A fifth generation Texan, Marla Watson-Werst knows what it’s like to attend a well-planned party that celebrates the heritage and lore of the Old West.

“I grew up going to barbecues and western-style parties and it’s something I still like to do,” says the event coordinator who hosts an annual Lone Star July 4th picnic and fireworks display with her husband. “Western-themed get-togethers will always be popular. The mystique of cowboy movies and the legend of John Wayne are part of American culture.” That appeal is particularly strong in Fort Worth – a city that likes to showcase its link to cattle drives and cowboys, especially when the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo comes around.

“A western-theme party is something people can relate to because of the history of our city,” explains Tara Wilson, owner of Tara Wilson Events. “People are fascinated with the romance of the Wild West.” Tapping into that fascination to create a memorable event is easy if done correctly. Using subtle elements to carry out the theme keeps the decor from going over the top and cheesy, the entertainment designer says. She recommends staying away from red gingham tablecloths and bandana patterns in favor of the unexpected. Looking for an unusual way to invite guests to a barbecue? Consider sending out the information on a small “Wanted” poster or paper stagecoach.

“A graphic designer can help you think outside the box and come up with an invitation that’s elegant, exciting and sets the tone,” says Wilson, who finds electronic invitations impersonal.

The Stockyards Hotel that can pull people into the region’s history through architecture and furnishings. Beaumont Ranch, an 800- acre working ranch in Grandview, offers two party barns and can bring in everything from mechanical bulls to western actors to help set the mood. Plus, guests can stroll through Old Town, where there’s a weaving shop, blacksmith and old-time photo parlor.

Austin Ranch in Grapevine, one of the oldest dude ranches in Texas, offers an authentic western experience complete with trail rides, gunfights and chuck wagon cookouts.

Choosing a location that already embraces a western motif is a money saver, insists Sally Boyd, the ranch’s sales manager.

“We’re a turn-key operation. You don’t have to spend money on décor,” she says, referring to the wagon wheels, oil derrick and Lone Star flags that dot the 27-acre spread. “Even our built-in buffet has a Old West flair.” People traveling to North Texas for a wedding or corporate event arrive with larger-than-life expectations, and using a remote location allows a host to offer entertainment you can’t duplicate in a residential neighborhood. Booking a stagecoach to ferry guests around the property or bringing in a 2,400-pound longhorn steer to pose for photographs can make a humdrum occasion unforgettable.

Chili cook-offs are another ranch favorite.

“A chef teaches people how to prepare a complete meal – a 14-oz.

Ribeye, buttermilk biscuits, beans, potatoes and apples crisp over an open flame using a Dutch oven,” Boyd explains.

Country flavor But the best feature of a western-style gathering is the relaxed feeling it generates, Boyd says.

“You can dress it down or dress it up, but a western-style event Always makes people feel warm, friendly and comfortable.” A little ingenuity creates the same ambiance at home.

For a sit-down dinner or buffet, Wilson suggests draping burlap over tabletops, then adding a coordinating swag of fabric and fringe for sophistication.

Organic touches like leather, barbed wire, feathers or wheat grass used in a table arrangement can make guests feel as if they’re outdoors in the Old West, says the party planner, who once placed tumbleweeds around a room for a weathered effect.

Positioning a few worn saddles and bridles also signals a western theme. But don’t overdo it, the stylist warns.

“That’s where a western-themed party can go array. There’s a tendency to overdo the decor.” Whether the gathering is formal or folksy, nothing says “howdy” quicker than a pair of worn cowboy boots. Watson-Werst, the owner of Pea Pod Productions, suggests using footwear as a rustic centerpiece.

“Put three boots in a star pattern with the toes pointed outward,” says the event coordinator, who sometimes tucks sprays of bluebonnets or sunflowers inside. “Adding a branding iron to the arrangement makes it even more interesting.” Melinda Massie, owner of Events and Consulting, incorporates the russet colors of a Texas sunset into her boot-inspired centerpieces.

“I like deep reds, burnt oranges and dusky yellows, but use whatever colors works best with your decor and acquired boots,” says the party planner. “Surround the centerpiece with candlesticks made from recycled beer bottles and intertwine rope throughout.” If boots aren’t available, milk bottles, recycled tin cans or a large galvanized bucket are appropriate substitutes.

Texas Hot Stuff in Stockyards Station caters to Fort Worth shoppers Looking for authentic western décor.

“From boot lamps to barbecue sauce, we have everything you could want for a western party,” Sharp boasts.

On the chuck wagon Frosty weather usually accompanies Stock Show events so Massie suggests choosing a hearty menu for western get-togethers in the winter. She likes pairing braised beef short ribs with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, blue cheese mashed potatoes or jalapeno cheese grits.

“When guests arrive, start with a soup shooter to warm them up,” she advises. “I’d go with a spicy tomato soup but any smooth soup is good. Make sure it’s not too thick and will ‘drink’ easily.” Fort Worth’s Reata Restaurant, known for giving southwest dishes an imaginative twist, doesn’t mind sharing its party recipes. Cooks looking for unusual appetizers and other fare can find instruction in the cookbook, Reata—Legendary Texas Cuisine.

“People love Southwest dishes because they’re comforting, flavorful and the kind of familiar food you’d make at home,” says the restaurant’s catering manager, Mary Gallagher.

Party favorites requested by customers include macaroni and cheese made with bacon and jalapeno, and beef tenderloin tamales served with a tomato cream sauce or pecan pesto. Bacon-wrapped quail or elk sausage can make a typical menu interesting, but the catering pro advises party givers to considering game meat choices carefully. The gamy flavor might be too strong for some guests.

“And don’t serve anything too spicy,” she advises. “When cooking for the masses, always err on the side of mild. Most people are sensitive to spice.” Watson-Werst recommends offering a few vegetarian dishes like three-bean salad or grilled portobello mushrooms for non-meat eaters.

“A southwestern buffet can include lots of beef so give people options,” says the party planner, who likes the idea of serving Texasshaped pralines for dessert.

No longer limited to snacks and dinner, a taste of the southwest also makes a great party favor. Take-home trinkets should be either useful or consumable, and event coordinator Wilson encourages clients to give guests gourmet caramel apples, spiced pecans or mini banana-nut loaves at the end of a party.

For less resourceful hosts, Texas Hot Stuff in the Stockyards Station offers jars of salsa and jelly that are easily packaged as gifts.

Owner Cynthia Sharp says a $2 bottle of hot sauce called Texas Champagne is popular with party organizers.

Add some twang And don’t forget the music. Party guests can’t help but have a good time when country western music is playing in the background, says A..J. Lockett, owner of Ernest Tubb Record Store in the Stockyards. That can mean anything from Bob Wills to Reba McIntire. And for a nostalgic feel, some customers are choosing old-fashioned vinyl albums over Cds, he said.

“They tell me the sound is better,” Lockett says.

Happy trails Finding the right mix of food, décor and fun for a western-theme party is a challenge but achieving perfection should never be the goal, Wilson says. The veteran organizer has seen too many hosts obsess about the color of linens and matching plates with glassware.

“Guests aren’t going to notice all of the details but they will remember whether you had a good time,” she says. “Start planning your party six weeks in advance and be prepared.

It’s more important to be prepared than perfect.”