BEST FIESTA PARTY IDEAS

Outdoor party with fiesta theme — For a great outdoor party, set up multiple gathering places. Here, a chaise lounge covered in a vintage Mexican blanket anchors one area. Photo: Claire Keathley Photography

Fiesta party ideas

To celebrate my daughter’s engagement, we threw a big fiesta party in the back yard, filled with bright colors, laughter and love. Here are or best fiesta party ideas and tips for creating vibrant decor for your fiesta shower or party.

FIESTA PARTY IDEAS: Multiple seating vignettes

The first thing I do, whether the party is indoors or outdoors, is plan multiple seating and dining areas. Guests like to congregate in small groups as they mingle, so create a flow that allows for that.

Outdoor party with gazebo and Mexican fiesta decor — Multiple seating and dining areas help guests mix and mingle with ease. Photo: Claire Keathley Photography

FIESTA PARTY IDEAS: DIY photo backdrop

This was truly one of the most amazing creations. My husband made a wooden backdrop, and my daughters spent hours making dozens and dozens of tissue paper flowers. They stapled the flowers to the backdrop and hung a gold fiesta balloon across it. A striped Mexican blanket served as the bottom. You can get the directions here at this post: DIY Photo Booth Backdrop for Fiesta Party

Photo Booth made of tissue paper flowers and fiesta balloon sign — My daughters and husband made this amazing photo backdrop where guests could take their pictures. Claire Keathley Photography

Two women dressed in bright colors in front of a fiesta photo backdrop. — My daughters are ready for the fiesta! They’re wearing handmade flower headbands on their heads. The shower was more older daughter, right. Claire Keathley Photography.

FIESTA PARTY IDEAS: Fiesta party linens

I’ve collected an assortment of Mexican and Guatemalan blankets over the years. These were perfect for table and furniture coverings. I put blankets over all the outdoor sofas, as well, so the yard was saturated in fiesta decor.

Real cacti as well as tissue paper cacti served as centerpieces for tables covered in Mexican blankets. Claire Keathley Photography

FIESTA PARTY IDEAS: Fiesta party food

We went for a taco bar with chicken, beef, pork and vegetarian tacos. But the really special part was the assortment of condiments, most homemade. There’s nothing better than an incredible salsa — unless it’s six! We put fiesta flags in each one labeling the kind of salsa or condiment.

Colorful bowls of condiments on a blue table. — An assortment of salsas and condiments elevated the taco bar. Claire Keathley Photography.

FIESTA PARTY IDEAS: The little details

Eating utensils were placed in colorful vintage tins, and cloth napkins were arranged in a wicker basket on the table.

Turquoise tin with wooden eating utensils on a blue table. — Vintage tins hold eating utensils for detailed charm. Claire Keathley Photography

Row of napkins in basket — Colorful vintage cloth napkins are arranged in a wicker basket.

FIESTA PARTY COCKTAILS AND DRINKS

I made an assortment of fresh juices and infused tequila for a do-it-yourself margarita bar, as well as some signature cocktails.

Homemade infused tequilas and fresh juices create a fun do-it-yourself margarita bar. Claire Keathley Photography

FIESTA PARTY S’MORES BAR: In addition to other desserts, we let people roast marshmallows on the fire pit for DIY s’mores.

S'mores could be prepared at the fire pit, another decorated gathering area. Claire Keathley Photography — S’mores could be prepared at the fire pit, another decorated gathering area. Claire Keathley Photography

FIESTA PARTY SUCCESS: The real determinant of success is whether people enjoyed themselves. With close friends and family celebrating my daughter’s engagement, there was a lot of love and laughter. Truly something to celebrate.

Guests enjoying themselves at the fiesta shower. Claire Keathley Photography

Fiesta party supplies

I bought new supplies from Amazon and Etsy. You can source vintage items at EstateSales.net.

BEST FIESTA PARTY IDEAS