Camping Themed First Birthday

I am so excited to share with you today this camping party first birthday. Time just flies, especially in the first year of a little one. They grow and learn so much in the first year.  A camping party has been on my list of birthday themes I wanted to do and was ecstatic to help. This party was pretty perfect for a fall themed party outdoors and easy to put together. It really could be done inside or outside anytime with some modifications.  This would even make an adorable baby shower theme as well.

You may recognize this little one’s older brother from the Peter Rabbit First Birthday and their Mama from her amazing Etsy shop Wool and Petal. Check it out for beautiful hand made felt banners, buntings and decorations.

Location

This camping party was held in the perfect location, a state park. Here in Connecticut there are a  ton of great state parks. This party was held at Devil’s Hopyard in East Haddam. Many larger parks have this covered pavilion, perfect for hosting gatherings by providing shade and some cover from elements. The pavilions usually have a number of tables, grills, parking and sometimes it’s own bathroom/outhouse facility. Here in CT these pavilions are available to reserve and rent during the busy season for about $250-300 for the day and are free first come first serve in the off season. Since we were in the off season it was free and no one was there using it. I suggest getting there early to stake it out if your not reserving it.

If your wondering how we managed to hang these large frames easily without creating any damage. I used these picture frame command strips. Command strips and hooks are great for hanging temporary party decorations without damaging walls.

Camping Themed Decorations

This tree teepee is AMAZING and so perfect for this camping party. I wish I could take credit but this was actually already at the park next to where we were having the party. It looks like the lower branches were trimmed or broke off and someone rested the branches on another attached lower branch. We decorated the teepee with items like a vintage style lantern, crates, and picnic basket. Best of all is this name and one banner you can have custom made at Wool and Petal. Goodwill is a great place to find inexpensive picnic baskets and blankets for the floor of this teepee. At the entrance to the party we also hung this adventure awaits sign and vintage style compass to welcome guests.

We kept table decorations pretty simple starting with a roll of craft paper as a runner. Craft paper can be found inexpensively on Amazon or your local craft store. We then added fake greens, real pumpkins and these faux mini trees. These trees are light and we did have to tape down since it was windy. You could put mini pumpkins on the stand for weight or other objects as well. One of my favorite items are these lanterns. If you know me I love lights and lanterns. Since this party was during the day and did not want any candles around children, we filled these lanterns with battery fairy string lights. These lights have multiple modes and I made it so they would twinkle inside. Lastly, these cardstock camping symbol signs were hung all inside the pavilion to really make this a camping party.

Food and S’more Bar

At this park there were two charcoal grills right next to the pavilion that we just used make S’mores. It makes it a lot easier to enjoy the party if you bring ready to serve prepared item. Items like mac and cheese and beans were bought from the local grocery store deli warm and ready to serve. Home made buffalo and marinara meatballs were served with buns to make sliders. To keep food warm we used sternos and they are easy to transport. You can find them on Amazon or places like Walmart or Ocean State Job Lot.

Some items were served at room temperature including a delicious veggie platter with dips and fruit. Since it was a bit chilly large boxes of Dunkin Donuts hot chocolate was available along with apple cider. Other drinks like water, beer and wine was also set out for guests to easily serve themselves. Bamboo utensils are eco friendly along with palm plates,  and are great with this rustic theme. This camping sign was a great touch to the table along with inexpensive plaid wrapping paper.

You can’t have a camping themed party without having something to do with s’mores. A s’mores bar was set out on a large wooden tray with various types of chocolates and even Nutella for guests to help themselves using the charcoal grill. I haven’t tried it but have seen on Pintrest people using charcoal in terracotta pots on the table to make s’mores when you don’t have a firepit or grill. Since this party is not hosted at a home, don’t forget to bring all your serving utensils, eating utensils, napkins, plates and spoons and make a checklist before leaving. Check out my picnic post for tips and tricks for transporting meals and parties to a public location like a park.

Cake Smash

I have to say, the cake smash is probably my favorite part of little one’s birthdays. Seeing them watch everyone while they sing. Laughing as they cover themselves in frosting, not quite sure what to do. It’s a little tougher but I have to say I do like when they are sitting more freely then a highchair for photography purposes but then everyone is crouching down to be at their level. In the first photo this little is propped up sitting in a Bumbo to keep him away from touching the candles. Afterwards he was placed so he could dig in. This little cutie was tired and he was not super into cake time. There’s so much going on they usually become tired pretty quickly with all that’s going on. It’s always a good idea to plan the time for a party after napping if possible.

I hope you enjoyed this camping theme party as much as I did! Enjoy watching the littles grow and celebrating all their milestones. Putting together a Pintrest worthy party is easier then you think. For other kid’s party ideas check out my post for a fun party animal birthday and magical rainbow unicorn party.  Every day is worth celebrating!

-Ashley