When it comes to kid’s birthday parties, baby showers and other sweet celebrations, animal themes are a classic choice. What child isn’t enchanted by animals? To elevate a party’s animal theme into something sophisticated, stylish, and as enjoyable for the adults in attendance as for the children, consider going WILD with a Safari theme!

The Safari Themed 1st Birthday Party pictured here is the perfect inspiration for any birthday, baby shower or special event. With its black, white, orange and green color palette, minimalist design details and stunning floral arrangements and decor accessories, it’s a modern and chic take on a timeless children’s party theme.

Read on for my design tips for your own Safari Themed themed birthday party or baby shower…

Safari themed 1st birthday party tabletop decor by Eddie Zaratsian, LA event designer

Safari Themed Party Decor Ideas

BALANCE WILD PATTERNS with MINIMALIST DETAILS

Wild animals and their incredible patterns are the central design elements of a Safari themed party, so try balancing all that dynamic visual interest with sleek, minimal details. At this 1st birthday party, we used a clean black and white color palette, and chose modern touches like thin black flatware and black edged chargers at each place setting, simple black and white signage with modern fonts, and a fabulous line drawing inspired cake decoration.

DECORATE with NATURAL MATERIALS

Decor pieces made from natural materials provide incredible textures and an organic feel that’s the perfect match for a Safari themed party. Look for details like woven placemats, soft linen napkins, wooden candleholders or rattan chairs to add a natural atmosphere to your event.

Safari themed 1st birthday party table place setting by Eddie Zaratsian, LA event designer

Safari themed 1st birthday party Zebra decor by Eddie Zaratsian, LA event designer

Safari Themed Party Floral Arrangements

EMBRACE TEXTURE & GREENERY IN YOUR FLORALS

Safari themed events are a great time to embrace floral arrangements with lots of greenery, texture, and dramatic shapes, but few blooms. With animals taking center stage as the most important design elements, your florals can act as supporting cast, creating atmosphere, depth and interest to your designs.

INCORPORATE FAUX FLOWERS

If the tropical flowers and botanicals you’d like to use in your Safari themed party aren’t readily available, consider incorporating faux flowers into your arrangements! Today’s silk flowers and greenery can be hard to tell apart from the real thing, and they provide long lasting decor pieces. I have a collection of stunning faux flowers and greenery in my home decor shop, EZLD.co.

USE POTTED PLANTS

Tall potted plants can act as dramatic large formal arrangements, perfect for filling space and creating backdrops at your Safari themed party. Plus they can be enjoyed in your home long after the party is over. Look for large plants with sculptural leaves like Birds of Paradise, Giant Elephants Ear, and any number of standard or exotic palms.