MAKE IT CUTE

May 5—cinco de mayo en español—is, well, Cinco de Mayo. It’s a holiday that celebrates the Mexican heritage and marks the triumph of the underdog Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. And it’s the perfect excuse to invite your chicas over for a fun-filled afternoon of fruity drinks, fab eats and tons of fun.

Set the scene

Traditional Mexican papel picado party banners set a festive scene. Snag some at a local party supply store, or browse Etsy for inspiration to craft your own. Stock up on Mexican sodas (we heart Jarritos), cheap sombreros and piñatas, too.

Turn up the volume

Pop on a playlist of Spanish versions of your fave songs, like Selena Gomez’s “Dices” and Jennifer Lopez’s “Ven a Bailar.”

Sweet sips

Grab a watermelon or two at the grocery store and dice it up to make a traditional, fruity beverage: watermelon agua fresca. Get the recipe here.

Munchies

Pair tortilla chips in different hues with this delish avocado mango guaca-salsa from Kim Kelly, author of the blog Liv Life: Dice 1/2 a mango, 1 whole avocado and about 1 tablespoon of red onion and place in a bowl. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Gently mix ingredients together and add salt or more lime juice to taste.

Pair with delish tostadas, veggie quesadillas and dulce de leche sundaes for a feast of epic proportions.

How are you celebrating Cinco de Mayo, sweeties?

by Jessica D’Argenio Waller | 5/5/2016