Fiesta! A Mexican themed fiesta is a perfect theme for warm summer months when our weather warms up and reminds us of the sunny climate south of the border. A fiesta can be one of the simplest but most fun theme parties to throw together.
First, lets talk about food. Make things easy, put out several bowls of chips and salsa. This may be obvious and expected but people love chips and salsa! Select a variety of tortilla chips, and salsas. Have some traditional pico de gallo, but think about a corn and black bean salsa, or a mango habanero salsa too. Make a large bowl of fresh guacamole for an appetizer as well. Be sure to squeeze plenty of fresh lemon or lime on the guacamole to prevent it from turning brown.
For the main course, lay out a build-your-own taco bar. Your guests will love this. Have corn and flour tortillas to choose from. Prepare several kinds of meats: grilled chicken, carnitas, carne asada, and even fish. Put out bowls with chopped onion, fresh cilantro, shredded lettuce, sliced olives, diced jalapenos, chopped tomato and whatever other toppings you like. Have more salsas, guacamole, and sour cream at the taco bar too. You can also prepare some beans and rice to accompany the tacos.
Beverages for a fiesta are easy... Margaritas! Make large batches ahead of time in glass pitchers and store them in your refrigerator. Put out a few pitchers at a time and pour over ice. Rent or buy a margarita machine if you prefer the blended variety. Also have some Mexican beer, such as Corona on hand, and don't forget the limes.
Decorating for your fiesta should be colorful, fun, and fairly inexpensive. Remember color is key. Use a lot of bright colors. Place large arrangements of colorful flowers around. Use real flowers or make colorful tissue flower arrangements.
Drape tables in Mexican serapes. Come on, you probably still have a souvenir serape from a childhood vacation. If not, pick some up at your local party supply store, costume shop, or second hand store. Visit a fabric store for serape inspired fabrics. They are fabulous as table cloths.
A fiesta is not a fiesta without a pinata. Whether you choose to play the pinata game is up to you, but have several colorful pinatas hanging around and sitting on tables.
Hang strings of chili pepper lights around and turn them on at dusk. They are fun and festive.
Have a lovely fiesta! Ole!
-The Panther
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