Do you have any ideas for a cowboy-themed party?

Question

My mother-in-law is having a cowboy-themed party later this month and is having problems with ideas for decorations and games for all ages. So far she has two giant inflatable cacti and a dozen cowboy hats, but that's about it. Do any of you have any ideas?

Answer 1

A cowboy pinata! Check http://www.pinatas.com/Pinatas_s/1.htm for cool decoration ideas.

Answer 2

Decorations: spurs, horseshoes, lights with cowboy boots plates, napkins and the like can all be found at a party storel.  How about a game of horseshoes.  Roping contest!

Menu, ribs, cowboy beans, cornbread.

Answer 3

Hay bales for seating, cheap bandana's for napkins, red and white check tablecloths. If possible, have a campfire in the backyard. Serve chili!!! Make a chili bar with all sorts of toppings like cheese, sour cream, chopped onios, cilantro, limes, beans, tortilla chips, cornbread, etc.

Download some old-school country music to play in the background. Maybe have a roping contest, see who can get a lasso around a pole or trashcan or birthday girl.

Answer 4

Make sheriff's badges for guests' name tags, hang a sign that says "Saloon," put some coiled hemp rope on the tables as a decoration, make a few fake "Wanted" posters, serve easy things like burgers and beanie weenie. Here are some sites to steal ideas from-

Answer 5

Brownies shaped like horse turds. Nice centre piece.

Answer 6

Place your mother in laws cacti by the walkway with a wooden sign that says "Howdy" and arrow pointing to the party.

BBQ ribs and burgers, beans on the side. If you're staying indoors, make a big pot of your favorite chili or tacos. Sides, serve mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, warm cornbread muffins and a salad. Keep crowds happy with chips and salsa and bowls of sweet-and-salty trail mix while the meal is cooking.

Toasted marshmallows or s'mores make a great dessert, whether you cook them over an outdoor fire, your fireplace or a fondue pot flame.

Roy Rogers (serves 1)

Salute classic cowboy Roy Rogers with this non-alcoholic favorite. Serve in jelly jars to give them that country flair.

• 4 ounces ginger ale

• 2 ounces lemon-lime soda

• 1 teaspoon grenadine

• orange wedge, for garnish

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, then pour ingredients over. Stir well and garnish with an orange wedge.

Hay bails in the yard work double duty as decor and extra seating.

Answer 7

If you can afford to hire an entertainer, hire a lasso-expert and a yodeler.  It sounds weird, but we had a guy who yodeled and lassoed come to our school for a show, and it was actually really cool!  He would spin a lasso and have all the kids jump through it as he continued to spin it...all the while he was yodeling his head off!  Good stuff!