Fiesta Parties for All Seasons

Many of us associate fiesta parties with the celebration of Cinco de Mayo -- Mexico's Independence Day. This is not the only time when the lively rhythms of mariachi bands and the colorful paper decorations of fiesta are welcome. A fiesta can brighten anyone's mood on a cloudy day or reflect the wonderful weather on a sunny summer evening.

One of the best uses of fiesta paper party goods might be to decorate any sort of dinner party during the coldest and most dismal winter weather. Have lots of salsa in a variety of hot, medium and mild recipes to serve with bowls of tortilla chips. Serve piping hot casserole dishes of enchiladas or taco bakes. Frijoles and Spanish rice are natural and expected side dishes for fiesta parties Make a burrito bar with all possible favorite ingredients and fill large condiment bowls with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, onion, sour cream and cheddar cheese for toppings. If that's not enough food then try finding a recipe for soppipias or fried ice cream for desert.

It might be best for a more formal fiesta dinner party to pull out all the stops and consult with a Mexican cook book for less Americanized recipes. Use good colorful dinnerware for the main meal and use the fiesta themed paper party goods to serve desert with coffee or hot chocolate. Paper goods will also do nicely for leftovers after the dinner has adjourned to a game or television room.

Fiestas for warm weather gathering can take advantage of gardening features like ponds to float candles or grape arbors for paper streamers and flowers. When children are present a carefully supervised piñata game can add just the right festive element.

Anytime at all, birthdays, engagements or promotions can all be celebrated with the fiesta party.