I have decided on a Circus theme for J's second birthday. 

(Seemed like a good idea, until my friend suggested hiring a clown. I'm terrified of clowns.)

Anybody got any recs  for places to buy funky decs etc? Circus themed games to play? Any other circus ideas?

So far, i've got a box of props, for the kids (and adults) to dress up in, and i'm using popcorn boxes instead of the usual loot bags. (got foam red noses, and circus themed stickers to put in so far), balloons on sticks, and candy floss for the older kids. Games wise, I have pin the nose on the clown, and I have "entry ticket" style invites.

J will be the youngest, and the oldest will be my 13 yr old nephew. Any ideas welcome.

TIA.

Madonna did a photo shoot for a themed party like this

mariedonnphotography.com/barlows-big-top-emerson-park-family-photographer

Any ideas here?

Ah cool, thanks Pip.

Couple of ideas there I can work on.

How cool. Bright buntin, could someone face paint? Could you try and teach a few older ones to juggle, P loves trying.

Jars of sweets, serving hotdogs too that would fit and I can't believe how many got snapped up here Saturday, I can't stand them yach!

J's birthday is in June, isn't it? You could do circus stuff in the garden, get a tent that looks like a big top, and have tunnels so they can have outdoor play. Circus skills stuff, etc. Are there any ideas you could nick from here: pinterest.com/.../pins

H's ex wife does face painting. Do you think (considering she hates me and my children), she will do it? 

Face painting is an excellent idea though. I might have to suck it up, and hire a clown. My Mum knows one who does magic tricks, balloon models, face painting and circus tricks. Would be perfect, if only clowns didn't freak me out so damn much.

Some fab ideas there QS, will jot them down. Thank you.

Ikea do tent top style canopies and little tents.

What is it you don't like about them, could you get him to not paint his face if its that, or for him to come plain clothes?

Yeah DS, June. We had good weather last year, so fingers crossed for sun. A tent of some sort is a good idea, even if it's just for the smaller kids to cause havoc.

I knew you ladies could help. Will check out that link, thanks.

It's an actual phobia. Started when I was a kid, a clown poked me in the eye with a feather duster.

I like horror clowns, as you know they're evil, it's the ones who pretend to be nice, then try and blind you 

It sounds so daft written down. I guess I could leave the room until he left.

Any phobia isn't silly, maybe you could get him to come as a horror clown, kids need to grow up one day no point sheltering them 

honestly though your party wouldn't miss having one, I just wouldn't do it.

ohh how about hoola hoops too, I'm getting into this now!

C would love a horror clown, he suggested getting "IT".

Haven't used a hoola hoop for years. The kids would love those.

Fab work QS.

Some brilliant ideas! Maybe not a balloon but hire a magician or balloon artist instead?

That could work actually. Good idea Belle.

Kids get entertained, I don't get a panic attack. Excellent.

Ha just read what I typed, I clearly meant don't hire a clown but a balloon artist instead. You know what I mean

Fark me AK, we have a party to plan the same day and I have a baby to produce before then.  I thought I was being a bit forward thinking but now you have posted this I am bricking it!!  

To be fair I reckon she will be celebrating her 2nd at an adventure place this year with just the families over on the Sunday.  The circus theme sounds amazing though so may steal it for next year!!

 I like to be organised. (Pretty much got all of J's Christmas presents for this year)

An adventure place is definitely a good idea, with you having another baby. I wouldn't want to plan a party at home with a small baby.

Also, can you believe our babies are going to be 2???

F had a circus theme for her 4th birthday party. We hired an entertainer who was fab but lots of stuff you could organise yourself like bean bag and scarf juggling, paper plate spinning etc.  Have fun!