How to throw a circus themed party for adults

1. Big CIRCUS sign
2. Themed circus invitations
3. Circus games for entertainment
4. Entertainment and shows for the circus
5. Under the big top
6. Set up a themed mirror photo booth
7. Carnival catering
8. Vibrant cocktails

A circus themed party is a magical way to celebrate all kinds of events, from an adult's birthday to an anniversary or even a wedding. Make your guests feel like they are at the greatest show on earth by creating a multisensory experience: colourful decor, vintage circus music, the smell of freshly made popcorn and food that carries everyone straight under the big top.

For a circus themed event, one of the key pieces is a giant illuminated CIRCUS sign at the entrance. It is the first piece of decor and it creates the circus feeling from the very first moment, setting the tone for the whole party.

Design an invitation that looks like a show ticket to set the mood before the party even starts. Include all the relevant information and send invitations three or four weeks in advance (six to eight if it is a wedding).

Asking guests to dress to the theme — ringmaster, clown or sequinned trapeze artist — will add drama and excitement to the event. Classic circus lines such as "Ladies and gentlemen" or "Step right up" on the invitation reinforce the sense of spectacle even further.

One of the key factors behind a successful themed event is having circus-related games and activities. As well as entertaining guests, they dress the whole event and add value:

• High striker strength game
• Circus-themed Batak
• Zoltar machine
• Table football and dart machines
• Giant inflatable darts
• Retro games: arcades and pinball
• Minigolf
• Ball pit
• Soft toy crane machines

If the budget allows, book performers such as a fire-eating fakir, gymnasts, fire stilt walkers, a juggler or clowns making balloon animals, to create impact at different points in the event. You can place different acts spread across the event timeline.

You can also combine the performers with the catering, serving food from living tables or wine dresses, bringing a very original touch to the circus themed event.

A red and white striped tent set up in the garden is the perfect stage for a circus themed evening. If an outdoor event is not an option, improvise by fixing striped fabric to the centre of the ceiling and fanning it out towards the walls to recreate the big top feeling.

Use clusters of helium balloons tied with ribbon as centrepieces, and add brightly coloured tablecloths, napkins and trays to reinforce the event's colour statement.

Add a mirror photo booth in front of a large circus themed poster. Keep fun props to hand — top hats, red clown noses, feather boas — so guests can create their own photo souvenir of the night.

Bring authenticity by serving proper carnival food. Rent a popcorn machine and serve it fresh in striped boxes. Candy floss carts with themed staff also add a very carnival touch.

Toffee apples are made by combining brown sugar, corn syrup and butter and bringing it to the boil; when the thermometer reads 248 °F, take it off the heat and add condensed milk and a little vanilla. Dip the apples in the mixture and roll them in chopped nuts before leaving them to cool on parchment paper.

For mini hot dogs, wrap cocktail sausages in croissant dough and bake until golden. Serve with mustard, ketchup and pickled gherkin.

Finish the look with a selection of eye-catching cocktails:

• Blue lemon drop: vodka + blue Curaçao liqueur, shaken with ice and strained into a sugar-rimmed martini glass.
• Green apple martini: vodka + apple liqueur + a sweet-and-sour hit, garnished with a slice of apple.
• Cosmopolitan: vodka + orange liqueur + cranberry juice + fresh lime, strained into a glass garnished with lemon.

Do not forget to round out the bar with alcohol-free options, such as bottled water and spiced pink lemonade.

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