A Woodland Camping Birthday: Gianna Turns 2!

My idea of camping is a hotel without a spa. I felt like I should come clean – pun intended – at the get-go.

Picking a party theme is one of my greatest joys and it’s especially sweet when the birthday girl doesn’t really have an opinion – those will come soon enough. She just wants attention and people to dote on her. I’ve always loved a camping theme (looking at you, Grace) and when paired with some sweet woodland animals, it just seemed like a winner for Gianna’s big 2.0.

Because it was a small gathering of immediate family, grandparents and Godparents I didn’t plan any games or activities, unless you count experimenting with different mixed drinks as one. Ha! I got to focus all my efforts on the food and hospitality. But, with big kids can you imagine the fun possibilities? S’more roasting, sleeping bag and duffle bag relays, pin the fire on the woodstack, making God’s eyes with sticks and yarn? I might have to do this one again.

The Spread
Coming up with the menu for this party was incredibly fun. The girls, especially Anna-Laura, were my big helpers in getting the table set and the food ready.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering? These s’more pops taste EVEN BETTER than they look. If you can’t have “real” s’mores, these should be your go-to. Just melt chocolate, skewer the marshmallows (or use a stick pretzel if desired) dip them, roll them in crushed graham crackers, set on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop in the fridge for a half hour to set.

The cookies and cupcakes? Those really happened.

That squirrel juice was just one liter of Ginger Ale plus one liter of white grape juice. Deeeelicious.

I promise I serve more than sugar at my parties. The meal for the party included hot dogs and Scott’s guacamole (it should be packaged and sold). We opted for pie tins as plates in lieu of regular plates.

The Favors
We didn’t have a huge guest list, so I kept these simple: tin buckets filled with trail mix. Pretty sure the kids ate the M&Ms first.

The Birthday Girl
There’s something sweet about being the sixth baby. You can pretty much do no wrong. And that shirt? It’s truth in advertising. She is always happy.

Sweet Moments
Gianna was not a fan of Fr. Tom (I promise she’s going to come around to her Godfather someday!). She did love that magna doodle from her Godmother, though. As did all the other kids in the house. Whose birthday was this again?!

For the life of us we couldn’t get her to eat any sweets at her birthday party, But, a few days later I coaxed her into eating her birthday cookie. This is proof! Happy birthday, sweet G, we love you to pieces.

Vendor Credits
S’more Cupcakes: Polkadots
Cookies: Sweet Spot Cookie Shoppe
Table accessories (food stands, wooden crates, drink container, floral jar): MINT Event Design
Flowers: Central Market
Gianna’s Shirt: Sweet Tees Shop
Printables: Jayme Marie Designs (my sweet neighbor who’s taking a design break, but I coaxed her out of retirement)

If getting high on sugar or going into a craft coma are your jam, then check out any of the 50+ parties we’ve hosted (that’s just nuts). Or, follow me over on Pinterest where I find all my good ideas (a shortcut to my camping party board)!