Saddle Up and Celebrate with Western Party Ideas

Saddle Up and Celebrate with Western Party Ideas

Planning a Western Party is

Invitations in the shape of a cowboy boot, sheriff's badge or cowboy hat can be easily created with a computer, handdrawn template or by using a dye cut machine at your local craft store. If you prefer to purchase your invitations, an online search or visit to a local party store will provide many different ideas that are included in a western theme.

Decorations might include: red and white checkered table cloths, different colored bandanas for napkins, ceraminc tin service ware or purchase paper products in a red and white checked print or solid colors in red and white. Old lanterns, kerosene lamps, wildflower centerpieces make for colorful and realistic table decor. If you are able to visit a second hand or thrift store or Goodwill, search for old pairs of cowboy boots and vases that will sit down the leg portion of the boot. The more rugged and beat up the boot, the more authentic your "cowboy boot vases" will appear on the tables. As you create your vase, your first step is to fill the foot of the boot with sand or small gravel to provide stability, place vase in the leg cavity of the boot and place the wildflower bouquets into the boot. Add enough water to keep the plants healthy but not enough to tip the boot over.

Purchase or use serving dishes in solid colors that match your serviceware of purchase the ceramic painted tin servingware found in camping stores. The more "old fashioned" the print the more authentic the old west experience.

The menu could include such items as hamburgers, chili, cold beer and rootbeer, potato salad, and other basic bar-b-que items that are found in a summer menu.

Wanted Posters complete with pictures of the honored guest will make the party special.

Games might include card games, horseshoes (a plastic version can be purchsed for indoor play) and child's firing range game that includes a plastic log, plastic sasparilla bottles and a toy pistol.

Prizes/Gifts for the guests could include bubble-gum chewing tobacco, gold chocolate coins, cowboy hats and kerchiefs, fake turquoise jewelry, beef jerkey and sheriff's badges.

Background music is enjoyable if you play campfire songs or country-western music; ideal artists for an old fashioned western party might include Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette.