Once you have the theme, name it!

Some ideas:

Whiskey & Wranglers
Boots & Bling
Boots & BBQ
Bluegrass Bash
Denim & Diamonds
Western Hoedown
Boot Scootin’ Boogie
Dusty Trails Dance
Moonshine & Melodies
Cowboy Stomp
Space Cowgirl
Holiday Hoedown
Boots & Bubbles

NOW LET’S DECIDE ON A LOCATION!

Maybe you want to have your party in your backyard. Odds are you have hosted a party before at your home, but if you haven’t, imagine how many people you can comfortably hold in your backyard and what everyone will be doing at your party (besides eating and drinking). If you landed here, you’re most likely hiring The Rhinestone Cowgirls to get your guests on the dance floor with line dancing, so be sure to allocate space for that. Also consider any other activities, like a good legit country game of horseshoes or cornhole.

*** As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. *** (Amazon requires this.. Full Transparency.)

If you have the space and budget, you may have already thought about having a mechanical bull. This is a sure way to get your guests excited and involved. Riding a mechanical bull is a challenge, and watching others ride can be downright hysterical! It also provides lots of opportunities for great photos and videos. When choosing a mechanical bull provider, be sure they have proper insurance in place. Best Mechanical Bull Rental is a great choice!

Beyond the entertainment and games, keep in mind the space needed for your food station (maybe two 8’ tables) if you’re not doing a seated meal, and drink station (perhaps one long table or a round table depending on the number of guests you expect).

In terms of seating, unless you’re throwing a frat party, you’ll need a seat for everyone. Will you use round tables or long ones? You could also opt for picnic table seating. For tables and seating, you’ll probably need to consult a local party rental supply store. These spots usually offer stage and dance floor rentals, too.

OK, let’s get creative with country party decorations!

All of them should all be in line with your theme.

Consider placing cute wooden wagon wheels in front of your food and drink station tables and Western “WANTED” posters in conspicuous locations with various guests’ photos on them!

For centerpieces on the guest tables, you could layer a handkerchief (spread flat) and top it with a mason jar wrapped with twine, with a flickering tealight inside. A strand of pixie lights can then be placed around the mason jar, on top of the handkerchief. Or you could opt for fresh daisies in the jar along with the pixie lights!

Living vicariously through you, I have curated an Amazon list in my storefront called Country Party Finds. I’m continually adding to it!

*** As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. ***

DIY photo booths also add to the décor! Whether you’re hiring a photographer for your party or not, a DIY photo booth with a themed backdrop and country western props (on a table next to it) is a great opportunity for guests to take selfies! Remember to put a framed sign on the table asking guests to use a special hashtag when they post to socials, e.g. #smithsaddleup.

If you want a more professional photo booth, there are many options: classic/retro, 360-degree, or the interactive Magic Mirror that we offer.

finally, for everyone’s favorite part…food!

I’m sure you can imagine how many plates of ribs I’ve had over the past 15 years singing and line dancing at events like the one you’re planning! BEYOND the char that I always eagerly anticipate with ribs, I’ve also had some AMAZING passed appetizers, like the shrimp at a Beverly Hills private party we played at a handful of years ago. It was wrapped in candied pork and drizzled with a balsamic reduction. You can get wild here! So many options!

But the most classic country fare that your guests will naturally expect is some combination of the below:

Brisket, BBQ ribs and chicken, mac n cheese, green beans, corn on the cob, baked beans and cornbread. And cowboy caviar or chili makes a great appetizer!

If you’re having your party catered, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Maple Block Meat Co. in Culver City. This is the most succulent, mouth-watering BBQ I’ve ever had in the Los Angeles area! You see the char below? Well…they know how to do that reaaaaally well!! Their catering staff will deliver, unpack, set up and display your barbecue spread buffet-style in their disposable catering trays, making for an ultra-easy clean-up. They also offer full-service, staffed catering with an option to rent their authentic, wood-burning smoker-trailer! I can’t give enough kudos to Maple Block! Wanna check them out before committing? You can visit Maple Block Meat Co. in their free-standing restaurant in Culver City!

For a twist on traditional country fare, you can go with an authentic taco truck! The open spaces of Texas serve as a backdrop for traditional cowboy culture where line dancing, rodeos, and country music thrive. And you can’t get much closer to the wide open spaces of the Lone Star State than Mexico!

Ready for my favorite taco truck? It’s a friendly, family-owned business called Tacos Mi Amore!

The best thing about this truck? The Birria!!! Birria is a traditional Mexican dish of tender beef cooked in a chili-infused spicy (not too spicy — don’t be scared) adobo sauce (think garlic, onions, ancho chiles, tomatoes and cayenne). This Birria broth is served with certain menu items for dipping, just like you see below. But be warned — you’re gonna get hooked! If I have your curiosity peaked, check them out on Instagram for their whereabouts so you can experience their mouth-watering Birria for yourself!

Moving on…. For a budget-friendly option, go with hamburgers and hot dogs! The trick, to wow your guests, is to have ALL the fixin’s! Amp up the selection by adding a spicy remoulade, craft BBQ sauce and blue cheese crumbles for the hamburgers and chili and gourmet mustards for the hot dogs. You could opt for sliders with Hawaiian buns instead of regular size hamburgers to give your guests more flavor options. Using mini chalkboard signs is helpful for guests to know what they’re eating. For example, you may have a vegan option or something may be spicy, etc.

For your drink station, beyond those standards that we know and love, if you want to add something creative, how about a Cactus Juice or Cowboy Cocktail? Hint: think margarita, Moscow Mule or any drink that is lime-based. Place a 4 x 6 framed sign on that table instructing your guests to grab that drink and voilà! You can also add a non-alcoholic version of that and include “for the little cowpokes” with a photo of a little cowboy on a second sign. Don’t underestimate signage – it helps direct your guests, makes them feel at home, and also adds your own personal touch! On this table, you could also a coordinating glass which serves as both decoration and also party favors! How about a cactus-shaped mason jar or a cowboy boot mug?

*** As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. ***

brimming with excitement or overwhelmed?

By now, I’m sure your mind is swimming with ideas, but if all of this this sounds overwhelming and/or time-consuming, you may want to consider hiring a professional party planner and/or holding your party at at event venue or restaurant/bar. If you’re in Los Angeles, I have two recommendations! They’re both super cute and have really hip country vibes! This takes the task of decorating and most of the above off your plate. Both of these venues have stages and dance floors, too!

Desert 5 Spot - Located in the heart of Hollywood, Desert 5 Spot is the rooftop bar that brings the free spirit soul of 1970s Palm Springs and the rustic allure of Pioneertown to the heart of Hollywood. We’ve given line dance lessons to public and private groups here and the vibe is always on par!

Saddle Ranch Chop House - This gem is on the sunset strip in West Hollywood. We got an up-close-and-personal look when we taught line dancing for an event for Benefit Cosmetics influencers. From the saloon doors to the mechanical bull, this venue checks all the boxes.

If you’re in Orange County, CA and are going for a more upscale country event, you should consider Strawberry Farms in Irvine. We’ve taught line dancing here several times, and this venue is on-point — from the warm, competent staff to the extensive party planning options they offer within their “Big Red Barn”.

now you’re ready to create your invitation!

After all of the above is decided, it’s time to create an invitation to send to your guests. Remember that picture you have in mind for your party? The imagery/graphics on your invitation should represent that, not only so your guests have the necessary details, but also so that by the time they arrive to your party, they are brimming with unbridled excitement! The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to get it printed. Nowadays, with the exception of weddings and other traditional and formal events, people have come to expect electronic invites. Yay!!!

Your invitation should be sized to be viewed on a phone (think Instagram reel/story 1920 x 1080 pixels or carousel 1080 x 1350 pixels) and include the basics (who, what, when, where, why) and also special info like food, parking and what to wear, e.g. country western attire strongly encouraged, wear your favorite country western, etc. If you’re planning a holiday hoedown, you should heck out our little wranglers in the General Store.

finally, giddy up and enjoy prepping for your country shindig!

Want more? Enter the saloon! 💗