Turn up the heat
Email invites have their place, but to really take your party to the next level, send punny printables (like these “hey hot stuff” cards from Let’s Mingle) attached to a mini bottle of hot sauce. Metallic confetti or tinsel stuffed inside adds the final fiesta-worthy touch.
Pair it with these can’t-be-beat Cinco de Mayo party recipes.
Set the scene
Say cheese (or should we say queso)! Festive decorations make the party. Hang these traditional papel picado banners or pin them up to make a unique photo booth backdrop. Come up with a creative hashtag for any pictures your guests share online so you can look back on all the memories.
Pick the perfect pinata
Throwback to your childhood by hanging a pinata filled with a variety of candy and other little goodies. You can buy a classic donkey from the party store or make your own with crepe paper and cardboard (we love this trendy taco from Studio DIY).
Coordinate your place settings
Skip the plain paper plates in favor of a unique alternative like these cute cacti. You can pair them with similar patterned cups and utensils or mix and match colors and prints for a more festive feel.
Plan games ahead of time
Every host knows that a good party shouldn’t be planned down to the last minute… but it’s a good idea to have some backup games and entertainment in case there’s a lull. This pin the sombrero on the donkey game is silly, fun and easy to put up at a moment’s notice.
Let guests make their meal
Did someone say tacos? Set up a build your own taco bar so everyone can pick and choose their favorite toppings. Make sure you have vegetarian options, as well, and of course plenty of guacamole. Get started with these fabulous taco recipes.
Opt for bright colors
When it comes to a Cinco de Mayo party, the brighter and bolder the colors, the better (think hot pink, citrus orange, lime green and vibrant blue). Giant tissue paper blooms, like these fiesta flowers, look gorgeous hung around the entryway.
Break out the salsa
And we aren’t talking about pico de gallo (although that’s a must, too!). Get your blood pumping by asking everyone to join you on the dance floor for a little cha-cha-cha. You can hire a professional salsa dancer to teach you all the moves or simply follow a tutorial on YouTube.
And when you’re done, kick back with our favorite salsa recipes.
Don’t forget dessert
After salty chips and savory tacos, guests are going to be craving something sweet. Treat them to an authentic Mexican dessert: tres leches cake. This cake is creamy and rich (and guests will be begging you for the recipe when the party is over).
Tell your guests “gracias!”
The party doesn’t have to stop when the night is over. Send each person home with a mini bottle of tequila (wrapped in one of these adorable tags)—all they have to do is add lime and salt to make their own margaritas. Be an extra helpful host, and send them home with directions on how to prep that perfect drink at home!
The post How to Plan a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta appeared first on Taste of Home.
Amanda Tarlton