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Yee Haw!
A Western Theme Party

western party ideas

A western theme party is a rootin' tootin' good time! Kick up 'yer heels and grab some great grub. Here are our favorite ideas for western invitations, decorations, activities, favors, menu plans and more.

Western Party Invitations

Sending great invitations can make your guests feel special before the party even starts. Here are some ideas for handmade western party invitations, as well as some that you can purchase pre-made.

Wanted Poster Invitations -- If you have photos of your guests, wanted poster invitations can be really fun. To make these, use your computer to create an old west style "Wanted" backdrop and insert a picture into it. Over your picture, write "Wanted" and under the picture, write something like, "To Help Make This One Rip Roarin' Party!" Under your caption you can include all of your party information.
Bandanna Print Invitations -- Another fun way to make a western party invitation idea is to print out your wording on translucent vellum paper and then use a piece of twine or raffia to attach this to a piece of background paper that looks like a bandanna. You can find printed paper like this in craft stores with the scrapbooking supplies.
Cowboy Hat Invitations -- If you can hand deliver your invitations, try attaching your party information to cowboy hats and leaving them on your guests' doorsteps (letting them know they'll be expected to wear the hats, of course!)

To give your invitations a western flair, use your best cowboy slang in your invitation wording. Yee Haw, Pardner!

**General Invitation Tips**--If you choose to make your own western theme invitations, don't forget to include the date, location, and time of your party. It is also helpful to put the RSVP by date, and either your phone number or email.

Here are some western party invitations available at Shindigz.com:

Out West Invitations

Western Lasso Invites

Western Party Decorations

Have fun with your western party decorations by transforming your home into a ranch for a day! Hay bales, cowboy boots, cowboy hats, ropes coiled up like lassos, and snacks served in galvanized pails all can help dude up your party setting.

Similarly, bandannas, cowboy hats, and kerosene style lamps, along with ball jars full of sunflowers (tied around the neck with raffia) make great country centerpiece combinations.

MUSIC -- Country music can play a big role in setting the tone for your western theme party. Whether you like modern country, bluegrass fiddles, or country classics, find your favorite hits and let 'em roll!

Here are some party supplies that we really like:

Western Stripes Party Supplies

Western Lasso Kit-N-Kaboodle Western Lasso Deluxe Kit-N-Kaboodle Kit

Western Lasso Party Supplies

Western Party Menu Ideas

The ideal for food at any self-respecting hoe down is barbecue. Ribs, burgers, chicken, corn on the cob, and thick country biscuits all set the tone for a western theme party.

Here are a few more menu ideas to get you started:

Snacks Try serving snacks in tin pails, or in baskets or bowls lined with bandanas to give things a western feel. Some snack ideas include:

• Chips and salsa

• Popcorn

• Watermelon wedges

• Happy Trails mix

The Main Event

• Hot dogs

• Baked beans

• Potato salad or macaroni salad

• Barbecued ribs or pulled pork sandwiches

• Biscuits

• Corn on the cob

To Wet 'Yer Whistle

Beer
Margaritas
Whiskey (In drinks or straight shots...you decide!)
Sasparilla
Lemonade

Western Theme Party Activities

Have a Square Dance Party -- One of the most fun things you can do at a western party is to turn it into a square dance party. A square dance is an awesome way to get everyone involved and mingling. The best part is that even the most timid dancers can participate because every move is set by a caller. You can go online and find your local square dance caller's association which will provide you with a list of names in your area. Alternately, you can find CDs that have pre-recorded square dance music and directions so you can control the action yourself.
**Want a little more modern take on the square dance party? Why not try line dancing?

Play Horseshoes -- Horseshoes are another great hoe down activity that can get everyone up and involved. Be sure to set up the game at a safe distance from your tables and main entertaining areas.
Have a Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest -- Want to bring out the kid in you? Host a watermelon seed spitting contest. Be sure to have the cameras ready!
Rent a Mechanical Bull -- Looking for something a little more adventurous? Try renting a mechanical bull and let the fun begin!

Western Theme Party Favors

Want your guests to take home a memory of the evening? Here are some suggestions for western party favors:

Personalized Barbecue Sauce

Sheriff's Badges or Cowboy Hats
Glass Boot Mugs
A Country Music CD
Personalized mint tins

Hope you found some helpful western theme party ideas on this page. We hope your next party is a rootin' tootin' good time!

If you enjoyed these western theme party ideas, you might also enjoy these parties:

Cowboy Party

Backyard Barbecue Party

Fiesta Party

Share Your Party With Us!

Have you hosted or attended a great party recently? We would love to hear about it! Tell us about your party and what made it special. We'll post it here to share with all our readers. Plus, your party will automatically be entered in our next party submission contest!

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