Skip to Content

Liesl’s 5th Birthday – A Wild Safari Expedition

Description

Liesl absolutely LOVES animals, so we decided that a Wild African Safari would be the perfect theme for her 5th birthday.  Her only request was "live animals", and we found a great non-profit to give the party goers a fun and and education exotic animal show and Liesl was their special assistant.

Design Inspiration

Liesl wanted a safari theme, but I didn't want to do a typical "jungle/safari" theme in typical colors.  I used blush, mint, and gold as the main colors, and paired it with hints of burlap and raffia for a wild/outdoorsy feel, but it still felt girly and sweet. This helped achieve a modern and minimalist feel for her party that I loved, and so did she!

Decorating Style

modern, sophisticated, and girly

Project Details

Party signage, invitations, printed materals: made and designed by myself (Emily Klaparda)

Custom canvas cake table backdrop: made and designed by myself (Emily Klaparda)

Favorite Items

I have so many favorite items, but one of my absolute favorites was the "base camp" play area I set up with safari supplies (canteens, binoculars, hats, etc.)  and a play tent.  The kids had a blast "buying" items from the stand, which was actually a lemonade stand turned into a base camp.

I loved the cake and gold giraffe topper - it really fit the mood and feel of the party, as well as the custom backdrop I made with vinyl decals of animals.

The wild animal show was amazing, and even the adults loved learning about the animals.  The grand finale animal was a brightly colored mandrill (monkey) and took our breath away!

I also loved the goody bags and how they turned out - they were the perfect accessory for our guests!

Advice

I bought cheap plastic animals off of ebay and then spray painted them gold for a minimalist and modern safari look.

I also used my cricut to cut out small gold decals for plates, cups, and the cake table backdrop.  It was an easy way to carry the gold animal theme throughout the party.

Natalie

Wednesday 26th of September 2018

Hi Emily,

I know now this post was quite a few years old but I am trying to do a safari bday party for my kids. I love everything you did! I have been searching everywhere for those color in wooden masks that I see in your post. Can you please please share with me where you got those. I can't find them anywhere! Thank you so much for your time.

Feyi

Saturday 16th of April 2016

Hi I loved the concept you did for your daughters birthday. Great JOB! I tried looking for the "party animal goody bag" at oriental trading and couldn't find it? Did you design it with the animals and writing yourself? Or did it come like that?

Bzb

Tuesday 12th of April 2016

Hi. Where did you get you Safari muslin bag? Did you make them?

NOS VAMOS DE SAFARI: IDEAS PARA UNA FIESTA EN LA JUNGLA DIFERENTE – LUZ ANGELA

Thursday 17th of March 2016

[…] Project Nursery […]

Emily Klaparda

Wednesday 2nd of March 2016

Hi everyone! Unfortunately the invites and signage aren't printables and are not for sale. Also the name of the Animal Show contact is Saving Wildlife International.

Thanks! Emily