Surprise! How to Throw a Fiesta on the Fly

One of the joys of the holiday season is embracing the spirit of sharing, giving and celebrating with the special people in your life. The reality of this communal spirit, however, is a jam packed social calendar that can leave you frazzled and exhausted. What do you when the doorbell rings (unexpectedly) and your house becomes holiday party headquarters? We say, just go with the flow! Don't panic, keep our checklist nearby, and you'll always be ready to party. Here's seven tips for an upbeat, stress-free, seasonal holiday fiesta.

Keep a Holiday Pantry

When shopping, think about ingredients that will keep in your cabinet, fridge, or freezer. Tortillas can be quickly defrosted, cut into wedges, baked or fried, and seasoned with salt and cumin. Try some of our Tantalizing Tortilla Chips if you're in need of a recipe. For a sweet treat, cut refrigerated pie dough into strips, brush with butter, top with cinnamon sugar and bake.

Set the Mood

Make your home smell festive by simmering whole spices (cinnamon, allspice, star anise, and clove) with a few strips of citrus peel or sliced ginger in water until aromatic.

Don’t Play Bartender

Keep just a few alcoholic options on hand that can be used in several ways. A delicious aged rum, such as Venezuelan Santa Teresa, does double duty as either a base for cocktails or simply splashed on the rocks. Choose one mixed cocktail, like Santa's Surprise Rum Cocktail, and stock the fridge with wine and beer. An affordable bubbly Cava can be served right out of the bottle or jazzed up with a bit of blood orange juice, a few pomegranate seeds, or in a glass rimmed with unsweetened coconut. Last, whip up a large batch of margaritas, and have guests serve themselves from a punch bowl.

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Nibbles are Enough

Food and drink seems to be everywhere during the holidays so don’t feel your guests need a huge spread. Try warming some unsalted nuts in a touch of oil in a skillet until roasted and then sprinkle with salt, your favorite chile powder (ancho, chipotle or pasilla would all be delicious) and a bit of freshly grated lime zest. Toss plain olives with crushed garlic, a few sprigs of thyme and dried chiles. Make a big batch and keep extras in the refrigerator. The longer they sit, the better they get! 

Keep it Fresh

Winter may feel dark and chilly but it is the best season for citrus and a perfect time to buy tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. An arranged bowl of mixed fruit is not only a pretty centerpiece, it can be sliced up for a last minute dessert.

Tap Your Inner Child

Not every gathering has to be about cocktails and appetizers. Have friends over for a relaxed cookies and cocoa night. Set out a plate of sugar or ginger cookies and then make a big batch of Spicy Mayan Hot Chocolate with fun toppings on the side, like marshmallows, chopped Mexican chocolate, hard cinnamon or peppermint candies, and instant espresso.

Relax and Enjoy

Remember that your friends and family just want to enjoy time with you. A good host will set the mood of the party by joining in the fun and going with the flow.