Sock Monkey First Birthday

Description

A sock monkey themed first birthday party for our twins, Wesley and Andrew. http://www.doublethegiggles.com/2010/09/twins-first-birthday-party.html

Design Inspiration

I have always loved sock monkeys and was looking for a boyish party theme.  There seems to be so many girly party themes out there.  This seemed like a good idea and like something I could tackle on my own.  I was inspired to create such a  party/dessert table by my childhood bestie, Kim of the TomKat Studio  http://www.thetomkatstudio.com    I admire and swoon over every single party she styles.  I also always pull great ideas from Sara's Party Perfect http://www.saraspartyperfect.com

Decorating Style

Simple, handmade and budget ;)

Project Details

I designed the invites and cupcake toppers myself. I also made all the desserts (cupcakes, brownies, chocolate covered pretzels, cakeballs), the sock monkeys, frames, onesies, poms, hats, toppers and bunting myself ;)   I did a photo shoot of the boys with their sock monkeys a week before the party to get some shots to put in the frames for the dessert table. I learned that Bakerella's cakeballs are ALWAYS a hit!  Balloons were from Platesandnapkins.com 

Favorite Items

The polka dot balloons brought all the rooms together, and the onesies I made were a nice handmade touch!  Also, I always LOVE using poms!  They are simple to make, so festive and scream PARTY!!!

Advice

Keep it simple and look for items you already have to incorporate into the color scheme.  (polka dot buckets actually say 'God Bless America' on the back- from a 4th of July party, red paper goods left over from party, as well.)  Also, create a themed keepsake (like the frame with themed-photo and the sock monkey) for the child to have as a 'souvenir' of their first birthday.