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Create an event full of western charm - from the flowers to the food, bring the Old West to your event. Check out our Western Party Ideas for some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.  Links in this party plan will direct you to products in our Western Section and also to other vendors that carry western decorations & accessories. 

A western theme offers so many different decorating schemes. You might want to do a simple western round-up party or barnyard party for a child. A western hoedown for teens. For adults you might want to create a Saloon facade or incorporate a number of different facades around your party area. 

The key to pulling off a coordinated event: Evoke your theme throughout the affair. Whether that theme is as general as a season or a feeling, or as specific as a special flower, it should be the subtle thread that ties everything together. Your location, invitations, flowers, menu, cake, and favors should all cleverly reflect one common concept. Then, get as creative as you can! 

Western Motif:

Use an old-fashioned "dinner bell" to get the attention of your guests.

Motif is the visual representation of your theme. The following list of items can be displayed or used in different facades to create an "Old West" atmosphere. Many of these items can be borrowed from friends, family, neighbors or a friendly rancher. Inexpensive western decorations are available in our Western Section. You can rent many items from prop shops and party rental companies. Some good places to look for props would also include: feed stores & antique shops. Take a day and make a stop at all the antique shops in your area, you'll find a treasure chest of materials that will create the perfect country-western atmosphere. See the decorating ideas below for suggestions on how to incorporate some of these items into your decor.

Items that might be used in decorating for a western theme include: Stalks of wheat, tumbleweed, wild flowers, daisies, sunflowers, wild greenery, lattice trellis, rope, watering cans, bullwhips, furs, rifles, pistols & holsters, whiskey bottles, saddles, saddlebags, bridles, weathered, rustic tack ( leather horse collars, halters, harness, hitch & etc.), animal hide rugs, cowhide, gingham fabric, bandanas, calico fabric & ribbon, old boots, mason jars, jugs, whiskey barrels, washtubs, pitchforks, rakes, water pump, saws & other farm implements, straw bales, small lanterns, kerosene lamps, red or black hurricane lamps, barbwire, longhorn skulls, steer horns,  , galvanized pails, butter churns, cow bells, buckets, tin containers, wicker or rattan baskets, wash tubs, old washboards, deer antlers, antique luggage, trunks or steamers, knives, tomahawks, rustic benches, boulders, split rail fencing, burlap sacks, burlap fabric, flour sacks, grain sacks, horseshoes, canteens, cactus, straw scarecrows, cast iron pots, rocking chairs, old wooden chairs, antique cigarette tins, crates, rustic cooking utensils (include a frying pan, coffee pot and pans, , gold mining items, gold pans, gold panning trough, gold mining hopper, fake dynamite sticks, shovel, pickaxe, gold bars & nuggets & etc), , antique weigh scale, bar stools, milking stools, wooden pails, meat grinder, milk cans, watering cans, antique camp stove, pot belly stove, antique telephones, sled, burlap money *$* bags, outhouse building, rustic metal tractor seats, , weather vane, windmill, branding iron, covered wagon, buckboard, luggage wagon, chuck wagon, buggy, wagon wheels, wood wheelbarrow, pony express, telegraph, and steam train to name a few.

Fun Items to use:

Invitations:

• Burn edges of card stock for a "branded" look and use for invitations, respond cards, programs, place cards, or menu cards.
• Ya'll Come! Accent your western theme party with our Out West Invitations or Wild West Invitations.
• Visit our Carlson Craft site for imprinted party invitations  and also Western Wedding invitations. 

For a western event structured flower arrangements would look out of place. If you want a total old west motif, you will want to have your flowers look simple and hand done. Remember in the old west they would not have had a florist and hot house flowers. Want to do it yourself? Try the following:

Use driftwood, wheat, greenery & wildflowers to add a western flair to a trellis.

Tie bunches of wildflowers to wooden fence posts or weave wheat into latticework.

Make a grapevine wreath decorated with dried herbs and hang on the entry door.

Use soft rope or raffia to hand tie wildflower bouquets, add wild weed looking accents.

Fill containers (buckets, galvanized pails, boots, tin cans, baskets, watering cans, mason jars) with flowers and set on the tables. 

Use coils of rope to cover containers.

Use small hay bales and add daisies or wildflowers to the top. You can just lay them on top or to keep them fresh, dig a well into the top of the hay bale, add a flower pot votive holder, fill with water and arrange your bouquet.

Use a quart size Mason jar, add a votive candle, place inside a floral ring with ivy trailing over the table. 

Float candles in galvanized pails or wide mouth Mason jars.

Jelly jars for votive holders.

Use a wide mouth Mason jar. Add a couple of inches of water. Float a single flower head in the water. To keep your flower from sinking in the water, cut a circle from a Styrofoam plate that is slightly smaller than the flower. Push the flower stem through the middle of the Styrofoam and place into the water. The stem should only be about an inch long.

Wrought-iron candelabras will add to the festive, outdoorsy atmosphere, a fitting scene for a formal western event.

If you are in Cypress, TX or N.W. Houston, TX area and need a floral designer or wedding or event coordinator contact our consultants.

Western Decorating Ideas

Welcome Guests:

• Hang a personalized western banner at the entrance to your event location.
• Hang Red Hurricane Lanterns (available in sporting goods stores) from rustic wood posts around the perimeter of your party area if your event will be outdoors. 
• Have guests enter the Old West through a door covered with a western saloon door curtain.
• Have the guest of honor arrive in a horse-drawn wagon.
• Entertain your guests with an old fashioned hayride. Don't forget a cowboy singer with his guitar.
• If your budget is low, but your dreams are grand, consider the depth of our  Western Scene Setters, they will fill an entire wall, and better yet, they provide guests with the most realistic setting imaginable.  These inexpensive vinyl scene rolls, borders, wanted signs, western posters, and more will turn your event site into a western saloon, dance hall, or hoedown barn scene in minutes.
• Another alternative is to use a giant photo mural. Our 8' high by 14' wide Cactus for the Wild West Western Mural comes as 8 easy to handle panels printed on heavy mural paper to make decorating a snap. A great backdrop for your Wild West Theme. They also make an excellent photo background too.  

At some point during the planning stages of your event the subject of linens will arise. When it does stop and think of all the possibilities available to you before you go with standard issue tablecloths. Remember the tops of the tables provide you with a very large surface area and covering them with a beautiful tablecloth is the easiest way to change the feel of a room. It is also the most cost effective way to decorate. Ten tables covered with a theme  or specialty linen print for example will make a statement that no white table cover alone can make. Get Inspired! Here are a few ideas:

Decorate your table with paper goods (plates, napkins, cups, tablecovers) and fun table accents like: light up mugs and slice cubes that will light up your drinks. 

Table Accent Ideas:

• Use Mason jars with votive candles for table accent. 
• Serve drinks in the Mason jars mugs with handles, Light Up Mugs or Boot Mugs.
• Use galvanized pails for flower arrangements. Tie a bow around the pail using raffia or rope instead of ribbon.
• Cowbells make great accent pieces for tables, tie wheat to the handles and accent with gingham ribbon or strips of bandana or denim fabric.
• Use kid size boots with wild flowers inside for centerpieces. 
• Shape bob wire into hearts, boots and other shapes and attached to a wood base, they made a great table accents.
• For a unique gift table, use a small antique brass bed covered with a Quilt.

Red, black, yellow & white color scheme. 

• Hang Red Hurricane Lanterns (available in sporting goods stores) from rustic wood posts around the perimeter of your party area if your event will be outside. 
• Cover tables with red linen tablecloths and place a black & white cowhide patterned overlay on top. 
• For a casual event use a Bandana Tablecover.
• Use bouquets of yellow and white daisies or wildflowers for centerpieces, or use mini straw bales about 6" wide x 12" long (sold in hobby & craft stores) and add a bouquet of real daisies or wildflowers to the top of each for a centerpiece. 
• Place pint size Mason jars & smaller jelly jars with red votive candles on quest tables. 
• For a formal event cover chairs with red chair covers and accent with black chair ties. For a casual event, tie raffia around the back of the chair and accent by tucking a bandana into the knot.
• For a formal event use silver flatware, black plates, red napkins with a raffia tie, and clear wine glasses with black stems to accent the tables. 
• For a casual event use Mason jar mugs for glasses, Light Up Mugs,  or wine glasses with a bandana tucked down inside for a napkins.

Blue, White, Yellow & White Color Scheme.

• Try a blue & white checked tablecloths with a Red Hurricane Lantern as centerpieces. Around the base of the lanterns add a garland of yellow, orange & blue flowers. Yellow napkins are lovely with this design.
• Use Mason jar mugs for glasses, Light Up Mugs,  or wine glasses with a bandana tucked down inside for a napkins. 
• Use blue speckled enamelware for plates (rent from party rental company or purchase at camping supply store). 
•  Tie blue napkins with raffia, add a sheriff's badge as an accent. Use red wood folding chairs or cover chairs with blue chair covers, tie raffia around the top of the chair and knot. Tuck a bandana into the knot for accent.

Western table drapes are a easy way to create a professional looking table. Table drape are available for both banquet and round tables. They just slip onto the table, no need for clips. The drapes has a blue chuck wagon top with a bandana skirt. If you are in the Cypress, TX or N.W. Houston, TX area contact our consultants for rental or retail information.

Instead of traditional reception hall tables, use picnic tables, cover with Bandana Tablecovers or red or blue gingham tablecovers.

Place a bandanas in center of each table, set the centerpiece on top or use bandanas for placemats. Bandanas can also be used in place of cloth napkins. For a cute and easy napkin ring, tie a raffia bow around a bandana, leave plain or add some small chilies or wild flowers.

Create a real Hoedown Table with cowboy table decorations. Give your tables some kick by using Western Boot Photo Holders as place card for each guest or as table name card holders. Hang foil cowboy boot balloons around the room and attach to Straw Bales Add gingham or denim ribbon and berries. Our Boot Scootin' Confetti assortment will add some pizzaz to your tables.

Ideas for using bandanas in decorating.

• Bandanas make great napkins.  
• Tuck a bandana down into a wine glass to accent your table or fold & tie with raffia.
• Tie raffia around a chair back and tuck a bandana into the knot.
• Use bandanas for favor containers, tie with raffia and add a sheriff's badge for an accent.
• Place bandanas down the center of a table to create a table runner.
•  Use long banquet (picnic style) quest tables, add a blue tablecloth or a denim tablecloth as the undercloth. Take 6 yellow or red bandanas to use as an overlay. Start at the middle of the table, placing one set(2) bandanas in the center of the table (open the bandanas, take one corner and place so the point is at the center of the table, then drape the rest of the bandana over the side of the table. Place the second bandana on the opposite side of the table slightly overlapping the points at the center of the table) . Place another set of bandanas to the right & left of the center set. Once you have done this, you will see two diamond shapes on the top of the table where the blue undercloth shows through. Place a red hurricane lantern (available in camping gear section of sports stores for about $5.00) into each diamond shape. If you desire add a garland of wildflowers around the base of each lantern.

Create Western Facades 

Some ideas for facades might include: Saloon, Gold Panning, Claim Office, Hotel, Jail, General Store, Blacksmith Shop, Bank, O.K. . Corral, Train Depot, Boot Hill Cemetery, Ghost Ranch, or Cattle drive with campfire.

Saloon Display

1. Mosey on down to the old watering hole.  Begin your decorating by attaching this 50'x 4' vinyl western bar paneling roll to any wall with sticky tack. Add a 50' x 18" Old West Border Roll  (pistols, scones, horseshoes and star) across the top.
2. Add this inexpensive 50'x 4' vinyl western bar scene.
3. Place 5' giant saloon door and window scenes in place. This set up is ideal for a backdrop.

Hoedown Facade

1. Cover a wall with Western Barn Siding (50'x 4' vinyl roll) and begin your hoedown decor. 
2. Add this Cowboy Border Roll with saddles, hats, rope and boots above the siding.
3. Add 5' old fashioned Barn Doors.
4. Hang bridles and tack on the walls.
5. Set barrels around the barn.
6. Use hoedown decorations like: cows, sheep, pigs, rustic split rail fencing and realistic straw bales.

Create Gold Panning Display as a major focal point within a room

1. Rent a gold mining hopper and fill with fake gold nuggets & gold bars (spray paint bricks gold to simulate authentic gold bricks. 
2. Spray paint rocks in an assortment of sizes ranging from smaller to larger rocks with gold paint to represent gold nuggets). 
3. Add a couple of trees, a rustic bench, gold panning trough, metal gold pans, rifle, shovel, galvanized buckets, and a wooden arch with a sign in the middle that reads "Gold Mining". 
4. Include: a section of Split Rail Fencing, Wagon Wheels, barrels, crates and other assorted rustic props. 

Create a Land Claim Office Facade

1. Make a building facade with vinyl Wood grain paneling rolls, add windows, doors & porch. 
2. Set a rustic bench on the porch. 
3. Hang red gingham checked curtain in the window. 
4. Hang rustic looking wooden signs of various sizes on the building that read: "Claim Office", "Outfitters Gear", "Gold dust bought here", "Miners Wanted" , "Calico City Land Office", "Smith Ranch Cattle Drive, sign on for Spring Drive". 
5. Prop a Wagon Wheel up against the building front. 

Create a Hotel Facade

1. Use vinyl Wood grain paneling rolls for the building. 
2. Add window frames with curtains behind. Add a door frame. Create a porch with wooden spindles. 
3. Above the porch add a balcony with wooden spindles and a couple of window frames. 
4. On the porch set rocking chairs.
5. Add a couple of antique chairs with a barrel setting between the chairs. Set a checker board on top of the barrel. 
6. Place lights behind the facade to illuminate the windows.

Create a Jail Facade 

1. Use Brick Flat Paper or Dark Brown Brick Corrugated Paper on walls. (available from shindigz.com)
2. Add a barred door. 
3. Behind the barred door display a cot or mattress, add other items you might find in a jail cell. 
4. Hang a sign above the door that reads "jail". 
5. List Sheriffs Hours on a grey board.

Create a General Store Facade

1. Use vinyl Wood grain paneling rolls for the walls. 
2. Add doors & windows with red checked gingham curtains. 
3. Place a hitching post & split rail fencing (available from shindigz.com) in front. 
4. Prop a wagon wheel up against the fence.  (available from shindigz.com)
5. Hang a saddle over a section of the fence. 
6. Hang red hurricane lamps on the porch on either side of the door. 
7. Set barrels, wooden crates, spinning wheel, pot belly stove on the porch. 
8. Place an antique scale on top of a barrel. 
9. Set antique pottery jugs on barrels or crates. 
10. Hang a bridle & other tack from a post. 
11. Hang a large sign over the door that reads: "General Store". 
12. Hang smaller signs on the walls like: "Outfitters Gear", "Cigars" & etc.

Create a Blacksmith Shop Facade

1. Use rustic vinyl Wood grain paneling rolls for the walls. 
2. Create a double door, use 2 x 4 wood to create a door frame, hang a horse shoe in the center of each door. 
3. Hang bridles and tack on the walls. 
4. Hang lanterns from posts. 
5. Place a antique water pump in front with a bucket hanging from the pump. 
6. Prop Wagon Wheels (available from shindigz.com) up against the building and against a hitching post. 
7. Add some split rail fencing (available from shindigz.com), barrels and crates. 
8. Hang steer horns (available from shindigz.com) above the door and above the horns place a "Blacksmith" sign. 
9. Place a saddle over a fence section or set on top of a barrel.

Create a Bank Facade

1. Use Brick Flat Paper or Dark Brown Brick Corrugated Paper for the walls (available from shindigz.com). 
2. Add window and door frames. 
3. Place burlap bags on either side of the door. On the burlap bags place a large $ sign. Stuff bags to make them look full. Use a rope to tie bags closed at the top. 
4. Hang antlers above the door and a sign reading "Bank".

Wild West Town

1. Create your own wild west town setting with a  5' x 11' Old West Town Mural (available from shindigz.com).

Set up a campfire:

1. If you can't have the real thing, use rocks to form a ring, pile up logs & branches, tuck red and gold Florists’ Foil or red & yellow Cellophane between the wood to represent flames.

Other facades might include:

• O.K. . Corral  (O.K. Corral scene available from shindigz.com) 
• Train Depot
• Boot Hill Cemetery

More Decorating Ideas:

• The perfect decoration for a western party. Our 6' self inflating Cactus is made of heavy nylon, just plug it in and watch it self inflate to 6' high. 
• Our 36" inflatable cactus looks real, and makes an excellent decoration for your southwestern setting.
• Add flair to your party decor with 14' Boots and Cactus Combo Lights. 
• A rural route mailbox, mounted on a post can be used to hold the cards received by guests.
• Decorate for your Western Theme Party with 5' Western Signs. Mix and Match and make your own scene. Scene Setters are easily applied with Sticky Tack. 
• If you would like to add a southwestern flavor to your decorating, check out the scene setters in the fiesta section (Desert Flower Scene Setter, Southwestern Sky Scene Setter, Desert Border Roll, Stucco Scene Setter, Stucco & Roof scene, and more).
• Use antique wooden crates with rustic hand lettered signs that read :"Canned Beans", "Cigars", "Dried Beef", "Scotch Whiskey", Liquor "100 PROOF".
• Use rustic, four arrow sign posts, with hand lettered signs on each arrow pointing to popular destinations (Tombstone, Dodge City, Barkerville, Klondike Gold Mine & etc).
• Use real straw bales for seating and stacked straw bales to form serving tables for your Barbecue buffet.
• Use split rail fencing to make the atmosphere real, add some calico, checked & denim bows for accents. 
• Place a Cowboy Border Roll along the walls or use as a table runner. 
• Use real or plastic Wagon Wheels (available from shindigz.com), accented with wildflowers, daisies or sunflowers and set them around the room or hang a wagon wheel on the entry door. 
• Hang authentic cattle roping lassos.
• Hang a sign with the towns by-laws for example: 

• Display a prospector backpack. Use a wood frame backpack with sleeping bag, shovel, lantern, metal cup, bandana, and other miscellaneous accessories.

• Rent a Oak bar surrounded with brass rail and service ledge.

• Rustic long handle pump attached to weathered board.

• A great piece for a buffet station might be an oak half barrel with a rustic long handle pump attached to it.

• Display scarecrows make with straw, hopsack and assorted fabrics.

• Use wash tubs filled with ice to hold cold drinks & beer.

• Place a sign above your buffet table that reads "Grub".

• Decorate with our 5' Western Signs. or make your own hand written wooden signs. Hang them everywhere. Signs might say things like: Boot Hill, Baker Trail, Howdy Partner, Home Cooked Meals, Hiring Ranch Hands, Tie Horse Here, Gun Maker, Turn in Guns Here, Golden Nugget Saloon, Gold Panning, Gold Dust & Nuggets, Gold Bottom Creek, General Store, Feed & Stables, Death Valley, Crystal Casino, Claims Office, City Hall, Sheriff's Office, Smith Ranch Cattle Drive, Livery Stable, Miners Wanted, Pelts, Furs, Belts, Spurs, Railway Station, Rigs For Hire, Horse Boarded, The Palace Hotel, The Grand Hotel, Wells Fargo Bank, Bunkhouse, Outhouse & etc.

• Head south of the border with a Cactus Archway! (available from shindigz.com)
• Add a 3 ½’ free-standing Coyote with bandanna (available from shindigz.com).
• Add a Western flair to your décor with a 5' tall x 3' wide Sheriff's Star. (available from shindigz.com)
• Kick up some Southwestern fun when you place a Lighted Cowboy Boot (available from shindigz.com) at the entrance. Or place it next to a stack of hay bales in the corner of a room.
• Buggies, Covered wagons or chuck wagons can add to the atmosphere. Take 'em back to the old west with this magnificent 7' tall x 9' long x 4' wide Covered Wagons (available from shindigz.com). It will surely impress your Old West guests.
• Add a touch of the wilderness when you attach a Badlands Silhouette (available from shindigz.com) to a wall, great for a photo backdrop.

Western Activities:

Hire a DJ or Western Band.  It’s a great time to kick up your heels and give out a little "Yee-haw"!

Hire a caller to teach everyone how to square dance or do the two-step.

Our colorful 20" Western Boot Pinata makes a great activity, use it first as a decoration or centerpiece. Just fill with a toy and candy pinata filler to add fun to your party.

Food & Cake Ideas:

Nothing says a western hoe down is near better than barbecue sauce! Barbecue pork ribs, spareribs, chicken or steaks are the perfect chow to satisfy those hungry cowboy appetites. Here are some other suggestions:

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Western Decor Ideas

Build your own western facade with western scene setters.

 For a wedding write Hitchin Post on the arch and Justice of the peace over the door. Add twinkle lights to a wooden or inflatable cactus.

Drape tables with burlap or use plastic or paper table covers.

Build columns from old barn wood, top with bandanas and add a fern.

Use hay bales, wagon wheels, wash tubs, cowhide fabric and bandanas. Set figurines of cows, horses, or wrought iron figures of cowboys on the table.

Create a buckboard out of two banquet tables by adding wagon wheels on each corner and the seat from an old wagon

Hang lanterns everywhere.

Coils of rope with flowers added make great wall decor.

Place a bandana in the center of a table, tie strips of bandana fabric together to use as a runner on tables. Place flowers into straw bales.

Use a piece of wood and carve "Cowboy Country Club" in the wood.

Rent a chuckwagon frame to use on a buffet table.

Place a plant and bandana into a boot, place a couple of large rocks next to the boot.

Hang western pictures or plaques on the walls.

Build a wood saloon entryway.

Make shapes (hearts, boots & etc.) from barbwire.