This nautical theme first birthday party is so sweet! It was styled by my wonderful customer Jenn for her son, Jackson.

Even before entering the party, each child received an embroidered sailor hat from Miss LuLu’s. The homemade sign reads, “Ahoy Mates! Grab your sailor hat and come on in!”


The front door wreath is a ship’s anchor made from a yarn-wrapped styrofoam ring and wooden stir sticks (so clever, and perfect for a nautical party!).

Jackson’s chalkboard sign is a printable by PickleNoodle Boutique that Jenn printed at Costco on a poster size sheet, then taped to a chalkboard.

The food table backdrop is made from anchor patterned and chevron patterned fabrics, plus a large wooden anchor.

Strips of coordinating nautical fabrics were used to make a table garland.



Kid-friendly nibbles were labeled as “Anchor Bites (snacks for little hands).”

The “Marshmallow Buoys” were marshmallows dipped in melted red chocolate candy.

“Life Preservers” are made from powdered donuts criss-crossed with melted red chocolate candy.

Sweet Art Bakery made the cake balls and Cravings made the cookies.

Fresh fruit was served in ice cream cone bowls.


The “Catch of the Day” included Goldfish crackers.

“Ships Ahoy”: Blue jello with mandarin orange boats.


Rosie Posie Designs made the personalized melamine plate.

The “Sea Water” is blue punch served in mason jars. Baker’s twine and jute twine were wrapped around each jar with a Life Saver candy.

The personalized chevron water bottle labels are from Chickabug.




The blue ombre ruffle cake was made by Sweet Art Bakery. I love how the ruffles look like ocean waves!

A homemade sailboat served as entertainment for the kids, and as a photo booth prop! The backdrop is a fabric panel by Michael Miller. Jenn says, “I used spray adhesive and mounted it onto plywood so it would be sturdy.”


The kids made snow globe aquariums as a craft, and then they doubled as party favors!


Jackson’s personalized hat is by Pixie and Penelope. His personalized bib and “ONE” high chair banner are from Miss LuLu’s.


Birthday cake time!


Jenn made an adorable display in honor of Jackson – “Do you know how much we love you? Let us count the WAVES!”

For party favors, in addition to their monogrammed sailor hats, each child took home a nautical themed notepad and a package of markers wrapped in a bow.

Thank you so much for sharing, Jenn! Happy 1st birthday to Jackson! : )

Party hat – Pixie and Penelope
Printable birthday sign – PickleNoodle Boutique
Cake balls and birthday cake – Sweet Art Bakery
Cookies – Mandy Hinerman of Cravings
Melamine plate – Rosie Posie Designs
Pirate ship – made using a tutorial from Parents
Ship and waves backdrop – fabric from Michael Miller
Snow globe aquariums – tutorial here
Personalized sailor hats – Miss LuLu’s
Personalized bib – Miss LuLu’s
“ONE” high chair banner – Miss LuLu’s
“Ahoy mates” sign – homemade
Nautical party water bottle labels and party printables – Chickabug

Shop for personalized nautical theme party paper goods and printables here.
Or, check out more nautical party ideas on Pinterest or here on my blog!