By Laura Grande
Updated Feb 22, 2016Decorate your home with red-and-white-checkered tablecloths, burlap, raffia and cacti made out of construction paper. Cut out cow spots from black construction paper and tape them onto white helium balloons to take care of the livestock quota, then fill Mason jars with cut flowers like daisies and wildflowers. Set up a “watering hole” station and serve lemonade, a Southern favourite.
When it’s time to rustle up some grub following an afternoon of lassoing and barrel racing, serve up BBQ fare with all the fixin’s. Cook chicken breasts, hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, and serve with coleslaw, veggies and dip, and homemade lemonade on the side. For dessert? Personalized sheriff badges.
Fun
Wanted poster: Download and print our "wanted poster" template and have guests draw themselves with crayons and markers. Roll them up for a fun take-home souvenir.
Barrel race: Time each guest as they race around a course "riding" their steed.
Rope 'em: Place a rocking horse (or chair) in the centre of the room. Tie a rope to a hula hoop and have guests try to toss it over the horse.
Loot bag: Cut out a medium-sized circle from burlap. Place goodies like candies, golden coins and small toys in the centre. Bunch up the edges and secure with raffia or ribbon.
A version of this article appeared in our March 2014 issue with the headline "Western party", p. 14.