How to Plan an Office Cinco De Mayo Party
Although Cinco de Mayo parties traditionally commemorate the Mexican defeat of French forces at Puebla, Mexico on May 5, 1862, Cinco de Mayo parties around the world have come to mean much more---celebrating a rich and diverse Mexican ancestry, as well as Latino culture. Planning a Cinco de Mayo party in your office isn't difficult and only requires that you gather together a group of co-workers to help with bringing together and setting up party items such as food, decorations and music. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Planning the Party
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Research Cinco de Mayo festivities in books, magazines, online or by speaking with co-workers of Mexican or Latino ancestry for party ideas and decide on a budget for the party---the maximum amount of funds available for setup and cleanup of the party.
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Make a list of food possibilities for the party such as enchiladas, quesadillas, chalupas, chimichangas, burritos, fajitas, tamales, tacos, salsas and sauces, guacamole, tortilla chips, Spanish rice and refried beans. Make a second food-related list of commonly used Cinco de Mayo recipe ingredients such as tomatoes, peppers, beans, corn or chicken.
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3
Create a decorations list. Consider decorating with banners in English and Spanish, sombreros, Mexican Fiesta Flowers in bunches or garlands, piñatas, large or several small Mexican flags and general party decorations such as balloons and streamers. Include on your list catering items such as plates, cups, flatware and dining utensils, napkins, tablecloths and/or centerpieces. Save on decoration costs by using plain catering items in Mexican flag colors of green, white and red or purchase Mexican themed decorations--for example, tablecloths that mimic Mexican textiles weaves in blankets and/or rugs.
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Write down music ideas for the party. Depending on the size of the party and your budget, decide to use CDs and a music player or hire a Mariachi band.
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Schedule an initial meeting with office staff to discuss the party. Decide on a party location and party date unless you have already made those decisions. Ask for additional food and decoration suggestions to add to your lists. Decide to have the party catered, purchase foods or host a potluck. Assign party tasks to individuals or teams, such as buying food and decorations or setup/cleanup of the party, or place sign-up sheets around the office for volunteers. In addition, schedule a date for a follow-up party status meeting.
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Conduct your follow-up party status meeting to confirm that everything is going according to plan. During this meeting, make any changes to task assignments or request additional volunteers as needed.
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Tips & Warnings
If using sign-up sheets, always schedule the final sign-up date with at least a week to spare before the party, as you may need to ask for additional volunteers or delegate party tasks if you don't have enough volunteers.
