Giddy Up!
Want to have a dinner party with a western flair? You are not alone! The ranch motif is sweeping the nation through apparel, home furnishings and entertaining. What I love about this trend is how casual, warm and welcoming it makes everyone feel. Keep things informal but well thought out. No fancy china or silver necessary. As an embroiderer, I really enjoy making personalized, embroidered dinner and cocktail napkins. I have even taken a family’s initials and turned them into a branding iron logo on the linens.
Gather ‘Round the Watering Hole
Set up a casual self-serve cocktail bar with a variety of whimsical, monogrammed cocktail napkins where guests can help themselves to whiskey, wine or a refreshing ranch water.
Not my First Rodeo
Having guests over is not the time to try new recipes. Stick with your tried-and-true favorites that are a household staple and simple to prepare. Keep the menu high on comfort and low on fussy. Think bbq, burgers, rootin’ tootin’ baked beans and campfire corn on the cob.
The Back Forty
Change things up a bit for the dessert. Huddle around the outdoor fire pit in the backyard for a simple plate of s’mores, or a comforting piece of pie and ice cream, or pass a plate of cowboy cookies.
Ride Into the Sunset
At the end of the evening, send guests home with a little something yummy. It’s a fun and unexpected send-off. I love a bag of homemade caramel corn or delicious buckeyes tucked into a natural craft box with raffia ribbon. They’ll be enjoyed at a later time as friends reflect on the fun they had at your hoedown!
A Little Bit About Me…
I’m Jen Kennedy (aka The Preppy Pagoda) and I started embroidering during Covid as a way to stay busy. I embroider all types of items and themes. I acquired a taste for “Texas and all things cowboy” by having two kids who went to SMU and still live in Texas. My New Year’s Resolution for 2024 was to “keep evolving”…which meant learning new things and taking a few risks. We took a leap, bought some land that was an old horse ranch in Nebraska, and decided to build a house and barn! We want to be able to unplug a little, but still be close to town. This project has been full of fun decisions and selections. Many purchases were made in Round Top, Texas and it should be completed in 2025. We are documenting our journey if you are thinking of taking a leap and building your dream!–
Want to follow along in our ground-up building process? @KENNEDY.RANCH
Looking for that perfect personalization for your next gathering? @THEPREPPYPAGODA
