Bored with Burgers? Make it a Summer Fiesta Party Instead
July 16, 2009 by admin
Filed under Party Themes, Summer
Bored with burgers at every summer gathering? Kick it up a notch at your next summer party by making it a Fiesta!
One of the things I like best about putting together a summer fiesta party is that rather than cooking over the grill the entire evening, we can actually enjoy visiting with our guests because everything for the summer fiesta party can be made in advance!
The Menu
Beverages
When you think about a fiesta, the margarita is the first drink the comes to mind! Go beyond the basic margarita with these awesome margarita recipes:
- Fine Living’s Margarita Recipes
- The Top 10 Margarita Recipes
- All Recipes has a large selection of recipes for Margarita’s too
For the kids, mix up some fruit punch and add some lemon lime soda or blend up some quick strawberry smoothies (blend frozen strawberries, orange juice and a banana) topped with whipped cream.
Appetizers
Start of the party with simple appetizers such as tortilla chips, salsa, guacamole and queso. Put out a tray of olives, jalepenos, red and yellow peppers and some fresh jicama strips for variety.
The Taco Bar
Use a long table or counter top to set up a taco bar for your guests. Guests will be able to build their perfect taco by mixing and matching ingredients to their individual liking. Suggested items for the taco bar include:
- Put out plenty of soft tortillas and heat up hard taco shells
- Seasoned ground beef
- Shredded pork
- Slow cooked Mexican chicken
- Depending on your guests, fish or shrimp might be a nice addition, too
- Put out plenty of shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and shredded chees
- You may want to incorporates some chili peppers (visit Start Cooking for an excellent video on selecting and working with chili peppers)
- Don’t forget sliced black olives, salsa, guacamole and some sour cream for toppings
- Refried beans, black beans or pinto beans
- Spanish rice
Desserts
Quick and easy desserts are the perfect finish to a summer fiesta!
- Save time and mess by making yummy, no-fry fried ice cream balls in advance.
- Churros are a deep fried, doughnut like treat that are always a hit with the kids. You can make them yourself or find them ready to bake in the freezer section of many grocery stores
- Cinnamon crisps and fruit salsa are another simple and kid-friendly dessert – perfect for a fiesta party or any occasion!
Games & Activities
You can’t have a fiesta without a pinata (learn how to make your own pull-string pinata)! And pinatas are not just for kids. Mix it up and get a pinata just for the grown ups! Fill it with candy and grown up treats.- Fill an inexpensive sombrero with inexpensive gifts. Have guests pass the sombrero while the music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the hat gets to pick a prize. Use your imagination – fill the hat with treats, tasks, challenges, and such depending on the age of your party guests. This is similar to a game of pass the present or hot potato.
- Organize relay races or if it is a nice day, try some fun backyard water games.
Looking for invitations, party supplies, and decorations for your Fiesta Party? Here are some of our favorites:
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Bright-tone Yellow and Bright-tone Red 11"" Latex Balloons (12 each) Red 54"" w x 108"" l Plastic Tablecover 66′ Yellow Curling Ribbon Our Deluxe Kit-N-Kaboodle includes everything in the Basic Kit-N-Kaboodle plus: 10"" x 30"" Attach N’ Go Banner Cactus Mylar Balloon (1) Glitter Spiral White Candles (Pkg. of 12) 81′ Flame Red Crepe Streamer 81′ Canary Red Crepe Streamer
How to Make a Pull String Pinata
The pull string pinata is a particularly good game idea for small kids birthday parties or indoor celebrations. It is a fun yet safe party game for the youngest kids who can get hurt trying to break open the pinata with a buster bat. Find below instructions on how to convert a normal pinata into its gentler pull string version:
1) First of all, the pinata must have a flat bottom. Cut a 3″x3″x3″ flap on the bottom of pinata as close to center as possible. Perforate a small hole near the extreme of flap where it opens.
2) Pass a ribbon through flap and tie a knot from the side that will remain inside the pinata.
3) Close flap. Do not secure flap with any tape or adhesive.
4) Using scotch or masking tape attach ribbons around base of pinata. Pull the ribbon that is hanging out of trap and bring it to same level as other ribbons.
5) Spread glue over the bottom of the pinata and apply the tissue paper making sure that all ribbons are completely covered. Let dry. Your pull string pinata is ready!
Pinatas.com offers a complete kit with clear instructions to convert a normal pinata into a pull string pinata. Take a look as well at our large array of pinatas and choose your favorite!
