For little J’s first birthday, I wanted to have a big party with all of our friends and family. Months ago, I decided on a “Where the Wild Things Are” theme, since that was my husband’s favorite book as a child. I scoured the web and Pinterest for planning and decor, since I’ve never thrown a party like this before. I began doing as much handmade decor as possible, to save a little money and to make it even more special for J. With the abundant help of my amazing family and a couple of my best girlfriends, the party went off without a hitch! Here are a few photos of the details of the party. I think it was an absolute hit!
Handmade felt bunting and paper lanterns hung from tree to tree! The tables were covered in white linens with a burlap runner. I kept the table decor simple, elegant and earthy with baby’s breath and billy balls in mason jars painted gold. Pine cones and moss balls adorned the length of the table, leaving plenty of room for the guests to eat and socialize. 
I created a photo banner of baby J’s first 12 months with baby clothespins and twine to hang from a small tree.
The main food table was home to lots of tasty and healthy food items including chicken, steak and shrimp skewers, a fresh mediterranean salad with kalamata olives, avocado and feta, mini caprese skewers with a balsamic reduction drizzle, hummus and cucumber cupcakes, pita chips and roasted red bell pepper hummus, fresh fruit skewers, and a delicious couscous tabbouleh.
Refreshing lemonade was the perfect beverage to accompany the adorable grey, yellow and white-striped paper straws. We also offered ice water and fruit juice boxes for the little ones.
I purchased die-cut crown confetti from this Etsy Shop, and decided to create my own cute little mini-cupcake toppers with them to top these delicious and adorable mini cupcakes! There were lemon, chocolate and carrot cake cupcakes to accommodate every taste bud.
These “Wild Thing Paw Print” cookies were so adorable and delicious and were quite the hit! 
I made the birthday boy his own special cake. It was an organic apple spice cake I found here with a cream cheese frosting. He was able to enjoy it after the party, since he was quite obviously not a fan of the frosting all over his hands!
Family and friends were given these adorable handmade crowns to wear. My Mom even made extras in all sizes so that the “Wild Thing” could come out in anyone and party!
We had a fun little “photo booth” to capture some of the fun guests of the party. 
Instead of the traditional guest sign-in book, we purchased a copy of the book “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak as a keepsake for baby J to have that he can actually appreciate.
For the party favors, we sent the little ones home with a crown, a little snack box filled with organic treats, and some bubbles as “A Magic Trick to Tame the Wild Things”.
The older guests took home a s’mores kit to make a yummy treat at home!
Thanks to everyone who made it to J’s first birthday bash, especially to those that traveled long distance, it’s a not celebration without the people who love him most! Thank you to my husband for putting up me and with the months of planning and crafting. Thanks to my best gal pals, Betsy of Snap Lovely Photography, for all the amazing photos, for handwriting the photo props, and for helping prep all the delicious food, to Kelli, Amy and Aly for last minute crafting and the delicious cupcakes and fruit skewers, and to Cassie who snapped a few of the pictures above.
And of course, a special thanks to all of my amazing family who all traveled out from Arizona and helped SO much with all the party details and set up, and were here to celebrate the big one year! I love you all and couldn’t have done it without you!
“This is the Day which the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
So creative and inspiring Kimberly! That was Joe’s favorite book when he was young and your story and pictures brought back many memories! Thank you for sharing. Many many blessings to you, Brendan and Jackson! xoxo
Thank you so much, DeeAnne!! xoxo
Love this! I wondered if you made the pawprint cookies yourself and if so, if you could share how???
They were homemade by my wonderful mother-in-law! Here is the recipe she followed, which I had found on Pinterest! http://family.go.com/food/recipe-1047585-chocolate-bear-paws-t/
Awesome! Thank you so much for all the wonderful ideas!
Did you make the signs and labels yourself? Or purchase them somewhere? Same with the photo booth prop signs?
Yes, my husband and I designed the signs and labels ourselves! As for the photo booth prop signs, I made them with black poster board, a white paint pen, craft glue and sticks from the craft store and my dear friend Betsy used her amazing artwork skills to freehand the quotes!
I love your party! I’m planning a Wild Things first birthday party for my little man. Would you be willing to share/sell your digital file for the signs and bubble labels? They are adorable!!
Amber
Thank you, Amber!! Absolutely, shoot me an email at the days of dawn blogs gmail.com and we can discuss details!
The email keeps bouncing back to me. Will you try to email me? Amberwoolley@gmail.com
Thanks Kim!
Yes, Amber I am so sorry I am just getting back to you! We have been moving all weekend to a new city! I will shoot you an email this week with the files! When is the big party?
The party isn’t until March 22nd, but I can’t let it sneak up on me. Thanks for getting back to me while moving and all! Moving is tough, especially with a little one.
I would like to do this party idea for my twins (Boy/Girl). Would it be possible to purchase the Bubble printable; treats for the little wild things, and the sign for the older guest? My email is indeeapaige12@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Paige! I sent you an email!
I tried to leave a review on Etsy regarding my purchase from you, but was unable to since I didn’t purchase them under Etsy. Thanks for my labels!
Ohhh, ya that makes sense. Well, thank you for trying, that was so sweet of you!! You are SO welcome!
I am also planning a Wild Things first birthday for my son’s 1st Birthday in May and would love to purchase your printables if possible! :) Can you please email me at Erinrn83@gmail.com Than so much!
Of course, Erin! I sent you an email!
I love this party!! Where did you purchase those invitations? They are perfect! May I also purchase your printables from you? Thanks so much! Jennifer.caldwell05@gmail.com
Thank you, Jennifer! We actually designed the invitations as well, so it’s available for purchase! I will shoot you an email!
Such a beautiful party! Doing the same theme for my little wild thing, may I purchase your invites? They are just perfect!
Thank you so much, Antoinette! You can absolutely purchase the printable invitation, here’s the link to my Etsy shop! https://www.etsy.com/listing/183057640/wild-rumpus-birthday-invitation
For the cupcake toppers, did you use lollipop sticks?
No, those were just toothpicks!!
You are so fast at replying. I just have two more questions; Were they are certain kind of toothpicks and how did you get the crowns double sided? My twins party is this weekend!!
They are just regular ol’ toothpicks! I ordered double the crowns and hot glued two to each toothpick back-to-back to make it double sided! Kind of annoying, but they turned out great!
Ps. Have SO much fun partying this weekend!! Send me pics!! thedaysofdawnblog @ gmail . com !
Your party looks so amazing! Well done! I would love to also purchase your printables! Please email me at maarrisa@gmail.com
Thanks much!
The party looks fantastic! I am on the hunt for that felt crown. I know I have seen it somewhere before but I cant find it now that I need it! Do you mind sharing where you got it?
By felt crown, I mean the one your little guy is wearing :)
Thanks so much!! The crown is made by Oeuf!
Hi, I would also love to purchase your printable signs if possible! My email is jessica.n.brower@gmail.com
Thanks!
I am SO sorry for the delayed response!!!! I have all the printables listed at my Etsy shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheDaysofDawn Thanks so much!!
Hi, I would also love to purchase your printable signs if possible. My email address is jessica.n.brower@gmail.com.
Thank you!