Western Party
Here are some ideas for your western party.
Start by ordering western party supplies at Shindigz, which has western theme partyware, invitations, and decorations, including large party decorations, such as arches, barns and other scene sets. For kids' western parties, there's a really cute and colorful Cowboy Rodeo party theme at The Party Works.
Western Party Food
- Barbecue steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans and chips are all basic foods for western parties. Make your steaks and hamburger buns special by branding them!
- Make a big cast iron dutch oven of beef stew. Serve it right from the pot with a large ladle. You'll need sturdy bowls for this: our suggestions include heavy paper (such as Chinet), pie pans (from the dollar store, or well-washed used ones from thrift stores), or blue enamel bowls.
- How about some beef jerky for a snack? Home-made or store bought, it's a cowboy favorite!
- See the cowboy cake ideas at The Party Works. They also have a horseshoe cake pan.
- Cowboys work hard and get mighty thirsty. A galvanized tub filled with ice and bottled drinks will hit the spot!
- For beverages without added sugar, try our lemonade and party punch recipes.
Western Party Invitations
- If you want to make your own invitations, Simply the Best has some free western fonts.
- Or purchase invitations, with or without party supplies, from one of the online shops linked at the top of this page.
Western Party Theme Decorations
- Spiff up your western party decor with ropes, bandanas, cowboy hats, chaps, spurs, whips, guitars and cowhide!
- Use rope to make lassos, and attach them to your walls.
- If you have a hat rack, hang some cowboy hats and worn leather jackets on it. If you have hooks on the wall, do the same.
- Use bandanas for napkins.
- Drape bandanas over your curtains, if they'll blend well - or use them for curtain tie-backs.
- Bales of hay at an outdoor western party provide atmosphere and extra seating!
- Make a "cowhide" tablecloth. Or use a red checkered or red gingham tablecloth.
- Pick some lovely wildflowers and put them in a mason jar for an authentic western party centerpiece. (Be sure to gently shake off any little critters before you put the flowers in your rustic vase.)
- Blue enamel serving pieces can give your food table a real homey look.
Western Party Ideas
- Wrap party favors in bandanas and tie with twine.
- Party favor suggestions include cowboy hats, bandanas, cap pistols, toy horses, and sheriff's badges.
- Attend a local rodeo. See if you can host your party there.
- For teens or grown-ups, a country line dance or western dance hall establishment is a great venue. Ask about party packages. If you have space and a floor you can dance on, have your party at home.
- A square dance is great for good old-fashioned western entertainment!
- Kids' western birthday party venues such as farms and county fairs can be fun.
- Play some western music by Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Riders in the Sky, or other Country and Western musicians.
- Hire a live band.
Western Party Activities and Games
- Have a burlap sack race.
- Divide into two or three teams for a western wear relay race.
- Play horseshoes. Organize as an activity, or just have it available for guests to use when they want.
- For kids western birthday parties, a pony ride can't be beat!
- Have someone demonstrate/teach rope tricks.
- Play Pin the brand on the cow.
- Play musical chairs to some western music.
- Have a yodeling contest.