Fraîche Table: Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, and we have everything you need (menu, work-back schedule, decor ideas, grocery list and more!) right here to help you celebrate in stress-free style!  Pass the margarita and keep reading!

SHOP THE POST

Charles and I have always loved Mexican food, and make tacos every week.  It’s kind of our thing. So when it came time to celebrate his 45th birthday we didn’t have to think twice about what we were going to serve!  We did it up with all of the flowers and decor we could get our hands on, and I LOVED how it turned out!  And so did our guests who gobbled it all up, there’s nothing better than seeing your food disappear when you entertain, it’s the biggest compliment.

The Flowers

I went WAY outside of my comfort zone on this one!  My typical colour pallet is a LOT of whites and pastels. That’s about it.  So when I walked into Bylands asking for every bright colour under the sun they thought I lost my marbles!  I absolutely loved the way they turned out, the bouquets were so festive!  We also picked up a whole bunch of cactuses from Bylands to add to the flowers this time, and they made such cute decor in Charlie’s room after we were done (and some cute gifts for my nieces).

The flowers we used were:

• Roses (bright pink, orange, white and yellow)
• Carnations (purple, green, orange and red) – these are so inexpensive
• Lisianthus (yellow tall flowers)
• Gerber Daisies (orange, yellow and bright pink)

The girls at Bylands can always help you out if you live in the area, Carolyn and Lianna work in the flower department and are the best (and sweetest) resource!

The Table

We decided to embrace the casual nature of Cinco de Mayo and opted for an unplugged, buffet style meal.  Tacos are the perfect meal to serve at a big party: they are simple to prep ahead for a large party and everyone can make them exactly how they like them!

If you have a larger kitchen island or table simply lay everything out in the centre for people to grab.  We put a small tray of hot sauces out for people to choose from, cut up a bowl of limes, and layered the table with different heights of vases filled with colourful flowers along with little potted cacti.  We also made a tissue paper garland to brighten things up (pictured above) that we will share tomorrow!

The Menu

Appetizer: Pico de Gallo (Fresh Salsa) and Cheryl’s Guacamole

Salad: Cowgirl Salad (make with tofu for a vegetarian option)

Entree: Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema (make with cauliflower for a vegetarian option) OR Jackfruit Carnitas (vegan option)

Dessert: Tequila Lime Cheesecake (vegan)

Drinks: Mixed Citrus Margarita, Tequila Bar and Cervesa (beer)

The Hostess Schedule

Two Days Before

• buy flowers and cacti
• purchase tequila and beer!
• grocery shopping (download list here)
• iron linens
• set aside your outfit
• make tissue paper garland

Day Before

• set table
  • serving dishes
  • cacti
  • plates
  • cutlery
• hang garland
• set out tequila bar
• make pico de gallo
• make tequila lime cheesecake

Day Of

• Morning:
  • chill beer
  • prepare tequila bar
  • make juice for the margaritas
• Afternoon:
  • mix salad ingredients (not including dressing)
  • make coleslaw
• 30 minutes before guests arrive
  • make guacamole
  • cook prawns for tacos
  • toss salad
  • remove cheesecake from freezer and add coconut whip topping and lime garnish
  • light candles and put on the music
• Guests Arrive:
  • set food on table
  • serve drinks