Circus party

Invitations

Introduce the circus theme by issuing each guest a “ticket” to the circus. We attached ours to a pencil decorated with ribbon and feathers, as a pretty keepsake.

Get the circus feel

When it comes to parties, like journeys, “getting there” is half the fun. These party décor ideas are easy and fun to make, and the children will love to help out in the days running up to the party.

Placemats

Use different papers – scrapbooking paper, coloured card, or wallpaper off-cuts are good – decorated with ribbons, beads, buttons, paper flowers and feathers. Your old sewing box might yield some interesting odds and ends.

Mix and match colours, textures and designs so that each place setting is different. We used the same papers to make popcorn cones.

Flags

An easy, inexpensive way to create a festive feel is to make strings of flags to festoon the birthday venue. Again, assorted papers of different patterns and colours look great. Simply cut them into triangles, fold each one over the string, and staple.

Circus party games

Balancing, juggling, tumbling and throwing games are perfect for a circus party. And it’s easy to revitalise family favourites to suit the theme. Here are some to try:

Pin the tail on the elephant

Draw a circus elephant’s rear view on a big sheet of paper, and provide each guest with a cut out tail and a piece of Prestick. Each child writes her name on the tail she’s been given. Tie a scarf around the child’s eyes, turn her around 3 times, and let her try and place it in the right spot!

Clown throw

Draw a big clown’s face on a large piece of heavy cardboard or hardboard. Cut out a big mouth (the
younger the children, the bigger the mouth should be). Children take turns to try and throw balls through the clown’s mouth – there’s a prize for anyone who manages.

Musical noses

This works on the same principle as musical chairs. Place a pile of clown’s noses on a small table – one fewer than the number of children. The kids walk in a big circle, and when the music stops they have to rush to the pile of noses, grab one and put it on. The noseless one leaves the game.

Remove a nose from the pile each time, so that there is always one nose too few. Give the nose to the child who leaves the game. They should all end up with a nose as a fun gift.

Tightrope relay races

Divide the children into four teams. Set up 4 “tightropes” – each one made of a plank of wood balanced on bricks. Each child has to balance on the beam holding an umbrella above his head, walk to the end of the beam, and hand the umbrella to the next person.

Party packs

Eschew the usual bag of quite sweets (the moms with thank you!), and give each child an inexpensive gift that he can use and enjoy, such as hula hoops, with homemade thank you tags.

Need some food ideas for this circus party?

Go to: http://www.yourparenting.co.za/family/recipes/party-food/circus-food