BABY OLLIE’S TRIBAL FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY

My baby Oliver or Ollie as he is affectionately known, turned one at the beginning of February. I wanted something natural to celebrate his earthy nature and it seemed only natural to choose the theme I had created his nursery in – a mix of teepees and tribal elements. February is usually so warm and humid (here in South Africa) so I set the table up outside next to our old reclaimed window shutters where there is the most beautiful gentle breeze that comes up from the hill below.
Friends asked me if I made these dreamcatchers. I wish! I got them from Typo and plan to put them up in Ollie’s room once I’ve moved some furniture around. The whole set-up was quite symmetrical so I put hay bales either side of the table and put blankets/quilts on them for some comfy seating. We made tribal bunting to adorn the front of the table and placed a large wooden stump underneath.
The gorgeous crocheted tablecloth was lent to me by my friend’s mom – thanks Norma! I just turned the tablecloth so that the corner draped over the front so you could still see most of the table front.
Close-ups of my almost naked Carrot Cake http://www.justeasyrecipes.co.za/2012/07/23/carrot-cake/..... Oooh it was delicious.
I also made these chocolate cupcakes http://www.justeasyrecipes.co.za/2009/08/26/cupcakes-chocolate/ just in case the bigger kids preferred chocolate over carrots (as in the carrot cake) which I guess was a no brainer, right? Chocolate vs Carrots? Topped with “arrow” toppers!
I aptly called these macaroons “Stones” and they were a light yet delicious chocolate flavor!
These choc chip cookies were made by my party pal, Catherine. And how cute do they look in these little canoes https://www.etsy.com/listing/266498679/tribal-birthday-party-printable-set?ref=shop_home_active_17&ga_search_query=tribal???!
A bit of tribal vanilla fudge…
I have been wanting to experiment setting up parties with smaller tables. Usually we use a rather large trestle table and it means we have to fill it up with loads of food/sweets or decor and it can either look too cluttered or a little sad with gaps everywhere. I picked this little wooden table up at a second hand store and plan to use it a lot more for party set-ups.
The backdrop was a team effort of cutting, placing and sewing and I think it turned out really well and was a refreshing change from a full fabric backdrop.

Say hello to my little boy Oliver. Ogha man don’t you just want to eat him up?! I do!
We made this rustic teepee with an old A-frame kiddies tent I had in the garage. We used 3 of the wooden rods and weaved rope through the already pre-cut holes in the top to keep the pieces altogether, my hubby sharpened the ends and we poked them into the ground to give it stability and then draped it with some muslin-type cloth I found at the seconds fabric shop. We tied a sprig of lavender from my garden to the inside of the tent and lay out a blanket and some cushions.
I had a lot of fun with creating the adult savoury food table. I wanted something rustic and natural, in line with the theme so I made what some people call a Crostini bar although I just think of it as a colorful, healthy lunch table. Kind of bohemian in nature.
I made potato wedges and some dips – roasted red pepper and macadamia nut, spring onion and creme fraiche http://www.justeasyrecipes.co.za/2016/02/22/potato-wedges-with-sour-cream-and-spring-onion-dip/ and hummus. You’ll see I added cheeses and fruit to the table as well as grilled pita breads, bruschettas (crostinis), gherkins, peppadews, nuts, dried fruit and basil pesto.
I added some greenery from my garden….ah the scent of Lavender and Rosemary! As well as some local store-bought flowers.
Served with my vintage cutlery and ceramic spoon collection of course….for a rustic feel!
I had a complete fail moment when I cut fabric for the first backdrop by making the pieces too short , so I just made a mini version and hung it above the drinks table! Solutions!! #neverthrowawayfabric. And we made a different tribal garland for the front of this table too! Talk about getting our craft on!!
It says “Adventure!” #justincaseyoumissedit
The pink lemonade called for a special name – summer mountain dew!
Just another snap of this photo…just because….it makes me happy!
And there you have it, my Ollie’s first birthday party! I hope you got some ideas?

• What People Ate

  Potato wedges and some dips – roasted red pepper and macadamia nut, spring onion and creme fraiche and hummus. You’ll see I added cheeses and fruit to the table as well as grilled pita breads, bruschettas (crostinis), gherkins, peppadews, nuts, dried fruit and basil pesto. cheeses and fruit to the table as well as grilled pita breads, bruschettas (crostinis), gherkins, peppadews, nuts, dried fruit and basil pesto.

• What People Drank

  Homemade pink lemonade and lemonade. Tea/ Coffee (for the adults)

• Desserts

  Carrot Cake with the yummiest Cream Cheese Icing (Birthday Cake), Chocolate Cupcakes, Macaroons, Fudge and Choc Chip Cookies

• Activities / Games

  Playgym equipment with slides and balls. Kiddies had so much fun building, sliding and creating fun!!!!

• SunshineParties http://sunshineparties.com/

  https://www.etsy.com/listing/266498679/tribal-birthday-party-printable-set?ref=shop_home_active_17&ga_search_query=tribal

  Editable Party Themed Printables