Safari or Jungle Party Ideas

Throw a dangerous birthday party for the man in your life and watch him roar with delight. From Tigers to Giraffes, Zebras to Lions, find lots of great accessories if Safari is the theme for your memorable event. Animal prints are an ever popular pattern for paper goods, hats, guitars and inflatable shoes, too.
Have a great party.


Safari Hats	Safari Party Items	Animal Print Paper Goods	Custom Safari Banners	Safari Decorations

Setting the Mood:

The key to pulling off a coordinated event: Evoke your theme throughout the affair. Whether that theme is as general as a season or a feeling, or as specific as a special flower, it should be the subtle thread that ties everything together. Your location, invitations, flowers, menu, cake, and favors should all cleverly reflect one common concept. Then, get as creative as you can!

For great Safari Partyware, Decorations & Safari Party Ideas Click Here

At some point during the planning stages of your event the subject of linens will arise. When it does stop and think of all the possibilities available to you. Remember the tops of the tables provide you with a very large surface area and covering them with a themed tablecloth is the easiest way to change the feel of a room.. It is also the most cost effective way to decorate. Ten tables covered with zebra or leopard print tablecloths will transform your event location into a jungle full of fun. You can rent linens from your local party rental center. If you are in Cypress, TX contact us for a quote on linens for your next event.

For a casual event start by setting your table with Animal Print party ware, this elegant designer look will bring romance, intrigue, and excitement to your next jungle event or quiet dinner for two.

Safari Invitations: Send invitations out about 2 weeks prior to your party date.

Purchase some inexpensive Plastic Pith Helmets or Straw Pith Helmets for each party guest. Attach a computer-generated sticker with all the party details to the back of the hat. Hand deliver the invites, and ask guests to wear them to the party with safari attire.

Swing on in for a
Jungle Full of Fun . . .

at
NAME
YEARS Birthday Party

When: DAY
Time: TIME
Where: LOCATION

Ain't no Lion about it,
You'll have a
RRROARING Good Time!

Locations: Any location can be transformed into a luxuriant jungle with a little creative thinking, and lots of plants and flowers (real or artificial) . To reduce your costs you might find a location with lots of natural foliage like a Zoo, botanical garden, Wild Animal Park, or Jungle Theme Restaurant. If you use an outdoor location be sure to have an alternative plan if the weather should turn bad.

Motif: Start your party planning session by brainstorming. Create a list of everything you can think of that screams "JUNGLE". Here are a few ideas: trees, plants, vines, exotic flowers, bamboo, river, waterfall, rainforest, volcano, snakes, monkeys, lions, tigers, zebras, parrots and other animals, tents, animal prints, khaki shirts, khaki pants, kruga hats, Pith Helmets, jeep, cast iron pots (Dutch ovens, cauldrons, potjie pots), picnic coolers, outdoor cooking stoves, camping chairs, canvas water bag, sleeping bags, pillows, hammocks, backpacks, candle lanterns, flashlights, folding camp tables, camp cots, glazed blue enamel cookware, enamelware cups, stainless steel camp percolator, first aid /survival kits, and don't forget the mosquito netting.

Jungle Decorating Ideas:

When using a jungle theme you can use a number of different styles. You might want the Jungle Allure Style where your event has an atmosphere of a lush, mystical jungle complete with wild animals. Or maybe you would prefer a Tiki Style where guests will feel like they are deep in the jungle and have come across a native tiki village with wild game hunters & natives. You could also create a land of adventure and romance, and Awe your guests with a dense jungle setting with giant trees topped with metallic balloons and gossamer, a fantastic waterfall, bamboo stakes, a rope bridge and amazing jungle butterflies flying overhead.

The key to pulling off a coordinated event: Evoke your theme throughout the affair, it should be the subtle thread that ties everything together. Your location, invitations, flowers, menu, cake, and favors should all cleverly reflect one common concept. Then, get as creative as you can!

Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Play animal or rainforest sounds in the background.

Hang a custom Safari Banner with your personalized message at the entrance to your party.

Create a jungle atmosphere with lots of foliage, potted plants and trees, artificial or real (borrow extras from friends & neighbors). Hang stuffed monkeys from the branches of trees. Arrange stuffed animals next to large plants, in the branches, or between the leaves. And don't forget to add a few snakes dangling from the tree branches. Place stuffed jungle animals on tables.

If your budget is low, but your dreams are grand, consider the depth of a giant photo mural. It will fill an entire wall, and better yet, it will provide your guests with the most realistic setting imaginable. It also make an excellent photo background too. This Jungle Dreams photo mural will transform any room into a jungle paradise.

Let your guests play along with the band and go on a safari with animal print guitars, a favorite accent for safari parties.

Place a large stuffed monkey or gorilla at the entry way with a Plastic Pith Helmets or Straw Pith Helmets on it's head.

Create a life sized Safari Hunter by stuffing clothing with newspaper and place a Plastic Pith Helmets or Straw Pith Helmets on his head. Lean the figure up against an Inflatable Palm Tree or large potted plant. Pith Helmets also make great serving containers for snacks.

Use lots of animal print and natural burlap fabrics on your safari. Use the fabrics to drape tables, windows, or to make covers and bows for chairs.

Create a safari campsite display, pitch a small canvas tent, suspend a clothesline between trees and hang animal print shirts, khaki pants & etc. Place Kruga Hats & Pith Helmets, cast iron pots (Dutch ovens, cauldrons, potjie pots), picnic coolers, outdoor cooking stoves, camping chairs, canvas water bag, sleeping bags, pillows, hammocks, backpacks, candle lanterns, flashlights, folding camp tables, camp cots, glazed blue enamel cookware, enamelware cups, stainless steel camp percolator, first aid survival kits, don't forget the mosquito netting.

Jungle Table Decorations

Sophisticated, the pattern of the year, this Animal Print Tablecover is a great choice for any special event. Choose matching Animal Print Luncheon Napkins and Beverage Napkins.

Animal Print Bandanas can be used as napkins or as an overlay on a banquet size table by placing 6 bandanas on top of the table over a solid color tablecloth. Start by placing 2 open bandanas at the center of the table, slightly overlap the points on the open bandanas, drape the opposite side of the bandana over the edge of the table. Place another set to the right and to the left of the center set. This will leave two diamond shapes on the top of the table where the under cloth shows through, place a centerpiece or safari camp lantern on each of the diamonds. Great look when your theme takes you on a safari.

In addition accent your table with jungle theme candles. Place a Bamboo Torch Candle on your table for lovely centerpiece, or place the Bamboo Torch candle in the middle of a floral ring made of leather fern & exotic flowers.

Turn plastic safari hat (pith helmets) up-side down and place them around the room with dry snacks inside.

Wrap jungle beads around a napkin for an interesting napkin ring. Jungle beads come assorted in bronze, black and gold and the six wild animals will look great at your Safari Party.

Animal Slap Bracelets also make great napkin rings

Set up buffet tables using Grass Table Skirts , add some vines and real or artificial flowers. A 3ft. banana tree is a popular accent on buffet tables. Add a sign to the front of the table or banner over the table that says, 'Surf n' Safari!' or anything else that fits the theme.

Place a potted fern plant on the table to create a centerpiece and prop a Plastic Pith Helmets up against it or place plants of various heights into a Terra cotta planter and add raffia "bow".

Light your party drinks with lemon slice ice cube or orange slice ice cube. Perfect for all of your rainforest drinks, to light the night. Each "Lite Cube" has 3 settings and flashes in yellow or orange. Slice can fit on the side of the cup as well. Place them in a clear glass vases to create a lighted centerpiece.

Ice Sculptures in the shape of animals, or jungle foliage or ice globes with exotic flowers inside.

Safari Table Linen Ideas

At some point during the planning stages of your event the subject of table linens will arise. When it does stop and think of all the possibilities available to you. Remember the tops of the tables provide you with a very large surface area and covering them with a beautiful themed tablecloth is the easiest way to change the feel of a room. Get Inspired!

A chocolate brown under cloth paired with a cheetah, leopard, or animal print overlay is lovely. Add chocolate napkins with a gold rope braid tied around the middle & a gold Turkish tassels at the end of each braid. Black chair covers with Leopard, or Zebra or black stretch chair bands will complete this ensemble.

A citron under cloth looks terrific with a Cheetah print overlay. Use citron napkins with a black double. Earth tone beaded napkin rings work well with this combination. Finish with black chair covers with a Cheetah stretch chair band.

Copper is also a great color for an under cloth, with a copper & black Jaguar Print overlay. Use black napkins that are edged in copper and tie a copper ribbon around the middle of the napkin with a bow. Copper chair covers with black stretch chair bands will finish the touch.

If you are in the Cypress, TX or N.W. Houston, TX area, contact our consultants for assistance in renting tablecloths for your event.

Upscale Safari Decorating Ideas

Swamp Thing: Transform your event area into a swampland or rain forest. Upon entering the event room, have guests greeted by the sounds of a zydeco band. To create a lush jungle perimeter, use plants as well as 12- and 16-foot palm trees. Decorate the ceiling with fabric in all colors and cut it into strips of all different lengths. Use table overlays in shades of khaki, rust and forest green. Attach butterfly or dragonfly props to small, dimly lighted lanterns to serve as centerpieces.

A Rain Forest Fantasy. As guests walk into the event room, have dense fog rising from each table (chunks of dry ice in a clear plastic plate). Attach Orchids to curly willow branches and sit them into the plates of ice ( please follow all safety precautions with handling dry ice). Cover tables in teal, peach and purple lamour with coordinating chair covers and chair ties. Suspend oversize butterflies and dragonflies from the ceiling with fishing line (they will look natural in their flight positions). Use "gobos" of butterflies, tropical birds and dragonflies. This light source will make your butterflies & dragonflies appear to move throughout the room.

A Walk on the Wild Side. Feature live animals, exotic food and lively music. To get to their seats, have guests walk across a swaying plank bridge before encountering a snow leopard and an 8-foot python. Add parrots sitting atop carved tiki poles. Use African-style settings, tribal print overlays over black, citron, copper and gold cloths. For centerpieces, use carved animals or decorative animal candles. Use gobos that switch from lions to giraffes and zebras to finish the look. Conclude with an 8-foot volcano erupting. Warning: if you choose to use live animals be prepared for unpredictability.

Jungle Favors

3.5" Lizard With Clips Animal Print Guitars Safari Hat Animal Print Bandanas
Leopard Big Daddy Hat

Jungle or Safari Games & Activities

Animal Headbands - Make some animal headbands using wide construction paper strips. It may be necessary to staple two strips together. Cut out different color ears. Use coloring pages for patterns. Make tiger, lion, giraffe and zebra ears.

Jungle Din
You will need:
In advance of the game hide nuts, foil wrapped chocolate coins, favors or wrapped candies throughout the room or building (or over a limited space when played outdoors. Music, whistle.
Formation
Divide the crowd into equal groups. One player in each group is appointed the leader, and each group is assigned the name of some bird or animal whose call can easily be imitated. The calls of ducks, cows, sheep, donkey, dogs, crows, cats, frogs, horses, etc. are easily given.
Rules
Only the leader of the group can pick up any of the nuts. At a signal (whistle or music), the hunt starts. Any player finding a nut stands by it and repeats his animal call at the top of his voice until his leader hears him and runs to collect the booty.

The hunt lasts not over 10 minutes, the whistle is blown (music stopped) to end the hunt and the group with the most nuts is winner. This is a very useful mixer for indoors or out.

Animal Sounds Contest - Have children stand in front of the group and make their best animal noises. For older kids use a panel of judges to later award prizes for the best, longest, shortest, loudest, quietest, most obnoxious, silliest, least like an animal.....until everyone wins and has a good laugh in the process!

Elephant's Peanut Relay - Mark a start & finish line prior to the party. Line guests up side by side at starting line.
Place a peanut on the starting line in front of each child. The object is to see who can push the peanut to the finish line first, using only their noses. The first child to push the peanut across the finish line is the winner.

Tiger Tug of War

Peanut Butter Play Dough (Edible), have the kids make their own animals out of the play dough then eat their creations.
Ingredients
12 oz Peanut butter
6 tb Honey
1/2 c (to 1 1/2 cups) nonfat dry -milk powder
Combine all ingredients, add more dry milk if needed to keep it from being sticky.

Jungle or Safari Food & Cake Ideas

Purchase these inexpensive Plastic Pith Helmets turn them up-side down and use as trays to serve dry snacks.

Elephant Treats - a bowl filled with unshelled peanuts.
Monkey Munchies - Bananas or Banana Chips
Animal Crackers

Animal Shape Sandwiches
Sandwiches cut into animal shapes with cookie cutters.

Spread softened butter over pieces of thinly sliced bread.

Add sandwich fillings:

Peanut Butter and banana. Ham and Swiss cheese cheese (thinly sliced and garnished with Dijon mustard). Walnuts and cream cheese (whip one package softened cream cheese together with 1/4 cup cream until smooth. Add 1/2 cup finely diced celery and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts). Pineapple and cream cheese (whip together one package cream cheese with 1/2 cup cream. Add one cup well drained crushed pineapple).

Wrap and refrigerate the sandwiches. Shortly before serving, remove from the refrigerator, trim off the crusts and cut out shapes.

MISTER MONKEY
2 slices bread
Peanut butter
3 M&M's
Sunflower seeds

Cut a circle face from a slice of bread. Get another slice of bread. Cut a circle for a muzzle and 2 little circles for ears. Spread peanut butter on the face and ears. Put the muzzle on the face. Decorate the face with M&M's for nose and eyes . Use sunflower seeds for a mouth.

SAFARI MUNCHIES
1 Cup Dry roast peanuts -- unsalted
1/3 Cup Butter or margarine
1 Pound Marshmallows
1/2 Cup Peanut butter
3 Cups Puffed rice cereal
1 Cup Apricots -- chopped
1 Cup Raisins

In a large bowl, combine cereal, apricots, raisins and peanuts. In a microwave safe 13x9", melt butter and marshmallows on high for 2 minutes. Stir; add peanut butter cook on high 2 minutes longer. Stir until well blended, add cereal mixture to dish and toss until well coated. Working quickly with greased hand, form into balls, using about 1/2 C mixture, per ball. If mixture begins to harden, cook on high for 30 seconds, or until softened. If desired , mixture may be spread in unbuttered 13x9" dish and cooled and cut into bars.

Makes 1 dozen balls or 2 dozen bars, This is very similar to the Rice Krispie treats, but with the apricots and raisins it definitely gives it a fall look. I saw another idea of putting the mixture into cookie cutters, and letting it cool there so the shapes could be pumpkins, witches, animals etc. With a little gel piping they would be great.

DIRT CUPS
Yield: 10 servings

2 Cups Cold milk
1 pkg. JELL-O chocolate pudding
1 pkg. COOL-WHIP topping, thawed
1 pkg. Chocolate sandwich cookies
10 7 ounce plastic cups
Gummy worms
Gummy frogs
Candy flowers
Chopped peanuts

Crush cookies until they resemble dirt and set aside. Combine pudding mix and milk until well blended. Then fold in the whipped topping. Fill plastic cups with pudding mixture alternating with the cookie crumbs. Top with cookie crumbs. Refrigerate for a couple of hours, then decorate with gummy worms and other toppings.

MONKEY SHINE JUICE
4 Cups orange juice
4 bananas -- sliced
Place ingredients in blender & mix til smooth and bubbly. 8 servings.

Try these sites for jungle cake ideas

Tiger Cake, Slippery Snake Cake & Elephant Cupcakes at http://www.family.go.com/ Click on their cake finder. The Tiger Cake & Slippery Snake cake or under "Cute Critters" and the Elephant Cupcakes are under "Alphabet Cupcakes".

Elephant Cake Pattern

http://www.winndixie.com/entertaining/special_events/kid_them es.asp Scroll down on the page to find the Elephant Pattern.

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