What you need for a circus party

A circus party needs more than balloons and snacks. You will need enough reusable tableware, serving equipment, cold drinks, buffet supplies and practical furniture for guests to eat, sit and move around safely. Add a party tent if the weather is uncertain, plus lighting and extension cords if the party runs into the evening. This shopping list also covers the easily forgotten items, such as a cake knife, thermos flasks, a microphone and juggling balls.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tent
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 45
Buffet tableqty 2
Clothing rack

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable cupsqty 70
Reusable cutleryqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 4
Cake knife

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Buntingqty 8
Circus flagsqty 3
Tableclothsqty 8
Photo backdrop
Photo propsqty 20

Equipment

Bluetooth speakerqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 3
Kettle

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 6

Sports equipment

Juggling ballsqty 12
Juggling scarvesqty 12
Hoopsqty 6
Conesqty 12
Balance ribbon
Skipping ropesqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 4
Food warmersqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Rood - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Hamburger buns - 50 pieces
- Beef burgers - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 10 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 40 pieces
- Cocktail sausages - 40 pieces
- Cheese slices - 2 packs
- Hamburger sauce - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Crispy fried onions - 2 bags
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Onions - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Potato salad - 3 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 3 kilograms
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Popcorn kernels - 2 kilogram
- Popcorn salt - 1 jar
- Peanuts - 2 bags
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Watermelons - 2 pieces
- Birthday cake - 1 piece
- Cupcakes - 50 pieces
- Whipped cream - 4 cans
- Candy mix - 3 kilograms
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan about 2–3 drinks per guest for the first hour, then 1 drink per person per hour. Chill the drinks in coolers before guests arrive and keep extra water available.
Count one plate, bowl, cup and full set of cutlery per guest, then add 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means 22 of each reusable item.
Buy or prepare buffet food that can be served without a kitchen queue. Put serving platters, serving tongs and a cake knife on the buffet table before the welcome drinks are poured.
Check the power setup at least one day before the party. Test the Bluetooth speaker, microphone, string lights and LED lamps, and keep extension cords and power strips away from walking routes.
Set up the circus area before guests arrive, with juggling balls and other games ready to use. If a circus performer or workshop is involved, leave clear space and keep the clothing rack and photo props to one side.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a circus party?: Plan 2–3 drinks per guest for the first hour and 1 per guest for each following hour. For food, provide snacks, cut vegetables and fruit, buffet dishes and cake, with about 10% extra portions for unexpected guests.
How many plates and cups do I need for a circus party?: Allow one reusable plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% spare. For 30 guests, prepare at least 33 of each item so replacements are available during the party.
What should I buy for a circus party outdoors?: Prepare a party tent, foldable tables, folding chairs, tablecloths and coolers. Check the weather 24 hours beforehand and assemble the tent early enough to move food and decorations under cover if needed.
What circus equipment do I need for a children’s circus party?: Provide at least one activity area with juggling balls and any planned circus games. Test the speaker and microphone the day before, and reserve a clear space of roughly 2 square metres per active child.

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