How to Host a Mexican Fiesta

Each year, frazzled parents face the challenge of hosting parties for their children. Whatever the occasion, every successful kids' party needs to have at least three important ingredients: bright colors, music and games, and good food. Since Mexican culture is well known for all of these things, planning a Mexican fiesta is a sure hit with kids of all ages. Make a few alterations with the beverages, party favors and music and this Mexican fiesta can also be turned into a lively grownup celebration.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Fiesta party music
• Sombreros (for guests and decoration)
• Pinata
• Candy or small toys (enough to fill the pinata)
• Party favors
• Mexican finger foods and beverages
• Tableware
• Decorations
• Cascarones
• Canopy tent (optional)
• Cake (optional)

1. Decorate the fiesta scene with a combination of bright colors and Mexican accessories. Instead of using regular balloons, hang paper rainbow balloon lanterns. String white lights and streamers to add to the ambiance. Cover tables and other large surfaces with Mexican blankets, serapes or colored tablecloths. If weather permits, plan the fiesta outside and utilize a canopy tent to house the food and drinks. Scatter extra sombreros and maracas on tables to add to the decor.

2. Set the festive background for the Mexican party by playing an endless supply of fiesta music. An example of an eclectic mix of fiesta party songs is "Drew's Famous Fiesta Party Music." With upbeat songs, such as "Conga" and "Mexican Hat Dance," the fiesta music will be sure to inspire the partygoers to show off their dance moves.

3. Serve a variety of Mexican finger foods. Mini tacos, quesadillas and chips with cheese or salsa are all inexpensive and popular with children and parents. Provide punch, iced tea or soda for the guests to drink. If the celebration warrants a cake, try one decorated like a Mexican flag. Embellish the cake corners with mini sombreros and top it with sparkler candles. Cups, plates, napkins and plastic utensils should keep the fiesta theme or be bright solid colors such as red, orange, green or turquoise.

4. Entertain the guests by letting everyone have a shot at breaking a pinata. Provide small bags or extra cups for collecting candy and goodies. Turn up the fiesta music playing in the background, gather the partygoers in a circle around a sombrero and teach the group how to do the Mexican Hat Dance. End the festivities by introducing the group to the Mexican tradition of exchanging cascarones, which are confetti filled eggshells that are broken over each other's heads.

5. Send each fiesta party guest home with a sombrero filled with party favors such as a pair of maracas, small bottles of bubbles and pinata goodies.

Tips & Warnings

• Hand out the sombreros to guests when they first arrive. This will help the partygoers get into the Mexican fiesta mood.

• Avoid using cascarones if your fiesta is an indoor party. The confetti will be very difficult to remove from your home.

• Never allow children to smash the cascarones on each other's heads. Instead, instruct them to break them with their own fingers and pour the confetti on each other. This will avoid unnecessary injuries.

References

• Save on Crafts: How to Make Confetti Eggs (Cascarones)
• Kids Party Cabin: Learn Mexican Har Dance
• Fun Party Theme Ideas: Mexican Theme Party Ideas
• Party 411: South of the Border Party Ideas