57% of people say that entertaining guests is more stressful and nerve-wracking then their commute to work, according to research. The thought of anything appearing less than perfect can have anyone biting their nails more than going to a job interview.
Besides holiday themes, the most popular parties are Mardi Gras, Luau, and of course, the Mexican party!
From Cinco de Mayo to Mexican fiestas, nothing welcomes summer better than an exciting Mexican party. Visualize bright colors, pinatas, lively music, zesty food, and people screaming out "Arriba!"
But how does one throw a stellar Mexican party, and not miss out on any important features? There are many details to a proper Mexican party that you do not want to overlook!
Have no fear, we have created a mega list of the top 20 tips for throwing the best Mexican fiesta ever, one that will have your guests complimenting "Muy Bueno!"
Let's Start With The Decorations
If you have ever been to Mexico, you know what I mean when I say there is no chance of going too bright in your decorations. When planning the design for your Mexican party, think of the most vibrant, colorful decorations possible.
The theme of red, white, and green is always handy as those are the colors of the Mexican flag.
1. Colorful and Fun Invitations
Send out either mailed invitations or emailed invitations to your guests, with fun and creative sayings such as;
"The salsa is cold, the Tacos are hot, are you coming to my Mexican party or not?"
"I heard someone taco 'bout a party!"
"Holy Guacamole, come to my Mexican Party!"
You get the idea of it, get creative and have fun with your invitations, as they open the doors for the feel of your party!
2. Do A Mexican themed Photobooth
The only activity that will equal up to the fun of smashing a Pinata or salsa dancing would be a Mexican party themed photo booth! This will be a major highlight for all of your guests, plus they can take the pictures home with them for memories.
You can either make them yourself by putting the pictures of Sombreros and mustaches on sticks, or you can purchase them online for cheap.
Make sure you have a polaroid camera too, makes it easier to send them. If you do not have one, use a regular camera or even a smartphone, and collect their emails and send them off later.
3. Cactus Drinking Glasses - For Margaritas Of Course!
Nothing screams Mexican party without fun cactus drinking glasses! They are the perfect accompaniment to the delicious margaritas recipes that are to follow.
4. Drinking Glass Painting Pre-Party
Another awesome idea for drinking glasses is to paint your own. Paint cactuses, Mexican Flags, Spanish words, and whatever bright and vibrant ideas you can come up with.
In fact, you could have a painting pre-party with your closest friends where you paint the glasses together, and get them to help you decorate together too!
A win-win!
5. Bright and Colorful Decorations
Nothing says "Mi casa es su casa" (my home is your home) more than lacing the entrance of your house with bright and vibrant decorations. If you are picturing cactus, donkeys, sunglasses, sombreros, and chili peppers then you are on the right track.
Basically, as long as your house looks like a pinata, you have decorated it right with bright.
6. Sombreros, Big and Small
Sombreros are a big part of the Mexican culture, and including them in your Mexican Party will ensure your decor is on point! Order a bunch of mini sombreros for your guests to wear, as they are light and easy to wear.
Can't Have a Fiesta Without the Games
In Mexico when the families get together for their fiestas, they always play games such as hitting pinatas, musical sombreros and more. Read on to learn about some fun Mexican games.
7. A Pinata Is the Centerpiece Of a Mexican Party
When you think of a Mexican party, the first thing that comes to mind for many is whacking a Pinata with a stick. A traditional pinata has 7 points, but you can order any pinata that you want, and laugh at your friends as they try to hit it with a blindfold on.
8. Musical Sombreros
Just like the game musical chairs, but this is with sombreros. Everyone passes the sombreros around in a circle, and when the music stops you have to put it on your head. If you do not have one, you are out!
9. Mexican Music Playlist
Nothing puts you in the Mexican party mood more than Mexican music! Think trumpets, a mariachi band, or anything by the Gypsy Kings. If you have Spotify, there are many great playlists on there, if not, check out some playlists online!
Some suggestions;
Tequila by The Champs
Oye Como Va by Santana
La Cucaracha
Tijuana Taxi by Herb Alpert
La Bamba by Ritchie Valens
South of the Border by Frank Sinatra
Mexican Hat Dance aka Chiapanecas
Bamboleo By the Gypsy Kings
Mexican Radio by Wall of Voodoo
Mexico by Bob Moore & His Orchestra
Vaya Con Dios
Guantanamera By Celia Cruz
You probably get the feel by now, and get ready for some dancing!
10. Salsa Dancing
At one point throughout the night, set up a salsa dancing station where you can all learn how to salsa dance together. Either hire someone to teach everyone, or you can easily put up a video on YouTube! This will be an absolute hoot for you and your guests, so get ready for some fun and laughter!
11. Thumb Wrestling in Lucha Libre Masks
If you know Mexican culture, you know of the Lucha Libre (free wrestling) wrestling masks. This mask dates back to the early 1900's when they started wearing them as a persona, as part of the wrestler's story.
Get your guests to put on a mask, while putting on an act or persona, have a "fight corner" set up and make it a show. The only difference is that your guests will not be wrestling each other, they will be thumb wrestling instead!
Food - The Highlight Of Any Fiesta
Mexican food is the 3rd most popular menu type in the USA, beating out hamburgers, and it is for a good reason! There are so many popular Mexican dishes to devour, and the most popular one seems to be tacos. A Mexican party is just a regular party without tacos.
"Taco 'bout a party!" (See what we did there?)
12. Have a Taco Buffet
The right way to satisfy everyone's affection for tacos would be to have a ginormous taco buffet. Set everything out in crockpots and colorful bowls, and have everyone make their own tacos while they have fun with the creativity!
Here are some suggestions for ingredients;
Authentic, corn tortillas
Taco beef
Shredded chicken
Refried beans
Pinto beans
Mexican rice
Shredded cheddar cheese
Corn
Tomato
Lettuce
Onions
Salsa
Guacamole
Sour Cream
Chopped Cilantro
An assortment of Hot Sauces
Jalapenos
Have fun and get creative with it, you can even have a taco eating contest if you feel your guests would partake in that fun activity!
13. Chips and Various Salsas
One of the many things we love about Mexican cuisine is the amazing selection of various salsas. You could basically have a different salsa for every day of the month! Heat up your corn tortilla chips in the oven for an authentic Mexican restaurant feel.
Try making a few of the following;
Tomatillo Salsa AKA salsa verde
Fresh tomato salsa
Roasted Corn Salsa
Chipotle Salsa
Pico De Gallo
Pineapple mango salsa
Cheesy Black bean salsa
Tomatillo Avocado Salsa
Have fun and get creative. You could also send out a list of various salsa's to your guests and assign each one to different people, this takes some work off of your hands.
14. Serve your Chips in a Sombrero
Instead of using a platter, spread out your warmed tortilla chips in a sombrero for an authentic Mexican feel. This will be a guaranteed hit in your Mexican party. Put the Salsa on the top of the hat in the little indent, and your guests will be very impressed.
15. Everyone's favorite: Guacamole
A tortilla chip is lonely without it's best friend- guacamole. You can serve up the classic recipe, or play with it add your own twist. This is your Mexican party, so give it your touch, check out the many guacamole recipes online for some inspiration.
16. Roasted Corn On the Cob
Another great authentic Mexican party dish would be corn on the cob. Corn is a staple in the Mexican culture, and there are so many delicious ways to prepare "street corn".
Try adding some butter, mayo, cotija cheese, and a pinch of chili or cayenne pepper. Another delicious version would be just simply using lime instead of butter, and sprinkling chili powder on top.
17. Mini Taquitos
Taquitos are always a hit at any Mexican party, it's as if a taco and an enchilada had a baby and it was deep fried or baked. They are a little hand-held morsel of Mexican goodness and they will be eaten faster than you can even say "Arriba", so make plenty.
A simple way to make them is shredded meat and cheese rolled up in a mini corn tortilla, covered in more cheese, then bake it in the oven and dip them in salsa. You can stuff them with cream cheese, and have some with beef and others with chicken to make it exciting.
18. Quesadillas- The Simplest Mexican Party Favor
Nothing is easier to make than Quesadillas, seriously. Simply take large flour tortillas, sprinkle half of each one with shredded chicken, cheese, and beans, then fold the other half over and bake them until the cheese is melted.
Cut them into pieces and voila! A simple, yet delicious and authentic Mexican meal.
19. Drunken Watermelon
As fun and easy as it sounds. Take a watermelon, cut a hole in it the size of the top of the tequila bottle cap, stick the tequila bottle in the hole, and let it infuse overnight. Cut and serve for the Mexican party.
20. Now For The star Of the Party- Margaritas!
Margaritas are the most common Mexican Tequila based cocktail worldwide, and for a good reason- they are delicious. Originally made in the 1930's, by a man named Carlos Danny Herrera who created it for a guest named Margarita who was allergic to most spirits- except for tequila, surprise!
Join in on the heritage of the margarita and serve it shaken, and stirred. The best part is that you get to taste them all while you make them, careful not to have too much!
Classic Margarita
The most commonly known margarita, made with 2 partsBlancoo tequila, one part Cointreau, and one part lime juice, shake it up and serve. Add some Agave nectar for those who want a sweet treat.
Frozen Mango Margarita
You will need a blender for this one. Take a bag of frozen mango, with some tequila, lime juice, orange liquor (Cointreau), sugar, and ice cubes. Blend and serve immediately.
Watermelon Margaritas
This is a real fresh treat, Take some seedless watermelon, add it to a blender with lime juice, tequila, and ice. then blend it until combined.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Put watermelon, water and lime juice in a blender with a bit of sugar. Blend until thick and tasty, then add to glasses and top with soda water or tonic. Add a sprig of fresh mint for a garnish.
More Information About Mexican Food and Culture
Now that you are set for your Mexican party, you are probably wanting to learn more about Mexican food and culture. If you are in Grapevine, TX, no better way to do that then to try all the best Mexican food in the area!
Don't have a location for your Mexican Party? We also host private events in our location with a patio, full bar, and tons of good food.
Feel free to contact us at any time, or come on down for a taste of true, authentic Mexican flavors.