Boujee but Easy Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Entertaining Ideas
Cinco de Mayo isn’t just for sombreros and store-bought salsa anymore. This year, bring the flavor and flair with elevated but easy ideas that will have your guests raving. Cinco de Mayo is a great reason to gather your people and throw a laid-back luxe dinner without breaking a sweat. Stylish sips, delish decor and make ahead recipe will make the celebration feel effortless but fabulous.
1. LemongrassMargaritas with a Personalized Squeeze
Swap the class marg for our ultra-refreshing Lemongrass Margarita. It’s unexpected, light and sippable. Serve them in individual glasses and write your guests’ names on the slice of lime with an edible marker. They’re a great way for your guests to start your party and feel the extra effort you made for them.
2. Easy Edible and Elevated Tablescape
We wanted a tablescape that was quick. That’s improtant when you’re trying to decide if you have the engergy to host but we also wanted a grown up classy table.
- We skipped the overdone florals and set out a long wooden board and placed orange, limes, avocados and jalapenos. One tip is to cut some of the limes and oranges into halves and quarters to create interest. We added chips to the table, bowls of salsa, gauacamole and queso. A few low candles in bright colors added dimesions while encouraging visiting acorss the table. Bonus: Your appetizer is done too.
- Think rattan place mats, terra cotta pots and wood boards. Although you do want some bright colors we didn’t want something overboard so we could keep the look really modern.
- Linens – we kept the base linens really netural for a crisp and classy feel and then added bright colored napkins to honor the Mexican aesthetic.
3. The Velvet Hog: A Smoky Bourbon Showstopper with a whisper of Mezcal
- Don’t feel like you have to serve margaritas. Read the room; what would your guests love. For your whiskey lovers offer a Velvet Hog cocktail; Bourbon, amaro, maple syrup and Luxardo, all served in a glass rinsed with smoky Mezcal. Garnish with candied bacon and an orange twist. It’s unexpected, it’s boujee and it’s still on theme with the mezcal rinse.
4. Make-Ahead Zesty Enchiladas
- These Slow Cooker Beef Enchiladas are a host’s dream. Make them the night before, then just bake right before the guests arrive. They are layered with flavour, minimal effort and a real show stopper. They need 30 minutes in the oven while your guests are sipping on their Lemon grass margaritas and snacking on chips and salsa. Serve with a side corn salad or beans and rice.
5. Place cards with Bite
- We bought these edible markers and then used them to write our guest’s names on jalapenos and limes. The limes we set on each margarita for when they arrived. They could mingle without having to worry about loosing their drink. The jalapenos we used at each place setting for a fun cheeky touch that doubled as decor. And if your guests are brave they can even have a little hot snack.
6. Guacamole Hack: No More Brown Gauc
We learned this trick in a cooking class in Mexico and it will change the game. Ceviche your onions first. Chop them up and then soak them in fresh lime juice for 15 minutes while you are prepping the rest of your guacamole. It mellows the bite of the onion, and it keeps your guacamole stay green longer.
Follow this quick and easy recipe for your NO MORE BROWN GUACAMOLE
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 tsp cumin
- salt/pepper
- 1 garlic clove minced
- chopped tomatoes(optional)
In a small plastic bag, add copped onions and lime juice. We use a bag to ensure all the onions are infused with the lime juice. Let sit for 14 minutes – this “ceviches” the onions, mellowing the flavour and keeping your gauc green and fresh longer.
Mash avocado in a bowl. Add your lime onions, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper, and chopped tomatoes. Mix gently.
Taste and adjust lime or salt as needed. Serve with chips. The last pic is after being left out on the counter for 3 hours. If you really need to make ahead squeeze more lime juice on top. This is fast, fresh and authentic.
6. Finish Your Meal with a Tequila Espresso Martini
Theses are the new cocktail in Vegas and they are divine. The Tequila Espresso Martini combines the rich coffee flavours with a touch of tequila heat. The Bubble wrap chocolate garnish confirms that an after dinner drink is the best way to end your meal. This IS dessert.
Why Celebrate..
Use any excuse you can to spend time with your village. Cinco de Mayo is fun reason. It can still be vibrant without being chaotic by sticking to warm neutrals. Let your food and cocktails bring the color and set the mood. Add a Latin playlist, open the tequila and enjoy your people.
Join the Conversation Below
We would love to hear how you celebrated cinco de mayo or if this inspired you to spend time hosting your people.
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