One of my favorite ideas for this book was a carnival theme. I couldn't wait to try it out in my own house. The party was so much fun! We had a ring toss game, a beanbag throw, bobbing for apples, and circus-inspired food. Once we put this all together at our house, it was a blast. It's an awesome, fun, and affordable party idea, and it's easy to let the kids be part of the process. The kids had a great time with the games, and my friend even sewed together little beanbags for the beanbag toss. We used cans from our pantry as the target and turned it into a party. Other ideas for this party could include different stands for carnival goodies like popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cones. Need more games?
Try your own variation of a fishbowl toss.
WHITE CHOCOLATE–DIPPED STRAWBERRIES
Chocolate-covered strawberries are so yummy, and making them festive can be fun for the kids as well as easy. My daughter Jagger had such a blast with the red sprinkles. And they can be a great addition to carnival-inspired food or candy.
YIELD: 12 STRAWBERRIES
Parchment paper
1 cup of white chocolate chips
12 large strawberries
Red sugar sprinkles
Cover a tray with parchment paper. Heat white chocolate chips on low heat, stirring constantly. Once the chips have melted into a smooth consistency, remove from heat. Poke the stem end of a strawberry with a fork, and dip into the melted chips. Place on parchment paper and sprinkle with red sugar sprinkles. Repeat for remaining strawberries. Refrigerate or let chocolate coating firm before serving.
BEANBAG TOSS
A beanbag toss is such a classic game to include in any carnival. My friend's homemade beanbags were a big hit! They had felt initials sewed on and were adorable. This game was a favorite with the kids during our party.
3 to 6 cans
3 beanbags
Grab cans out of your cupboard, remove labels if desired, and stack in a pyramid. For a small pyramid use three cans; for a larger pyramid use six cans and stack them. Have players stand back at a marked distance and give them each three beanbags for three chances to knock down as many cans as they can.
RING TOSS GAME
What's a circus carnival without a ring toss? I have great memories of going to the carnival as a kid. Whenever we traveled, my mom would take me to the nearest carnival or fair as soon as we got to our destination. I always loved the ring toss game.
8 colored soda bottles
Sand
Crate
1 ring per kid (see "How to Make the Rings")
Masking tape
Place bottles randomly inside the crate. If you use empty soda bottles, fill them halfway with sand so they won't get tipped over. Give each child a ring and three chances to get the ring around a bottle. Use a piece of masking tape on the floor to show the kids where to stand. Younger children can stand closer.
HOW TO MAKE THE RINGS
1 wood embroidery hoop per kid
1/2 roll of glitter ribbon per ring
1 pair of scissors
Unscrew the hoop to loosen the outside ring from the inner ring. Slide one end of the ribbon between the two rings to secure. Now have each player wrap the ribbon around the outside to cover the wood with the circusfriendly glimmer. When the entire hoop is covered in ribbon, cut the end of the ribbon, slide the remaining end between the two rings, and tighten the screw. Now the kids will be ready for the ring toss game.
BOBBING FOR APPLES
I had forgotten how much fun I used to have bobbing for apples until I saw the kids doing it. It's easy and fun for all ages. Don't forget to keep some towels nearby to dry off all the wet little faces.
1 large bucket
Water
6 to 8 apples
Fill the bucket three-quarters full with water. Place the apples in the water and have each player try to pick one up with their teeth. Remember, hands behind the back!
TIPS
? Red and white make a great color theme for the carnival.
? Tie balloons with twine instead of ribbon to create a vintage feeling.
? Think outside the box when it comes to music and decorations. The kids started break dancing in the middle of the party, and right away it felt like a real carnival.
? Reintroduce classic games in a fun way to give your party a unique flair.