May is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning your Cinco de Mayo party! Whether your hosting a small group, or throwing a huge bash, Party Host Helpers can take care of it al!. In addition to providing party staff and bartenders available for hire in San Diego and all around the country, we have some great party tips that will take your fiesta to the next level! Our San Diego Party Host Helpers Regional Director, Jordan, shared her favorite recipes, cocktails and décor – perfect for your Mexican-themed bash!

“May is such a fun time of year! I love throwing Cinco de Mayo parties with all of my friends! I can get creative with what I make and my decor – I especially love when I can host anything outside!”

COCKTAILS

Margarita Bar

It’s practically required that margaritas are served on Cinco de Mayo. Instead of serving just your classic margarita, which is great, we love the idea of putting together a Margarita Bar! Make your favorite flavored mixers (regular lime, strawberry, mango, jalapeno, etc.), and place in pitchers. Put a few of your favorite kinds of tequila on the bar for your friends to add based on their preference. Add sliced fruit in bowls for your guests to garnish their drinks, and voila! You’re ready to party!

Classic Margarita (serves 1):
2 oz Tequila
2 oz Fresh lime juice
1 oz Agave Nectar
Ice
Salt (if desired)

Sangria

Having another drink option such as this White Peach Sangria is great for those guests who are not fans of tequila. It’s easy to prepare, and the perfect drink for a nice spring day! Add whatever fruit you prefer to this recipe and make ahead of time so you can spend more time mingling with your guests! Here is our favorite recipe:

Ingredients
1 bottle of dry white wine or rose
3/4 cup vodka
1 lb white peaches, pitted and sliced
1 cup fresh organic orange juice
1 cup fresh organic pineapple juice
1.5 cup seedless grapes (variety), fresh raspberries, oranges, apples, peaches

FOOD

Taco Bar

Cinco de Mayo is a great opportunity to have a Taco Bar. It’s simple and interactive! We recommend adding a few different types of meat, such as ground beef, turkey and chicken. If you have vegetarian friends, add some veggies like peppers & onions as well. Put some of your favorite sides in bowls – cheese, guacamole, salsa, onions, tomatoes, etc., and let your guests create their own!

Cauliflower Popcorn

We love this recipe because its simple, healthy and delicious. This would be a great side for the tacos or appetizer to serve before dinner.

Ingredients:
½ head of cauliflower
diced small like popcorn
extra virgin olive oil
Salt
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried chives

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Toss the cut up cauliflower in olive oil. Sprinkle salt all over the cauliflower. Spread on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping the cauliflower at least twice. The cauliflower will burn slightly. Take out of the oven and sprinkle onion powder and chives over all the pieces or your preferred popcorn flavoring.

Salsa Rice

This rice recipe would be the perfect side to any Mexican dish, and it’s super easy to prepare. Make ahead of time, and place in a crockpot to keep warm until dinner is served.

Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups water
1-1/2 cups chunky salsa
2 cups uncooked instant rice
1 to 1-1/2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
Directions:
In a saucepan, bring water and salsa to a boil. Stir in rice. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in cheese; cover and let stand for 30 seconds or until cheese is melted. Yield: 5 servings.

PARTY TIPS

 Outdoor Lights: May is a great time of year to host a party outdoors, weather permitting! Dress up your outdoors with some string lights! You can get some from your local craft store, or grocery store. They add extra lighting for when it gets dark, and make the whole space brighter!

 Music: One of the most important components to any party is the music. Keep the mood upbeat by creating a fun playlist ahead of time. You can even get some suggestions from friends so everyone gets to dance to their favorite tune! It’s always smart to play the classic party songs and add in some of the newer hits you love.

 Decorations: Cinco de Mayo is the perfect holiday to add playful decorations like paper lanterns, banners, props and more! Head to your local dollar store or party city and pick up some great fiesta themed items for your guests to enjoy!

 Flowers: Flowers always add a nice touch to any gathering. Since Cinco de Mayo revolves around the color red, we suggest getting some great gerbera daisies or carnations from your local Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. Trim them and place in a simple mason jar or vase.

Whether you’re throwing a big bash or last-minute get-together, Party Host Helpers can help you throw the best party yet! Let us take care of setting up your margarita bar, refreshing the taco bar and more! Let our party staff take care of the details, so you can enjoy the fiesta this year.

Hire a Party Server for Your Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!

Hire a Party Server for Your Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!

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Hire a Party Server for Your Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!