland running down the center with little tea lights placed among the leaves. Each place setting had a cutlery pack with tags that read, "feed the bears." For drink cups, we used mason jars with bear paw tags attached. We served grilled chicken, corn, and potato salad for dinner. For dessert, guests chose from chocolate cake, bear paw cookies, ice cream jars, and fruit cones. Activities included: splashing in the creek, playing in the teepee, a scavenger hunt, corn hole, and of course, cake and presents. After the party guests were sent off with bags of s'mores trail mix and felt bear masks for the kids. We had so much fun at this party and I hope you enjoy the photos! I also used as much as possible from the handmade community. Check out the vendors for some amazing shops.

Vendors:
Invitations and printables: Prints For Events,  www.printsforevents.etsy.com
Party photography: Abbey Deerest Photography, www.abbeydeerest.com
Eucalyptus garland: Fifty Flowers, www.fiftyflowers.com
Bear masks: Sarmon Designs, www.sarmon.etsy.com
Birch straws: Eve's Party Market, www.evespartymarket.etsy.com
Copper cutlery: The Fulfilled Shop, www.thefulfilledshop.etsy.com
Sam's shirt: Loved By Hannah And Eli, www.lovedbyhannahandeli.com
Sam's hat: Wild Trio, www.wildtrio.com
Sam's moccasins: Monkey Feet USA, www.monkeyfeetusa.com
Teepee: Inhabit Teepees, www.inhabitteepees.etsy.com
Twig pencils: Crimson Hollow, www.crimsonhollow.etsy.com

• What People Ate

  Grilled chicken, grilled corn-on-the-cob, potato salad, watermelon.

• What People Drank

  Blueberry mint lemonade, iced tea, water.

• Desserts

  Chocolate cake, bear paw cookies, ice cream jars, mixed berry fruit cones.

• Party Favors

  S'mores trail mix

• Activities / Games

  Scavenger hunt, Corn hole, splashing in the creek, playing in the teepee.

• Abbey Sargent

  Photographer

  abbeydeerest.com