The Greatest Showman Inspired Party

Lilly is very into gymnastics right now and since we already did a gymnastics themed party last year, we were trying to think of something different this year. A few months ago, she tied her fleece blanket to her gymnastics bar as a DIY silk apparatus and I knew we had our theme. I looked around and luckily found a studio in a neighboring town. Studio Air in Montclair, NJ is an aerial studio offering silk classes, parties and more. They were all so friendly, welcoming and accommodating even allowing Lilly to take a free trial class to make sure that’s where she wanted her party. One minute in and we were both sold! I can’t recommend it enough. What a fun (patient, careful and accepting) place!

But I was still stumped on a theme. Then her acting class chose The Greatest Showman as their next musical and it clicked. They use aerial silks in the movie and Lilly and I are obsessed with the soundtrack.

But I didn’t want to go with a traditional circus theme. I also didn’t want to do anything too grand. I’m trying to scale back these days (cue Zach laughing or rolling his eyes, one of the two), the star of the show was the activity and the studio didn’t allow for much decoration. So I kept things simple back home for the little after party and focused on themed favors. For those, chose a dreamy, shiny, sparkly star-theme giving a subtle nod to the film.

When searching for items, I found myself gravitating to a holographic vibe, which was a fun departure for me since I usually do a brighter array of colors and less of a monochromatic look.

I got a Cricut machine for Christmas and I’m obsessed with it. It’s saved me a lot of time and money since I was constantly going to a local shop to monogram and customize things for me. I love putting people’s names on gifts, it makes it so much more personal and special. I loved the idea of these reusable bags instead of a paper gift bag. The girls are constantly hauling things around to acting, dance, gymnastics… You can never have enough bags and these make for the perfect accessory. The holographic foil names add such a cool dimension. The girls thought it was so cool that depending how they’re holding it and how the light hits, their names are a different color.

These star cups were a must. I chose a collection of all three different metals to mix it up. They started out as favors in a star box (below) and then I had them take them out to use at the studio and the party. I love a favor you can actually use at the event.

Every aerialist needs something to tie her hair up should she choose to. These scrunchies were perfect for my group of active girls.

We had the stars covered, but I wanted to include something from our other favorite song. A dream journal seemed fitting. I used the same vinyl that I used on the bags to create these little blank books.

I printed lyrics to Rewrite the Stars on thick card stock so they could hang the print in their rooms. And gifted each girl a star cookie too.

I spray painted these star boxes to house the girls goodies in.

I designed the banners on Etsy and had them printed at Staples. In my hastiness, I didn’t measure and they were a little longer than I planned so this one had a scroll like nature (LOL) that I actually didn’t mind. I could’ve cut it but I was strapped for time and I knew it would be uneven given my track record. I’ve learned it’s better to leave it alone. (Ignore the empty shelves. Our dining room is still in transition. I’ll probably finish it once it’s time to move.)

You can’t tell in this light (and the left side is all clumped up here) but two of the stars on either side were actually gold so I had the colors represented from the star tumblers (this one looked more on par with the rose gold cup than the actual rose gold balloon) and then some iridescent ones as well. And, of course, we had to have the number 9. (I didn’t see these decorations until now but they would’ve been cool to hang from the ceiling.)

I love how the stars poked out of the bags. It wasn’t intentional but I think it added another cool layer to the presentation. It actually ended up being one of my favorite parts.

In my continued efforts to scale back, I ordered a standard (but still delicious!) bakery cake and jazzed it up myself with a silver star sprinkle explosion and some silver tapered candles.

I love these shooting star plates. They created the perfect opportunity to break back out my Cricut and stick the girls names on them, doubling as place cards. I paired them with holographic striped and star napkins. When it’s a kids party, nine times out of ten, I line the table with craft paper instead of a table cloth. It stays put, the clean up is easier and if the urge strikes, they can color. I always put a cup of markers and crayons nearby.

Time for the action! Locals: Studio Air in Montclair is so much fun. Highly recommend for a kids or adult party or class.

Another banner with lyrics from Rewrite the Stars. And what did we blast during their private class? The Greatest Showman, of course.

The girls had a blast. Huge smiles, so much pride when they accomplished a move and we heard, “this is so much fun!” so many times throughout the afternoon. Lilly even declared it the best party ever. It will remain a life highlight for our family.

The birthday girl wore a white leotard (I almost ironed stars on but we both decided it would be overkill), teal leggings with little silver stars and this cute metallic star headband.

I cannot believe Lilly is 9! As our friend, who also has a 9-year-old said the other day, “they’re half way through their time with us.” Meaning living at home. Needless to say, we’re no longer friends anymore. What a cruel thing to say! 😉 The first few years felt long. These last few have flown much like my own little dreamer and her friends hopefully changing the world to be theirs.