By Sarah Potts



The Cinco de Mayo commemorates May 5th, 1862, when <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = \"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags\" />Mexico defeated the French in the battle of Puebla. Now-a-days it’s an excuse to gather some friends up, decorate your home with Mexican-themed decorations, cook up a feast of Mexican food and host a fiesta.

For starters you are going to need decorations for your fiesta. Since it is now officially Spring, you should think about getting indoor and outdoor decorations. Shop around for brightly colored balloons, streamers and party lights. Ask all of your friends if they have any authentic serapes or blankets from previous trips to Mexico that you can borrow to drape on your furniture. If you want to go all out, buy some sombreros and hand them out to each guest that walks into your fiesta.

Since this is a fiesta you should have some Mexican music playing in the background to make your guests feel like they are really in Mexico. You should also buy a piñata and hang it either from a tree outside or somewhere safe in the home. Fill it up with candy or anything you feel is appropriate for the age group of the party. This will get everyone in the spirit of celebrating for Cinco de Mayo.

Now for the fun part: The food!

You can decide whether you want to treat your guests and cook for them, or if you\'d rather host a potluck. Either way, coming up with dishes for this party will be easy. Below are some great recipes for any type of Mexican fiesta!


You cannot have a fiesta with out Guacamole and some home made Salsa!


Guacamole Recipes:
Guacamole with Roasted Garlic
On the Border\'s Guacamole
Easy Guacamole
Guacamole
Guacamole Dip


Salsa Recipes:
Roasted Tomatilla Salsa
Black Bean Salsa
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Toasted Jalapeno Tomatillo and Watermelon Salsa
Clementine Salsa
Mexican Salsa
Salsa de Queso
Citrus Salsa
Salsa Mexicana
Corn Salsa
Fresh Tomato Salsa


Here are some other Mexican recipes for great dips to serve at your party!

Dips:
Fat Free Mexican Dip
White Mexican Cheese Dip
Seven Layer Taco Dip
Layered Mexicali Dip
Layered Taco Crab Dip
Hot Mexican Spinach Dip
Mexican Chili Cheese Dip
Festive Taco Dip


Quesadillas are not only super simple to make but they are a big hit at any fiesta!

Quesadillas:
Spinach, Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas with Pico de Gallo
Chicken Quesadillas
Southwest Chicken Quesadillas
Pear and Brie Quesadilla
Quesadillas
Sweet Onion Grilled Quesadillas
Chicken Quesadillas with Grilled Pear Salsa
Beef Quesadillas


Here are some fantastic and delicious appetizers to fill your guests\' stomachs up!

Appetizers:
Taco Meatballs
Layered Taco Appetizer Platter
Taco Rolls
Mexican Hot Wings
Albóndiga (Spanish Meatballs)
Chiles Rellenos Puffs
Taco Chicken Rolls
Mexican Potato Salad
Mexican Beans
Taco Beef Nuggets
Crunchy Mexican Meatballs


Below are some main Mexican dishes if you decide to grill in the backyard or if you\'d like to serve more than just appetizers.

Main Dishes:
Crockpot Mexican Fiesta
Taco Casserole
Beef and Beans Tacos
Mexican Salsa Potatoes
Mexican Pork Chops
Mexican Style Short Ribs


Can’t forget dessert!

Desserts:
Mexican Tea Cakes
Fried Ice Cream
Margarita Sorbet


Here are some cocktail recipes for you!

Alcoholic:
Mexican Slush
Margarita


Non Alcoholic:
Non-Alcoholic Margarita Punch
Frozen Watermelon Virgin Margaritas


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