Cinco de Mayo is two short days away and I still have tons to do before I host the Kappa Kup barbeque for my sister, Trish, in San Diego. Sure the invitations have been sent, the menu has been set, and the drinks approved by the sorority sisters, but what about purchasing the groceries and transforming a soccer field into a party space?? Or not to mention manning the grill from 10 am to 6 pm? Or making enough food for 300 hungry college students?? Can you tell I'm getting a little nervous? I've taken a few deep breaths and am ready to tackle the look so come party with me and read more

• Bright, vibrant colors come to mind when I think of Cinco de Mayo and I'll use shades of orange, red, turquoise, and hot pink.
• When decorating for a party, I always look around the house to see what I can use to incorporate atmosphere. For example I have a bunch of Spanish scarves in bright red with silver threads and will use these as runners for the dessert table.



• Trish has contacted all of the ladies in Kappa and asked them to bring any Mexican blankets to her house by Friday night at the latest. The Mexican blankets will substitute for tablecloths.
• Colorful streamers and balloons will hang from the posts that surround the soccer field.



• Mexican hats, Mexican Saint candles, and maracas will be arranged together to create centerpieces for the food buffet.
• Bouquets of orange and pink dahlias will fill vases and be placed on the edge of the tables.
• The drinks will be in large silver buckets filled with ice on the grass.
• Mexican celebration banners will line the inside of the tents.
• Make or buy a piñata hanging from a tree will delight guests late in the afternoon.



• Other ideas are to use an assortment of chili peppers in bowls and small cacti in pots to fashion a richly evocative tablescape.

Got a great Cinco de Mayo decorating idea? Share it with me below.