There are a lot of teacher appreciation themes that teachers are over. Anything with apples, for example.
Just ask a teacher what they think and I’m almost certain that they’ll grimace.
Instead, why not treat your school staff to a Western themed ho-down teacher appreciation event?
This post will give you a bunch of ideas for how to decorate for the event, activities for each day of the week and a full menu with recipes for a luncheon!
First, the decorations…
Western Themed Decorations
There are so many fun options for decorating up a space with a Western theme!
This bandana themed banner is a great way to set the tone for the event.
Hang high up on a wall or drape along a table.
Maybe even layer this Yee Haw banner over the bandana banner when hung on the wall for a richer theme look!
Balloons are a super easy and inexpensive way to add into decorating schemes!
Who knew bandana print balloons were even a thing?
Mix in some fun shaped balloons for a really fun arrangement.
Instead of paying for helium, get your PTO some balloon stick holders!
The really nice thing about these holders is that they’re 100% reusable. So buy them once and use them for all of your PTO events!
Check out this post for tips on putting together a balloon arch oh so easily!
Western Themed Ideas for Each Day of the Week
I’m least creative when I’m rushed or tired.
And by the end of the school year, I’m feeling both!
So to remove that mental roadblock in case you’re in a similar position, and follow this plan for the entire week of Western themed events!
Monday
Start off the week with a yummy s’mores, popcorn or trail mix bar!
Teachers and staff will really love having a fun and portable snack to start off the week!
And as the coordinator of Teacher Appreciation Week, you’ll like how flexible this a trail mix bar is because it can come together with any mix of the following:
- Popcorn
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Mini Hershey kisses
- M&Ms
- Sunflower Seeds
- Raisins
- Mini marshmellows
- Mini graham crackers
- Dried cranberries
- Small pretzels
- Mini cookies
- Chex mix
- Anything else little and tasty!
Set out a set of these bandana print bags for the snack mix for the most portability.
Or for smaller portions, these trays will work well!
Tuesday
Snag my Sheriff’s Badge Appreciation printable template pictured above, by entering your information into the subscription form above (you’ll get the template + PTO tips).
Copy the template onto gold, red or blue paper, and then distribute to students and PTO members for them to customize with their teacher’s name and why they love their teacher!
Then post up in the teacher’s lounge, on the teachers’ doors and up and down the school hallways for all to see!
Wednesday
Bag up some mints and tuck into staff mailboxes for an unexpected treat!
These little bandana print mints are so cute!
Seriously, who thinks of things like this!
Or surprise them with some root beer candies.
Thursday
No Teacher Appreciation Week is complete without a luncheon!
Add coordinating tablecloths to the serving and dining tables to make clean up super easy!
If you need to cover a lot of table surfaces, this table cloth on a roll will come in mighty handy!
Sprinkle on some fun western themed confetti too.
Use these silver mini buckets to for flatware display or add in rolled silverware to make it easy for teachers to grab lunch and go!
They could be used for so many other themes in addition to a Western theme, making them a good investment for your PTO.
I like this unique serving idea! I’ve never thought of doubling a clear cup with a cupcake liner to get this neat effect!
Please tell me I’m not the only one!
Totally adding this to my event planning bag of tricks!
I’m also a sucker for anything gingham. I’ve always loved this pattern and always look to incorporate it into everything, so these gingham cupcake liners are a winner in my book!
Decorate the room and keep drinks cool at the same time with this fun cactus drink cooler.
Mix some patterns and use this red gingham check tableware set.
Western Themed Food Ideas
A Western theme is one to go crazy with fun food ideas!
Here are a few to get you started:
A chili bar is a nice, flexible option for everyone from Vegans to full out Carnivores.
Borrow some crock pots and don’t worry about keeping food warm throughout the entire luncheon.
Add in little BBQ slider sandwiches for the non-paleo folks and offer big dill pickles for a salty snack.
For dessert, make gluten free haystacks or cereal bar “hay bales.”
Friday
Send the teachers and staff off with one last thank you for all the hard work they put into making your school so fabulous!
Whip up a few batches of The Pioneer Woman’s Knock You Naked Brownies and set out in the teacher’s lounge for staff to devour!
They will love them!
There’s really no shortage of cute bandana themed items to round out a country western theme!
These bandana plates and napkins are pretty adorable!
There’s a lot of bandana print suggestions in the post, so I thought I’d end with a different print to mix in and this cow print plate set is perfect.
Over to you
And there you go!
An entire week long full of Western themed teacher appreciation events that won’t break the bank for your PTO!
For even more appreciation theme ideas, check out this ultimate round up of theme ideas!
You Might Also Like
I’m a participant in the Etsy and Amazon Services LLC Associates Programs, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com or Etsy.com. This means that when you click and make a purchase at a site via a link I have provided, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Regardless of whether or not I receive a commission, I only recommend products that I personally use and genuinely recommend. I always have my readers’ best interests in mind.
