By nature clowns are fun, colorful and adaptable to a number of party situations. Clowns can be happy or sad or scary, depending on the theme established by the host. You don't have to have a Big Top or even a big yard to include this circus staple in your next event.
Clown College
Send your invitations hidden inside balloons. At the party, set the proper scene for your guests by setting up different stations where hired professionals (or fairly skilled volunteers) can teach aspiring clowns choose and paint a face, juggle, make balloon animals and perform simple acrobatics. Make the rounds with an instant camera to capture "before and after" pictures while your guests are discovering their inner clown. Makeup-kits, red clown noses, simple gags and juggling tools could be given to guests as party favors.
Circus Clowns
A circus theme is probably the easiest way to go if clowns are your central focus. Invitations can be tied to boxes of animal crackers and a large tent can be rented and erected in the yard. Hire a few professionals to put together a show and serve circus-type snacks: popcorn, circus peanuts, caramel apples and corn dogs. For added authenticity, rent a snow cone or cotton candy machine. Give departing guests red striped popcorn boxes filled with candy or trinkets, such as noisemakers, silly putty or temporary tattoos.
Mimes
In keeping with the theme, decorations and refreshments should be primarily black and white. Think espresso martinis and white chocolate cheesecake, or small sandwiches made on marbled rye bread and chocolate cupcakes with vanilla icing. Mimes can perform at the event or offer mime lessons. You'll need to hire two professionals if you're planning to give lessons, one to demonstrate and one to explain, as the mime must remain silent. Afterwards, hold a silent auction or play charades.
Psycho Clowns
While many people love clowns and find them adorable, others take one look at the greasepaint and become uncomfortable, wondering what could be lurking beneath the tufts of orange hair. This theme draws its inspiration from scary clowns, such as Stephen King's "Pennywise." Ask guests to come dressed as evil clowns. For inspiration in the make-up department, send a photo from the movie "Killer Clowns from Outer Space." Decorate the walls with faded or weather-beaten posters from traveling circus shows and place a fake clown head in the center of the table. Scatter old carnival paraphernalia about; make sure it looks dusty and neglected. Serve brightly colored food, such as circus-themed cupcakes or colorful fruit punch, while guests entertain themselves playing carnival games or gathering in front of the big screen to watch the movie "IT."
