I really hate hosting parties. There, I said it! But I have to admit I really enjoyed hosting our western themed party as part of the “My Kitchen Rules” game we’ve been playing with friends.
A couple of weeks ago, a couple of Albert’s friends decided to recreate the “My Kitchen Rules” show, as a game. I thought the idea as amazing, but because I am not the greatest cook, I was nervous about hosting an evening!
Thankfully, Albert and I were joking about peanut butter sandwiches the whole time and so there was little pressure to perform. And to make things a little easier we chose a chilled theme takes the pressure off of us!
We chose a western theme and chose “Lucky Luke Saloon” as the name of our restaurant.
The menus were glued onto tins of baked beans and presented as table decorations. Along with loads of desert roses, enamel cups, bowls and plates and traditional lanterns.
Thank goodness for Pinterest, because the food was a huge success, apart from maybe the s’mores that were either over- or undercooked. But thankfully that was every person’s prerogative.
Western Party Themed Dinner Ideas
Here are the recipes I used:
- Starter: Hot Bean and Cheese Dip
- Main: Rootbeer Pulled Pork with Apple and Poppyseed Coleslaw
- Dessert: Campfire S’more Cones
For the vegetarians, we made a Cowboy Caviar concoction. Which sounds odd, but turned out really well. It really is a refreshing alternative to a spicy pasta salad!
We had a bonfire going, with hay bales covered with hessian or burlap. It really gave everyone a chance to relax and unwind.
The best cowboy playlist was blaring in the background with a mini projector projecting the music videos on a white sheet.
The photobooth was a huge success! Albert and his nephew handcrafted the “Wanted Dead or Alive” frame. Unfortunately, the clay we dug out for the kids to play with wasn’t as a hit at all!
Because the evening was a bit of a rushed, there are limited photos! To add to the matter, most of the photos were taken by friends, which really is a bit of a pity.
The ambience of the evening, along with good food and friends really was special. Albert was a real treat! From saying grace by asking for protection from the wild west to trying to light floating lanterns!
I may not be ready to host dinner parties every weekend, but I have moved a little out of my comfort zone.
Do you like hosting parties? What do you like about them? How did you overcome the anxiety of having people in your personal space?
Wow! I love this. And I love hosting parties! Sure it can be stressful, but I suppose if you have friends over who won’t judge your food, home or messy kitchen, then you’re halfway there.
We also did a “Come Dine With Me” dinner-competition thingy with friends last year & it was such fun.
x