How To Host A Cinco De Mayo Party (Slideshow)

With any invitation, be sure to check and re-check your details. Not only do you need to remember to include pertinent information like occasion and location, you need to weave in other key party elements. For instance, an RSVP is essential to a great party as is a line inquiring about any and all food related allergies.

When Cinco de Mayo rolls around, spring is in full swing. If you have the space, look to host your party outside. If not, bring it indoors with bright festive colors. In addition to the colors of the Mexican flag which are green, red, and white, add in bright hues like hot pink and fiery orange. For centerpieces, use succulents or cacti as your main table decoration and rely on papier-mâché for colorful banners. 

For the kiddies or the non-alcoholic drinkers at your party, serve minty mojitos, daiquiris, or fresh limed-based mixes minus the liquor. Shaved ice is also a great option that can double as a frozen treat!

You literally cannot have a Cinco de Mayo party without a margarita. But don't be expected to tend bar the entire evening. Setup a DIY margarita bar, completely with a variety of tequilas, fresh fruit mixes, and ice next to a working blender. 

Appetizers at a Mexican fiesta are almost as flavorful as the main course! Take to a variety of dips like a fiery homemade queso dips or a classic guacamole. Quesadillas and taco dips are also a nice touch for any pre-party activities. 

Leave the Tex-Mex for Taco Tuesday! On Cinco de Mayo, serve authentic Mexican dishes that will really wow and excite your palate. Try pescado Rodrigo, a mild fish with a zesty flavor or calabacitas con queso for the vegetarians coming over. 

Who says margaritas are just for drinking? To satiate everyone's sweet tooth, try baking margarita cupcakes for a boozy, delicious treat. And if that doesn't do it, freeze some freshly squeezed lime juice and a little bit of sugar for a frozen lime pop. 

If you're trying to dance the night away (as you well should be) you definitely want to try and get some mariachi music on your playlist. If that doesn't work for you, modern Latina music ought to do the trick!

While the margaritas should provide enough entertainment to last a lifetime, it doesn't hurt to have a few games ready to go. You could of course always have your guests take a whack at a piñata, but if you want them to really get in the spirit, try having them play the spice game. Lay out a bunch of different heat level spices and see if your guests are up to a take-the-heat challenge!

Send your guests packing with a small favor. You could get personalized margarita glasses, a cute mini-sombrero, or DIY maracas that can keep the party shaking on the way home.