Wild Four Liam - A Safari Party

Let me start this post with some background. We have a lot of irons in the fire this summer, one of which being a room makeover for my oldest son Tristan, who is graduating to his own room. My youngest son Liam, has had an adorable safari themed room since birth but rarely uses it (Why not, you ask? Well, that's a story for another time). Tristan will be leaving the room he shares with my middle son to get his own space before he starts High School. Liam then will be moving in with big brother Gavin (I'll post before and after room makeover pics, I promise).  Needless to say, Tristan is very excited about the move, but Liam on the other hand is having a hard time with it. So to ease the pain a bit, I decided to set up a mini party for Liam that will serve two purposes, 1. to say goodbye to the baby room and 2. to introduce my latest party stationery theme.

The Details:
Since we are all wild for Liam, and his fourth birthday will most likely be safari adventure themed, (unless of course he changes his mind again) I decided to use "Wild Four Liam" for the product sample. I designed mock invitations, stickers, favor tags and cupcake toppers. I prepared the party space by rearranging his furniture and used the already in place animal print vinyl decals as the backdrop. His cubby cabinet was perfect for the dessert table and I filled apothecary jars with all his favorites; chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal iced cookies, almond cookies, chocolate covered raisins, banana runts and animal crackers.  I added gumballs and gummy bears for a splash of color.  I wrapped chocolate bars and filled bags with banana chips and attached "Liam's Monkey Chow" bag toppers. I collected Liam's stuffed animals as decor and also decorated mason jars with tags, straws, twine and cupcake liners.  I baked...let me repeat that statement...I BAKED cupcakes (and frosted them) in cheetah print cupcake liners from Pick Your Plum and topped them with animal silhouettes.

Side Note:
It may not be a big deal to you wonderfully talented bakers out there that I actually baked and frosted my own cupcakes, but if you know me, I don't spend much time baking so this was a big deal for me.  Don't get me wrong, I love baking but I just don't do it often enough these days.  In past lives I aspired to be a baker but found I don't have the patience, so now a days I just stick with baking breads and muffins when I get the urge. For me to dig out my icing bags and tips, it was a big deal.  I usually just pick up my favorite cupcakes from Sam's Club in the colors of my choice, but this was a very special occasion, my boys were growing up...and truth be told, I needed comfort food.

As I write this post and reflect on the little party for Liam, I realize this party was possibly more for me than for him. I needed to say goodbye to the baby room, pack up his toddler bedding and all the toys he's outgrown. A couple of weeks ago I sorted through his baby clothes and it was a very painful experience that left me in tears...my last baby is a baby no more. But onward we go as I prepare my first born for independence and give him space to spread his wings. And as I prepare my little fella for pre-school by having him share his space with his big brother...change is in the air and change is good.  Right?

Thanks for visiting!

Vendor Credits:

Party Stationery, Styling and Photography: Michelle's Party Plan-It

Available in my SHOP:
Invitations
Cupcake toppers
Stickers
Favor bag toppers
Favor tags

Cupcake liners: Pick Your Plum