We met gorgeous mumma Jess and little adventurer Nixon at our regular stint at Little Creatures Craft Market in Geelong. She literally bee lined for our stall proclaiming how she’d just found our Instagram that morning and dragged hubby out of bed to come down to see us. I’m fairly sure the prospect of beer on a Sunday morning was a strong selling point for him.

Jess had a strong vision for her “Into the Wild” theme for Nixon’s first birthday. Instagram was a major inspiration when choosing this theme as she was already drawn to all things ‘wild and adventure’, even styling Nixon’s room and basing his play experiences on this theme at home.

For Nixon’s invites, Jess was inspired by two designs from our previous work. Using these as a starting point we got the ball rolling on some wicked custom invitations. A natural Kraft design, with arrows and a stag head with matching tags that said “Nixon’s First Birthday”. She then took everything to the next level (and we mean we squealed when we saw it) by adding her own feathers wrapped around the invites to add a personal touch. 

When choosing a venue, Jess wanted something indoors as they didn’t want to be caught out with the weather. They found a perfect little building, which turned out to be an old school hall with weathered bricks and floorboards. It instantly flooded Jess with ideas on how to decorate with arrows, teepees, feathers, woodland critters and the likes and she started to plan. The venue and theme were a direct reflection of Nixon, which Jess states as a must when choosing a theme.

As a natural creative, Jess knew she wanted to make some of the decorations herself which would also assist in keeping costs down. It also allowed her to add personal touches throughout. She kept her eyes peeled everywhere from Kmart to H&M for little items she could hack and repurpose to suit the Wild theme.

After finding stamp seller Little Stamp Store on Instagram, she ordered from their Etsy store and proceeded to go nuts stamping anything neutral and natural for props to create matching items to tie together the Wild party theme. And the results are sensational!

For party styling, Jess recommends starting with the colour palette. Keep it simple and concise. Decorations and even food should fall within the palette for maximum visual impact. Of course your invitations should definitely reflect your theme as it gives your guests an idea of what to look forward to.

When it came to games and entertainment Nixon’s mates LOVED the face painter who was without a doubt the highlight of the party. The face painter also created balloon animals and a hired jumping castle helped created an adventurous atmosphere. Jess’s tip? If you are trying to keep costs down consider a venue with plenty of open space for kids to run around or play equipment to enjoy.

We asked Jess her thoughts on splurge party items vs cost saving decor. She strongly recommended splurging on your invites, food and entertainment. Invites set the scene for your party, delicious food keeps tummies happy and entertainment ensures lots of laughter. You can help fund these by cutting costs in other areas like smaller decorative items. Hot tip: decorate with items you already own – like some of your child’s fave toys that suit the theme.

Check out a few of Jess’s fave small and Insta businesses for parties:

@dangerandmoon for invitations and party stationery 

@billybuttonaustralia for teepee’s in loads of different designs and colours plus custom orders welcome too

@poppiesforgrace for props and decoration

@amywilgose for an amazing and super yummy cake 

@partywithlenzo for major party inspiration 

@a.fallen.feather for all things feathers

@littlestampstore for stamps if you want to go stamp crazy like she did!  

For more of Jess’s awesome styling, killer flat lays and Nixon’s adorable little face, follow her Instagram @jessie_ellen_s

Photo cred: Jess and Grace Photography

Party on Party Peeps x