Cowboy Birthday Party Decorations

Planning a boy's birthday party? A five-year-old's request for a cowboy birthday theme turned out to be one of the best parties we've planned. The decorations, food and games are cheap and simple, so it's a great DIY theme. Cowboys are all about America, so summer is a great time to have this party (or at least stock up on what you'll need). Americana decorations for the Fourth of July, or even red picnic items, are perfect for this theme. Decorate with the American flag, stars, or just solid red, white and blue. On each chair, hang a cowboy hat and tie a bandana. When the guests arrive, they can put these on for photos, then take them home as party favors.

Another option is to host the party outdoors. Provide bales of hay for seating, arranging them around a campfire if you wish. You may want to decorate the outside to look like the desert of the wild west, with cactus and tumbleweeds. Food associated with summer cookouts goes well with this theme. Plan a menu of hamburgers, baked beans, chips, etc., or allow the kids to roast their own hotdogs if you have a campfire. Offer root beer or red and blue punch to drink. Shape the cake to look like a cowboy boot, hat or horse's head. If you don't wish to have cake, serve apple pie or chocolate chip cookies. Include plates and cups to match your decorations.

Include cowboy-related games, such as a lasso contest. First, secure a wooden fence post by burying it partially in the ground. Have each guest practice their roping skills by trying to lasso the post. After this, teach the guests to play checkers or marbles and have a tournament.

Along with their cowboy hat and bandana, send the guests home with a sheriff's star, cookies, and a photo of the party group dressed in their cowboy duds. You may also include an assortment of "summer" items, such as bubbles, sidewalk chalk, etc.

Not only is this theme great for any young boy, it can be changed to accommodate a girl party as well. You can use the same Americana decorations and food, but include pink cowgirl hats and bandanas for the guests.

Whether it's to honor the birthday of a young cowboy or cowgirl, this theme is sure to be a hit for any kid. Use these easy tips to host your own wild west roundup this year!