A summer fiesta is such a festive party theme! The bright colors and patterns just make you happy…and the food options are equally delightful! Each summer my family hosts a themed celebration for a few friends. It’s been such a fun tradition and a family affair with our kids & their comrades too! Keeping it casual but filled with fun, thematic decor makes each party special and easy to pull off. It warms our hearts to see our guests enjoy the festivities to the fullest! So today I’d love to share some ideas for hosting a summer fiesta (or any gathering) so you can share that joy! For those who have followed along, you know I love super casual entertaining. But once in a while it’s great to go all out…but you can still keep your sanity and budget in tact! I hope you find the inspiration I share today helpful for your next big or small event. And be sure to grab a special coupon code and recipe at the end! Let’s celebrate the remainder of summer…
fiesta style!
i’ve got lots packed into today’s post…bear with me it’s long! the chalkboard my hubby made from an old dresser mirror makes a fun welcome…
let’s begin with the signature drink…sangria!
a basket of glasses are casually displayed for serve-yourself style sipping!
it is a summer fiesta…so a pinata or two is practically required!
and there’s nothing like homemade sangria!!
more lively libations….
a huge selection of beverages isn’t necessary, but it is nice to have a variety! sangria was the signature…but chilled wine & margaritas were also on the menu!
along with some Mexican style beer…
an old washtub makes a rustic cooler for all the bottles and an umbrella keeps the sun from melting the ice prematurely!
you can pile fresh lime wedges on a tray for guests to pop in their bottles…and straws look festive regardless if people use them!
party tip:
not pictured are extra coolers of sparkling water and soda. i always have lots of extra non alcoholic beverages on hand. but it’s also a reminder that not all beverages need to be served in a pretty display! coolers are perfectly acceptable no matter what kind of party you’re having!
have a seat!
regardless of the size of your party, it’s always nice to have extra areas for guests to sit…
not only can guests relax, but a table offers another area for festive decor!
recycled cans make a simple and colorful centerpiece…
and simple never has to mean boring!
decor details!
for a summer fiesta color, color, color is key!
you can add it by embellishing plain decorations like these paper lanterns…
a decoration from indoors also looks perfect outdoors!
decor tip:
i say it often, but don’t forget to shop your home before you buy decorations. many times you’ll find one-of-a-kind decorations that might not come to mind right away! you might not have a longhorn skull, but maybe a collection of cactus, a decorative figurine, blanket, or even kid party supplies that will fit in perfectly!
no areas are off limits! even the planter box can get festive!
the littlest details can add such charm. an extra mini sombrero looks dapper on an outdoor figurine!
and extra ribbon & flowers add more coordinating color to a garland…tiny decor with big impact!
since the food was served inside, minimal decorations were scattered where guests might mingle. a tiny candle in the dining room…
and a mini pinata tucked into a coffee table display. easy peasy but brings a little festivity indoors too!
summer fiesta food!
i love keeping the food buffets indoors especially in summer. the temperature is better regulated and no bugs! a taco bar was served casually on my stovetop…
set out lots of goodies to lets guests customize their favorite taco flavors!
don’t forget desserts!
something sweet is always appreciated. guests got to sample the most delicious churro cookies…
and traditional tres leches cake!!
if you’ve not tried this delectable dessert, i’d highly recommend it…fiesta party or not!
party extras!
party activities aren’t just for kids! we added some whimsy by setting up a simple “tattoo bar” for guests to have fun with!
i personally loved how mine turned out!
no matter the theme or the size, i truly hope you found some inspiration that you can use for your next festive gathering!
sip sip hooray for a summer fiesta!
pin for later~
you might like this one~
product guide~
Terrain: over the table rod
Alice-Louise Press: original temporary tattoos
special discount for the tattoos and/or any online item in the Alice-Louise online shop! use code GIGGLE for 20% off your entire purchase the entire month of August!!
Mexican Town Bakery: tres leches cakes
grab the printable recipe~
- 7-9 pound Bone-in pork shoulder
- 2 Tablespoons vegetabel oil
- 1 Tablespoon coarse salt
- 2 limes juiced
- 1 orange juiced
- 1 Tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 2 teaspoons coarse pepper
- 1 teaspooon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teasppon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 Cup vegeatable oil
- For the marinade: place pork in large zip top bag or other food safe container. Coat with the 1 T oil and sprinkle on all sides with salt. Pour the juice from the limes and oranges over the meat and place the fruit rind in with the pork. Refrigerate overnight, up to 12 hours.
- Pre-heat smoker to 225 degrees F with your favorite hardwood. Remove the pork from marinade and pat dry. Combine all the dry seasoning ingredients (up to bay leaf. this is for braising) . Rub some extra oil on the shoulder and coat with dry rub. Be sure to coat all sides.
- Place pork in the smoker and smoke for approximately 5-6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
- Transfer the pork to an aluminum pan and pour the remaining 1/2 C oil over top. Place bay leaves on top and cover tightly with foil. Place in pre-heated 350 oven and bake an additional 2-3 hours. The internal temperature should reach 203 degrees or until the temperature probe slides into the meat like it's sliding into butter. The time can vary and may take longer in the oven for the meat to be fork tender.
- Let the meat rest at least one hour before shredding. Shred the meat, removing the bone and fat or grizzle. Remove the bay leaves. Save all the liquid from the roast and let cool. Skim the fat from the top of the saved drippings. You can use this liquid to moisten the shredded meat before serving if necessary.
- Optional step: You can crisp up the shredded meat in a cast iron skillet by frying it in some of the leftover drippings. Heat some of the drippings into the pan and fry shredded pork for 2-3 minutes flipping the pieces to ensure even browning .
- After shredding or crisping, serve the meat immediately in tacos, burritos or nachos.