Do you have a birthday, anniversary, retirement or other party to plan and need a theme?  Or are you planning a get together with friends and family just for the fun of it?  Why not have a Mexican inspired fiesta?  Great food, yummy drinks and a colorful and lively setting are all you need to bring Cinco De Mayo into your home any day of the year.

First start by setting the atmosphere.  Brightly colored decorations such as streamers, paper lanterns, and flowers will all help get your guests in the fiesta mood.  Think bright oranges, yellows, red and green.  Music is also an integral part of a good party.  No need to hire a mariachi band, just get a few CD’s or download some traditional Mexican music.  It will be sure to keep your guests on their feet.  Piñatas are another great idea for a fiesta, find one at your local party supply store our make one yourself with paper mache and balloons.

The food is another very important part of Mexican culture, and should take center stage at your fiesta.  Start with the snacks, fill up some bright colorful bowls with tortilla chips.  Whip up some of Paula’s homemade salsa on the fly and spicy basil guacamole.  The salsa is light and fresh with a little kick from the jalapeno.  Spicy basil guacamole is a great spin on the classic with the added flavor from the basil.  Of course your guests will need something to quench their thirst and cool their pallet with all this spicy food.  Mexican fruit sangria is a fabulous sparkling refreshment for your party.  Garnish the glasses with a sugar rim and some of the soaked fruit.

For the main course chicken tinga and simple perfect enchiladas will be sure to please everyone’s tastes.  Chicken tinga is a delicious twist on chicken tostadas.  Simmering the meat with tomatoes, onion, and garlic gives it a great depth of flavor and the chipotle peppers provide a delicious smoky kick of heat.  Don’t forget to set up small bowls with all the toppings like lettuce, sour cream, and radishes.  Simple perfect encihlladas are another Mexican classic.  Assemble it ahead of time and pop it in the oven just before the guests arrive.

No dessert says fiesta more than strawberry margarita mousse.  An easy do- ahead treat that will be a great finish to your fun evening.  The lemon and lime give it that great margarita flavor with the added touch of sweetness from the strawberries.  Serve the mousse in traditional margarita glasses to make it more festive!

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