Are you looking for a theme for your child’s next birthday party? If so, you may want to consider going with a barnyard theme. Based on my experience, a barnyard theme lends itself to various interpretations and can work well for a wide range of age groups. As a former special events planner, I have organized barnyard themed parties before and would like to offer up a few decorating ideas. Here they are:
Hay Bales, Corn Stalks and Gourds
Personally, I love using hay bales, corn stalks, and gourds as barnyard themed decorations. They tend to be fairly inexpensive and easy to obtain. I would recommend that you purchase the hay bales, corn stalks and gourds from a local farmer or a farm supply shop. If you don’t have such a place in your area, you may want to check out your local craft store or supermarket. In my experience, you can generally purchase each one for less than $10. They look great when placed near the ends of a buffet line or at the entrance of a walkway or building.
Pooper Candy Dispensers
If you are looking for an interactive table decoration that will make the kids laugh, look no further than a pooper candy dispenser. The pooper candy dispensers are made to resemble various barnyard animals including cows, bulls, pigs, turkeys, horses and sheep. The dispensers tend to sell for less than $5 each. They are designed to dispense little chocolate and caramel candies or jelly beans from the animal’s posterior. I’d suggest that you consider using the dispensers as centerpieces and giving out small bags of extra candy as party favors.
Scarecrows
I have also found that scarecrows in assorted sizes make for excellent barnyard themed party decorations. You may opt to use the scarecrows as centerpieces or place them near the buffet line or stage. In my experience, they also work well when placed in chairs and scattered throughout a banquet hall. You may opt to make your own scarecrows or purchase them ready-made from craft stores and party supply shops. In general, pre-made scarecrows tend to sell for less than $15 each.
Toy Farm Equipment
Toy farm equipment like tractors, horse trailers and hay bailers tend to work well as barnyard themed décor. In the past, I have managed to purchase low cost, die cast farm toys through thrift stores, flea markets and yard sales. If you can’t find the toys in those locations, you may want to buy them from a toy store or a specialty retailer. Prices vary, so be sure to shop around. Depending on your budget, you may want to get an array of farm toys in various sizes. They look great as centerpieces, floor decorations and buffet table decorations.
Grass Mats and Milk Buckets
Green grass tissue mats or green indoor/outdoor mats can also be incorporated into a barnyard theme. I think that the grass mats work best when used as part of a buffet table design. I’d suggest that you consider placing the green grass tissue mats ($5 a packet) onto a round banquet table and using it to set-up a silverware station. You could place a metal milk bucket ($3) on top of the faux grass and fill the milk bucket with rolled silverware. Believe it or not, there are companies that make a cow print dinner napkin ($3 each) that you could use to wrap the silverware. You might also want to add a small milking stool and use it to hold cow print party plates ($5 per 10-pack).
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys summer sports and recreation. She is a former special events planner.
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