How to Throw a Mexican Fiesta

With tempting finger food, frozen margaritas and a laid-back vibe, Mexican-themed parties are a perfect fit for the sizzling summer and lots of fun for all ages. Flexible fiestas are easy to customise for every occasion, whether you're hosting an intimate gathering or a big blowout.

Décor
There are no rules for decorating your Mexican fiesta, as long as it's cheery and colourful. Whether you go bold with red, orange, yellow and pink hues or take inspiration from the Mexican flag's red, white and green, leave your inhibitions behind and don't worry about clashing colours.

If you have a creative streak, you can make your own streamers and paper lanterns or stock up on Mexican-themed party supplies like maracas, sombreros and even potted cactuses.

Appetisers
You don't have to serve main courses to have a successful fiesta, but finger foods are essential. Nachos and tortilla chips are readily available from grocery stores, but you can add a personal touch with home-made guacamole dip, fresh salsa and a cool cucumber soup starter.

Main courses
If you're serving your guests dinner, you won't have to slave away in the kitchen when you set up build-your-own taco and burrito bars. Just cook up a bowl of spiced mince and onion, white fish fillets in garlic and lime, a side salad and other alternative fillings, and you'll find that your guests are only too eager to take care of the rest.

If you are keen to practise your Mexican cooking though, you'll find plenty of diverse recipes online to try out – from spicy steak fajitas and chicken chimichangas to an egg bake.

Desserts
If your guests still aren't stuffed, you can make sure they go home satisfied with simple and tasty desserts. Just add fresh fruit slices to ice cream for a tropical twist or prepare a home-made chocolate sauce to drizzle over ice cream and churros.

Drinks
It wouldn't be a fiesta without cocktails, and you can encourage guests to experiment with fruity concoctions of watermelon, lime and peach by setting up a margarita and sangria bar complete with salt-rimmed glasses, lime wedges and crushed ice.

Don't forget about younger guests and teetotallers, who can enjoy the same fruitful flavours in mocktails, punch and imported soft drinks.

Activities
Consider a piñata mandatory if there will be kids at your fiesta, but you don't have to limit yourself to the classic donkey design, whether you're getting creative with papier mache or heading to the party store. Don't forget to create a fiesta playlist to complete the atmosphere.

Celebrate the fiesta in Coolangatta
Coming soon to The Strand Coolangatta, Beach Burrito is an innovative dining and entertainment venue that blends authentic Mexican cuisine with Aussie beach culture. Don’t miss out on their Grand Opening Fiesta on Thursday 5 November, from 7pm to 11pm.