{The TomKat Studio} Tommy's Crab Shack Party!

I recently styled my son's Crab Shack Party to celebrate his 5th birthday! The inspiration came from a Pottery Barn Kids crab towel, that he received as a gift a couple of years ago! I love the red, white & blue color scheme and it was so easy to find great things since his birthday falls between Memorial Day and 4th of July! The talented, Vicki of Vicki Lynn Photography captured all of the details of the party! I started by designing the little crab illustration and invitation!

Since I designed a fabulous dessert table for Kate's recent party, it was only fair to design one for Tommy! I planned a full spread of yummy treats and paper goods for the party! As always, I was inspired by the queen of dessert tables, Amy Atlas! Whenever I start brainstorming a party, I go on a hunt around my house (and my mom's) to find anything that could work for decorating. The red metal "T" and navy backdrop (new duvet cover) are from Tommy's bedroom! My mom and I decorated a room in her house for the kids in a nautical theme, so I grabbed the white boxes, sailboat frames, life preserver & lighthouse to use for decorating!

I ordered the sweetest fondant little crabs from Decadent Delights for my cupcakes! The night before the party, while my mom and I were baking, we decided that Tommy needed his own little cake. We used two large ramekins to get the right size and shape for the cake I was envisioning! The little crabs, cherry sours, and cake topper I whipped up made it cute!

I enlisted the help of Kim at Sweeties for the fabulous chocolate covered oreo and oreo pops! She also sent the amazing white chocolate letters, spelling out TOMMY and they worked perfectly under the cake stand!

I used Allyson of Girly Gatherings make custom printed cookies using my party circle designs!

My mom & I made our first attempt at Bakerella's cake pops and balls! After a little practice, they turned out fabulous! The sprinkles are really forgiving for hiding imperfections!
{more tips coming soon in a follow-up post!}

Melissa from Decadent Delights also made the crab shaped cookies, which I used on the table as well as in cello bags tied with a tag for favors!

I made a welcome sign using a life preserver mirror from my mom's house! The beach hut sign has been hanging around in my garage for awhile, and always comes out for the surf /beach/pool parties! Tommy wore an adorable custom crab shirt from Smitten & Company!

I enlisted the help of family and friends to bring some of the food, including my favorite layered salad, queso, tortellini salad and fruit pizza! We also served hamburgers and hot dogs, strawberries & cream, and lots of yummy treats!
{recipes coming soon in a follow up post} 

Nautical details were placed throughout the house!

I continued the red, white & blue theme outside!
(see the towel that inspired the party?)

Lots of fun was had by all, with swimming, water balloon fights, delicious food & desserts!

Happy Birthday to my sweet little boy, Tommy!
Love, Mommy

Sources:
Party Designs/Styling: The TomKat Studio
Photography: Vicki Lynn Photography
Oreo Goodies: Sweeties By Kim
Custom Printed Cookies: Girly Gatherings
Fondant Crabs & Crab Cookies: Decadent Delights
Custom Crab T-shirt: Smitten & Co
Hair Accessories: Whippy Cake