DIY Cinco de Mayo Party Decorations - Marty's Musings (2024)

These easy Cinco de Mayo party decorations will make throwing a party easy and quick! Let’s have fun without breaking the bank!

I may not have a Mexican heritage but I know how to throw a great party! For my youngest daughter’s 17th birthday sheinvited several of her friends over for a themed Cinco De Mayo party. Teenagers + taco bar and fixin’s = tons of food and fun!

As I share Cinco de Mayo party ideas I’m also including the cutest Seven Layer Dip in a Mason Jar.

Choose appropriate colors

I used a color scheme of red and green to match the Mexican flag. Plastic tablecloths, serving trays, buckets and cups for silverware, napkins and chips were all purchased at the dollar store.

My daughter had the smart idea to let our white table show underneath to copy the flag themeas well with the table covers. Smart girl!

Simple party inspiration

Party themes don’t need to be so complicated. I bought this $1 chalkboard from a yard sale has been used it for several parties. So easy to change up the wording and google images for simple ways to embellish it. I certainly got my money’s worth!

The cinco de mayo party supplies came from Party City and added a festive touch to the fiesta. I also tied some balloons outside so the kids could find our house easily. Another great idea would be to use maracas as both decoration and entertainment!

Food table

I loveto prepare homemade dishes if I can but it’s more important to me that I enjoy my guests and not spend all day in the kitchen.

The taquitos and tacos were a definite hit. When wehad teenagers over I always increased the amount of food served, just to be safe. (And basically, that’s my approach to all parties. I have too much food JUST IN CASE because I don’t want to run out!)

A spicy hot sauce was a necessity but make sure and have a milder version for us normal people!

This easy spicy pineapple salsa recipe is scrumptious served with chips or poured over tacos.

Food as decoration

These adorable mason jars filled with Seven Layer Dip in a Mason Jar and tasted as good as they looked. I don’t mind making too many of these because they were perfect lunch leftovers as well.

I toppedthem with diced tomatoes and “just” a jalapeño pepper.

One of the cutest dishes was the Mexican flag (sorry, no closeup) you can see in the background, with sliced green and red peppers, cheese strips and cherry tomatoes on top. Healthy and cute!

Beverages

I love serving punch like my red Frozen Jello Punch recipe because it never fails to disappear! It’s the best!

It’s also perfectly acceptable to serve sodas and water, especially if you’re outdoors in the heat. Always have a pitcher of ice cold water or individual bottles in a cooler for your guests.

Dessert

Since she was homeschooled Stephanie enjoyed exploring all things cupcake related. I was more than happy to let her experiment and expand her cupcake decorating skills! These goodies were just as delicious as they were beautiful.

My daughter had a great party and I hope some of our tips and tricks for throwing inexpensive parties will inspire you to celebrate friends and family!

FAQs about Cinco de Mayo

Spanish “Fifth of May” is also called Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla. It’s a holidaycelebrated in parts of Mexico and the United States in honor of a military victory in 1862 over the French forces of Napoleon III.

Molé Poblano is the official dish but other favorites include chilaquiles, tamales, carnitas, barbacoa, fish tacos, horchata, Mexican street corn, Pozole, guacamole and Margaritas.

Cinco de Mayo colors mirror those of the Mexican flag –red, white and green.