Cinco De Mayo Time!

On the fifth of May, when you see the flags and the celebration of Cinco De Mayo, understand that it is not just Mexico that is being celebrated. It is victory, democracy and a love of one's heritage. Why not invite friends over for a Cinco De Mayo party and educate them as well?

Cinco De Mayo falls on a Saturday this year so why not put together a party for friends or family?   Mexican food is very inexpensive and easy to prepare.  The variety of appetizers, entrees and desserts is endless and don't even get me started on the drinks!  This week I put together a table with a subtle Mexican theme perfect for May 5th or really anytime you want to serve dinner with a Mexican flair.

I bought these runners last year at Tuesday Morning for our Cinco De Mayo (CDM from now on!) party and because the colors go well with my Dining Room. They have a cute little ball fringe on the ends that adds a nice touch.  I used them on our outdoor table with one on each side of the umbrella.  If you read this blog regularly, you know that umbrella pole drives me crazy! 

For my place settings I started with place mats from IKEA (you can find these lots of places). 

The chargers are from Kirkland's (on sale of course!). 

The dinner and salad plates are from Ross and the appy plates are from the Rustic Rose here in my town.

The margarita glasses were a gift but you can find some at Dollar Tree, Old Time Pottery or just about anywhere.  The water goblets are from Pier One (on clearance of course!).  Here's my tip regarding Pier One.  They list all their clearance items on their website along with what stores still have them available.  I usually find what I'm looking for at the Pier One in the less "trendy" area.  I was able to find 6 of these glasses there and they took the coupon that I thought would only be good at their new store.  Always ask if stores will take your coupons even if they are expired or they are for a specific location.  The worst they can do is say no!  I'm always amazed that Bed, Bath and Beyond takes any and all coupons.

I layered a gold napkin with a rust patterned one (Tuesday Morning).  The napkin rings are from Kohl's (clearance).

I would love to have a collection of real Mexican pottery but until that happens I will settle for these knockoffs (made in China! gulp!) that I found at Ross.  I found the pitcher first.

A week or so later I found the matching bowl.

A week or so later I found the matching tray.  And that was it!  Never to be seen again!  I'd love to have more pieces to make a display in my china cabinet.  I guess I can't complain when all 3 pieces cost me less than $25.  They have a nice weight to them.  For some reason I like things heavy.  Pottery, fabrics, glassware, you name it, I want it to feel heavy in my hand! 

I put 2 bowls together to make candle holders (tablescaping isn't brain surgery or I'd be in trouble!)

Believe it or not, I got another week out of my Easter flowers (at least some of them!).  I added a few faux sunflowers and some cuttings from my yard to fill my pitcher.  I added some faux blue berries to bring out the blue in the pitcher.  I love these colors and for once these go great in my Dining Room.  I have some plans for my Dining Room in the future but please don't tell my husband.  He will think I've lost my mind to want to change it after only a year and a half!

My husband told me a funny story years back about one of his co-workers.  His wife had wanted him to remove a wall in their home and he kept putting it off, probably because he really didn't want to remove it.  I think you can guess what happened.  He came home from work and there was a big hole in the wall!  I can just see her now with a sledge hammer in her hand!  I think my husband told me this as a cautionary tale.  I have no upper body strength so I don't think he has anything to worry about!  Sorry, back to the tablescape...

I hope I've given you some ideas for CDM.  I'm still not sure what we are doing yet but I definitely see a margarita (with salt!) in my future!

Get ready for this upcoming event at Robin Flies South...

My sister Elaine, of Creating Wonderful Spaces, gave me a set of "Jungle" print placemats for Christmas and she happens to have a set too. On May 3rd we will both be using them in our tablescapes so be sure to see how each of us makes them our own! You can see the results of Sister Act 1 HERE where we both happened to buy the same appy plates.

Be sure to visit my sister at Creating Wonderful Spaces.

I will be linking up to the following parties...

Fiesta Cinco De Mayo Party at I Savor the Weekend

Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch

Let's Dish! at Cuisine Kathleen

Centerpiece Wednesday at the Style Sisters

Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants