How to Plan an Easy Mexican Theme Dinner Party

Mariachi anyone?

Mexico is one of my favorite countries to visit. Everything about it screams FUN! And the people there are so beautiful and nice! Here are a few ways to bring the spirit of Mexico home tonight with a fun themed dinner party that's brimming with shortcuts!

Instructions

1. 

   For cocktails, you can't beat margaritas. For a super easy, no fuss night, buy a few packs of Mike's Mikearita! These are so good! For frozen drinks. blend the mix with some ice. Head to my favorite cheapie haunt, the Dollar Tree and pick up some glass margarita glasses for you guessed it, a dollar each.

2. 

   While you're at the Dollar Tree, check out their CD's. They have great "theme" party CD's especially Mexican music. And pick up some red paper plates. No dishes!

3. Now for food. Gotta have tacos! Buy a pack of tortillas at the supermarket, taco seasoning mix in a little packet, some bagged Mexicali Kraft cheese, a bag of shredded lettuce and some tomatoes (sorry, you have to cut the tomatoes:) Choose chicken breasts, ground beef or for vegetarians there is a ground beef substitute. Some Tostitos and salsa dip and you're good to go.

4. Once you get home, have a Mikearita while you prepare dinner. :)
   For fun, easy going eating, cook the meat with the seasoning and warm the tortillas and serve the topping in bowls buffet style. That way your guests can make their own tacos. Place the chips in salsa in bowls. Since putting the chips in the microwave would take the crunch right out of them, try this trick for warm chips. Right before guests arrive, microwave an empty bowl for about 2-3 minutes, then add the chips to the bowl and cover. The heat from the bowl will warm up the chips!

5. 

   If you have a Mexican blanket, drape it over the dining room table. If you don't have one, a red tablecloth will be fine. Place a pitcher of the Mikearita on the table with the glasses nearby. Light a few white jar candles and let the fiesta begin!

Tips & Warnings

• For added fun, buy a piñata! Make sure you set it up outside of the house!

• After dinner, designate an area for dancing! Gotta work off those tacos.