How to Host a Last Minute Cinco de Mayo Party

Last minute entertaining is my specialty. In today’s post, I’m sharing how to host a last minute Cinco de Mayo party that will be fun for all.

One of my long time favorite weekends of the year is what I affectionately call “Cinco de Derby”. With the Kentucky Derby taking place the first Saturday in May and Cinco de Mayo falling on May 5th, the celebration of the two often fall within days of each other. It’s always a fun weekend that starts with margaritas and ends with mint juleps. There are tacos and pimento cheese. It’s a wild mashup that is somehow always delicious.

I’m going to share more about a Derby party later in the week, but today we’re talking everything Cinco de Mayo. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or enjoying a fiesta with your family at home, this post has everything you need to throw a tasty, beautiful Cinco de Mayo party with items you already have at home.

Don’t forget to sign up for a our Friday Happy Hour email below where I’ll be sharing our house margarita recipe!

Decorations for Cinco de Mayo Party

Before you rush out to buy fiesta specific decor, look around your house and see what you have already. Think anything bright and colorful. If your home decor tends to stay more neutral, colorful flowers you pick up from the grocery store are a great option. Carnations tend to get a bad rep but I love a bunch of them on their own in a series of small vases down the center of the table. As a bonus, they come in tons of colors!

For last minute gatherings, I like to keep the decor simple as to not add too much stress. Anything you can pick up at the grocery store or already have at home is perfect. As I always say, it’s more about the people around your table and the memories you’re making than the decor.

Plan a Simple Cinco de Mayo Menu

If it wasn’t Cinco de Mayo, you could easily pick up everything you need for a taco bar from your local Mexican restaurant at a decent price. However, they are going to be busy and many places in our area won’t do to-go orders on Cinco de Mayo. The good news is that throwing together a taco bar at the last minute is fairly simple.

If you have enough time, cooking chicken breasts in the slow cooker with a pack of taco seasoning is the simplest option. However, if you’re short on time, grilled chicken with chili seasoning (I love the chili lime seasoning from Trader Joe’s) or ground beef with taco seasoning are equally as simple. Fish tacos are another great option.

No matter your protein choice, add a platter of toppings including lettuce, tomato, onion, queso fresco, fresh limes, salsa and avocado to finish it off. Along with tortilla chips, guacamole and quest, you have a simple, delicious and filling menu.

As a bonus, this menu is mainly no cook with the exception of your protein choice. This means less kitchen mess to clean before guests arrive and fewer dishes at the end of the night!

Mix up Classic Margaritas

No Cinco de Mayo celebration is complete without a batch of our house margaritas. We’ve finally perfected our recipe and it’s classic, simple and delicious. I will be sharing the recipe in our Friday Happy Hour newsletter so be sure to sign up below.

Turn on the Music

Last but not least, turn on the music. Background music is a must for any gathering. Choose your favorite artist or ask Alexa to play mariachi music. Either option will be perfect!