Host a Hispanic Heritage Fiesta!

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month in style and host a fiesta. Not sure where to start? Here are some tips to help you plan an unforgettable soiree for friends and loved ones.

Invitations

Hand addressed antique and vintage postcards from an antique shop; you’re friends will welcome the almost obsolete use of a mailed invitation. Or try using Evite or Paperless Post for a cheap and chic alternative when picking out your invites.

Setting the Stage

No need to sprawl out Mexican blankets, sombreros, piñatas, and maracas. A simple papel picado (party flag) or a DIY paper garland will set the mood. Make your own or check out Etsy for some beautiful, affordable options.

Centerpiece

Fresh flowers rather than succulent, costly arrangements go a long way to liven up a room. Simple burlap fabric draped on your buffet table is all that is needed for your table covering to keep things rustic yet elegant. If you want a splash of color, be sure to pick vibrant flowers and place them in simple mason jars or galvanized buckets for contrast.

Décor

When decorating your space, try to use elements around your home by taking indoor furniture and accessories outdoors. Use props that you have at home, or buy cheap antique at kitschy shops and garage sales. Doilies, mason jars, old suitcases, vintage table linens, rustic wood, and chalkboards are all fun elements that can be woven into your party’s ambiance.

Lighting

Set the mood with luminarias along your walkway, along the floorboards in your hallways, or on your deck or patio. These are a beautiful addition if your fiesta is in the evening. The ambiance creates a warm and romantic feel. Go an extra step and place the candles inside brown paper bags or mason jars. Another idea is to purchase Latin religious candles and add them to the table décor.

Serve Signature Drinks

As soon as guests arrive, place a cold one in their hand. Have a signature cocktail such as a margarita or sangria displayed in a punch bowl so that guests can refill glasses for themselves. This alleviates the pressure on the host and hostess to have to worry about refilling drinks. Here are some of our favorites:

Grey Goose® L’Orange Shiso Sangria

• 1 1/2 parts Grey Goose®
• 3/4 part simple syrup
• 1/4 plum
• 4 lime wedges
• 6 shiso leaves
• 1 part plum wine

Get the full recipe.

Grilled Pineapple Cocktail

• 4 slices of grilled pineapple
• 2 slices of fresh pineapple
• 2 lime wedges
• 2 orange wedges
• 3/4  ounce simple syrup
• 1/2 ounce Triple Sec
• 1 1/2 ounces aged tequila

Get the full recipe.

Hennessy Brandy Punch

• 1 liter Hennessy V.S
• 1 1/2 liters water
• 5 ounces Glenmorangie
• 2 cups simple syrup (or 3 cups of sugar)
• 4 ounces lemon juice
• 2 ounces Grand Marnier
• 4 hibiscus grenadine
• 1/2 pineapple, cubed
• 2 oranges sliced into wheels
• 1 package raspberries

Get the full recipe.

Pumpkin Margarita

• 1 small whole pumpkin (4-6 pounds)
• ice cubes
• 1/2 cup Cointreau
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon stick
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup tequila
• 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon pepitas
• lime wedges
• pepita salt

Get the full recipe.

Casual Buffet

A traditional fiesta always has a table overflowing with food. Create that same family style gathering but make it easy on yourself and keep it simple with a taco bar. Place meats and toppings on the kitchen counter or table and let your guests make their own tacos. Add simple chips and salsa and some divine guacamole as an appetizer. Don’t worry about a formal, sit down meal. Remember, less is more.  Here are some of our favorite taco, salsa and guacamole recipes to get you started:

Christy Vega’s Guacamole With Homemade Tortilla Chips

• 3 avocados
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped white onion
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 jalepeno chile, finely chopped (ribs and seeds removed if desired)
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 handful cilantro, chopped (or to taste)
• Canola oil, for frying
• 12 corn tortillas, cut into triangles

Get the full recipe.

Roasted Apple & Tomatillo Salsa

• 1 pound fresh tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 3 green apples, such as Granny Smith, quartered
• 1/2 medium white onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 jalapeño chile, stemmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Get the full recipe.

Russet Potato & Chorizo Tacos

• 5 medium Russet potatoes
• 1/2 pound Spanish chorizo, diced to 1/4 inch pieces
• 1 small red onion, diced to 1/4 inch pieces
• 2 dozen fresh corn tortillas
• 2 cups olive oil, divided
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1/2 cup of your favorite red salsa

Get the full recipe.

Richard Sandoval’s Skirt Steak Tacos

• 3 mini corn tortillas
• 7.5 ounces skirt steak, cut into cubes and seared in adobo sauce
• Garnish: chopped fresh cilantro and onions
• 3 ounces cooked Mexican rice
• 3 ounces canned refried beans
• 1 teaspoon cotija cheese
• 1 ounce molcajete salsa

Get the full recipe.

Music

Make room for dancing – pull up that area rug, rearrange some furniture and play some Latin pop tunes. Before you know it everyone will be showing off their Zumba fitness moves and dancing the night away.