The Complete Guide to Planning an Authentic Mexican Fiesta (Part II)

The Fiesta

We strongly believe that one should experience the joy of an authentic Mexican Fiesta with their friends and family at least once in their life. It’s a gathering filled with vibrant color, fantastic food, great music, and endless joy.
In Part I, we covered everything you need for a full Mexican Feast – authentic, easy-to-make recipes for your appetizers, mains, mocktails, and cocktails.
Now, read on to know everything you need for creating the right ambiance for an authentic Mexican Fiesta

1. Party Décor

Vibrant, fun, and fresh is the perfect way to describe the decorations for an authentic Mexican Fiesta. If you want to truly channel the spirit of an authentic fiesta, you can look at incorporating the colors of the Mexican Flag – a roaring red, contrasting white, and lush green!
Lace your entrance with Fiesta theme décors such as sombreros, colorful flags, chili pepper streamers, cacti succulents, patterned throw pillows, acoustic guitars, and drums. You can even order a bunch of mini sombreros for your guests to raise the fiesta spirit.

2. Table Décor

The table décor can really be the centerpiece of your fiesta décor. A Mexican feast calls for a bright and eclectic table adorned with colors, flowers, food, and cocktails that promise a good time and an even better meal.

Start with your selection of vibrant table runners and napkins, you can top them with some bright and lush floral arrangements, or go for the traditional cacti and succulents in colorful pots. Another fresh take is to fill bowls or vases with freshly cut citrus fruits such as limes, oranges, or lemons that add to the fun and vibrant fiesta fervor.

You can also place several maracas around the table for a fun addition that guests can enjoy!

3. Music & Entertainment

Nothing puts you in the Mexican party mood more than Mexican music! Think soulful South American jazz, melodious acoustic guitars or the euphoric rhythm of a mariachi band! You can curate a perfect party on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, or Gaana or you can check out some downloadable playlists online. Either way, we have a few recommendations to get you dancing!

  1. Tequila by The Champs
  2. Oye Como Va by Santana
  3. La Cucaracha
  4. Tijuana Taxi by Herb Alpert
  5. La Bamba by Ritchi Valens
  6. South of the Border by Frank Sinatra
  7. Mexican Hat Dance aka Chiapanecas
  8. Bamboleo by the Gypsy Kings
  9. Mexico by Bob Moore & His Orchestra
  10. Mexican Radio by Wall of Voodoo
  11. Vaya Con Dios
  12. Guatanamera by Celia Cruz

 

Playlist courtesy of mesagrapevine.com

4. Party Games

The best way to dial up the spirit of a party is to throw in some fun party games in the mix. You can invite your guests to play some easy and popular party games but make it Mexican! Think of paper dance, but make it salsa or think of musical chairs but this time with sombreros! Everyone passes the sombreros around in a circle and when the music stops you have to put it on and do a little easy Mexican Hat Dance – the national dance of Mexico! Then of course there is the classic Mexican Piñata, the participants are blindfolded and take turns to break the piñata with a stick to release the goodies!

5. Party Favors

Leave your guests with a little something that reminds them of what could arguably be one of the best days of their life! A decorative sombrero, a succulent, or the traditional Mexican maraca would make an ideal souvenir for the party. You can browse through Amazon, or go to Etsy to select some cute handmade Mexican party favors5

Vegan GF Recipes

Six Scrumptious Vegan & Gluten-Free Recipes
for Your Plant-Based Friends

A good host knows the responsibility of serving a hearty meal. Food arguably has the power to make or break a gathering. You want your friends to not only have a good time but also leave with their stomachs and hearts brimming with joy & contentment. But for some, hosting a party of gluten-free, plant-based people can be a bitter challenge, especially when you wouldn’t reach out for vegan or gluten-free munchies yourself.

But worry you shall not, for here we have a scrumptious list of ten easy-to-make vegan & gluten-free recipes that will leave your guests craving more!

2. Thai Green Curry with Spring Vegetables
What’s a meal without curry, right? Vegan or not, Thai curry is a dish that you simply cannot go wrong with. Loaded with veggies and all the green goodness, this Thai curry is made extra special with spring vegetables such as asparagus, carrots & spinach! The dish is best served with steamed rice, and although you won’t believe it with the pictures, it is super easy to make. Find the full recipe here.

3. Quick & Vegan Channa Masala
This article wouldn’t be complete without a tantalizing, spicy Indian dish and it is the hearty & humble channa masala that makes the list! This saucy chickpea dish is not only easy to make but really elevates the palate of the table with its warm & fragrant spices. You’ll find the full recipe for vegan & gluten-free Channa Masala right here!

4. Gluten-Free & Vegan Margherita
No party is complete without a pizza and we’re going to show you how to make the most perfect vegan and gluten-free pizza that will blow your guests away. Made using a chickpea base, this is as healthy as a pizza can get while being its (vegan) cheesy best. Get the full recipe here!
*Please note: the article contains both vegan & non-vegan topping options.

5. Vegan & Gluten-Free Scones
Hosting a high tea? Elevate the experience with these elegant & delicious scones that are also vegan & gluten-free. Yes, you read that right! Scones aren’t the easiest pastry dish to make without gluten, but we’ve found you a recipe that makes the most tender GF scones. Find the recipe here!

6. Vegan Caramel Slice (No Bake)
Polishing this piece off with a perfect vegan dessert, we present to you the gooiest and most irresistible Caramel Slice. Made with almond flour, dates, and dark chocolate, these sweet little squares offer some divine decadence that is also, believe it or not, vegan & healthy! Find the full recipe here.