How to Do Western Party Decorations

A Western-themed party is perfect for kids and adults alike.

Opting for Western-themed party decorations allows you to be as simple or complex as your imagination desires. You can create a quick and easy set-up out of Western staples purchased directly from a party store, or opt for more difficult, do-it-yourself decorations. Regardless of the degree to which you decorate, a Western theme is a great choice for adult and kid parties alike. You can round out a kids' party with balloons and streamers, or transform your home into a saloon for an adult party.

Instructions

1. Begin the process of decorating before the day of the party. Incorporate your Western theme into your invitations. You can purchase invitations in the shape of horses, cowboy boots or other, various, Western-themed items, or even make your own "Wanted" posters that include party information.

2. Consider including real elements of Western life into the decor. Hay bales are a relatively inexpensive way to set the tone and even provide extra seating for guests. If you choose to purchase hay bales, prepare for the mess of stray hay. You can even take realism a step further and hire a pony for the day for kids to ride.

3. Cover tables with red-and-white-checkered tablecloths. This will give the look of a bandana. Rubber horse shoes are great table weights and are perfect for tying down balloons.

4. Add light and warmth to your set-up with stringed lights. Horse- or cowboy-themed lights are the optimal choice, but chili-pepper lights work well and are a commonly sold option.

5. Incorporate cactuses and "Wanted" posters into your design. Opt for faux cactuses found in decorative stores if children will be in attendance. Mock up your own "Wanted" posters or purchase stock photos from online photo retailers to print as wall decorations.

6. Wrap up party favors inside "saddlebags." Cut squares of canvas or another thick brown fabric. Place the party favors in the center of the square and lift the corners into a bundle. Secure the saddlebag with a piece of thin twine to recreate an old-fashioned, Western look.

7. Decorate your eating area with Western-themed plates and cups, and provide guests with bandanas for napkins. Lay the napkin flat on your table and fold it in half diagonally. Place your silverware in the center of the longest edge of the napkin. Fold the top and bottom portions of the napkin down over the silverware. Gather the napkin and silverware into a bundle and roll it towards the tapered end of the napkin to create a silverware roll.

8. Assign seats using sheriff's badges. Find badges with a blank center section and write guests' names in the blank area. Place one badge at every seat so guests will be able to locate their seats.

References

• Amazing Moms: Cowboy Birthday Party
• Beer Masters; How to Decorate a Saloon Party; Ryn Gargulinski
• Party Planning Ideas: Western Theme Party Ideas
• Fun Theme Party Ideas: Western Theme Party Ideas: Wrangle a Wild Western Theme Party
• Party 411: Western Theme Party
• Coolest Kid Birthday Parties: Coolest Wild West Birthday Theme Party Ideas