How to Plan a Harvest Hoedown
A hoedown is a western-themed party that features a square dance. The fall is the perfect time for a hoedown, as the heavy labor of the harvest is generally over for farmers. Autumn colors add the perfect backdrop, and the weather is often mild. Planning the event takes organization and attention to appropriate decor. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Western-themed invitations and stamps
- Inexpensive baskets
- Pine cones, Indian corn, gourds, miniature pumpkins and autumn-colored leaves
- Tablecloths
- Tables and chairs
- Poster board, pictures and strong clear tape
- Food table
- Western-themed paper plates, plastic utensils and napkins
- Helium-filled balloons (optional)
- Hay bales (optional)
Instructions
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Pick a date for the hoedown and reserve the facility. Hoedowns are often held in barns, community centers or other venues with dance floors. The venues are typically reserved months in advance. Therefore, decide on the date and book the venue as early as possible.
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Reserve the square dance caller. He sets the pace of the dancing and provides entertainment between dances as well. A successful caller's patter energizes the participants and motivates them to get up and dance. Callers are often booked for months in advance. So to ensure that you get the caller you want, book him as soon as you know the date of the hoedown.
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Hire the musicians. Country and western bands and deejays often require a deposit before they will commit to a date.
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Plan the harvest hoedown menu. Include plenty of beverages, as the square dancers will certainly work up a thirst spinning around on the dance floor. Decide if you are serving a meal such as hotdogs, hamburgers, or barbecue sandwiches -- or simply snack foods. Prepare the food the night before or right before the party. Hire a caterer if you don't want to bother with the cooking, or make the hoedown a potluck so each guest can show off her favorite recipe.
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Send out western-themed invitations about a month before the party. Provide a telephone number so the guests can RSVP, or include a self-addressed stamped envelope. This ensures you will have the correct number of seating and plenty of beverages and snacks. Instruct the guests whether they should wear their favorite square dance finery or casual clothes to the harvest hoedown.
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Purchase the decor for the harvest hoedown. Buy inexpensive baskets at dollar or thrift stores. Fill them with pine cones, Indian corn, gourds,miniature pumpkins and autumn-colored leaves for inexpensive table centerpieces. Add red and white checked tablecloths, or tablecloths with prints of harvest bounty. Another option is to use solid-colored tablecloths in autumn colors, such as deep gold, rustic reds, sage green or taupe.
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Set up the tables and chairs around the dance floor the day before or several hours before the party. Venues often supply the seating, but if yours doesn't then you can borrow card tables and chairs. That way, the hoedown guests will have a place to relax and enjoy conversation and refreshments between dances.
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Hang Western-themed posters around the venue. Another option is to make "Wanted" posters out of white poster board. Tape pictures on the poster board of the guest of honor, the host and hostess or other people who are attending.
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Set a large table for the food along one wall. Cover it with a tablecloth and offer plenty of Western-themed paper plates, plastic utensils and napkins. Harvest hoedowns generally have casual foods to enjoy during intermission and between dances.
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Tips & Warnings
Buy helium-filled balloons to decorate the corners of the room, to float above the centerpieces or greet the guests at the door. Choose colors that coordinate with the tablecloths and other decor.
Place hay bales around the barn, rented room or the front entrance of the venue. This provides additional areas to sit down and rest in between the dances or a place to get some fresh air and chat with friends outside.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
