How to Host a Cinco de Mayo Party
Cinco de Mayo—the fifth of May—is one of the largest Mexican and Mexican-American observations of the year.It commemorates Mexico’s surprising victory against the French in La Batalla de Puebla as well as celebrates Mexican heritage well across North America.These days, you don’t have to be of Mexican descent to wear a sombrero and sip a margarita in celebration. In fact, we’d like to share with you some party tips and hosting ideas for your Cinco de Mayo party.
Creative Cinco de Mayo Food Ideas
There’s something fun and spicy about the colorful Cinco de Mayo celebration. It’s an occasion open to so many creative possibilities, beginning with the cuisine. From Mexican favorites to flavorful twists on classics, consider these Mexican menu ideas:- Pineapple salsa with corn chips
- Chicken fajitas with peppers, onions and chipotle en adobo
- Roasted green beans with Latin spices
- Tortilla romaine salad with grape tomatoes, peppers, onions, Cotija cheese and strands of tortilla
Visit our Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas board on Pinterest for more creative Cinco de Mayo recipe ideas.Cinco de Mayo Decoration Ideas
Bold, bright colors should adorn your entire set up on Cinco de Mayo; it is a Mexican and Mexican-American celebration whose famous décor and architecture are amongst some of the most colorful in the world. Pinks, oranges, yellows, greens and blues…they all have a place on the table.Consider using:- Brightly colored flags and banners
- Lots of green, white and red
- Paper flowers and paper lanterns
- Colorful fabrics to use as table linens
- Colorful napkins and place settings
Visit our Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas board on Pinterest for photos of even more Cinco de Mayo decoration ideas.Cinco de Mayo Party Games
While most know that a piñata truly is a must-have for your Cinco de Mayo party, your guests will likely desire additional games to play throughout the day or night. As most Cinco de Mayo fiestas are multi-generational, consider breaking down the itinerary with games for adults and children.- For the kiddies, try the “Pass the Orange” game. Break everyone into two teams. One person on each team holds an orange underneath his chin and passes it to the next person on his team. The trick is no hands allowed, and no dropping the orange, or you must start over.
- For the adults, chili pepper eating contest is a spicy favorite not meant for the weak of taste buds. Line up contestants with a bowl full of chili peppers and a one-minute time limit.
- For both kids and adults, Mexican “kick ball” is a traditional Mexican party game. Set up two identical obstacle courses through which two teams must dribble a soccer ball. When the contestants reach the end of the course, they run back to their original starting point and pass the soccer ball to the next contestant.
Cinco de Mayo Music
Load your iPods and smart phones with traditional Mexican music—that means meringue, salsa, Latin and, perhaps most of all, mariachi. With this great, upbeat music, you can expect to have people up and dancing the meringue, salsa, rumba and mambo at any moment—so it would be wise to incorporate an open space in your layout to use as a dance floor.Consider including these artists in your repertoire:- Vincente Fernández and son Alejandro Fernández
- Luis Miguel
- Carlos Santana
- Los Tigres del Norte
- Juan Luis Guerra
- Maná
- Selena
For more great Cinco de Mayo party ideas, visit our Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas board on Pinterest.
10 Ideas for a Beautiful Wedding Table Setting
Using unique wedding table decoration ideas for your Boston wedding
Your wedding reception table settings and designs matter! If you’re looking for wedding tablescape ideas, we have put together a list of ten unique ideas (with photos!) to give your reception a romantic, distinct ambiance.
Consider using high rectangular tables instead of traditional round tables. The first step to a unique wedding table setup starts with your table! Using high rectangular tables instead of the traditional round tables adds some dimension and a splash of modern glamour.
Deconstructed flower arrangements displayed at different heights on tables make great unique touches. What’s a wedding tablescape without a centerpiece? Bouquets of flowers are very traditional, so instead of the norm, try a deconstructed flower arrangement. For added dimension, display the arrangements at different heights.
Don’t be afraid of mixing patterns and textures. In this tablescape, we used a mirror charger with art deco-style china, wire ball accessories, contemporary square wine glasses and silverware, crystal beaded napkin rings and a lot of clear, oversized round vases. The patterns and textures, though different, tie together beautifully and enhance the chic-ness of the high rectangular table.
Use one signature or feature color with a single color pallet (such as black and white). In this wedding table design, we used an eggplant purple as the featured splash of color, and it adds just the right amount of energy.
Mirrors can help reflect and scatter light. Mirrors paired with candles (and other sources of light) increase the romantic ambiance at any table—especially during the evening—which is perfect for a wedding reception.
Try scattering tea lights around the table. Each guest will feel special with his or her own twinkling light, and since our table centerpieces incorporate mirrors, the scattered tea lights will add even more romantic energy.
Mixing world styles on your table is so in! This wedding place setting is reminiscent of a 1940s New York City, while the deconstructed white orchids and bamboo flower arrangements are Asian-inspired. See how well the two collaborate to create a beautiful tablescape!
Add little culinary twists on your table. Doing something a bit out-of-the-box will inspire and surprise guests. The small, unique table setting elements will complement the entire table design.
Work with your event planner or rental company to explore and play with different table setting options. Wedding table settings are a brilliant outlet for couples to express originality. We love to explore creativity with clients to help them transform wedding receptions into unique and beautiful occasions. Play around with setting ideas together as a couple before choosing the perfect table setting for your wedding.
The table design or the venue—which comes first? Either one! This beautiful, unique table design fits wonderfully in an urban setting, or brings a nod to contemporary design in a traditional space. Either way, neither you nor your guests will forget such a beautiful, important element to your wedding reception atmosphere.