This last week my twin niece and nephew turned 1!!! And on Saturday my Sister in law, Emily, threw them a big party! She had come up with the theme for it, maybe a week after having them. So she had been brainstorming for about a year. We talked over the year about putting it together as a team. She let me help with the DIY decor for my oldest nephews first birthday last year. I always have so much fun with anything that involves CRAFTS! So I was stoked she included me in the planning for the twins party this year. We had a blast talking, and shopping and researching and getting ideas (crazy ideas) throughout the year. During the last month we really cracked down and did some WORK!  Emily had amazing ideas! Some she admittedly was inspired by other parties or things she had seen around. She was always coming up with things on the fly though. And I loved it. I’m not good at the idea part. But, I love a good challenge. So i would get excited when she was juiced about some new idea, and I in return would get juiced to get to work on it! She debated locations for a bit, and eventually she decided on Coyote Point. It is an awesome park right next to the bay. She reserved 6 picnic tables in a spot that had 2 tables perfect for a couple buffet style food setups. It was a short walk to a huge play structure built just a few years ago called Magic Mountain. It’s giant castle with crazy slides coming off all heights! It’s pretty rad. Anywho, I Thought I’d share pics of the setup. Sadly, I didn’t photograph EVERYTHING in it’s deserving detail. But this is what I got. Hopefully you get the gist.

As guests arrived this is what they saw!

Some detail of the tent. A glittery Happy Birthday banner, cut out by Emily and sewn together by me. A woodland themed heart shaped garland that Emily put together. Inside the tent on all the bars we hung about 15 small tapestry rounds with various felt woodland critters on random fabric colors and prints.

Table 1. Aka, the Truman table. The banner pieces were all crafted by Emily and I sewed them along some ribbon for hanging. This table housed the goody bags, a gift I made that served partially as decor (I didn’t wrap it, but it went with theme),  Starbucks coffee, Almonds, carrot sticks, PB&J mini sandos, Snack size pirate’s booty, extra bread, kids milk and chocolate milk cartons, Champagne (yup!), and sangria!

Some detail.

More detail. The glass bottles are from Starbucks bottled frappucinos (which I LOVE) so, Emily bought me a case from Costco. I enjoyed them, removed the labels and ran them through the dishwasher, Viola! Super cute drinking bottles! Emily found the wax paper straws somewhere online. Sorry I don’t have that info. But they were great! Here, you can also see my gift, it’s just a felt woodland animal playset. I made a few felt creatures,  and a felt playmat. I also made the standing felt toadstool plaques. There was one on each of the food tables.

Table 2. Or the Sawyer table! Again the banner pieces were put together by Emily and I sewed them onto ribbon for hanging. This table housed CHEESE! Lots of cheese. Emily cubed a ton of different varieties of cheese. There was salami, crackers, fresh bread, grapes, strawberries, olives, cookies,  some fancy pastries, truffles, and homemade cupcakes.

some Detail. Emily put together the cupcake plate stands and the grape plate stand out of thrift store bought vases, candlesticks and plates with some hot glue! When I worked at Urban Outfitters, the store designer made these for jewelry displays! It’s a great way to make your own cute little cake plates.

little more detail.

Emily made these terrariums filled with moss, faux trees and various woodland animals. Each table had a different set of animals. I wish I had gotten pics of them all, but like I said I sort of failed at getting appropriate photos of everything. At least I got the foxes! I LOVE them. But, the black bears were pretty darn cute too!

The Birthday twins high chairs for cupcake time! Emily put together all the pieces for these banners and again I sewed them along some ribbon for hanging.

A neat ribbon banner Emily put together. I thought it was in a perfect spot for some photo shoot action. But, we were enjoying to party too much for any photo shoots. oops.

Presents! The wagon was meant to hold the gifts. There was a slight overflow…

And, I Think that’s it for decor. Now, just a few of my favorite moments from the party.

The first to arrive! The guests of honor lead by their big brother, Hud B.

Cake time!!! Emily and I also made the Appliques for their shirts. But, most of the work was done by Emily. I I think I just cut out the toadstools and a little grass for one of them.

I think Truman became a tad overwhelmed… or he hates cake.

Sawyer contently devours hers.

And Hudson had to show this cupcake who’s boss!

Back at home, Truman checks out some critters.

The whole day was really great! I do wish I got more pics or looked decent in any of them myself. But, there’s always next time. I Absolutely LOVED being involved and helping where I could. My Sister in law knows how to throw a serious party. And I love that she let me play and live out some of my crafting dreams through this party for her babies. I wish we could plan parties together for a living. We always have a blast! And maybe go too far. Not even all of our extravagant ideas were used… maybe next time.

I love being an Aunt! I love these kids more than I can even express. They are so much fun to be around. They make me super pumped on life. For real. I Love watching the twins as they are learning to walk and sort of try to figure out their balance. I Love hearing Hudson say “Kust!” (Krust), it’s somewhat of a recent development that he’s really started to say it. My heart melts every time he calls for me.

This weekend was great, and my heart is happy.

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