Summer Cowboy Birthday and BBQ

Who doesn't love a summer bbq? Even better is a summer bbq with a cowboy chuck wagon twist!! This party was soo much fun to put together! Especially since my dad's birthday is in July in the middle of two of the best summer holidays-Independence Day and our State Birthday! Fireworks, bbq and fun for all!

 My dad is the perfect mix of modern cowboy, and since I was a kid I've always had fond memories of our days in Jackson Hole and seeing the Bar J Wranglers Chuckwagon show. So, we did our own version for his birthday dinner!

 Everyone brought a dish, which I then dumped into a tin serving platter or these bandana patterned paper trays I'm crazy about. I absolutely loved the way everything looked on the table! I can't believe I haven't done this theme for a party before!

 I also loved these vintage looking soda's they sell now! So fun for a cowboy bbq! You can get them in yummy jelly belly flavors or more traditional flavors

 These are some of the worlds best chocolate chip cookies! I adapted them from cookies and cups, recipe included below.  Ok, so most cowboys wouldn't have fancy coconut in their cookies, but what do you do when you just got back from Hawaii and are having a cowboy dinner!

 I loved Jessica Harris' cowgirl themed cake soo much, I just had to make a cowboy version

 I had so much fun painting the cowhide and prints on this cake!

 Beautiful Spread! These tin serving platters were perfect for the look as well as super cheap and super awesome for the cleanup! Who doesn't love no dishes after a party!!!

 I thought all the bandanas would be a perfect compliment to the checkered patterns on the table and I was surprised when I found ones that matched the bunting I found for the décor!

 Bandanas- the perfect napkin and utensil holder! Who knew?! Probably the cowboys.

 Everyone brought their own meat and it was fun to see the varieties of food on their "cowboy plates"

 The bandanas were also perfect for the times when the sun was right in our faces! Multi purpose!

 July birthday cake calls for sparkler candles which are always a hit for parties! You can find Wilton's version at most craft supply stores or on the link above!

 and sparklers!

Happy Cowboy Birthday! I highly recommend throwing your own... today!!

Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies

(slightly adapted from Cookies and Things)
Ingredients

• 1 cup solid or slightly softened coconut oil
• 1 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp corn starch
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1.5 cup flaked sweetened coconut (can do less)
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
2. In mixer beat coconut oil and both sugars until mixed well. Add in eggs and vanilla and continue mixing until smooth, scraping sides as necessary.
3. Add in salt, baking soda and corn starch and mix until incorporated.
4. With mixer on low mix in flour until dough forms.
5. Stir in coconut and chocolate chips until mixed evenly.
6. Using cookie scoop or spoon drop cookie dough by onto prepared baking sheet
7. Bake for 9-10 minutes until edges just turn golden brown.
8. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool