The holidays are just around the corner, and while this year has been anything but ordinary, it’s still essential to make the most of the season. One way to do that is by hosting a festive holiday party with a country theme. This theme is popular because it is cozy, homey, and full of fun elements that can bring joy to the holiday season for everyone. Whether you’re throwing an outdoor party with friends or an indoor gathering with family, these tips will help you create an unforgettable night for all your special guests.
1. Decorations
Decorations are essential for any holiday party, and when it comes to a country-themed event, think traditional and rustic vibes. String up twinkling lights and hanging stars from the ceiling. Add some burlap garlands and mason jars filled with candles for extra ambiance. If you’re looking for more ideas, try adding a wreath made of pinecones or place miniature sleigh figurines around the room.
You can also use country-inspired props, such as hay bales and wooden barrels, to make your party stand out. Finally, you can hang a large flannel tapestry on the wall for a touch of rustic charm. Use a combination of these decorations to create an inviting atmosphere that will make your guests feel right at home. Just make sure to be mindful of any fire hazards, especially if you’re using candles.
2. Activities
You can’t have a party without activities, and luckily, there are plenty of fun things you can do at your country-themed event. There’s no shortage of games that lend themselves to this theme. Set up a horseshoe toss, provide bales of hay for a haystack scavenger hunt, or have guests compete in a cornhole tournament. If your party is outdoors, you can even set up a makeshift petting zoo with goats, pigs, and chickens.
Of course, you can host a fun rodeo tournament if you have the budget. Renting a mechanical bull or a rodeo-style inflatable will be a huge hit, and your guests will have an unforgettable time showing off their riding skills. You can also award a custom-made rodeo belt buckle or trophy to the winner of the competition. This will add an extra level of fun and excitement to the party.
3. Music
Country music is perfect for setting the mood at your party! Create a playlist filled with classic hits like “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms or “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee. You can also play modern tunes like “Merry Christmas Baby” by Lady Antebellum or “Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy” by Brad Paisley. These songs with a country twist will provide a festive soundtrack for the night and get your guests in the holiday spirit.
When playing music, don’t forget to designate a dance area. You can create an impromptu dance floor by using hay bales or moving furniture out of the way. Then, you can provide line dance lessons or show country-inspired music videos to get everyone on their feet. You want to make sure there’s plenty of room for your guests to two-step and twirl around the area.
4. Food and Drinks
No holiday get-together would be complete without food and drinks! For snacks, try making homemade chili cheese fries or mini corn dogs. These foods are hearty enough to fill your guests up while still being easy to eat. You can also serve classic holiday desserts such as sugar cookies and pecan pie. Apple crumble pie topped with ice cream is also a well-loved option.
As for drinks, keep it light and festive with cranberry juice spritzers or winter sangria made with apples and pomegranate juice. You can even make spiked cider with whiskey or rum. Just remember to be mindful of the drinking age and provide non-alcoholic beverages for those who don’t drink. For children, consider making a special batch of holiday punch.
5. Favors
To thank your guests for attending, you can give out party favors at the end of the night. Small items like keychains, mason jar mugs or flannel scarves are perfect for taking home. You can also fill mason jars with homemade cookies and attach a small tag for a sweet gesture. For an extra special touch, you can also offer personalized hats or t-shirts with your event’s logo.
Whether you host your country-themed holiday party outdoors or indoors, these tips will ensure that everyone has a great time celebrating this special season together. From decorations to delicious food & drinks, there are plenty of ways to get creative this year when planning your holiday festivities — so don’t forget to enjoy yourself along the way!
