How to Throw The Ultimate Mexican Fiesta

From: Karen Palmer 213 days 13 hours 37 minutes ago

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South-of-the-border entertaining doesn’t have to be defined by chips and salsa and sicky-sweet margarita mix. Instead, take cues from some of the country’s upscale Mexican eateries. With their décor, drink, and food ideas you can throw a festive cocktail or dinner fiesta that is as delicious, fun, and sexy as a warm summer night along the Mexican Riviera. —Karen Palmer

CREATE A SPICY SCENE: Take San Francisco’s Impala restaurant for decoration inspiration: Use rich colors, such as crimson and deep orange to set your party stage. Set out white candles in dark or black wrought-iron holders, and place a low arrangement of colorful dahlias (the country’s national flower) at the center of the table. You can even draw an agave or aloe plant with soap on your mirrors as seen below.

To add a playful touch, place a whimsical loteria card (a Mexican game similar to bingo) at each place setting. You can buy the cards online at Stampington.com.

Want to add a pinata? Go for it! Who doesn't like the opportunity to beat the heck out of something inanimate for candies' sake?

SERVE THE ULTIMATE MARGARITA: Everyone loves a good margarita, and this version from the New York City’s popular Dos Caminos restaurant is a sure thing: Mix 1 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice, ½ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and ½ cup of simple syrup to create a juice mix (enough for 16 margaritas). For each margarita, combine 1 ounce of juice mix, 1 ½ ounces of tequila, and ½ an ounce of Triple Sec with a dash of Kosher salt in a shaker. Shake hard 20 times, then pour over fresh ice in a glass. Rim each glass with salt and serve with a fresh lime wedge as a garnish, if you desire. Add alternate selections of Mexican beer and classic sodas (think Fanta and Coca Cola in glass bottles).

TANTALIZE WITH TACOS: Absolutely start with easy snacks of chips and an array of salsas. But elevate the spread with martini or juice glasses of ceviche, a selection of tamales, and a sophisticated taco bar where guests can build their own snacks: Stack warmed small flour and corn tortillas at one end, then add a delicious array of fillings and garnishes, such as grilled skirt steak, spicy sautéed pork, sautéed shrimp with lime, shredded roasted chicken, or grilled sliced Portobello mushrooms. Add garnishes of pico de gallo (chopped tomatoes, onion, and cilantro), shredded cabbage, hot sauce, crumbled queso, fresh guacamole, and lime-spiked crema.

GIVE GUESTS A SWEET SENDOFF: You can find Mexican wedding cookies—nutty butter cookies dusted with powdered sugar that are sometimes known as Russian tea cookies—at many local bakeries. To make fantastic favors, put a few in a clear cellophane bag with some candied almonds, and tie it with a pretty ribbon. Give one bag to each departing guest.