Decor:
We had our fireplace burning as the "campfire", and several straw bails nearby to be used as dinner tables (out of range of flying sparks of course!)
If you would prefer not to use your fireplace, or don't have one, you can create the next best thing:
Chow: The chuck wagon served meals by the campfire at our straw bail tables. I would highly suggest a clear plastic tarp under the bails to catch spills (you can purchase these inexpensively at the Dollar Store.)
Vests:1. Make a ring on the floor about 12 inches in diameter, using small rocks.
2. Fold together a couple sheets of orange & yellow tissue paper: gather the folded end together, securing with tape.
3. Place the tissue paper in the center of the ring of rocks to appear as orange & yellow flames, then toss a bit of gold tinsel on top to add sparkle. Voila...a campfire!
4. To set the mood, you might have luck finding some cowboy music on cassette or CD at your local library.
Prepare pre-cut brown paper grocery bags to be used as cowboy vests:
Party Favors:1. Start at the open-end of the bag; cut up the center or one side until you cut half-way through the bottom.
2. At the bottom, cut a circle opening large enough for the neck.
3. On both sides, cut arm holes an inch or two below the neck opening.
4. At what will be th bottom of the vest, cut fringe about 1-inch in width and 6-inches in length around the entire bag.
5. As they arrive, allow guests to decorate their own vest with markers, stickers or stamps.
We constructed a Paper Teepee
ahead of time for the children to decorate during the party.1. Choose whatever party favors strike your fancy; some suggestions might be toy horses, toy harmonicas, squirt guns, & chocolates wrapped as gold coins.
2. Place party favors in the center of a bandana for each guest; then tie all 4 corners together (before tightening the knot, slip a thin wooden dowel rod through an opening in the knot to carry the bandana packs over their shoulders.)
