A CHIC MEXICAN FIESTA
I am so excited because I get to share with you guys the details from the chic Mexican fiesta that I threw earlier this month for all the 7th grade parents from my daughter's school. It was a great way for us all to get together and know each other better. I love how the party turned out and I can not wait to share the details and some of my party planning tips with you. I really wanted the vibe to be subtle and sophisticated, not in your face Mexican fiesta. This leads me to my first tip. You are going to see a theme in these tips because it is all about keeping it simple.
PICK A THEME + COLOR PALETTE
I started with a very neutral color palette consisting of white and gold (#duh). My inspiration for the theme of the party was gorgeous green succulents. They feel deserty (is that a word) and chic, plus they led me to my accent color of green. When I was designing the pool house I purposely kept the color palette black and white because I knew that it would work well for entertaining and would be easy to add accents to based on the event.
I was so excited because I got to work with Mesa Chic Parties on my decor and I absolutely loved all the gorgeous pieces I got. If you are planning any kind of Mexican themed party I SERIOUSLY recommend that you check them out. I used their gorgeous table runner on the food table, I hung one of their beautiful white linens on my wall hooks, and swagged their banners over the windows and mantle.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
This really is a theme in all of my entertaining. I like to keep it simple for myself and my guests. I don't like going totally overboard on decorations and florals. In fact, a grocery store flower, like a carnation, can honestly look like a million bucks if you group them tightly together. I also prefer to serve appetizers and easy-to-carry finger foods at my events, rather than seated meals. First things first, it is less expensive, but I also feels like it allows guests to relax and mingle together. For this event we did a really fun and easy taco bar served by Suzette's Catering. It was easy, delicious, and went with the theme.
SET-UP AHEAD OF TIME
Nobody wants a host who is frazzled and running around like a chicken with their heads cut off as the party is starting. That is why I always set up my parties the night before or early on the day of the event if it is an evening party. I literally carry everything that is going to be used to the area where I am hosting and do all of my prep work well in advance. I fill all my coolers and drink buckets with beverages so that all I have to do is add ice. I lay everything out on the table so that all I have to do is place food right before guests arrive. I have all of my decorations together and arranged how I want them. This allows me to be completely ready and less stressed, which frees me up to be a much better hostess.
DELEGATE WHERE YOU CAN
I am going to be honest, this is going to be one of those do as I say, not as I do kind of things. I am legit the worst delegater you have every met. Like a serious card carrying member of the Type A club when it comes to this kind of stuff. Don't be like me. People want to help, so let them. In my plan ahead steps that I mentioned above, I always put a sticky note with what is supposed to go in what dish when I am laying it out. This is the perfect way for people or spouses and kids to help out if you need them because it is pretty fool proof. All they have to do is put the food in the labeled dish. You know all those coolers that you set up ahead of time for the drinks? Let someone load those all up with ice. Let them slice the lemons, limes or whatever other garnishes you are using. These are all great small things that have to get done but are easier to let go for a control freak like myself. Most importantly...
HAVE FUN. IT'S A PARTY AFTER ALL
SHOP THE DECOR + MY LOOK
I am sharing all my linkable sources below. I actually got my centerpiece vases from HomeGoods, so definitely check at stores like that when you are there because they typically have tons of stuff like that for cheap. Also, this is just a random little centerpiece tip. You might have noticed that I used rice in the centerpieces instead of sand. Sand is actually either really expensive or really ugly if you don't live at the beach, so rice is a affordable and chic alternative to sand.
As far as what I wore... I wanted it to, A: go with the theme. Yes, my brain works that way. And B: for it to be comfortable and stylish. So, I went with my go-to + ALL TIME FAVORITE dress on the planet. The MILA MAXI from Lovestitch and you can find it here. It's a dress every girl should own. Trust me. Once you put it on, you'll be ordering another. I should know...I have NINE, yes NINE hanging in my closet.
Now, where's my MARGARITA?
Xx
landyn
