My darling son turned 3 this past week. I let him have his choice of any type theme party he wanted. As expected, he wanted a cowboy party. My mind started to race. Cakes, decorations, plates, food.
You guys know that birthdays can be very expensive. Its been my experience as a event planner in another life to use what you already have to save money. You don't waste money on something you will never use again and it often looks great!
I took a basket that I had in the basement and lined it with a bandanna. ( No I was not in a gang... I think we used it for a costume one year) I had leftover plates, bowls and cups from another party so no expense there. I then found some little red buckets that I had with my fourth of July things to hold the silverware. To complete the authentic look I pulled my hubby great grandfathers oil lamp.
Another one of my hubbys relatives old pitcher.
My hubby got this straw to plant some seed around our yard. I begged him to hold off till after the party. What better place for presents? I found an old sign at a yard sale for change and hung it on the straw. Next I borrowed a old tin tub from my mama to keep the drinks cold.
I found a free template on-line for wanted posters. I then put my son, cousins, friends and his sister in them. I gave them names like "The mad dog gang" and being wanted for "nerve jumpin". The kids got a kick out of being on a wanted poster and it was free!The party was a great success and everyone had fun. I didn't spend a fortune and I wasn't left with a bunch of stuff I didn't know what to do with afterwards. And that works for our whole family!!
For more WFMW ideas check out We are THAT family!
