Spring is no longer waiting in the wings as summer inches closer and closer each day. The 5th of May marks the beginning of warm weather and potluck entertaining for many. New neighbors, old friends, or whoever is on the list will find plenty of reasons to mingle and enjoy memorable Latin food and fun geared to grown-ups.

Decorate

• Shop for paper and plastic goods for eating and serving this meal, especially if eating outside or serving a crowd-size group. Be inspired by serving dishes you have to give your party its color theme.
• Use cultural flowers (available in some locations) and brightly colored ribbons for a centerpiece.
• String lights or colorful Mexican cutout banners inside or out.
• Arrange groupings of cactus or succulents in pots around the party area. Plan for a fiesta look when planting pots of flowers on your deck or terrace this year!

Music and Dance

• Bring on some great Mexican music. Check to find music that may be new to you or that's perfect for dancing.
• Find someone who knows some Latino dance steps and practice with them so you can help friends enjoy these dances at your party, too!

Tasting

• Everyone has an opinion. Tasting a favorite salsa can give guests a way to mix and mingle when they may just be getting acquainted. If you know each other well, you will know how competitive your friends like to be!
• Tasting salsas can take several directions. Guests can all be asked to "doctor" a particular brand like one of our Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky salsas or Muir Glen® organic salsas and bring it to share.
• Or, just have guests bring their favorite store-bought or homemade salsa. Evaluate each for color—from green to deep rich red, and flavor—from mild to fiery, from smoky to fresh. Tortilla chips are perfect for tasting salsa. Have water to sip between tastes. Select a favorite or favorites!