How to Plan a "Wild One" Themed First Birthday Party

Your baby's first birthday is such an exciting milestone, and one that's usually full of a lot of memories and emotions. And as much as it's a day to celebrate your sweet little one, it's just as much (let's be real - probably more) a day for you as parents to celebrate and reflect on all that's changed and happened over the last 365 days. After all, just a year ago, you were eagerly awaiting the arrival of your little one on the outside and now you've spent a year getting to know this little person, watching them experience everything for the first time and seeing the world through their eyes. A Wild One first birthday party - based on the classic children's book Where the Wild Things Are - ensures a memorable day while also offering the flexibility to keep things as simple or extravagant as you want. Here are all the details you need to throw a Wild One Themed first birthday party!

The Invitations

Set the stage for a memorable day with themed invitations! Depending on your style, Etsy is full of customizable Wild One invitations, or you can hit up the local Target or party store for any outdoorsy-looking invitations (think greenery, leafy motifs, natural textures). The book's famous quote "Let the wild rumpus start!" makes a perfect addition to the invitations. 

The Decorations

This is another place where you can let your personal style lead the way. Start with a black, gold, green, and neutral beige color palette when with comes to balloons, plates and cutlery, tablecloths, etc. Then you can take things in either a woodland or tropical direction depending on your taste or even region! Search party stores or even around the house and outdoors for natural-themed items to add to the "wild" atmosphere - wood cake stands, palm frond banners, faux moss and flowers, even your houseplants can be used as decor!

And don't forget to decorate the seat of honor! Gather a variety of fabrics in different patterns that match the color scheme you've chosen and cut into strips to create a fun banner for your baby's high chair. 

Photo: Pinterest

The Food

Don't worry about creating a themed menu; just choose your favorite foods and work them into the theme! We love this idea from Bryna Cumplido Events for turning a bread bowl dip into a boat and incorporating a quote from the book:

Try adding themed signs and placards to label the food and pull in phrases from the story.

Themed cookies or cake pops are a fun way to bring in more elements of the story and make perfect party favors.

The Outfit

Last but not least, you can't forget a themed outfit for your little wild one! Take a cue from the outfit worn by the book's main character and start with a romper with buttons down the front. We love this one because it can easily be reworn for other occasions! Add a cute pair of shoes like these tan moccasins and make or purchase a golden crown. That's it! Your wild one year old is ready to party!