SO YOU’RE HOSTING A COUNTRY PARTY?

I’ve actually been on both sides of the party. My experience in the hospitality industry is deep, specifically in the restaurant business. I spent several years as a corporate trainer for one of the biggest chains in the U.S. (yes, I was a stickler for impeccable service). I also was a secret shopper for a handful of years where I spilled the beans on all aspects of my fine dining experiences. So, this ain’t my first rodeo…

But enough about me. I’m here help YOU have an unforgettable country party! And along the ride, I’ll share some unique items I’ve handpicked for your shindig.

Kick up your boots and read on, cowgirls and cowboys…

The secret to an unforgettable country party is in the planning. With so many details to consider, it’s optimal to lay everything out and make deliberate decisions on the front end, with your existing resources and budget in mind, of course.

IT STARTS WITH THE COUNTRY THEME/VIBE YOU WANT FOR YOUR PARTY!

That can be narrowed down a bit more than simply “country western”. Do you want it to scream rhinestone cowgirl/cowboy with lots of bling? Wild West? Or maybe a relaxed southwestern vibe? The theme should give you (and your guests) a clear picture of what to expect at your party.

Once you have the theme, name it! Here are 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.

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Also keep in mind the space needed for your food station (maybe two 8’ tables) if you’re not doing a seated meal, and also a 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.

3, 2, 1 - IT’S SHOWTIME!

Speaking of stages and dance floors, an unforgettable country party needs unforgettable entertainment! Having performed with my country band and line dance team in Los Angeles for more than 14 years, when I made the move to Tampa, FL in 2022, I decided to keep the flame burning! So I continued booking my team of musicians and line dancers while adding some stellar ones to the roster - ones who closely resemble what we deliver. Beyond talent and professionalism, the boutique selection of entertainers I book all have one thing in common: they engage the crowd with magnetic energy that gets the crowd on the dance floor! Entertainment can make or break a party, and I love helping make parties (amazingly unforgettable!).

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 a list in my Amazon Storefront called Country Party Finds. I’m continually adding to it!

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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 look for with ribs, I’ve also indulged in some decadent 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!

For a budget-friendly option, go for hamburgers and hot dogs! The trick here 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 mustard 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 that staples that we already 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?

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EXCITED 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 a commercial venue – specifically a restaurant/bar.

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 need help in this area, check out my General Store where the Rhinestone Cowgirls hang out!

GIDDY UP!

I hope you enjoy prepping for your country party! Reach out if you have any questions and I’ll be happy to help in whatever way possible!