Western Blue & Gold 2013

Yeah!  The Blue & Gold Banquet is over and I think it was a success!  But even if it wasn't, it is OVER!  I am exhausted but I had a lot of fun doing it and I am already trying to figure out what to do next year.

Our theme this year was WESTERN.  I did the decorations, invitations, and desserts.  

My desserts were all variations of S'mores - kind of outdoorsie/Westernie.  I loved the banner I made for over the table.

For the tables, I used blue plastic table cloths (I stayed away from red that I would normally use for Western - but it was the BLUE and GOLD), then put BURLAP over it, with a BLUE bandana, with a COWBOY BOOT in the center with SUNFLOWERS (yellow of course) in the BOOTS, with a COWBOY HAT (from Oriental Trading), rope (like a lasso), a sheriff's badge and candy.  I was really happy with how they turned out.  And thanks to my friends that let me borrow their boots and some burlap (bought more at JoAnns).

For the walls, I made a WANTED poster for each of the boys that they got to take home (but I printed them in black and white - way cheaper).  This is Matthew's.  I think they really added to the night!

I also made some fun signs.  Here is the one for the food table.  We provided pulled pork sandwiches and everyone brought a side dish to share.

Here is the sign for the drinks - we go way simple on drinks and just do water.

I didn't make a sign for the dessert table because I had the S'MORES banner hanging above it (not in this picture). Hopefully I will post recipes soon!

Above are S'MORE STICKS - so easy!

Below is S'MORES BARK - so simple and so yummy!

 These are S'MORES COOKIE BARS - again easy and super yummy!

 Of course, these are S'MORES CUPCAKES - they are chocolate cupcakes with a graham cracker crust and a meringue frosting and a little marshmallow fluff in the middle.  Of course they are toasted like a real s'more.

 Perhaps the most fun part was the PHOTO BOOTH we had - thanks to my friend for the frame for the backdrop (which isn't pictured).  I had mustaches, hats, bandanas, and even bales of hay (thanks to another friend) and 2 frames to use - a WANTED one and a JAIL.  The kids had fun with it and since everyone can take pictures on their phones, it worked great.

 

Gavin

 I even took a minute to have fun with the photo booth.

 Dallin's friend Tyler.

 Dallin

 We had a GREAT turn out!  Over a hundred people!

 Here is another banner I made - YEE HAW!

 While we were eating, we had a SLIDESHOW with pictures from the last year playing - LOVE that addition and I really think that the boys LOVED seeing themselves!  Definitely will do again next year!

 Here is the invitation.  I think everything turned out well!  I hope everything had a GREAT time!