A Texas theme can add larger-than-life fun to a party.
Boys of all ages will enjoy a Texas-themed party, steeped in cowboy lore, kid-friendly Tex-Mex foods, and a game of piñata or horseshoes. While plenty of party stores stock items for wild west, cowboy and south-of-the-border themes, apply a little creativity to make your party truly unique. Incorporate the Texas theme into all the details, from invitations to goody bags, decorations to refreshments. Does this Spark an idea?
Invitations
Use maps, flages and images of Texas to create unusual invitations. Mount the invitation's text on heavy card stock with a thematic print, such as a bandana or cacti. For an inexpensive and unique touch, buy a road atlas of Texas and make envelopes or invitations out of Texas road maps. For interesting texture, glue a real bandana onto heavy card stock and glue a smaller square of text on top. For invitations inspired by tales of the Wild West, design a "Wanted" poster. Add an air of authenticity by burning the edges or staining the paper in tea. Use colorful phrases like "Wanted: rowdy riders for a rootin' tootin' good time."
Activities and Games
Line dancing makes a classic Texas or Western-themed activity for parties with adult guests. However, for all-boy parties, stick to more kid-friendly, active themes. Piñatas, while not strictly Texan, evoke much of the border state's Mexican heritage, and thrill young boys. For a creative activity and souvenir, assemble a bunch of western wear and cowboy props. You might include plastic pistols, checkered shirts and suede vests, sheriff badges, boots, 10-gallon hats and even fake moustaches. Take digital photos of the guests dressed up as Texan lawmen, cowboys or sharpshooters. Either during or after the party, use basic photo software to add a sepia tint and print out custom-made "wanted" posters.
Foods and Refreshments
No Texan party would be complete without a full Texas barbecue feast. Include items like Texan beans and chili, brisket sandwiches or any kind of barbecue, cornbread muffins and a rich pecan and chocolate pie. Serve root beer floats in frosty mugs worthy of the finest Texas saloon. Decorate the cake with plastic cowboy and indian figurines or turn a sheet cake into a Texan flag. Set out chips, salsa and guacamole for appetizers or snacking. Set out candy or desserts in burlap sacks, decorated with dollar signs to resemble bags of money from bank hold-ups. Instead of buying paper plates and napkins, give the meal a rustic touch by serving on tin camping gear and providing the guests with their own bandanas to wipe their mugs.
Tags: card stock, heavy card, heavy card stock, Texas theme