- Begin by hanging a banner at the party's entrance. The banner could read something like, "Welcome to (insert name)'s saloon." A life-size cutout of John Wayne could be placed at the entrance as a way to welcome your guests. You may also want to put a basket containing novelty cowboy hats and bandannas at the entrance for your guests to take home. Scattering tumbleweeds and straw bales around the area outside will add to the décor.
- Dressing up like a saloon girl or a cowboy is a good way to set the mood. Women can dress in long skirts and "granny boots," put their hair up and serve drinks to their guests. Men can dress up as cowboys and do the same. Setting up a bar will also add to the atmosphere. You can also have a couple of card tables set up, complete with decks of cards for your guests to enjoy. Dim lighting will add to the saloon atmosphere, as can old, empty liquor bottles. If you have bar stools, move them up to the bar for guests to sit on. Wanted posters can add to the atmosphere, as can pictures of the Old West.
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Set the mood by playing country and Western music. Old favorites like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard are good bets. Newer country artists like Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Martina McBride and Reba McEntire are good bets, as well.
Use Western-themed plates and drink ware to add to the décor. These things can be purchased at party supply stores. Use a bandanna-print tablecloth, which can also be found at a party supply store. If you want to get really creative, you can use cloth napkins and pin a sheriff's badge in the middle of the napkin in lieu of a napkin ring.
