A Fabulous Fiesta

Are you tired of hearing how much we love a Fiesta yet?  Sorry, it's still our favorite party to attend OR throw! If you follow our Instagram stories, you may have already seen the step-by-step party prep for our Team Fiesta last week.  (And if you don't already follow us, you can find us @barquegifts.)  We shared our party planning in real time, which we've made into a blog post for How to Plan a Party - you can read it here. 

The Fiesta Invitation

Of course we think any great party kicks off with the invitation {and luckily, we know where you can get some great ones... wink wink}.  This one was a variation of this Stock the Bar invitation we did previously.  We changed up a few items on the cart, can you spy them?

The Cactus Cookie Placecards

For this party, one little detail really stole the show - the cactus cookie placecards!  Our friend Abbi made the most delicious (and freaking adorable) cookies on a stick that we "potted".  Then team member Emily B. handpainted mini terra cotta pots with each guests' name.  All the heart eyes. The crumbled up graham cracker "sand" added a fun texture to the project, and we couldn't be happier with how they turned out - they were pretty to look at but even better to eat.

Decorating the Bar Cart

Another favorite detail (that we stumbled upon a few years ago and have used for every Fiesta since) is using edible flowers.  They add a pop of color to your drink station, sprinkled on iced down drinks or in a punch bowl.  Look at what a difference they can make (below).  Market Street usually has packages of edible flowers in the refrigerated herbs section, but if you can't find any, you can also request them from a local florist too (ask for small colorful flowers such as marigolds, snapdragons, mini roses and stock). While we're talking about the drink station, we used a little inspiration from our invitation (see the jar of limes?) and tiny chalkboard signs on the bar cart (more adorable hand lettered things by Emily B.).  We also served Margarita Punch, which is a crowd favorite.

The Taco Bar

EVERYONE loves a good taco, and a Taco Bar is a great way to make your Fiesta festive (and serve a crowd easily).  Ours was complete with corn and flour tortillas, stewed chicken, ground beef, and all the standard toppings - tomato, onion, cheese, lettuce, guacamole, salsa and sour cream. {Barque Tip:  The night before your party, lay out the containers you plan to use and label what is to go in them.  It will help you make sure you have enough room AND that you don't forget anything!}

The Decorations

Fiestas are known for being colorful, and we like to incorporate that in simple ways...  like this tissue paper tassel garland is from our friends at Pizzazzerie and it's SO easy to make!  We promise. Another easy way to add color to your Fiesta is through flowers. Our favorite for Fiesta flower arrangements is in these reserved food cans.  The beautiful thing is they are durable and reusable, so you can use them for years to come (if you're a keeper of party decorations like we are).

The Party Favor

One thing that every Fiesta needs is a festive party favor to end the night, and we think these tiny bottles of hot sauce are perfect.  Tie them up with cute ribbon, a personalized or clever tag and you've got a party favor (yes, por favor)! What do you think?  Get any inspiration for your next Fiesta?  We'd love to hear what ideas you plan to use - and of course we want to be invited.  ;)  Happy Friday, friends!