Mexican Theme Dinner Party Ideas and Tablescape

I love all things that have to do with celebrating Cinco de Mayo – the food, the decorations, the margaritas! It’s a fantastic holiday for a themed dinner party.

But of course a Mexican dinner theme is perfect all year long. It’s got some of the best party menu ideas around!

Mexican Themed Dinner Party

I used some traditional party decorations and created this festive Mexican tablescape with unique touches. The result is this fun-filled inspiration for hosting your own Cinco de Mayo celebration or Mexican fiesta dinner any time of the year.

If you want to create a casual cocktail gathering you’re going to want to see this Mexican fiesta happy hour party. Or, invite some friends over for tacos & tequila with our cool tequila tasting flight. You’re sure to have a fantastic time!

Themed Cocktails

There may not be a better party and cocktail combination than Cinco de Mayo and Margaritas. Here are some great recipes to serve as a signature party drink, including some sangria recipes. Don’t forget to have some Mexican beer on hand too!

• Try this delicious sparkling peach margarita for a refreshing twist on a classic.
• You wont believe how easy and delicious this beer margarita is.
• This grapefruit margarita has some unique flavor infusions. If you like a regular marg, you should love this.
• Serve your guests something interesting and new for a signature drink. This light mezcal margarita is a mix of sweet and smoky flavors.
• For an elegant twist, mix up some sweet & smoky prosecco cocktails. One of my favorites!
• This mezcal with pineapple & grapefruit cocktail might become your new go-to for a fiesta party. It’s sweet and smoky and fantastic!
• This pitcher of white peach sangria is a crowd pleaser, always.
• If you want to serve a more classic style, try this delicious spiced red sangria.

Mexican Theme Tablescape 

Create a festive table setting with these ideas.

• Use a traditional serape for your table runner.
• Find colorful plates with a southwestern vibe!
• Color is a major component of the table. Add a different color napkin for each guest or use a complementary theme pattern.
• Creative place card tags add an unexpected element to the table. You can write names directly onto a jalapeno pepper with a gold marker. Alternate place settings with mini sombrero hats and write names on the brim.

Centerpiece Ideas

• Use a collection of colorful bottles in various heights and shapes to hold flowers. Cluster them together for a bigger impact than if they were spread out across the table.
• Add potted cacti for an authentic southwestern touch. Place them on either side of the flower centerpiece.
• Why not place colorful maracas at the ends of the table. Guests can have fun shaking them and using them for photo props.

Fiesta Menu

Who doesn’t love Mexican food? I could probably eat it 6 days a week if I had my way. Here’s a simple menu to serve for a Mexican themed dinner party.

• Start with these easy baked jalapeno poppers with cheddar, bacon, and cream cheese filling.
• You can add my favorite Mexican layer dip for even more flavor.
• Chips and homemade salsa are a party staple for the table.
• Make some tasty chicken taco phyllo cup appetizers to serve while guests are sipping on cocktails.
• These cheesy chicken tostadas with creamy poblano sauce are SO good for an entrée or appetizer.
• Serve up a taco salad entrée and serve it on the table, family style. This one I made with a bed of mixed greens, ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes and onions, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and drizzled with lime vinaigrette. Delicious and easy!
• Another unique dish is Mexican pizzas with a twist.

Tequila Tasting

A good theme party has an activity or interactive component to it. This Mexican party is the perfect occasion to host a tequila tasting.

• What a great idea {if I do say so my self} to add a flight of mini tequilas to taste and compare! I’m not talking about shots here; just a sampling of some high quality tequila brands.
• Use mini votive glasses or shot glasses and rim them with salt and add a lime wedge to each glass. Just as with wine and beer, start your tasting with clear tequila first and then move on to the darker tequila. For best taste make sure the tequila is very cold. We store it in the freezer.
• An alternative tasting could be to have three varieties made by one brand. For instance Cabo Wabo has Blanco, Respado, and Anejo you can taste side by side.
• You can buy full size bottles if you want but I think the minis are so darn cute! Plus you set them in order to pour so it’s a no-brain’er to know which one you’re tasting.
• Finally, set up a fun photo area with props as included in these stylish cinco de mayo party ideas. After all those tequila tastings you’ll be more than ready to take photos and share on social media!