Wild West Theme Parties

The "Wild West" has been the subject of countless songs, films and childhood games. The adventure and excitement associated with the days of forging a new life for yourself by heading West and taking on oppressors with gentleman's duels and pistols at dawn lend themselves to a fun theme for your next party. The décor, games and food choices are seemingly endless and easy to accomplish by a visit to any craft or party shop. The theme can be extended to be appropriate for any age group or party style, but it especially works well for a young boy's birthday party.

Types

There are several approaches that can be taken when throwing a Wild West party. One type that you can consider is a "Cowboy and Indians" party. You can encourage your guests to dress up either as a Native American or a frontiersman, and plan for them to play games associated with this theme. The more adult guests may enjoy wearing a cowboy hat and boots and channeling John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. You can encourage line dancing, cheap but strong booze and plenty of hootin' and hollerin'.

Considerations

When planning your Wild West theme party, try and cater your theme to the intended guests. It is doubtful that adult guests would be at all interested in playing games but will most likely prefer to socialize with friends. Keep the music high-spirited and sing-along worthy. For the younger kids, consider supplying little stick horses for them to ride on, Native American face painting and busting open a piñata in the shape of a cowboy hat. Consider handing out name tags to all of the kids inspired by famous Western names, such as Annie Oakley, Billy the Kid, Jesse James or Calamity Jane.

Features

For the food, anything meaty, hearty and preferably barbecued is sure to put your guests in the festive mood. Consider serving it on red and white checkered or bandana-printed tableclothes. Decorate the house with strips of rope or even bales of hay. Find a few sheriffs' badges at a novelty or toy store and have the guest of honor wear them. Use country-style décor, complete with fake spittoons or six-shooters. Try using a cowboy hat or a cactus as the centerpiece at your table.

Benefits

One of the benefits of throwing a Wild West party is that it is simple to decorate. Traditional party games like pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey or piñatas are completely appropriate for this type of party, and they can be further personalized to better fit the theme. Another benefit is that it is simple for your guests to prepare for it. To help this along even further, consider sending out your party invitations wrapped in a bandana or in a novelty cowboy hat. This will encourage your guests to dress up and get in the spirit.

Warning

Kids love to play Cowboy and Indians, but if you are uncomfortable with even the little bit of mimicked violence or hurt feelings remove all fake guns or bows and arrows and encourage your little cowboys and Indians to get along.