So, you want to know how to throw a western themed dinner party? Here are a few suggestions that will have your guests Yee-hawin’ for more! Here’s what you need to have for an old fashioned cowboy barbecue.
Setting And Decorations For How To Throw A Western Themed Dinner Party
There are many places, farms etc., that can be rented to hold the event. But you can also do it at home! When thinking about what you need to have for an old fashioned cowboy barbecue, it would be best if it could be held both indoors and outdoors. But with a little creativity, you could tailor it to be completely in either.
If you have a bar in your basement, you can decorate to look like an old fashioned saloon. If you don’t, you can just make one wherever you have the room. Even if you can only fit it outside, you can rent a large tent or pavilion or just simply put it against the side of your house. Even a covered table, a few stools and a hand painted sign out of old scrap wood can be a fun addition! Appoint a bartender or barmaid and have a bell handy for the “customers” to ring! (This can work even if you are only serving non-alcoholic drinks, many liquor stores offer kegs of rootbeer.) Plastic shot glasses etc. can be bought at local party supply stores and even a few dollar stores. Set a few cheap card tables around the area with chairs and you have a great hang-out for your friends!
Try to have separate designated areas for the different activities that you plan but even if you have a small yard, everything can just be pushed to the side to create room when you need it.
With other decorations, you can go as cheesy and fun as you want! Search party supply stores, in person and on the Internet, for inspiration!
Food/Menu For How To Throw A Western Themed Dinner Party
The food is one of the main ingredients of what you need to have for an old fashioned cowboy barbecue. Here are a few twists, on traditional ideas, to get your mind kickin’!
Baked Beans- In addition to steaks, hot dogs and other grill-out fair, these are a must for any old west cook-out! Add tons of bacon or mini cocktail weenies for those that like the flavor but not the beans!
Lasso Bread- Use any of your favorite bread dough recipes (or the store bought version) and simply twist it into rope shapes for a cute addition to your table.
Flapjacks- A part of every cow wrangler’s diet, use these as a base for a desert table. You can have a few plain ones and add cinnamon or vanilla to the pancake batter before cooking them to have extra choices. Have them covered to keep warm and make sure to have fresh fruit, whip cream, chocolate sauce etc. for people to make their own.
Entertainment/Games For How To Throw A Western Themed Dinner Party
Entertainment should be at the top of your list when planning on what you need to have for an old fashioned cowboy barbecue. Some ideas include:
Horseshoes: One of the standard games to have in the Old West.
Lassoing: Have everyone try and successfully lasso a plastic or pinatta cow.
Poker (or other card games): Can be held in the “saloon” for prizes or fun!
Line Dancing Contest: Which one of your friends can boot and scoot the best?
Country Music Karaoke Roulette: Rent or borrow a Karaoke machine and have everyone draw numbers out of a fancy cowboy hat (for boy songs) and cowgirl hat (for girl songs). (These can also be purchased pretty cheaply at discount stores.) Whatever song that number corresponds to, the drawer has to do his or her best to sing all the way through. Guaranteed laughs!
End the night with a bonfire if you can. (Check local ordinances and safety precautions first!) This can include a marshmallow roast and prize announcements.
Door Prizes/Goodies Bags For How To Throw A Western Themed Dinner Party
Prizes are the last thing that you must decide on when thinking about what you need to have for an old fashioned cowboy barbecue. Here are some cute ideas:
Horseshoes Winner: How about the winning horseshoe that was thrown. You can even paint “1st Place” with the date and their name around it.
Lasso Winner: Of course that person wins what they lassoed; their very own “steer”.
Poker Tournament Winner: A fancy deck of Old West cards would work. There are ones with horses, scenery and even cowboy or cowgirl pictures!
Line Dancing Winner: A boot “trophy” would be the funniest. Have an old one nailed to a piece of wood and just paint the winner’s name on it!
Boy and Girl Country Music Singer Award: How about the hats that they drew their numbers out of?
You can have other prizes, such as for best outfits etc as the mood suits you. Grab bags can include hats, painted shot-glasses and other small items as well.
How to throw a western themed dinner party successfully all depends on the fun! Do not be afraid to get too cheesy when planning what you need to have for an old fashioned cowboy barbecue!
Reference:
- “Decorating With a Wild West Theme” found on www.outlawwomen.com
