Take Me Out To The Barnyard

So, a friend of mine just called, and after we were done ranting about ungrateful husbands, we started talking about what to do for her daughter’s upcoming birthday, and one of the options is a petting zoo. So, since I’m up still, I’m looking for ideas to pass along. I would have had my magazines to browse, there is a great party in one of them, but they are being held hostage at another friend’s house.

What’s great about this theme is it can be expanded to fit every taste. Ask guests to dress in overalls, plaid, bandannas and other farm gear. Try a John Deere theme from Celebrate Express, then check out the official site Green Fun Store for more unique items and ideas.

How about dedicating your party to your child’s favorite barn animal? Over at Simply Bovine, everything is dedicated to who else, the cow! Drink Purple Cows and read Click Clack Moo – Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin. Pig parties are also a favorite. Serve Jell-O during a “Pig-Out Contest”, where guests must hold their hands behind their backs and eat cubes of Jell-O from bowls. Clean up and read If You Give A Pig A Party by Laura Numeroff

Check out Fine Living Network’s videos on Barnyard Petting Zoo for creative ideas on invitations and activities.

Have a rootin‘ tootin‘ Cowboy/Cowgirl Hoedown party. Have guests take caricature pictures as party favors like this prop from Party 411, then decorate their own paper vests. Play horseshoes, and have a Lasso Throwing contest. Serve up lots of good grub like BBQ, cornbread, corn on the cob and baked beans. Serve Chex Mix and call it chicken feed. And for authenticity, serve food on pie tins.