What event occurred on May 5th and is celebrated each year? Cinco de Mayo, of course! This holiday commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla. You may be surprised to know, however, that this holiday is often celebrated more here in the United States than in the majority of Mexico. If you’re celebrating this holiday this year, you may want to follow some of these hints for decorating your dinner table for Cinco de Mayo.
Place a red table cloth on the table. Then accent it with one of the other two colors of the Mexican flag – white and green. Run a string of chili-shaped lights down the center of the table or use a colorful piñata as a centerpiece.
Find other ways to incorporate the red, white and green of the Mexican national flag. You may want to create small flags out of paper or purchase several to place on the table. Use the colors of the flag to create place cards if you are having a more formal dinner.
Cactus-shaped vases can be placed on the table to create a centerpiece, as well. To decorate the vase, create large desert flowers using folded tissue paper and green chenille stems. You can also put live flowers from your garden in the vase.
Colorful dishes will serve as more than items to eat from; they are also commonly used as table decorations. Don’t be afraid to mix and match the colors. In fact, the brighter the colors, the better and more authentic your table will look.
Place small maracas around the table. You may be surprised to see everyone – adults included – picking them up and playing with them. Of course, if you are able and willing, you may want to provide a pair of maracas for each guest to take home.
If you’re struggling for ideas for decorating your dinner table for Cinco de Mayo, head into a local Mexican store or restaurant. You will be able to get many ideas from the way they decorate. You may even be able to be able to purchase some of the larger decorating items such as sombreros or colorful woven blankets to help give your Cinco de Mayo party and authentic Mexican flare.
