Costumes & Accessories (25)

Native American Party

Table of contents

Introduction

The Native Americans, also known as Indians, are those folk who lived from the land in what is today known as America. However most people know them through both the historical and fictional accounts of western films as well as books where they often battled with each other or with the cowboys to prevent claim being made on their land.

 

Something that not many may know is that the Native Americans arrived in present-day America some 12,000 years ago from Eurasia by traveling over a land bridge at a time when the continents were still connected to each other. Of course not all of them stayed in the same place as some went further south while others decided to settle more to the north.

 

Unfortunately the arrival of the Europeans didn't go down peacefully as many a war ensued in the years to follow. These wars saw heavy losses on both sides and also saw the extinction of entire Native American cultures and tribes.

 

However the Native Americans didn't only make war - when they weren't hunting or fighting, they often took part in some of the greatest parties you can imagine! So, for those who want to party like the Native Americans, we've got just the thing to satisfy your needs. Below you'll find a number of tips to help your organize the party of the year and one sure to leave your guests impressed.

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Native American Party Invitation

As with any party, you’ll need to buy or make a couple of Native American party invitations first. For those who’re a little stuck for ideas, you’ll find some of ours below along with the necessary descriptions. Be sure to include the following information with your invitations:

  • Party Name: Give your party a proud Native American name like “Sitting Wolf’s Spring Feast”
  • Salutation: Be sure to adapt your guests’ names accordingly. Examples here include “Golden Duck Sarah” or “Running Bear Jim”
  • Date & Time
  • Venue/Location
  • Dress Code
  • Contact Details
  • Additional information…

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Native American Design

For the Native American design invitation you’ll simply need a computer loaded with the appropriate software as well as a printer. Should you not have a printer, just drop by your local printing firm with your finished design and make use of their services.

 

To start with you’ll need to find the appropriate images that you think will fit with your invitation. These can include anything from old photographs of Native American chiefs to teepees and Native Americans dancing around a fire. Once you have your images, simply edit and position them on template you’re using for your invitation.

 

Next up, just enter the details of your party in the appropriate space. Do keep in mind that you’ll need to use the appropriate font for this invitation to make it appear authentic.

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Animal Hide Invitation

A step up from the traditional paper-based design, this one will require you to get your hands on some fake animal hide. For the sake of authenticity, they will need to be brown and slack.

 

Once you have the hide, divide it into rectangular shapes of an appropriate size and cut them out. This will server as paper onto which the details of your party will be transferred. Remember that you’ll need the appropriate font as well as a couple of Native American symbols to decorate the page accordingly. For this reason it might be best to take it down to your local printing/screen printing firm and have them transfer your invitation to the hide.

 

Once done, simply roll or fold it and bind together with thin leather straps. Should you have access to feathers, slide them underneath the straps to add to the authenticity of your invitation.

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The Arrow

This invitation requires a slight budget, but is well worth the effort. To start off you’ll need to get your hands on an arrow for each of your guests either from your local Native American merchandise retailer or from the internet. As these will mainly be ornamental, they needn’t be sharp – appearances will count most.

Once you have your arrows, there are two ways to go about it:

  1. If the arrow has a strong tip, like bone or metal, have the details of your invitation engraved upon it.

  2. Attach a small invitation card with a bit of light string to the shaft of the arrow.

 

Whichever way you choose, these will make exceptional invitations that can be kept for years to come.

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The Dream Catcher

Another delightful gift with ornamental value is the dream catcher which was traditionally made by the Native Americans. These can either be self made or bought in applicable retail stores as well as on the internet.

 

Whatever you choose to do, be sure to attach a paper-based invitation to the dream catcher’s frame with a bit of light string.

Native American Party Dress Code

This area needs little introduction as we all know what the Native Americans wore. Although it needs to be said that different tribes have different styles of clothing. As an example, we'll look at the Navajo men and women who wore deerskin pants, shirts and skirts. As time progressed, however, their shirts were replaced with collarless cotton or velvet shirts, breeches and moccasins. While the woman's outfit generally stayed the same, it later also incorporated what is known as the "squaw dress" which was made from dark blankets.

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Native American Party Decorations

For any Native American party, there are a couple of decorations that are a must. Here are a couple of ideas which you’ll be able to buy from your local Native American merchandise retailer or on the internet.

  • War bonnets
  • Teepees
  • Canoes
  • Native American bead work
  • Dream Catchers
  • Bows & Arrows
  • Saddle Bags
  • Headdresses
  • Tomahawks

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Native American Party Guest Arrival & Announcement

As mentioned before, you’ll need to improvise and adjust a little by assigning your guests Native American names. In addition, you’ll want to imitate the speech of a Native American chief for the sake of authenticity.

 

Here’s an example:

 

“You all welcome, Giant Eagle and Running Dear”

Native American Party Favors

Native American party favors are plentiful and available both on the internet as well as in stores that stock Native American merchandise. Ideas for party favors will include Dream Catchers, arrows, tomahawks, Native American headdresses, war bonnets, bow & arrow sets, etc. Where applicable, remember to have the name of your party, the date and your guests’ names conveyed to the party favors to ensure that they remember it for years to come.

 

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Native American Party Activities

Native American Charades

An activity that will have you in stitches of laughter and one that will provide hours of fun – Native American charades. The object of this game is to act out famous historical Native American scenes and practices. And, to make things interesting, why not add the animals they used to hunt to the list?

 

Be sure to keep the camera ready as there will be moments that some will choose to remember forever, and others to forget.

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War Dance

No Native American party will be complete without the obligatory war dance. This can be done around a fire or in a living room. Purchase a CD with some Native American music to add to the atmosphere and get ready to have hours of fun!

Target Practice

When the Native Americans weren’t out hunting or celebrating, they were hard at work to hone their skills. Get your hands on traditional Native American bows and arrows and do some target practice. Use either a normal target or one you made yourself.

 

Do take note that state laws might apply here, so be sure to stay on the right side of the law by doing the necessary research first.

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Face Painting

To complete your Native American party, get some face paint and have your guests decorate each other’s faces in the appropriate style. Remember, you’ll have to do some research first as the Native Americans painted their faces for different reasons.

History Quiz

The Native Americans form an important part of American history. Get your hands on a quiz set, either from the appropriate retailer or on from the internet.

 

This should provide hours of fun for those who, well, don’t quite feel like dancing or doing target practice and enjoy the comforts supplied by your grand teepee.

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Food & Drink

As the Native Americans had their own cuisine, you'll have to do some research and get your hands on some recipes. Traditional dishes of the Native Americans include the following:

  • Corn bread
  • Fry Bread
  • Succotash
  • Pemmican
  • Buffalo Stew
  • Dry meats
  • Chili Stew
  • Salted Salmon

Although the Native Americans had their own drinks, we’re sure your guests will probably be more comfortable with those they know. But just in case you want to give them something to think about, the Native American “Black Drink” or Asi will do the trick. This drink was made from the roasted leaves and stems of the Yaupon Holly and was connected to purification. Just be careful though, serving it to your guests will give them a slight buzz as one of the active ingredients is caffeine.

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