Want to spice up your next kid's birthday or theme party? Why not stick with a classic theme – Cowboys and Indians. True, there is a bit of a racial undertone permeating from this type of event, but if you can just look past all that, you'll find the kids and yourself having a lot of fun dressing up and playing games.
INVITATION TYPE
- Snail Mail – include a black and white "Wanted" poster of the guest of honor and encourage your guests to come in either cowboy or Indian costumes.
DECORATIONS
Think old town saloon…
- Raid your local party store for Wild West and Cowboy and Indian type decorations. Cacti, cowboy boots, stars, bows and arrows, bright primary and secondary colors.
- Set up an area to take mug shots of each of your guests. You can use the photos to create keepsake "Wanted" poster favors, similar to your invitations.
- Have plenty of clean, open space for games…there will be a lot of shooting!
FOOD AND DRINK MENU
- Appetizer: Seven Layer Dip
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Entrée: Chili, Corn Bread, Biscuits
Be sure to have tons of condiments including cheese, onions, sour cream, salsa, etc.
- Dessert: Blueberry Pie
- Cocktail: Cowboy Coffee, Whiskey, Iced Tea, and Lemonade.
ENTERTAINMENT
- Country Music
- Western Films, particularly John Wayne films.
GAMES
- Old Fashioned Duel – use toy guns and bows and arrows for a shootout.
- Water Gun Fight
- Coloring and Crafts – purchase western themed coloring and activity books for some downtime fun.
- For the adults – an old fashioned poker game.
ATTIRE
This is definitely a costume party!
- Cowboy Costume – jeans, cowboy boots, button down flannel shirt, kerchiefs, and cowboy hats.
- Indian Costume – brown pants and tunic type shirt or brown dress, lots of fringe, feathers, war paint.
- Saloon Girl Costume – pretty dresses with corsets and lots of ruffles and lace; not for the shy and not recommended for young girls.
LAST MINUTE TIPS
Send guests home with cactus plants as favors.
And as always, remember to bring your camera!
