| Instead of heading to the bar, why not plan your | | | | option. |
| own Cinco de Mayo blowout? It is a great excuse | | | | Whom to Invite to Your Cinco de Mayo Party |
| to indulge in delicious Mexican food, dress in | | | | Prepare your guest list and send out your |
| colorful clothing and enjoy your favorite Mexican | | | | invitations early enough so your friends can plan |
| beverages. By planning your own party, you are | | | | on attending. Ask that they RSVP so you have |
| in total control of the menu, the decorations, the | | | | an accurate count for food and beverages. |
| entertainment, and the guest list. | | | | Festive salsa and other types of Mexican music |
| Planning Your Cinco de Mayo Party Food | | | | add to the atmosphere of the party. If you have |
| Plan your menu carefully. Delegate dishes to | | | | the money, a live mariachi band can make any |
| friends and family if you wish so you do not have | | | | partygoer want to dance. Stop in to your local |
| to prepare it all yourself. Catering may also be an | | | | Mexican market and check out the CDs, you |
| option to think about. Choose some exotic dishes | | | | should be able to find enough there to keep your |
| you love like tamales, quesadillas, and individual | | | | guests entertained. |
| flans. Set up a taco or a salsa bar. Provide enough | | | | Whist about the Kids |
| beverages for all of your guests. If you are | | | | If children will be at the party, add some games |
| providing alcoholic drinks, a nice Mexican beer or | | | | for them to play. Hang a pinata they can break. |
| tequila may be a good choice. Do not forget a | | | | Let them play pin the tail on the burro. You can |
| non-alcoholic option for those who choose not to | | | | probably convince the adults to join in with the |
| imbibe. Horchata and agua fresco are refreshing | | | | kids for a fun Mexican-themed scavenger hunt. |
| Mexican beverages suitable for any age. | | | | Once you have hosted this event, you will see |
| Cinco de Mayo Party Decorations | | | | how much fun it can be to throw Cinco de Mayo |
| Do not forget the decorations! They set the | | | | parties. Who knows, you may end up doing this |
| mood when your guests first walk in. Lots of | | | | every year! The trick to a successful gathering is |
| party stores carry decorations for Cinco de Mayo | | | | to plan ahead. Throwing a great party is not hard; |
| if you want to go all out. You can get themed | | | | you just need to be organized. |
| plates and banners; hang some chili pepper lights | | | | Once your party has ended you will be able to |
| to create a festive atmosphere. If you are on a | | | | look back and judge its success. Did your guests |
| budget, make your own decorations. Tissue paper | | | | enjoy themselves? What about you? You will |
| flowers, pinatas, and maracas are fun for the | | | | know it was successful if you can look back with |
| whole family to make. Streamers in the color of | | | | fond memories. |
| the Mexican flag are an inexpensive, yet fun | | | | |