Homemade Mexican Decorations

There are many ways to decorate an area, including using the food you'll serve.

Many traditional Mexican decorations, such as paper banners, can be made at home with only a few simple materials. These colorful decorations are suitable for any holiday or occasion or simply dressing up a favorite room. They allow you to express your own creativity and use themes not otherwise found in store-bought decorations. Use them separately, or combine decorations to create a festive atmosphere.

Things You'll Need

• Tissue paper
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Iron (optional)
• Long string
• Clear tape
• Table cloth
• Terra cotta dish
• White pillar candle
• Chili peppers
• Clay jar or vase

Instructions

Simple Wall Decoration

1. Using a ruler and scissors, cut the tissue paper into an 8-by-10-inch rectangle. Use any color tissue paper you like or match it to a certain theme.

2. Fold each piece of paper like a paper fan, creating four or six folds. For each fan, make the initial fold about 2 inches wide, flip the paper over so the fold is on the bottom, then fold up the next 2-inch section. Continue until the entire paper is folded. It should resemble an accordion when you are finished.

3. Draw out your designs lightly on the tissue paper with a pencil. Keep in mind symmetry and that what you draw on one side will appear on the other in reverse. Consider floral or abstract patterns that look like Aztec designs. You can consult an art book or the Internet for ideas.

4. Cut out your design, making sure to cut through all four folds as if you were making a snowflake. Open it when you're finished to view it.

5. Iron the paper flat, if you wish. Turn on your iron to the lowest setting without steam. Lay the paper flat on your ironing surface and carefully iron the creases from the tissue paper.

6. Create several paper cutouts. Use clear tape to attach each to a long string, creating a banner. Hang this banner up in the desired space.

Table Candle Decoration

1. Put a bright-colored tablecloth or Mexican-style blankets on your dinner, end or coffee table. Consider particularly bright shades of red, yellow and blue.

2. Place a white pillar candle in a terra cotta dish, such as one you would use under a clay pot.

3. Place chili peppers in the remaining space of the dish. Use different colors such as orange and green to complement the candle and tablecloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Fill a terra cotta-like vase with some water and put sunflowers and other bright- colored flowers in an arrangement for a second centerpiece.

• If you set a dinner table, use wooden bowls for your chips and other dry foods. Many colored wood tableware sets are available.

• Make food with Mexican themes, such as red, white and green frosting or Mexican motifs such as sombreros and skulls (if appropriate).

• Don't leave candles burning unattended.

References

• Top Party Ideas: Mexican Theme Party
• Celebrations: Mexican Dinner Party Table Decor
• Savvy Homemade: Homemade Party Decorations - Mexican Fiesta